In economics, a network effect (also called network externality or demand-side economies of scale) is the phenomenon by which the value or utility a user derives from a good or service depends on the number of users of compatible products. Network effects are typically positive feedback systems, resulting in users deriving more and more value from a product as more users join the same network.
The value of Twitter and Substack isn’t the HTML or the CSS, it’s the social circle behind it. That’s why Facebook, founded as a Harvard social media site, outpaced Friendster and MySpace. That’s why half your current crop of comedians and media pundits came out of the Ivy League. That’s why The Federalist Society exists.
Like, by all means, make a new BlueSky or Mastodon or Lemmy whatever. Thank you. But “What if we had a new Facebook, for annoying marketing dweebs?” it’s how we got LinkedIn. And a thousand other knock offs of LinkedIn.
I have as much power as the Pope, I just don’t have as many people who believe it
George Carlin
Power, popularity and authority is always based on how many people you can convince to follow your movement. If you have enough people who believe it, I can become Master of the Universe!
The other day I saw someone posting about wanting to bring webrings back.
Unfortunately, it’s really hard to get people to care about things. “This site is convenient and your friends are here” trumps “and it’s run by nazi sympathizers” for most people, somehow.
Facebook grew because it was able to make migrating away from Myspace easy. Facebook supplied a tool called SpaceLift that logged into MySpace on your behalf and moved messages back and forth for you. It meant that you didn’t have to leave Myspace behind when you started using Facebook.
If you tried that today, Facebook would send their legion of lawyers to crush you using section 1201.
In economics, a network effect (also called network externality or demand-side economies of scale) is the phenomenon by which the value or utility a user derives from a good or service depends on the number of users of compatible products. Network effects are typically positive feedback systems, resulting in users deriving more and more value from a product as more users join the same network.
The value of Twitter and Substack isn’t the HTML or the CSS, it’s the social circle behind it. That’s why Facebook, founded as a Harvard social media site, outpaced Friendster and MySpace. That’s why half your current crop of comedians and media pundits came out of the Ivy League. That’s why The Federalist Society exists.
Like, by all means, make a new BlueSky or Mastodon or Lemmy whatever. Thank you. But “What if we had a new Facebook, for annoying marketing dweebs?” it’s how we got LinkedIn. And a thousand other knock offs of LinkedIn.
So, keep that in mind.
I have as much power as the Pope, I just don’t have as many people who believe it
Power, popularity and authority is always based on how many people you can convince to follow your movement. If you have enough people who believe it, I can become Master of the Universe!
The other day I saw someone posting about wanting to bring webrings back.
Unfortunately, it’s really hard to get people to care about things. “This site is convenient and your friends are here” trumps “and it’s run by nazi sympathizers” for most people, somehow.
Until the Nazism starts leaking through.
Like, I don’t really feel the urge to bring up the horrifying treatment of Latin American peoples every time I see someone drinking a Coca-Cola.
But when Twitter is filling up my feed with CatTurds, I’m inclined to leave.
Add to that section 1201.
Facebook grew because it was able to make migrating away from Myspace easy. Facebook supplied a tool called SpaceLift that logged into MySpace on your behalf and moved messages back and forth for you. It meant that you didn’t have to leave Myspace behind when you started using Facebook.
If you tried that today, Facebook would send their legion of lawyers to crush you using section 1201.
I came here to day this, but you were more eloquent than I could ever be