Comments on: We, Us, They, Them…Whatever

By: Jonathan Nolen

Jonathan Nolen — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:35:23 +0000

We vs. They: Whose side are you on, anyway?

Last week Fred Wilson and Om Malik argued over the whether there are “we companies” and “they companies.” Fred says that Apple used to be a we company, but they’ve become arrogant and lost their way. They’re attacking their fans and the predatori…

By: Brady Joslin

Brady Joslin — Thu, 24 Mar 2005 17:29:13 +0000

I agree that in reality most companies are “they” entities, but perhaps the illusion of “we” is of most importance.

“We” companies may simply use PR (talking with them) more effectively than they companies who rely mostly on advertising (talking to them). Each is nothing other than an attempt at consumer manipulation (aka marketing). The difference lies in the taste remaining in the customer’s mouth. But, in each instance the company is a self-serving entity.

By: John Dowdell

John Dowdell — Wed, 23 Mar 2005 17:04:01 +0000

Craig, Cole Hardware is a good store, but they regularly block the sidewalk — it’s like spamming — doesn’t help bring about the type of world I’d prefer to see.

(On-topic, I think there’s a great range of groupings, just like there’s a great range of individuals. Their behaviors all change in different situations too. Binary divisions of these are possible, but greatly debatable.)

By: Om Malik

Om Malik — Mon, 21 Mar 2005 06:39:27 +0000

well seems like you are the one with scale and big enough to be deemed a large operation – and guess that makes you class of one!

By: Craig Newmark

Craig Newmark — Mon, 21 Mar 2005 05:39:38 +0000

Hey, we can’t be the only ones.

In my neighborhood, Cole Hardware is a good example.

How about more?

thanks!

Craig