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Yeah the network effect of WhatsApp is much stronger to me than, for instance, Facebook. A substantial amount of my “conversations” with friends and work-relat
by audiometry 6y ago
Yeah the network effect of WhatsApp is much stronger to me than, for instance, Facebook. A substantial amount of my “conversations” with friends and work-related are WhatsApp. I’d say to the degree that nowadays (in singapore) I’ve recently noticed new contacts (eg someone I buy something from on an online market) will say, “what’s your number where I can WhatsApp you?” Used to be “where do I [call, sms] you?”
I have no issue using telegram or signal, it’s just that the default choice is becoming/became whatsapp.
Cant stand Zuckerberg, but he does have an eye for products that can really explode in growth.
- eloisant 6y agoHe bought WhatsApp when it was already successful. He had deep pockets and regulators didn't do their job, the merger shouldn't have been allowed.
- toyg 6y agoAfaik Whatsapp had already exploded before it was acquired, at least in Europe.
- jannes 6y agoExactly. At the time of the acquisition it was already the "default" messaging service in many countries. The fact that the acquisition happened has more to do with regulators being asleep than Zuckerberg being awake. As far as I can recall, the EU regulators believed Facebook's lies about not being able to link WhatsApp and Facebook accounts, which Facebook promptly ignored a few years later. They were fined €110m ($134m) [0]. The maximum fine would have been $276m at the time. Still cheap IMO. This quote reads like a joke now: > Today’s decision sends a clear signal to companies that they must comply with all aspects of EU merger rules, including the obligation to provide correct information [0]: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/may/18/facebook-fined-eu-whatsapp-european-commission https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/may/18/facebook-fi...