Disney's "Epic" Deal, Biden's Memory, and Guests Zoë Schiffer and Kurt Wagner
Feb 13, 2024
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Zoë Schiffer, Managing Editor of Platformer and author of a deep dive into Elon Musk's Twitter, joins Kurt Wagner, a social media reporter for Bloomberg known for his insights on the Twitter saga. They explore Disney's major $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, examining its strategic implications. The duo also discusses the challenges surrounding President Biden's public perception and cognitive abilities, weaving in the cultural influence of figures like Taylor Swift. Their conversation offers a fresh perspective on tech, leadership, and the evolving media landscape.
Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter resulted in clashes between his hardcore efficiency vision and the creative and collaborative nature of the company.
Musk's product decisions were driven by his personal experiences, often disregarding the needs of average users.
Musk's shift towards a conservative mindset on Twitter may be a business decision to attract disillusioned users, but it has led to challenges and divisions within the company.
Deep dives
Jack Dorsey's admiration for Elon Musk and the push for private ownership
Jack Dorsey admired Elon Musk and saw the acquisition of Twitter as a way to take the company private. However, the business problems of Twitter were already apparent before Musk's involvement.
Elon Musk's misguided approach to running Twitter
Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter brought an attitude of superiority and lack of curiosity. He dismissed the expertise of employees and failed to understand the unique culture of Twitter. Musk's vision of hardcore efficiency clashed with the creative and collaborative nature of the company.
The problems with Musk's personal product decisions
Elon Musk made product decisions based on his own personal experiences and preferences, which often diverged from the needs and expectations of average users. His direction came from a self-centric perspective rather than considering the wider user base.
The radicalization of Elon Musk and its impact on Twitter
Elon Musk's increasing radicalization may have been a way for him to differentiate himself and his vision for Twitter from the previous leadership. However, this approach contributed to the challenges and divisions within the company.
Elon Musk's Influence on Twitter and the Role of Yes-Men
Elon Musk's shift towards a conservative, anti-woke mindset on Twitter may be a business decision to differentiate himself and attract those disillusioned with the platform. The smaller circle of people around Musk seems to be more sycophantic, with no one willing to challenge his decisions or behavior. The enablers surrounding Musk prioritize financial gains and are afraid to speak out publicly. This lack of constructive criticism and accountability can be detrimental to the company's growth and advertiser confidence.
Twitter's Challenges and Potential Growth Strategies
Twitter's financials have been declining, with lower advertising revenues compared to previous years. Advertisers express concerns about Musk's unpredictability and controversial behavior, affecting their clients' comfort in advertising on the platform. The push for a 'super app' and focus on professional video content, similar to competitors like Messenger and WhatsApp, may attract high-quality advertisers and generate revenue. However, skepticism remains as this strategy failed for Twitter in the past. Additionally, AI initiatives and implementing AI language models could be a pivotal move for Twitter, although its exact consumer-facing product remains uncertain.
Kara and Scott discuss the Taylor Swift effect on the Super Bowl, and pick their favorite ads. Then, they've got opinions about the new special counsel report that raised questions about Biden's age and memory. Plus, Disney reports blockbuster earnings, and announces a new investment into Epic Games. Our Friends of Pivot are Zoë Schiffer, Managing Editor of Platformer, and author of “Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk's Twitter," and Kurt Wagner, social media reporter for Bloomberg, and the author of "Battle for the Bird: Jack Dorsey, Elon Musk, and the $44 Billion Fight for Twitter's Soul."
