Economics/Geekonomics

Zynga Profits Drop, Analysts Hammer it

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Yeah, it appears the bloom is off the Roseville.

Of course after a run-up like it had it couldn't last forever, the question really being what happens next.  Unfortunately what happens next would involve gambling or a change of management, neither of which may sit well with people (as I suspect a management shakeup would be NASTY).

I also think that with Facebook's IPO coming up, Zynga is getting a harsher look.

As for employment options, well, you've heard enough complaints that it might not be your cup of tea.  I'm more wondering how Zynga is going to react to this – they could overreact, and that could make it pretty miserable to work at.

– Steven Savage

 

 

Geekonomic News 2/13/2012

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Record unemployment for youth in America – as in worse in 60 years.  Oddly (or impressively) many are positive, which may actually help them weather this.  However unless there are some changes, the impact of the economic stupidity of the last decade is going to last a generation.

Politically, and by "politicially" I mean "usually talked about by people with no clue," entitlements are often controversial and usually associated with urban areas.  The reality is quite different.

– Steven Savage

New Regulations, Wall Street Bonuses, And The Economy

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Even if you're not the economic type, at least skim this article on how Wall Street is adjusting to new regulations and new realities.  It's an interesting overview of what's going on, and codifies a few trends I've been wondering about (roughly, I think Wall Street really is in a kind of existential crisis and people don't fully get the impact of new regulation).

My favorite money quote:

“If you’re a smart Ph.D. from MIT, you’d never go to Wall Street now,” says a hedge-fund executive. “You’d go to Silicon Valley. There’s at least a prospect for a huge gain. You’d have the potential to be the next Mark Zuckerberg. It looks like he has a lot more fun.”

Awesome.  Come on over guys, I know a great few restauraunts to take you to while you go and make a real, productive business.  Also, I could use another roommate.

– Steven Savage