3 ms·

I agree, network effects is the answer. All other explanations about "feeling the love" and "unsophisticated design" are post-hoc justifications.

• andrewljohnson 18y ago
  Network effects is as glib an answer as "got there first." These things can be a factor, but are not an explanation.
  • davidw 18y ago
    It's not the only factor, but it's an important one.
  • foulmouthboy 18y ago
    I don't know why first mover advantage wouldn't be a good explanation for this case. Just because other companies squandered their first mover advantage doesn't mean they didn't have it initially. The big barrier to entry for a Craigslist competitor would seem to be brand identity since people want to buy and sell where they know other people are buying and selling. First mover advantage plays a big part in establishing that brand identity.
  • tokenadult 18y ago
    "Got there first" is an explanation. It's an explanation of why some American pioneers became rich in railroads and slightly later arrivals didn't, for example.
  • mhartl 18y ago
    I'd say "got big first" is a slightly more accurate phrasing, but the gist is the same.