Getting a Social Network Off the Ground

Speaking of The Talk Show, Bob Sherron transcribed an interesting point made by Ben Thompson on the previous episode:

“That’s what’s so brilliant about Instagram as a social network: there was a reason to use Instagram from day one even if you didn’t have any friends. That’s what’s so hard about getting any social network off the ground is just finding people, discovering people. Even Twitter today has this problem…”

In technology, this is called The Blank Slate, but it is not limited solely to screens. Anyone who has ever purchased a wallet has felt the disappointment when their sleek new acquisition bulges beyond recognition when filled with the garbage of their life. I’ve never designed leather goods but I have made a few web apps in my day, and those lessons can definitely be applied away from the keyboard.

★ Thursday, 5 February 2015