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I view one of the largest reasons for this as trying to ensure they keep user retention for younger demographics for live chat, which they've been lagging behin

by ve55 6y ago

I view one of the largest reasons for this as trying to ensure they keep user retention for younger demographics for live chat, which they've been lagging behind quite a bit compared to e.g. Discord. If Facebook completely loses their young demographic network effects it would be very difficult for them to regain them. This will be tough as Discord is currently happily enjoying its unlimited growth and no profits phase, and has enough network effects that it's almost impossible to not use it as a young Internet-using male in many countries.

searchableguy 6y ago
Or if you are an open source developer. Many projects have moved to discord only approach with no public forums.
Nbox9 6y ago
> If Facebook completely loses their young demographic network effects it would be very difficult for them to regain them. Facebook has had incredible success at mimicking other companies’ features, and when that fails purchasing major competitors. Discord is still niche, and I suspect their marketing and image will make it hard to break out of ‘gamer’ culture.
- _bohm 6y ago
  Just as a data point: I'm a member of several Discord communities, none of which are gaming-related. I've also noticed more recently that people are starting Discord communities around all kinds of non-gaming topics. Very commonly they seem to revolve around a public persona, like a YouTube celebrity, a musician, or a podcast host.
- ve55 6y ago
  I disagree that Discord is niche at this point. They're already worth several billion and it's still growing significantly, with perhaps several hundred million users and very high user-retention, usage, network effects, and proprietary lock-in. I'd still invest in Discord today if I could, in a heartbeat.
  - codr7 6y ago
    Did it ever occur to you that we collectively shape our societies by the choices we make? From my perspective, the last thing we need is more Facebooks and Twitters.
    - erikpukinskis 6y ago
      From my perspective, I think we need millions more more Facebooks and Twitters. Maybe billions.

by ve55 6y ago

searchableguy 6y ago

Or if you are an open source developer. Many projects have moved to discord only approach with no public forums.

Nbox9 6y ago

> If Facebook completely loses their young demographic network effects it would be very difficult for them to regain them. Facebook has had incredible success at mimicking other companies’ features, and when that fails purchasing major competitors. Discord is still niche, and I suspect their marketing and image will make it hard to break out of ‘gamer’ culture.

_bohm 6y ago
Just as a data point: I'm a member of several Discord communities, none of which are gaming-related. I've also noticed more recently that people are starting Discord communities around all kinds of non-gaming topics. Very commonly they seem to revolve around a public persona, like a YouTube celebrity, a musician, or a podcast host.
ve55 6y ago
I disagree that Discord is niche at this point. They're already worth several billion and it's still growing significantly, with perhaps several hundred million users and very high user-retention, usage, network effects, and proprietary lock-in. I'd still invest in Discord today if I could, in a heartbeat.
- codr7 6y ago
  Did it ever occur to you that we collectively shape our societies by the choices we make? From my perspective, the last thing we need is more Facebooks and Twitters.
  - erikpukinskis 6y ago
    From my perspective, I think we need millions more more Facebooks and Twitters. Maybe billions.