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A Breakfast Engagement: Interview with Fred Wilson
61 segments available
A lively Q&A between Fred Wilson of Union Square Ventures and Mashable's Christina Warren. The conversation touches on publisher growth, paywalls, content marketing, advertising and data management and privacy.
Segments Timeline
Meet the Innovators
In this opening segment, Christina Warren introduces Fred Wilson, a prominent figure in technology and venture capital. They discuss the importance of engagement in the tech industry, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about the evolving landscape of technology and media.
"have with us doing the interview Christina Warren the senior technology Analyst at Mashable who is always writing about the coolest most interesting stuff always ahead of the curve and also person tha..."
Meet the Innovators
In this segment, Christina Warren introduces Fred Wilson, a prominent figure in technology and venture capital. They discuss the importance of engagement in the tech industry, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about the evolving landscape of technology and media.
"have with us doing the interview Christina Warren the senior technology Analyst at Mashable who is always writing about the coolest most interesting stuff always ahead of the curve and also person tha..."
Introducing Fred Wilson
In this segment, Christina Warren introduces Fred Wilson, a prominent figure in the technology and venture capital space. She highlights his extensive experience in funding technology ventures and sets the stage for a discussion on engagement in the tech industry.
"have with us doing the interview Christina Warren the senior technology Analyst at Mashable who is always writing about the coolest most interesting stuff always ahead of the curve and also person tha..."
The AT&T and Direct TV Deal
Fred Wilson shares his insights on AT&T's acquisition of Direct TV for $48.5 billion. He emphasizes the importance of competition in the video entertainment industry and reflects on how this deal could impact consumer choices and the broader ecosystem of cable and satellite services.
"already said engagement a number of times but uh no I think it's a really important topic and who better to talk about engagement drink than you um who you've certainly through your career Fred been o..."
The AT&T and Direct TV Deal
Fred Wilson shares his thoughts on AT&T's acquisition of Direct TV for $48.5 billion. He emphasizes the importance of competition in the video entertainment industry and reflects on his personal experiences with cable providers, advocating for more choices for consumers.
"already said engagement a number of times but uh no I think it's a really important topic and who better to talk about engagement drink than you um who you've certainly through your career Fred been o..."
The AT&T and Direct TV Deal
Fred Wilson shares his thoughts on AT&T's acquisition of Direct TV for $48.5 billion. He emphasizes the importance of competition in the video entertainment industry and reflects on his personal experience with cable providers, advocating for more choices for consumers.
"already said engagement a number of times but uh no I think it's a really important topic and who better to talk about engagement drink than you um who you've certainly through your career Fred been o..."
Apple's Future in Tech
Fred discusses his controversial prediction that Apple may not remain among the top tech companies by 2020. He critiques Apple's focus on hardware over cloud-based innovations and machine learning, highlighting the competitive advantages of companies like Google in the evolving tech landscape.
"don't know that that deal is going to have a lot to say about what our Video Entertainment looks like in the future um but it's important to me that that we have as many competitors as possible and I ..."
Apple's Future in Tech
In this segment, Fred Wilson discusses his controversial prediction that Apple may not remain a top tech company by 2020. He critiques Apple's innovation trajectory, contrasting it with competitors like Google, and highlights the shift of data from devices to the cloud as a critical factor in future tech leadership.
"rather see Direct TV owned by somebody who's a competitor to Comcast than to Comcast that's true that's true um you know Town USA already owns almost everything right so all right so um you know recen..."
Apple's Future in Tech
In a candid discussion, Fred Wilson speculates on Apple's potential decline in the tech industry by 2020. He critiques Apple's innovation pace compared to competitors like Google, emphasizing the shift of data from devices to the cloud and the implications for user engagement.
"where where this hit home for me was when Time Warner Cable and um MSG were fighting about the Knicks and you all of a sudden you couldn't watch the ncks this is two or three years ago on uh Time Warn..."
The Challenge of Data Monopoly
Fred Wilson addresses the growing monopoly of Google in the tech space, expressing concerns about data privacy and competition. He advocates for more companies to challenge Google and Facebook in the machine learning arena to ensure a balanced ecosystem.
"sense to me uh so um that's where it came from and and I think those are valid points when you when we looking at the types of devices that that people use since we are still at that stage where as yo..."
The Challenge of Data Monopoly
Fred Wilson discusses the challenges posed by data monopolies, particularly focusing on Google. He expresses concern over the concentration of data and the need for competition to keep tech giants accountable, highlighting the importance of diverse players in the market.
"the question I got a lot of critic criticism for it you know I I don't I don't like to think that I'm trolling anybody I um you know I I felt like I just answer the question to me the thing is that th..."
The Challenge of Data Monopoly
In this segment, Fred Wilson expresses concerns about Google's growing monopoly on data and its implications for competition in the tech industry. He advocates for more companies to engage in machine learning and data utilization to keep Google accountable and foster innovation.
"know feel to me like a hardware company first and foremost and then a desktop software company I mean they're you know their iTunes still is a is a is a piece of software that you have to install on a..."
Publishers vs. Tech Giants
Fred highlights the challenges faced by publishers in competing with tech giants like Google and Facebook. He discusses the limitations of data access for publishers and the need for them to leverage their own data effectively to remain competitive in the digital landscape.
"believe long term you can keep any company honest is is is to compete you know ferociously with them absolutely no but but to that point I guess um for people who are trying to either start their own ..."
Publishers vs. Tech Giants
In this segment, Fred Wilson addresses the difficulties publishers face in competing with tech giants like Google and Facebook. He discusses the limitations of publishers in accessing data and technology, and the implications for their ability to engage audiences effectively.
"believe long term you can keep any company honest is is is to compete you know ferociously with them absolutely no but but to that point I guess um for people who are trying to either start their own ..."
Publishers vs. Tech Giants
This segment explores the challenges faced by publishers in competing with tech giants like Google and Facebook. Fred Wilson discusses the limitations of publishers in accessing data and technology, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptation in the publishing industry.
"company honest is is is to compete you know ferociously with them absolutely no but but to that point I guess um for people who are trying to either start their own business as a startup or for people..."
The Evolution of Advertising
Fred Wilson explores the changing dynamics of advertising in the digital age. He emphasizes the importance of post-consumption engagement and the need for advertisers to demand better data access from platforms, while also advocating for content marketing as a strategy for brands.
"possible for it to happen um primarily because so much of the traffic comes from those sources but I think even for appetisers it becomes um a question of you know one of the topics we're having here ..."
The Evolution of Advertising
Fred Wilson discusses the changing landscape of advertising, highlighting the shift from traditional metrics to engagement-driven strategies. He stresses the importance of advertisers owning their media and leveraging content marketing to connect with audiences effectively.
"possible for it to happen um primarily because so much of the traffic comes from those sources but I think even for appetisers it becomes um a question of you know one of the topics we're having here ..."
The Evolution of Advertising Metrics
Fred Wilson explores the changing landscape of advertising metrics, emphasizing the shift from traditional click-through rates to engagement metrics on social media platforms. He advises advertisers to demand better data access and to focus on content marketing strategies.
"possible for it to happen um primarily because so much of the traffic comes from those sources but I think even for appetisers it becomes um a question of you know one of the topics we're having here ..."
Investing in Networks vs. Social Networks
Fred Wilson shares insights on how Union Square Ventures views investments in networks, distinguishing between social networks and community-driven platforms. He uses Kickstarter as an example of a network that fosters community engagement, emphasizing the importance of social components in modern business models.
"ultimately I think it's a very hard problem for uh both traditional advertisers and traditional Publishers um and I think that these large internet-based native advertising platforms are in a very str..."
Investing in Networks, Not Just Social Media
In this segment, Wilson shares insights on how Union Square Ventures views investments in networks, emphasizing the importance of community-driven platforms like Kickstarter. He argues that every business today needs a social component to thrive, highlighting the organic nature of engagement in these networks.
"ultimately I think it's a very hard problem for uh both traditional advertisers and traditional Publishers um and I think that these large internet-based native advertising platforms are in a very str..."
Investing in Networks vs. Social Networks
Fred Wilson shares insights on how Union Square Ventures views investments in networks, distinguishing between social networks and community-driven platforms. He uses Kickstarter as an example of a network that fosters community engagement, emphasizing the importance of social components in modern business models.
"ultimately I think it's a very hard problem for uh both traditional advertisers and traditional Publishers um and I think that these large internet-based native advertising platforms are in a very str..."
The Rise of Developer-Centric Platforms
Wilson discusses the investment strategy of Union Square Ventures in developer-centric platforms like MongoDB and Firebase. He highlights the network effects created when developers build on these platforms, noting that this organic growth approach is crucial for success in the tech industry.
"invest in there are a lot of things happening um uh conversely I think on kind of the the backend side in some the Enterprise spaces that especially with the CL with related to Cloud things that end u..."
The Rise of Developer-Centric Platforms
Wilson discusses the investment strategy of focusing on developer-centric platforms like MongoDB and Firebase. He highlights how these platforms create network effects by enabling developers to build on top of them, leading to organic growth and engagement in the tech ecosystem.
"invest in there are a lot of things happening um uh conversely I think on kind of the the backend side in some the Enterprise spaces that especially with the CL with related to Cloud things that end u..."
The Rise of Developer-Centric Platforms
Wilson discusses the investment strategy of focusing on developer-centric platforms like MongoDB and Firebase. He highlights the network effects created when developers build on these platforms, which leads to organic growth and adoption, differentiating them from traditional enterprise software.
"invest in there are a lot of things happening um uh conversely I think on kind of the the backend side in some the Enterprise spaces that especially with the CL with related to Cloud things that end u..."
Engagement: Organic vs. Forced
In this segment, Wilson reflects on the nature of engagement in media, contrasting organic engagement with strategies that may force interaction. He shares insights from a conversation with Nick Denton about how companies like Upworthy and BuzzFeed adapt to algorithm changes on platforms like Facebook.
"enterp I mean they so the all these Technologies are used in the Enterprise but they're not really classic enterprise software businesses because they don't usually start out with a large Salesforce I..."
Organic vs. Forced Engagement
In this segment, Wilson reflects on the nature of engagement in digital media, contrasting organic engagement with strategies that may force interaction. He references Nick Denton's perspective on companies like Upworthy and BuzzFeed, discussing how algorithm changes can impact their business models.
"enterp I mean they so the all these Technologies are used in the Enterprise but they're not really classic enterprise software businesses because they don't usually start out with a large Salesforce I..."
Engagement: Organic vs. Forced
In this segment, Wilson reflects on the nature of engagement in digital media, questioning how organic it truly is. He references Nick Denton's perspective on companies like Upworthy and BuzzFeed, discussing the impact of algorithm changes on their business models and the balance between genuine engagement and strategic manipulation.
"enterp I mean they so the all these Technologies are used in the Enterprise but they're not really classic enterprise software businesses because they don't usually start out with a large Salesforce I..."
The Future of Media Engagement
Fred Wilson shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of media consumption and engagement. He argues that as more people grow up with interactive media, the expectation for engagement will increase, leading to a shift in how content is consumed and shared in the future.
"for upw these certainly I think buzzby is probably a little more nuanced U but yeah I agreed so so if you're doing that if your whole go to market strategy and I I don't mean to suggest that either of..."
The Future of Media Consumption
Fred Wilson shares his personal approach to media consumption, emphasizing the need for engagement and interaction with content. He predicts a generational shift towards a population that values interactive media, suggesting that future adults will increasingly demand the ability to engage with the content they consume.
"you so far in the same way that you know being an SEO um creation will only take you so far and I think you know I don't uh way here the way I think about engagement is really really simple so I don't..."
The Future of Media Engagement
Wilson concludes with thoughts on the evolving landscape of media consumption and engagement. He emphasizes the importance of being able to interact with content in a meaningful way, predicting that future generations will increasingly demand engagement in their media experiences.
"for upw these certainly I think buzzby is probably a little more nuanced U but yeah I agreed so so if you're doing that if your whole go to market strategy and I I don't mean to suggest that either of..."
The Impact of Content Consumption
Fred Wilson elaborates on the unseen impact of content consumers who may not actively engage but are influenced by what they read. He shares an example of how his blog has shaped discussions in the industry, highlighting the importance of recognizing the broader effects of content beyond measurable engagement. Wilson argues that even passive readers can drive significant change in their environments.
"world so how do we go about measuring those % who are just consuming it because that can still be a form of Engagement even if it I mean arguably I mean even if you're not necessarily commenting on it..."
The Impact of Content Consumption
In this segment, Wilson reflects on the influence of content consumption on behavior and decision-making. He shares an example of how the term 'premium' emerged from his blog discussions, illustrating how passive readers can still impact the industry by discussing ideas within their networks, even if they don't actively engage online.
"world so how do we go about measuring those % who are just consuming it because that can still be a form of Engagement even if it I mean arguably I mean even if you're not necessarily commenting on it..."
The Power of Ideas and Influence
Fred Wilson shares his experience with blogging and how it has allowed him to influence discussions and behaviors in the industry. He highlights the significance of having a unique point of view and the potential for ideas to spread and create impact, even if the original audience is not directly measurable.
"world so how do we go about measuring those % who are just consuming it because that can still be a form of Engagement even if it I mean arguably I mean even if you're not necessarily commenting on it..."
The Challenge of Measuring Engagement
In this segment, Wilson discusses the complexities of measuring engagement in the digital age. He compares the difficulty of tracking engagement to the famous quote by John Wanamaker about advertising. Wilson emphasizes that while analytics are important, there are intangible aspects of engagement that are equally valuable, suggesting that a balance between measurement and intuition is necessary.
"do and so um I think a lot about uh the people who are impacted by something like premium who never have done anything other than just read and they but they go back and they go to their job and they ..."
The Challenge of Content Creation Today
Wilson addresses the evolving landscape of content creation, noting that while it is harder for individuals to gain visibility today, it is still possible through unique insights and perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong point of view and the potential for quality content to rise to the top, despite the challenges posed by a saturated market.
"do and so um I think a lot about uh the people who are impacted by something like premium who never have done anything other than just read and they but they go back and they go to their job and they ..."
The Challenge of Content Creation Today
Wilson reflects on the changing landscape of content creation, noting that while it is harder for individuals to gain traction today compared to the past, it is still possible. He emphasizes the importance of insight and intelligence in creating content that resonates and stands out in a crowded digital space.
"do and so um I think a lot about uh the people who are impacted by something like premium who never have done anything other than just read and they but they go back and they go to their job and they ..."
Navigating the Evolving Content Landscape
Fred Wilson shares insights on how individuals and publishers can thrive in today's content landscape. He acknowledges the challenges posed by the saturation of content but believes that those with unique insights and perspectives can still break through. Wilson encourages content creators to express their viewpoints boldly, as quality content will eventually rise to the top.
"happening that's great and we're gonna open up for questions in just a minute because I know that's why you know everyone's here yeah exactly they don't want to see me they want to they want to ask yo..."
Navigating the New World of Engagement
In this segment, Wilson discusses the difficulties traditional publishers face in adapting to modern engagement strategies. He critiques the paywall model, arguing that it discourages engagement and suggests that publishers should focus on making content accessible to foster a more engaged audience.
"happening that's great and we're gonna open up for questions in just a minute because I know that's why you know everyone's here yeah exactly they don't want to see me they want to they want to ask yo..."
Engagement in the Classroom
In this segment, Wilson compares traditional classroom settings to more interactive environments, arguing that engagement is crucial for effective learning. He believes that discussions and interactions enhance the educational experience, making it more impactful for students.
"happening that's great and we're gonna open up for questions in just a minute because I know that's why you know everyone's here yeah exactly they don't want to see me they want to they want to ask yo..."
Rethinking Paywalls in Publishing
In this segment, Wilson critiques the traditional paywall model in publishing, arguing that it hinders engagement. He believes that charging for content sends a negative message to audiences and suggests that publishers should focus on making content accessible to foster engagement. Wilson advocates for a shift in mindset among traditional publishers to adapt to the current digital landscape.
"it's just not existing you know out in The Ether to maybe hopefully get indexed by a search engine or maybe be found by you know a Spam bot or two well um I agree it's way harder but it's not impossib..."
Rethinking Paywalls in Publishing
Fred Wilson critiques the traditional paywall model in publishing, arguing that it discourages engagement and limits audience access. He advocates for a more open approach to content distribution, suggesting that publishers should focus on making their content widely available to foster engagement and growth.
"it's just not existing you know out in The Ether to maybe hopefully get indexed by a search engine or maybe be found by you know a Spam bot or two well um I agree it's way harder but it's not impossib..."
Rethinking Paywalls and Content Accessibility
Wilson passionately argues against paywalls in digital publishing, stating they hinder engagement and push potential readers away. He advocates for a model where content is freely accessible, drawing on examples of successful publishers who thrive by promoting widespread content sharing and engagement.
"it's just not existing you know out in The Ether to maybe hopefully get indexed by a search engine or maybe be found by you know a Spam bot or two well um I agree it's way harder but it's not impossib..."
Snapchat's Unique Engagement Model
Fred Wilson shares insights on Snapchat's ephemeral content model, highlighting its appeal to users who desire control over their shared media. He contrasts this with traditional platforms, noting how Snapchat addresses privacy concerns and fosters genuine engagement among younger audiences.
"if I if I could be given you know the throne to rule the internet the first thing I would do is is is make pay walls um for Content illegal it's my opinion thanks hi Fred Dorian Ben coil teaming media..."
Snapchat's Unique Engagement Model
Fred Wilson shares insights on Snapchat's ephemeral content model, which allows users to control their shared media. He discusses how this approach resonates with younger audiences seeking privacy and control, positioning Snapchat as a significant player in the social media landscape.
"if I if I could be given you know the throne to rule the internet the first thing I would do is is is make pay walls um for Content illegal it's my opinion thanks hi Fred Dorian Ben coil teaming media..."
Snapchat's Unique Engagement Model
Fred Wilson shares insights on Snapchat's ephemeral content model, which allows users to share without long-term consequences. He discusses how this model appeals to younger audiences seeking control over their shared media, positioning Snapchat as a significant player in modern social engagement.
"if I if I could be given you know the throne to rule the internet the first thing I would do is is is make pay walls um for Content illegal it's my opinion thanks hi Fred Dorian Ben coil teaming media..."
The Power of Content Creation in Advertising
Wilson illustrates the importance of advertisers creating engaging content rather than traditional ads. He recounts a personal experience witnessing a Red Bull stunt, emphasizing that effective advertising should be entertaining and shareable, leveraging social media for broader reach.
"other than Snapchat leaving aside games games is just a completely different category so let's just move them aside and not talk about them up for a second and I think that they did it by recognizing ..."
The Power of Content Creation in Advertising
Wilson illustrates the importance of advertisers creating engaging content rather than traditional ads. He recounts a personal experience with a Red Bull stunt, emphasizing how innovative advertising can capture audience attention and drive engagement across platforms.
"other than Snapchat leaving aside games games is just a completely different category so let's just move them aside and not talk about them up for a second and I think that they did it by recognizing ..."
The Power of Content Creation in Advertising
In this segment, Wilson discusses the importance of advertisers creating engaging content rather than just traditional ads. He uses a personal anecdote about a Red Bull stunt to illustrate how compelling content can drive audience engagement and brand loyalty.
"other than Snapchat leaving aside games games is just a completely different category so let's just move them aside and not talk about them up for a second and I think that they did it by recognizing ..."
Innovations in Health Tech and User Experience
Wilson expresses excitement about future innovations in health technology, particularly mobile devices that could enhance user experiences in social settings. He envisions advancements that would allow individuals to manage health conditions seamlessly while enjoying social interactions.
"investor in it actually good morning thank you uh my name is Joshua sigal I'm with Rubicon Venture Capital here in New York you've mentioned how you think advertisers need to own their own data What m..."
Innovations in Health Tech
In this segment, Wilson discusses potential innovations in health technology, particularly the use of mobile devices to enhance wellness. He envisions future applications that could improve communication in noisy environments, showcasing the intersection of technology and personal health.
"investor in it actually good morning thank you uh my name is Joshua sigal I'm with Rubicon Venture Capital here in New York you've mentioned how you think advertisers need to own their own data What m..."
Innovations in Health Tech and User Experience
In this segment, Wilson discusses potential innovations in health technology, particularly mobile devices that could enhance user experiences in social settings. He envisions advancements that would allow individuals to manage health conditions seamlessly while enjoying social interactions.
"investor in it actually good morning thank you uh my name is Joshua sigal I'm with Rubicon Venture Capital here in New York you've mentioned how you think advertisers need to own their own data What m..."
The Future of Publisher-Audience Relationships
Wilson emphasizes the need for publishers to take control of their relationships with audiences through direct engagement. He discusses the importance of mobile notifications and apps in maintaining audience interest, suggesting that publishers must adapt to changing consumer behaviors to thrive.
"tech [Laughter] company okay we have time for about three more questions I've already got two lined up so if you have something burning please get my attention I think I saw this gentleman over here f..."
The Future of Publisher-Audience Relationships
Fred Wilson emphasizes the need for publishers to take control of their relationships with audiences. He discusses the importance of direct engagement through mobile apps and notifications, suggesting that this strategy could reduce reliance on social media platforms and enhance user loyalty.
"tech [Laughter] company okay we have time for about three more questions I've already got two lined up so if you have something burning please get my attention I think I saw this gentleman over here f..."
The Future of Publisher-Audience Relationships
Wilson emphasizes the need for publishers to establish direct relationships with their audiences through mobile apps and notifications. He argues that this strategy can help publishers regain control over their content distribution and reduce reliance on social media platforms.
"tech [Laughter] company okay we have time for about three more questions I've already got two lined up so if you have something burning please get my attention I think I saw this gentleman over here f..."
The Challenge of Changing User Behavior
In this segment, Wilson reflects on the difficulty of changing consumer behavior regarding data privacy. He shares insights on how even aware users often continue to use services like Google due to their convenience, highlighting the trade-offs between privacy and usability.
"I totally agree with you on that however if if you take any sort of large base of users and you look at how many of them actually do something to protect themselves from this it's tiny and I give you ..."
The Trade-off of Convenience for Privacy
In this segment, Wilson reflects on the trade-offs consumers make between convenience and privacy, sharing his own reliance on Google services despite knowing the privacy implications. He discusses the challenges of changing user behavior and the difficulty of moving away from established platforms.
"I totally agree with you on that however if if you take any sort of large base of users and you look at how many of them actually do something to protect themselves from this it's tiny and I give you ..."
DuckDuckGo: A Case for Privacy
Wilson highlights DuckDuckGo as a successful example of a privacy-focused search engine. He discusses its growth following the Snowden revelations and the challenges it faces in competing with larger search engines like Google.
"I totally agree with you on that however if if you take any sort of large base of users and you look at how many of them actually do something to protect themselves from this it's tiny and I give you ..."
The Trade-off of Convenience and Privacy
Wilson reflects on the trade-offs consumers make between convenience and privacy when using services from companies like Google. He shares his personal experience of relying on these services despite knowing the privacy implications.
"Google right so if it was as good as Google maybe a lot more people would use it it's not that much worse than Google honestly and you can always go search Google if you don't get a good result there ..."
Content Creation as a Long-Term Strategy
Fred Wilson emphasizes the importance of continuous content creation for brands, contrasting it with traditional advertising campaigns. He advocates for a generational shift in marketing, suggesting that younger marketers who understand the digital landscape will drive the future of content engagement.
"there but the the point being that uh very few people alter their behavior uh in in in in response to that and maybe uh there are going to be some big events like the Snowden Revelations that will uh ..."
The Future of Content Creation in Marketing
Fred Wilson explores the need for traditional companies to embrace a long-term approach to content creation, akin to startups. He emphasizes the importance of continuous engagement and communication, suggesting that hiring younger marketers who understand modern platforms can help bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary marketing strategies.
"I make that tradeoff and and so I think that's the rub about where we are it's it's it's too expensive in ter not necessarily in terms of money but in terms of behavior change and time to move away fr..."
The Future of Content Creation in Marketing
Wilson discusses the need for traditional companies to embrace a long-term approach to content creation, similar to startups. He emphasizes the importance of continuous engagement and hiring younger marketers who understand modern digital platforms.
"don't hey Fred in the back hi hey um my name is Scott lyen bam uh I was an entrepreneur for a little while at a company called broadcaster and then one called spun uh now I work as the digital plannin..."