Equity You can't buy a community, so make it worth it
Mar 9, 2022
Dive into the complex ties between community and capitalism as the hosts tackle whether a community can be bought. They analyze Epic Games' acquisition of Bandcamp and its implications on niche artists and values. Discover how startups are shifting towards community-centric strategies amid rising costs. Explore the delicate balance of monetizing community while maintaining trust and transparency. The discussion emphasizes the power of genuine engagement, revealing how it can drive growth and foster meaningful connections.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Community Hype Cycle
- Community became a buzzword after AI hype faded.
- Many now question community's true value and compatibility with capitalism.
Epic Games Acquires Bandcamp
- Epic Games, known for Fortnite and its fight with Apple, acquired Bandcamp.
- Bandcamp lets artists, mainly indie/niche, sell music with minimal fees, waived on "Bandcamp Fridays."
Ethos over Strategy?
- Epic Games' acquisition of Bandcamp seems driven by ethos alignment more than clear strategy.
- Both aim to empower creators, but their audiences and business models differ significantly.