[threeseed]

Have you never heard of network effect ? Having one the size of WhatsApp is absolutely a unique value proposition since it is impossible to replicate due to acquisition costs.

SpaceX is making something physical no doubt. But they aren't the only one and their competitors aren't cute little garage startups.

[adwn]

> Have you never heard of network effect ? Having one the size of WhatsApp is absolutely a unique value proposition since it is impossible to replicate due to acquisition costs.

In 2005, one could have made the same argument about Myspace.

[TeMPOraL]

Yup. It's totally possible to replicate the "value proposition" of a network-effect-exploiting service - the easiest way is to just wait a single generation. Younger people tend to avoid things their parents use; it's a problem that Facebook is starting to have right now.