The online landscape is rife with websites and services that draw our collective disdain, yet, to borrow from Brokeback Mountain, we seem unable to quit them. Take Facebook, for example, widely criticized post-Cambridge Analytica scandal, but still boasting over 3 billion monthly active users. Despite public outcry over Elon Musk's Twitter takeover, the platform remains a significant player. Even after Songtradr's acquisition of Bandcamp, which promptly led to a 50% staff cut, it continues to dominate its category.
This raises questions about the power dynamic, where major platforms can act in ways that displease large segments of users and still maintain their dominance. For those seeking to challenge this status quo and Silicon Valley's tech hegemony, the prospect can be disheartening.
At SHINEMAT.com, we decided to delve into this issue. Is it an absolute truth that certain sites are too big to fail? Could smaller enterprises leverage emerging technologies like decentralization to counter Silicon Valley's influence?
To explore this, let's focus on a specific case: Bandcamp.
In theory, Bandcamp is ripe for competition. Its audience values independence, and its user base is in the millions, not billions. Yet, no notable competitor has emerged. To understand why, I reached out to Artcore, a newly launched platform offering a service similar to Bandcamp.
Tom Burnell, Artcore's founder, acknowledged the challenges of challenging a much larger platform but didn't delve into specifics. Despite its growth, with an estimated 30,000 visitors in October according to Similarweb, Artcore isn't poised to challenge Bandcamp any time soon.
According to Matt Iliffe, CEO of Beyond, smaller companies face the uphill battle of cutting through the noise and overcoming public perception. Established platforms offer a sense of safety, leading users to stick with what they know. To compete, new platforms must be significantly better or radically different from the established ones.
Nicki Sprinz, Global MD of ustwo, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for smaller companies to offer a distinct user experience or leverage cutting-edge technology. Copycat approaches won't succeed, as evident in Facebook's triumph over MySpace.
Larkin acknowledges that the technology, such as blockchain, is still maturing, but the growing unease about big tech's influence on online presence might drive the shift toward decentralized platforms.
Secondly, payment concerns. While decentralization may work for social media, platforms involving financial transactions, like Bandcamp, may struggle without a reliable middleman. Cryptocurrency's failure to become a mainstream payment method highlights the reliance on intermediaries, especially when money is involved.
In essence, challenging well-established online platforms with large user bases is no easy feat. The existing market share and user loyalty make it nearly impossible to overcome the dominance of these giants. This allows them a certain degree of impunity, making it challenging for users to abandon them.
However, all hope is not lost. To bring about change, upstart platforms must offer something different, whether it's a revolutionary way of engaging with content or the integration of emerging technologies like decentralization.
Competing directly with Instagram, Twitter, or Bandcamp is unlikely to succeed. New platforms must think beyond them, presenting a novel way of delivering what these platforms strive for. Simplicity and ease-of-use are crucial; a new platform must not only be superior but also as user-friendly as its predecessor.
Without these elements, quitting established platforms might remain a distant prospect for users. Now, Its time to say bye, dont forget to comment below. Stay well and have fun.
This raises questions about the power dynamic, where major platforms can act in ways that displease large segments of users and still maintain their dominance. For those seeking to challenge this status quo and Silicon Valley's tech hegemony, the prospect can be disheartening.
At SHINEMAT.com, we decided to delve into this issue. Is it an absolute truth that certain sites are too big to fail? Could smaller enterprises leverage emerging technologies like decentralization to counter Silicon Valley's influence?
To explore this, let's focus on a specific case: Bandcamp.
The Battle of the Beats: Bandcamp and Artcore
Bandcamp, a beloved music retail platform, has garnered favor among fans and musicians for its artist-friendly approach, offering decent cuts on sales and initiatives like Bandcamp Friday. However, its acquisition by Epic Games and subsequent purchase by Songtradr, accompanied by significant layoffs, signaled a shift away from its artist-centric reputation.In theory, Bandcamp is ripe for competition. Its audience values independence, and its user base is in the millions, not billions. Yet, no notable competitor has emerged. To understand why, I reached out to Artcore, a newly launched platform offering a service similar to Bandcamp.
Tom Burnell, Artcore's founder, acknowledged the challenges of challenging a much larger platform but didn't delve into specifics. Despite its growth, with an estimated 30,000 visitors in October according to Similarweb, Artcore isn't poised to challenge Bandcamp any time soon.
The David vs. Goliath Tech Tale
According to Matt Iliffe, CEO of Beyond, smaller companies face the uphill battle of cutting through the noise and overcoming public perception. Established platforms offer a sense of safety, leading users to stick with what they know. To compete, new platforms must be significantly better or radically different from the established ones.
Nicki Sprinz, Global MD of ustwo, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for smaller companies to offer a distinct user experience or leverage cutting-edge technology. Copycat approaches won't succeed, as evident in Facebook's triumph over MySpace.
Decentralization as a Game-Changer?
Could decentralization be the game-changer for smaller businesses challenging tech giants? Martina Larkin, CEO of Project Liberty, a decentralization initiative, believes so. Decentralization aims to shift power and control from a few platform providers to users and developers, providing ownership over data and fostering fair economic value.Larkin acknowledges that the technology, such as blockchain, is still maturing, but the growing unease about big tech's influence on online presence might drive the shift toward decentralized platforms.
The Simple Life and Payment Concerns
However, two significant challenges remain. Firstly, the ease of use. While decentralized networks like Mastodon and Bluesky are growing, they are not as user-friendly as established platforms. Until this complexity is addressed, mass adoption may be hindered.Secondly, payment concerns. While decentralization may work for social media, platforms involving financial transactions, like Bandcamp, may struggle without a reliable middleman. Cryptocurrency's failure to become a mainstream payment method highlights the reliance on intermediaries, especially when money is involved.
Power from the Platforms
In essence, challenging well-established online platforms with large user bases is no easy feat. The existing market share and user loyalty make it nearly impossible to overcome the dominance of these giants. This allows them a certain degree of impunity, making it challenging for users to abandon them.
However, all hope is not lost. To bring about change, upstart platforms must offer something different, whether it's a revolutionary way of engaging with content or the integration of emerging technologies like decentralization.
Competing directly with Instagram, Twitter, or Bandcamp is unlikely to succeed. New platforms must think beyond them, presenting a novel way of delivering what these platforms strive for. Simplicity and ease-of-use are crucial; a new platform must not only be superior but also as user-friendly as its predecessor.
Without these elements, quitting established platforms might remain a distant prospect for users. Now, Its time to say bye, dont forget to comment below. Stay well and have fun.
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