Facebook Buys Instagram

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Unless the rock you’re living under lacks the internet (unless your destiny is a rock), you’ve heard that Instagram was bought by Facebook.

I’m trying to figure out the point of this really.  Some are worried that Instagram may stop being multi-network capable, but that issue’s already been addressed.  At the same time, it does give Facebook enhancements to it’s photo sharing capacity, and maybe they figure it can’t hurt to branch out beyond themselves.

But $1 billion?  I don’t know.  I look for any input from you guys out there, because I’m stumped.

– Steven Savage

Here Come The Sony Job Cuts

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Looks like 10,000 people are being cut.  You can get more details here at layoffwatch.

Takeaways

  • Issues with the Japanese economy and the TV market seem to be a big part of this.
  • This is not the first time Sony has done big layoffs – in fact they’ve done some with selloffs and consolidation recently.  I’d say this is more of a trend.
  • The cuts are, obviously, in the display area.  Half the cuts are unspecified – so get ready for politics.
  • Some execs are being asked to return their bonuses.  This may be an act to force contrition and look like accountability – which I buy.  So I think Sony has an image concern.
  • Considering Sony’s reach this could affect various Geekonomic-heavy cities/areas, so pay attention.

– Steven Savage

Hollywood Reporter Interviews Chris Dodd

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Chris Dodd, the MPAA chief speaks to the Hollywood Reporter.

There’s a few takeaways:

HE’S LOBBYING WITHOUT LOBBYING:
In case you didn’t know, former lawmakers can’t lobby on Capitol Hill until two years have passed since leaving office. Dodd pretty much noted he’s still talking to people – just not former colleagues.

But people call me all the time, and I have to remind them that I can’t talk to them about certain things, but I can talk to the White House, I can talk to ambassadors, I just can’t talk to my former colleagues. So I’ve stayed away, though I still go up and get a haircut from the barber in the Capitol building.

Note the “ambassadors” part and think about the international politics of copyright law and such. It’s also obvious Dodd’s still doing some flesh-pressing and will probably go nuts once the two years is up.  Look out for next year (or look to see what non-lobbying-lobbying is going on now)

MORE SOPA?
The Hollywood Reporter: Are there conversations going on now?

Dodd: I’m confident that’s the case, but I’m not going to go into more detail because obviously if I do, it becomes counterproductive.

The Hollywood Reporter: Did you feel personally blindsided by Obama over SOPA?

Dodd: I’m not going to revisit the events of last winter. I’ll only say to you that I’m confident he’s using his good relationships in both communities to do exactly what you and I have been talking about.

Clearly there’s something coming up for post-SOPA, SOPA and he’s awful dodgy. Of course the problem last time was SOPA was pure backroom dealing, so it sounds like no one’s learned anything.

IMAGE REPAIR:
Dodd mentions that he’s working to improve the image of Hollywood (Indeed, he says he’s going to Indie festivals and more). Frankly, it probably is needed.

What I don’t sense a lot here is a clue about people’s anger, concerns, or issues with the MPAA and their like.

– Steven Savage