Some network structures are more defensible than others

[ssvss]

https://hbr.org/2019/01/why-some-platforms-thrive-and-others-dont

[twolf910616]

This is an excellent article. Every once a while HBR publishes really good articles.

Here is the paper the article is based on. free https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Publication%20Files/19-062_f4d97...

[alexpetralia → twolf910616]

Second this. Fantastic essay. A more nuanced view of network effects and complex systems can help us understand why some succeed and why others fail.

[jaredwiener]

Are there factors around the barrier to entry for a network's strength? Video game console, cited in the article, are a good example -- I would think most video game enthusiasts would have no problem owning more than one console. In NYC, where there is competition for ride networks, I've seen drivers have stickers on their cars showing affiliations with Uber, Lyft, Juno, Via, etc -- they take which ever one is offering a better deal at that moment.

Compare that to say iOS vs. Android -- it feels like getting a second phone is a more difficult sell -- not only financially (especially with service) but also just having to carry it around.