DISQUS

So just because it has user feedback (like tons of other rating sites) makes it qualified to become the next huge eCommerce site? Then why not Facebook? Given that it already has a headstart on the eCommerce game? Must be a slow news day for NYT.

Great post! I believe the key is relevancy. If it's relevant to your customer base, you better be on Twitter but to tweet just to be 'cool' isn't very smart. When it comes to business decisions, CEOs shouldn't let how they feel about Twitter, get in the way of doing what's right for their customer.

Hi Steven, Thanks for the mention! I loved your post. You've captured the essence of my thoughts so much more eloquently than I could ever have :) Despite millions of blogs out there, I think blogging as a medium is still in its infancy. One analogy that comes to mind is the evolution of an entrepreneurial startup to a large corporation. Somewhere along the way, the purpose and definition will evolve to make way for a more structured (and perhaps saner) existence and that's when we run into the risk of losing the honesty that defines blogging today. That being said, change is inevitable, and I would take evolution over irrelevance any day...

I discovered this gem on a recent biz trip to Salt Lake City. http://www.slcwaiter.com/home.php

Great post!
I am skeptical that much thinking goes into these decisions but I am sure they use something similar to what you've suggested. Even if we assume that the go/no-go decision is made before the actual feature launch, these numbers are purely guesstimates aka half-a**ed guesses unless the company spends $$ on diligent user research combined with beta testing. But come on, let's get real here, how many Internet companies do that? Testing takes time, money, and there's an opportunity cost involved. As long as the powers-that-be agree that it's not going to break the company and if we don't do it, someone else will, they'll go for it.
I agree with Bill, your formula should also include new users acquired due to the new feature. And let's not forget the indirect impact of all the 'publicity' the crappy new feature generates :)

I agree, it doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's consistent with your branding and somewhat related to your product. I am not a big fan of schwag, unless it's something that's engaging, fun 'cool' or something that's useful like a bag would be my top choice.

Some brands like Reebok have a good understanding of their user base and are leveraging their social network to effectively engage that community. Others like Starbucks have jumped onto the social bandwagon without any thought to how they can add value to their users.