

Stratechery
Ben Thompson
Content from Stratechery, via podcast or RSS
Episodes
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10 snips
Apr 28, 2020 • 18min
The Anti-Amazon Alliance
Unconventional PR tactics during the pandemic reshaped retail, with Google helping retailers sell online. The shift from traditional advertising to digital is explored, focusing on buyer-centric marketing. Amazon's private label practices reveal a trust dilemma, contrasting with Shopify's customer connection strategies. The evolving retail landscape highlights new partnerships, as Google works with Shopify to empower small retailers amidst Amazon's dominance and regulatory challenges.

6 snips
Apr 21, 2020 • 16min
How Tech Can Build
Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Netscape and founder of Andreessen Horowitz, shares insights from his journey through tech innovation. He discusses the importance of taking decisive action to tackle challenges, contrasting Taiwan’s proactive approach with Western complacency. Andreessen reflects on how technology helped him escape small-town life and explores the profound impact of the software revolution on traditional industries. He also critiques U.S. infrastructure inadequacies and emphasizes the need for a cultural shift to overcome barriers to innovation.

Apr 14, 2020 • 19min
Coronavirus Clarity
Dive into the collaboration between tech giants aimed at improving COVID-19 contact tracing with a focus on privacy and public health. Unpack how these companies navigate user consent amid regulatory scrutiny and their impact on industry standards. Explore the vital role social media plays in crisis communication, fostering trust while challenging traditional media's reliance on experts. Discover how the pandemic reshaped the media landscape, highlighting the need for accountability and the evolving dynamics of information dissemination.

8 snips
Apr 7, 2020 • 17min
Apple, Amazon, and Common Enemies
The podcast dives into Amazon's recent app changes, revealing Apple’s shift in payment policies and in-app purchase fees. It explores the competitive dynamics between Apple and Amazon in the streaming realm, highlighting potential advantages for Apple. A new partnership brings Apple Music to Amazon Echo, showcasing the ongoing evolution of media consumption. The transformation of Netflix from DVD rentals to original programming is discussed, along with its sustainability in a competitive landscape, especially against Disney+'s strong ecosystem.

8 snips
Mar 31, 2020 • 17min
Unmasking Twitter
Delve into how Twitter shifted its content moderation to support accurate health information during the pandemic. Explore critiques of the WHO’s credibility and its relationship with China. Understand the tangled early messages about COVID-19 transmission in China, including the often-overlooked role of asymptomatic cases. Unravel the misconceptions about mask effectiveness and their importance in reducing virus spread. Lastly, examine Twitter's unique role in both spreading health information and challenging expert opinions, stirring public discourse.

12 snips
Mar 24, 2020 • 15min
Compaq and Coronavirus
Discover the fascinating rise of Compaq in the PC market, fueled by innovative strategies like reverse engineering IBM's BIOS. Explore how outsourcing fueled their growth but eventually led to their decline. Shift gears to examine the contrasting pandemic responses, highlighting Taiwan's decisive actions versus Western hesitance during the SARS-CoV outbreak. Finally, navigate the complexities of civil liberties amidst government controls in a pandemic, emphasizing the need for clear, actionable solutions.

9 snips
Mar 17, 2020 • 12min
Defining Information
Discover how social media, especially Twitter, transformed information sharing during the early days of the coronavirus crisis. The podcast dives deep into the complexities of misinformation and how it erupted alongside genuine discussions. It also traces the evolution of information from print to digital, emphasizing the lowered barriers to publishing while navigating the polarized narrative landscape. Insightful frameworks are proposed to help discern credible information in this fast-paced digital age.

15 snips
Mar 11, 2020 • 21min
Zero Trust Information
The discussion kicks off with the rise of zero-trust networking, spurred by remote work trends during the pandemic. It then delves into the transition from traditional security models to individual verification methods. The impact of digital media reshaping power dynamics and complicating misinformation is examined, especially during the pandemic. The Seattle Flu Study reveals unreported COVID-19 cases, showcasing the essential role of decentralized information. It's a compelling journey through technology, security, and the challenges of our information age.

19 snips
Feb 25, 2020 • 19min
Email Addresses and Razor Blades
The discussion kicks off with a look at Harry's razors and their game-changing direct-to-consumer approach. It dives into the implications of a failed acquisition on the razor market and regulatory concerns about competition. The impact of digital advertising and the evolving value chains is dissected, highlighting the challenges for DTC brands against tech giants. Innovation is crucial as these companies navigate the complexities of customer acquisition in an ever-changing landscape. It's a fascinating mix of business strategy and market dynamics!

5 snips
Feb 18, 2020 • 5min
The Daily Update Podcast
Dive into the fascinating world of technology and media with insights that sharpen your understanding of current trends. Discover ways to enhance listener engagement through innovative features. Explore the ease of access to audio content designed for subscribers. The journey highlights the excitement around fresh, accessible discussions and the contributions that make it all possible.