I agree. One problem with the analogy is that Starbucks is all about coffee. StackOverflow is about a Q&A platform. It'd be like Starbucks using their store mod

I agree. One problem with the analogy is that Starbucks is all about coffee. StackOverflow is about a Q&A platform. It'd be like Starbucks using their store model to be a donut shop, a hamburger stand, and a BBQ joint. In my opinion, the 37 signals post nails it with the problems.