

Stratechery
Ben Thompson
Content from Stratechery, via podcast or RSS
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 15, 2020 • 14min
Social Networking 2.0
Explore the evolution of social networking, revealing a shift from traditional connections to authentic communities. Dive into the critique of current social media tools and their limitations, along with personal stories that shape online interactions. Unpack the transformation of digital identities and how platforms like TikTok are redefining communication. Discover the rise of trust-based interactions and the complexities of modern social expressions, painting a vivid picture of today’s digital landscape.

Dec 8, 2020 • 21min
Privacy Labels and Lookalike Audiences
The podcast kicks off with an intriguing comparison of nutrition labels and Apple's privacy labels, revealing the pitfalls of misleading guidance. It emphasizes the importance of transparency in app privacy, equipping users with knowledge to make informed choices. The discussion dives into the murky waters of data privacy and ads, exposing the deceptive tactics of companies like Facebook. It also unpacks the creation of lookalike audiences for targeted advertising and the ethical dilemmas surrounding data collection. Finally, the impact of European privacy laws on child safety and digital competition is explored.

Dec 3, 2020 • 11min
Stripe: Platform of Platforms
Stripe Treasury's launch showcases powerful APIs that enable seamless integration of financial services into platforms like Shopify. The podcast dives into the rise of platform ecosystems and how Stripe aids entrepreneurs with digital lending. It also emphasizes the importance of specialized financial solutions tailored to diverse businesses, from plumbers to gyms. Stripe aims to be the backbone of online economic infrastructure, driving growth through innovative product offerings and strategic partnerships.

Nov 30, 2020 • 12min
Five Lessons From Dave Chappelle
Dive into five key lessons inspired by Dave Chappelle's artistic journey. Discover how the evolution of comedy tackles financial hurdles and the lucrative potential of digital platforms. Learn about the complexities of artist contracts and the fight for fair compensation. Explore how Netflix empowers creators with its innovative distribution model. Finally, unpack the power dynamics in content creation influenced by the rise of digital platforms and the internet.

9 snips
Nov 23, 2020 • 15min
The Idea Adoption Curve
Explore how contemporary literature reveals the links between American politics and tech marketing strategies like 'Crossing the Chasm.' Discover the shifting landscape of media as blogging evolves into platforms like Substack, influenced by advertising and audience dynamics. Delve into the rise of subscription models and their impact on news organizations, highlighting the tension between audience perceptions and ideological representation. Unpack how journalism adapts in a digital landscape, navigating misinformation while seeking valuable insights.

19 snips
Nov 17, 2020 • 16min
Playing on Hard Mode
Dive into the evolution of internet business models, showcasing the journeys of giants like Facebook and Google. Explore Airbnb's transformative impact on travel, emphasizing unique local experiences over traditional stays. Discover the importance of trust in the hospitality market, illustrated through Airbnb and DoorDash's innovative approaches. Unpack the success of local logistics platforms, driven by brand affinity and local network effects. Finally, analyze the competitive dynamics of food delivery, focusing on DoorDash's suburban strategies and Uber Eats' urban challenges.

8 snips
Nov 11, 2020 • 11min
Apple's Shifting Differentiation
Discover the fascinating world of Apple’s integration of hardware and software, which not only enhances user experience but also supports its premium pricing strategy. Learn about Apple’s remarkable journey from struggling in the 1990s to dominating the tech industry, focusing on innovations in software. Delve into the impressive performance of Apple’s in-house silicon compared to Intel, and explore how these advancements are shaping the future of product efficiency and battery life in a competitive market.

13 snips
Nov 3, 2020 • 23min
Is the Internet Different?
The podcast delves into the complexities of digital market competition, critiquing aggregation theory's oversimplifications. It compares historical retail giants to today's e-commerce platforms, revealing how transaction costs shape success. The discussion highlights Google's unique scalability model, addressing advertising and antitrust concerns. It also explores user preference diversity, contrasting strategies of platforms like Facebook and integrators like Disney. Lastly, the internet's impact on truth and authority is examined, noting the shift from traditional gatekeepers to decentralized information sources.

11 snips
Oct 21, 2020 • 26min
United States v. Google
The podcast dives into the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit against Google, scrutinizing alleged anti-competitive practices. It highlights Google's search engine dominance and the strategic maneuvers that bolster its market position. The discussion spans antitrust arguments and introduces concepts like 'aggregation theory.' Insights on the relationship between Google and Apple reveal complexities in their partnerships that reinforce monopolistic tendencies. The historical context of monopolies in America is also examined, stressing the need for updated legal frameworks to tackle corporate dominance.

Oct 19, 2020 • 23min
Twitter, Responsibility, and Accountability
Explore the clash between traditional media and the internet, spotlighting the fallout from misinformation in journalism. Delve into the media's influence during the 2016 election, particularly regarding Hillary Clinton's emails. Discover the complexities of hack and leak operations and the responsibilities of social media platforms to combat misinformation. Finally, consider the urgent need for accountability in tech, with a proposed framework for content moderation and calls for increased competition.