The real winning play is #2. Zuckerberg should more aggressively push for hate speech legislation to permanently shut down the Internet at large. Users should have to get a license from the DMV to post, for $35 renew in-person at DMV office or AAA. They can also opt for a RealInternetID for $50 that has more security features. Also unlimited privacy violation, logging and tracking with zero recourse for users.
Re:Meta to Layoff 10k Employees
by testfoobar on Tuesday March 14, 2023 @01:28PM
(#35155098)
Funny ideas. But seriously, large companies employ regulatory capture to limit competition all the time. One mechanism is to require a high compliance burden before a product or service can be brought to market. This increases capital requirements and risk for any competitor.
Correct. It's not enough to block access to the financial system and Internet hosting and routing services for competitors. The users themselves must be made to understand their place and not be tempted into any unlicensed activity. The current regime's not going anywhere so no rush, but no better time than now right.
I wonder if Mark is worried that #2 will give momentum for other countries to ban Facebook
Re:Meta to Layoff 10k Employees
by coolbreezetft22 on Tuesday March 14, 2023 @01:29PM
(#35155121)
Yep, metaverse was the stupidest idea ever. I said it at the time back in October/November 2021 when the stock was at its peak and then proceeded to interview realizing I was on a sinking ship. Sadly since I suck at interviews I could only get offers for much lower than what I had even after the collapsed share price.
"Year of Efficiency" immediately following "Year of Metaverse" succinctly captures how things went lol
Re:Meta to Layoff 10k Employees
by Simon_O_Rourke on Tuesday March 14, 2023 @01:28PM
(#35155100)
> 2) Lobby to get TikTok banned. If Zuck can't defeat TikTok on product development then he can get it banned. Spend dollars lobbying politicians and demand results.
That's their only realistic hope of seeing out the next five years. Get TikTok banned in the States, Europe and parts of Asia, then clone their app and launch in those markets to capture market share.
It's an underhand business tactic, but there's nothing too low for Zuck I guess.
Re:Meta to Layoff 10k Employees
by wobbly_bush on Tuesday March 14, 2023 @01:26PM
(#35155078)
> 2) Lobby to get TikTok banned
This happened in India, though it is not clear if it was Meta who lobbied or combination of other factors.
> Merge Instagram with Reels
Are reels not already integrated into instagram?
Re:Meta to Layoff 10k Employees
by testfoobar on Tuesday March 14, 2023 @01:09PM
(#35154748)
The experience is messy. It is neither fish nor fowl. The blending needs a deep rethink and redesign.
Focusing on Metaverse while TikTok is continuing to increase user engagement is senseless. If I were Zuck, I would do three things:
0) Wind down Metaverse investment. Throw it back into research. Kill the product. Take the loss. He has controlling interest in the stock so he probably gets a few mulligans. So long as he presents a competent forward looking strategy, I think the investor base will still give him a few more chances.
1) Narcissism 2.0 or really, Instagram 2.0 - Merge Instagram with Reels. This is hard. The experience/monetization/product has to be just right to not cannibalize existing instagram advertising revenue or user traction. It would be easy to fall down the multiple message app mess at Google. The benefit of merging is to own the best global platform for every narcissistic creator on the planet - from movie stars to your dog. Advertisers want eyeballs. Narcissists want eyeballs, some want money. Truly understand why creators are on TikTok and entice them back to a better Facebook property.
2) Lobby to get TikTok banned. If Zuck can't defeat TikTok on product development then he can get it banned. Spend dollars lobbying politicians and demand results.
I think Zuck still has a number of winning plays available to him.