SoundCloud is stupid

[Marco Raaphorst]

My blog: http://melodiefabriek.com/blog/soundclo ... -facebook/

[tronam]

SoundCloud is in that strange position where they have a considerable amount of mindshare, but still having difficulty staying afloat financially:

http://www.harderbloggerfaster.com/2015 ... oney-fast/

Removing direct streaming from social media may be part of a bargaining concession to major labels.

[raymondh]

My blog: http://melodiefabriek.com/blog/soundclo ... -facebook/

I agree with the frustration but I don't agree with the analysis.

> SoundCloud obviously doesn’t want its content to be shared.

I think they probably do, they just need to find a way to make money out of it, or they won't be around to do anything.
I don't know why they aren't making money where other platforms are. I pay for the Pro subscription but I don't know what proportion of users pay for their accounts. If they're not getting revenue from paid accounts then they'll rely on advertising right? Which people are complaining about... And yet I don't see people complaining about Youtube ads.
I don't like the move either, but these guys are in a quandry.

[Marco Raaphorst]

Their model was simple: let the user pay for hosting. That is so simple. I payed for hosting my files on Soundcloud since 2008. Super businessmodel. What's wrong with that?

When you start working with investors and they start demanding growth it will kill your business. Soundcloud has too much overhead, spend too much on a nice office and too many people working their. Have a look at Bandcamp. A virtual company, way smarter!

[raymondh]

Yes great point. There's a saying "debt is cheaper than equity" and probably applies as you say with the pressure from investors etc.
I hope they can pull out of this while they can, tough decisions ahead (including a more empty office with a lease obligation!)

[Jagwah]

More and more I am noticing this 'Interesting story right here!' so I go there, then I am met with 'Follow this link to read interesting story.' ._.