Jaati Hun Main, Jaldi Hai Kya
Complicated Relationship of Super Users with Platforms
Good to hear from some of you after the last post. Let's oxygenate our relationship by calling/texting our friends and family. Over last few months, I have been using calendly to set up formal/informal calls with friends and family. You could use the link at https://calendly.com/shailendrabisht/catchup to set up an interaction.
Of course, the easier way is to just pick up phone and call !
DTW
During the Week, TwitterVerse was on fire when SEC disclosures made Elon’s Twitter shareholding public and twitter stock went into a stratospheric orbit. According to SEC filings, Elon Musk bought 9.1% of Twitter stock and Twitter invited him to join the board.
Elon is one of the most important user of Twitter though not always the most prudent or careful. He has had problems either off or on twitter. Remember his ‘in‘famous tweet about taking Tesla private which created problems for the company's shares and forced the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to take Musk to court for fraud. Ultimately, Musk and Tesla settled with the agency and paid $40 million in fines. Of course, this amount is peanuts for the world’s richest man and he has scoffed at the regulators often on twitter.
Talking about SuperUsers, this week Etsy would start charging a higher take rate at 6.5% against current 5% (a 30% increase in commissions). Now, Etsy is known for bringing a welcome change to the online commerce for craft and art. Before going public in 2015, Etsy was proud to flash B Corp certification, a designation for “conscious“ companies that meet high social and environmental standards. Etsy has a Star Seller program which has put lot of these badge owners to operate like a corporation including maintaining certain customer metrics, like a 24-hour response time, consistent five-star ratings, and fast shipping amounting to micromanaging every transaction. Some of the large sellers also are forced to enrol in the mandatory advertising program. Many other old-time users are also irked by “outsourced“ production sellers who have started flooding the platform with mass produced, print-on-demand products thereby leading to reseller-heavy sellers’ market. How would the super users respond to all these issues? THEY plan to go on strike. Actually, they plan to go on a vacation mode. This is like suspending sales on their Etsy stores and asking their loyal customers to also stop shopping on the platform.
In India, some of the restaurants complained to Competition Commission of India about the FoodTech platforms policies related to exclusivity and private labels. Both Zomato and Swiggy have created two new relationship with some of the partners on their platforms. Exclusive contracts may lead of user traffic diversion to few partners to the detriment of competition suppliers. Similarly, introduction of private labels or even dark kitchens may create conflict of interest situation. CCI has launched an investigation and we would have to wait and see what changes might be required in future.
As platforms become successful, they would like to evolve into Super Apps to get more engagements for their multiple sides. Take for example, Uber which now plans to be a super app by adding planes, trains and rental cars to its platform. They have had vision of being “The Transportation App“ for the world. They have added an additional Uber Explore option in selected US markets to allow users to even make dinner reservations and make recommendations for the popular tourist destinations.
In India, we saw the launch of Tata Neu bringing the venerable TATA group into full stack e-commerce world. While it is good start but the jury is still out about the integration issues of Tata’s multiple digital destinations like Big Basket, Cliq, or Vistara or even Taj properties. Watch out for Tata Neucoins!
OTW
Over the Weekend, I listened to an interesting podcast- The Science of Small Changes. This episode of The Knowledge Project by Shane Parish featured Neuroscientist and Stanford University School of Medicine professor Dr. Andrew Huberman. If you are not a podcast person, you could also watch the following Youtube video which has major timestamps for multiple insightful takes on brain development, brain function and neural plasticity.
I have followed Prof Huberman for his insights on role of exercise on brain and ageing. I would highly recommend his own podcast - Huberman Lab.
Pro Tip- Take cold exposure which can be used to safely stress the body to improve attention, mood, and cognitive focus and boost metabolism and reduce inflammation
I Love You
Shailendra
OTM
Opportunities through MountainSpeak presents you an experience of Solitude and of course “Solitude in Himalayas” can help you rediscover your self.
I have also started getting the F-cubed cohort ready for my Annual Himalayan Summer Trek 2022 from May 21st to 29th in association with AAGAAS. As usual , we would be trekking with friends and family in Garhwal Himalayas between Mandakini and Alaknanda Valley. This is primarily organised with local support to promote eco-tourism and thus may not have any luxury/paraphernalia but focuses on great experience and even better company. If you feel that a friend, colleague or a family member might be interested in this trek, please ask them to use the link to join to WhatsApp group for Annual Himalayan Trek organised by AAGAAS, Pipalkoti.
Mountains Inspire and Himalayas are of course Inspirational. There is so much to learn and practice and of course take back to our regular lives !
Of course, it is going to be very uncertain , extremely arduous, and at times unpleasant. It would also mean facing and solving problem after problem but let me tell you that this may be the most meaningful journey we may ever do.
And remember that there is no ‘How or When do I do it’ there is only ‘if I would do it ‘ !
See You Soon !
PS-The title of the newsletter is from a romantic song written by Indeevar and composed by Rajesh Roshan in the movie “Karan Arjun”. This song featuring Shahrukh Khan and Kajol is sung by Kumar Sanu & Alka Yagnik.
You may want to visualise this interaction between the platform and superuser.
Jaati hoon main
jaldi hai kya
dhadke jiya
woh kyon bhala
khud se hi darne lagi hoon
main pyaar karne lagi hoon
khud se jo itna darogi
tum pyaar kaise karogi
Overall its a happening week, from Tesla owning twitter, Launch of Tata neu, CCI battles of Zomato, Swiggy & even their outage across the county. Also not to mention, the political troubles with our friendly neighbors.