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You could describe almost any business with a snarky remark like that. Github: basically re-invented your sysadmin putting up a CVS server, over the internet; S
by pbiggar 13y ago
You could describe almost any business with a snarky remark like that. Github: basically re-invented your sysadmin putting up a CVS server, over the internet; Stripe: basically re-invented what a bank used to do, over the internet.
Anyway, this is one of those things that works much much better on the internet. In the bad old days, a travel agent was the only option for booking flights and trips. Now that you can do it all over the internet, I doubt there's a market to support that many travel agents: the occasional honeymooners and niche travelers.
But the internet is great at turning niche ideas into massive businesses. If there are only thousands of people in your city who need this per year, you'd barely support a travel agency. But if there are thousands in your city, and also in every other city, that's a billion dollar business.
- umsm 13y agoAdding the internet into the mix doesn't make anything better. The reason why this "website" grew was because of the human aspect. Regarding travel agents: when I booked my honeymoon, my travel agent was able to get me a better price than an hour on the internet. Not only that, but she was even able to personally recommend hotels and activities.
- snowwrestler 13y ago> when I booked my honeymoon, my travel agent was able to get me a better price than an hour on the internet As an aside, I'm guessing you flew internationally for your honeymoon? International pricing is done totally differently from domestic, which is why typical travel websites like Expedia can't find the best price.
- umsm 13y agoYes, your guess is correct. Also, we're not talking about $5, we're talking a few hundred dollars for the whole trip.
- pbiggar 13y agoDisagree: the internet makes all the difference because it can scale to a much greater market. You can serve a market of millions instead of thousands. My point about travel agents is that honeymoons are niche. You'll hopefully have one, ever.
- umsm 13y agoI think you misunderstood my comment regarding the internet. Many people think that just having a website will magically triple their business revenue. That's plainly not true. The internet is a medium. Just as any medium used to deliver and communicate to users, you have to utilize it correctly.
- meowface 13y ago>Github: basically re-invented your sysadmin putting up a CVS server, over the internet; Stripe: basically re-invented what a bank used to do, over the internet. Those don't even sound snarky, in my opinion. Those both seem like valuable services.
- sliverstorm 13y agoThe snark is the implication they didn't actually do anything particularly special or unique.
- noonespecial 13y agoDon't forget to head down to the patent office after you tack on your "but on the Internet". Finally your snark can score you some serious coin.