175 karma · joined May 8, 2007
http://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardaten
I'll just add two quick things - First, we have the ability to create a more unique and interesting experience on a native application than via the web. For example, we can access a fan's iTunes library and Facebook with just one click. Thats pretty much impossible on the web. Second, this is just our first product. We plan to bring Merchbar everywhere, hopefully one day somewhere you'll love it.
Merchnow has a great collection of indie artists- will work to find a way to partner with them.
Maybe they should poach an entry level web dev!
Spotify has paid out $1B in 9 years. iTunes is paying out over $1B PER QUARTER. [1]
2. Spotify also has an ARPU cap ($120/yr) - Not only do none of their competitors have this, but it is likely others will find ways to increase APRU (better video CPMs or iTunes exclusives are just a few options). This will likely make Spotify a less appealing distribution option going forward.
3. It seems implausible Spotify is the cause for reduced piracy - YouTube has 10x the content, $0 cost, no need to download an application or creating an account and has 50x the user base.
[1] - Don't worry, I'm not including app sales in this figure.
What is a blog? I'd content any direct communication with the internet at large is in the intent of "blogging".
Which CEOs should count? I have no idea. But for fun lets say $100M+ valued companies.
Does frequency matter? To Keith it does but I think its beside the point.
Does it have to be written personally by the CEO? I would argue not. Many blogs (Svbtle, Medium, Sequoia's) include editing or content help.
So...
If you use the above criteria many many many CEOs blog. From Steve Jobs' letters explaining why Apple has it's stance on Adobe to Elon Musk's discussions about cars catching on fire. Then there are the by almost any definition bloggers mentioned elsewhere in this thread.
It turned out that we show so little at a time that people went through the deck in two ways: very slowly or very quickly. We couldn't have allowed both to do that with an auto-play or video function.
Kidding. Thanks for the votes, downloads and words of encouragement. It is greatly appreciated.
Ed
Edit: I guess AMA if you want to. :)
Do a search on Twitter for the top tweets that link to Path's blog apology. Nearly every major figure in tech (99% in "The Valley") just accepted their apology and moved on.
Wouldnt have happened with other companies like Google or Facebook and shouldnt have happened here.
*I'm not a lawyer but wouldn't be surprised if what they did is illegal.
Its this type of perspective that encourages our community to condone activities that we would frown upon in other circumstances.
"Did I gain more than I lost?" isn't the type of hacker we should be striving to be.
If I didnt know Whit personally the number one reason I'd support this project is because most of my experiences with Toilet Paper to this point have been shitty.