Conversations about technology, culture, and the future.
Internet & Platforms
Web platforms, open internet, network effects, identity, and data
- For web platforms considering a token strategy: cryptocurrency vs. dollars?Jun 15, 2017
A lot of founders / teams have been asking if they should be adopting a cryptocurrency strategy. This is understandable given the frenzy of fundraising recently and the ongoing dialogue about the potential for cryptocurrencies as an alternative business model for web platforms. As “traditional” web...
- Open source leadership vs. corporate leadershipMay 30, 2017
As cryptocurrencies and blockchains have continued to gain steam (and attract capital), a common question in the air is, what type of leader does it take to be successful in this space? A common variant on that question is: “will [leader] need a grownup in the room once they get ahold of all that mo...
- Regulating source codeMay 29, 2017
As more areas of our economy become computerized and move online, more and more of what regulators need to understand will be in the source code. For example, take the VW emissions scandal: These days, cars are an order of magnitude more complex, making it easier for manufacturers to hide cheats amo...
- Aligning purpose and strategy: Cloudflare goes nuclear on patent trollMay 26, 2017
Last week, I was in Amsterdam at the Next Web conference, giving a talk about “Purpose, Mission and Strategy” — how companies can strengthen the connection between these to align efforts and make tough calls more easily (will post video when it comes online). From that talk: The idea here being tha...
- ComplicityMar 8, 2017
I had an interesting experience today. As I was in the air on my way to San Francisco, I got a text from my Airbnb host saying that they had made a mistake and accidentally double-booked my room. I ended up taking their offer to cancel and booked a hotel room (at a steep increase… Continue reading
- Flexing the platform for goodMar 6, 2017
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been touching base with many companies and individuals in the tech sector to understand how they are reacting to the current political environment. Every company and community (of users, customers) is different, with its own sensitivities, priorities, and goals. So it’...
- CyclesMar 2, 2017
It’s clear that right now we are in a moment of upheaval and turbulence, that seems to have come upon us very quickly. Pretty much everyone I know has been wrestling to unpack this for the past several months. I’ve been trying my best to understand the worldview of Steve Bannon, who is clearly an… ...