More open-source news warrants a discussion about why exactly open-source matters for strategy.
“Selling Feelings” Follow-up, Match.com’s IPO and Tinder, The Sean Rad Interview
Follow-up on my piece about Selling Feelings, and then an analysis of the Match.com IPO, and Tinder in particular. Plus, why I think Sean Rad is getting a bit of a bad rap for his disastrous interview.
Marriott Acquires Starwood, Online Travel Agents and Aggregation, Surviving as an Incumbent
The impact of the Internet continues to reverberate: in this case, there is a clear link between Aggregation Theory and the tie-up between Marriott and Starwood.
Atlassian Files for IPO, Square Prices IPO Below Last Round
Atlassian is a very remarkable company, particularly from a financial perspective. In fact, they may be so unique that they are one of a kind — and that has risks. Plus, most folks are drawing the wrong lessons from Square’s IPO pricing.
Why ESPN Was Justified in Killing Grantland, Did ESPN Overpay for Sports Rights?, Disney Earnings
I’ve spent time on Grantland’s potential, but did ESPN really make a mistake by not taking advantage? I say no — the mistake was Grantland’s. Still, has ESPN stretched itself too thin, or might there be a method to their seeming madness when it comes to sports fees? Disney’s earnings — particularly CEO Bob Iger’s comments — suggest the latter.
A New Publishing Model…Maybe; Facebook Earnings, Facebook Sharing
Follow-up on yesterday’s article on potential new publishing models, and then a discussion of Facebook earnings. Plus, a new reason skeptics have found to doubt the company.
Activision Blizzard Buys King Digital, EA and the Disruption Narrative, Apple TV Gaming
Activision Blizzard is buying King, the makers of Candy Crush Saga; the mobile games maker is probably worth more to a company like Activision Blizzard than they are by themselves. Plus, both EA and Activision Blizzard beat earnings expectations — does that mean the gaming disruption narrative is wrong?
Android > Chrome, LinkedIn’s Business Model Beats
Android is reportedly going to subsume Chrome OS; I’m bummed but it’s probably the right decision (and no, that doesn’t mean iOS and OS X will merge). Plus, LinkedIn had another strong quarter, and their smart business model deserves the credit. Is there a lesson for Twitter and other consumer companies?
Twitter Follow-up, Nintendo’s Conundrum
Some follow-up and clarification on yesterday’s piece on Twitter’s advertising business, plus a rumination on where exactly Nintendo is going as a company.
Twitter’s Opaque Earnings, Twitter’s Misaligned Advertising Business, Twitter’s New Ad
Twitter’s earnings were concerning, and the explanation on the earnings call was opaque. What exactly is going on, and what is the company trying to hide?