Facebook is accused of abetting age discrimination, which raises many of 2017’s most prominent themes. So does the news that Apple slows down iPhones.
Snapchat’s Redesign, Spiegel’s New (Old) Vision, Tencent and Spotify
Snap has a more cogent vision than the one it presented in its S-1; the problem is it might be too late. Tencent, meanwhile, fresh off its Snap investment has picked up a piece of Spotify.
The Pollyannish Assumption and Bright Lines, YouTube’s Market Power, Google vs Amazon
Society collectively decides what is wrong through laws: that’s a useful bright line for platforms. Then, YouTube is demonstrating its market power, and Google and Amazon are acting like monopolies.
The Pollyannish Assumption
Moderating user-generated content is hard: it is easier, though, with a realistic understanding that the Internet reflects humanity — it is capable of both good and evil.
Popping the Publishing Bubble, Revisited; BuzzFeed’s Struggles; Axios’ Success
News from BuzzFeed in particular suggest the digital publishing bubble may be bursting. Axios, meanwhile, shows that subscriptions aren’t the only answer — but niche may be.
Bob Lutz on the Future of the Automobile, Uber and Lyft Ban Rider, Twitter’s Verification Mess
If the only way to get a ride is through a transportation company, should your political views matter? Twitter is, unintentionally, making that a moot point by setting the stage for regulation.
Apple Should No Longer Buy Netflix, Snap Earnings, Tencent Buys 12% of Snap
Circumstances — and outlooks — have changed from a year ago, which is why I don’t think Apple should buy Netflix. Then, Snap’s earnings are a reminder of why the company shouldn’t have gone public, but Tencent throws a lifeline.
Facebook Earnings, Facebook’s Strategy Credit (and Apple’s), Facebook and the Future
Facebook absolutely crushed earnings, confirming its duopoly power; the company’s commitment to hurting profitability did the same. Then, a reminder that Facebook has a positive role to play in the future.
Tech Goes to Washington
Facebook, Google, and Twitter testified before a Senate committee: it provided evidence of how tech prefers power over decentralization, even if it means regulation
Antitrust Philosophy, Two More Follow-Ups, Spectacles Inventory — and Mea Culpas
A discussion of the differences between antitrust and more general regulation, and why acquisitions are the most problematic issue. Then, Spectacles inventory is building up, which calls for a mea culpa by me.