Stratechery The Web's Missing Interoperability
Mar 2, 2021
Delve into the challenges posed by social media monopolies and the need for interoperability to boost competition. Explore the evolution of Web 2.0 and its effect on user-generated content. Discover the tension between privacy regulations and platforms like Clubhouse, alongside Shopify's move into the social ecosystem. Learn how Shopify is reshaping the retail landscape for independent merchants through its strategic partnerships with Instagram and Facebook.
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Web 2.0's Unfulfilled Promise
- Web 2.0 promised interoperability, but modern platforms prioritize user-generated content within their closed ecosystems.
- This lack of interoperability fuels centralization, limiting user choice and hindering competition.
Centralization and User Acquisition
- Centralization is driven by the difficulty of user acquisition.
- It's easier for established platforms to add features than for new services to gain users.
Instagram's Story
- Facebook's copying of Snapchat's "Stories" feature stunted Snapchat's growth, demonstrating the power of established platforms.
- This highlights how existing platforms leverage their user base to stifle competition.