Fred Wilson

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Restrictive API Issues

  “Usually the issue in this situation is the api is too restrictive and doesn't allow developers to do enough with it.”

  Our noteFred analyzes why popular apps might still have unpopular APIs.

• Gamification and incentives

  “Gamers love to earn points, badges, and status. You don't have to do anything more than spend a week with my son watching him accumulate foursquare points in europe to see what points do to a gamer.”

  Our noteFred explains why game mechanics are effective for engaging users in a community.

• Financing Strategy Design

  “I believe you need to design a financing strategy that aims high but has a well crafted downside scenario.”

  Our noteFred discusses the importance of planning for both success and failure in fundraising.

• Stock Deal Diligence

  “So if you are doing a stock based deal, make sure you do your homework on the company and its stock.”

  Our noteWarning founders to research the acquirer's stock value before accepting it as payment.

• Appreciating Quality

  “But it has a feel, a vibe, that is so wonderful. Surely some of it comes from The Band who are the best backing band ever.”

  Our noteHe explains why he loves the specific sound of the Planet Waves album.

• Status as motivation

  “Status is a powerful motivator in social systems. People go crazy over their follower counts on Twitter, or number of friends or business contacts in Facebook and LinkedIn.”

  Our noteFred discusses how social status drives user behavior on digital platforms.

• Leveraging social status

  “Social services like Zynga and Tumblr reach millions of people every day. And they have powerful status driven systems that can drive users to do good things.”

  Our noteHe explains how platforms can use status mechanics for charitable causes.

• Community and Action

  “Mostly, however, the conference was about hanging out with other hackers and working on stuff. I've never seen so many laptops opened at a conference before.”

  Our noteObserving the hands-on nature of the Chaos Communications Congress.