2 ms·

I see it differently. ChatGPT holds a unique position because it has the most important asset in tech: user attention. Building a brand and capturing a signific

by wslh 2y ago

I see it differently. ChatGPT holds a unique position because it has the most important asset in tech: user attention. Building a brand and capturing a significant share of eyeballs is one of the hardest challenges for any company, startup or not. From a business standpoint, the discussion around GPT-5 or AGI seems secondary. What truly matters is the growing number of users paying for ChatGPT, with potential for monetization through ads or other services in the future.

semi-extrinsic 2y ago
> What truly matters is the growing number of users paying for ChatGPT, with potential for monetization through ads or other services in the future. If the end goal is monetization of ChatGPT with ads, it will be enshittified to the same degree as Google searches. If you get to that, what is the benefit of using ChatGPT if it just gives you the same ads and bullshit as Google?
- wslh 2y ago
  I mentioned ads as just one potential avenue for monetization. My main point is that OpenAI's current market position and strong brand awareness are the real differentiators. They're in a unique spot where they have the user's attention, which offers a range of monetization options beyond just ads. The challenge for them will be to balance monetization with maintaining the user experience that made them successful in the first place. Also, don't forget the recent Apple partnership [1], a very strong signal of their strategic positioning. Aligning with Apple reinforces their credibility and opens up even more opportunities for innovation and expansion, beyond just monetizing through ads. I just searched through this thread, and it seems the Apple partnership isn't being recognized as a significant achievement under Sam Altman's tenure as CEO, which is surprising given its importance. [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40328927 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40328927
deepfriedchokes 2y ago
The internet has destroyed the value of user attention and brands; everyone has the attention span of a gnat and the loyalty of an addict. They will very quickly move on to the next shiny thing.
- wslh 2y ago
  My comment doesn't negate your point. I'm emphasizing the business side beyond the moral considerations. If anything, we've seen that brands which contributed to unhealthy habits, like the rise of fast food and sugary drinks, still hold immense value in the market. User loyalty may be fleeting, but businesses can still thrive by leveraging brand strength and market presence, regardless of the moral implications.

by wslh 2y ago

semi-extrinsic 2y ago

> What truly matters is the growing number of users paying for ChatGPT, with potential for monetization through ads or other services in the future. If the end goal is monetization of ChatGPT with ads, it will be enshittified to the same degree as Google searches. If you get to that, what is the benefit of using ChatGPT if it just gives you the same ads and bullshit as Google?

wslh 2y ago
I mentioned ads as just one potential avenue for monetization. My main point is that OpenAI's current market position and strong brand awareness are the real differentiators. They're in a unique spot where they have the user's attention, which offers a range of monetization options beyond just ads. The challenge for them will be to balance monetization with maintaining the user experience that made them successful in the first place. Also, don't forget the recent Apple partnership [1], a very strong signal of their strategic positioning. Aligning with Apple reinforces their credibility and opens up even more opportunities for innovation and expansion, beyond just monetizing through ads. I just searched through this thread, and it seems the Apple partnership isn't being recognized as a significant achievement under Sam Altman's tenure as CEO, which is surprising given its importance. [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40328927 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40328927

deepfriedchokes 2y ago

The internet has destroyed the value of user attention and brands; everyone has the attention span of a gnat and the loyalty of an addict. They will very quickly move on to the next shiny thing.

wslh 2y ago
My comment doesn't negate your point. I'm emphasizing the business side beyond the moral considerations. If anything, we've seen that brands which contributed to unhealthy habits, like the rise of fast food and sugary drinks, still hold immense value in the market. User loyalty may be fleeting, but businesses can still thrive by leveraging brand strength and market presence, regardless of the moral implications.