Jeff Bezos’ letter to shareholders

Post by tamana » Fri, Apr 08, 2016, 6:10 AM UTC

danblick wrote: post #45

sabalaba wrote: post #12

I see this letter as an attempt at vindication for the controversy sparked by the NYT article on Amazon's corporate culture. Jeff Bezos was clearly affected and I see this as a defense of their "distinctive culture". "For better or for worse" that culture got them to $100 billion in annual sales faster than any company in history.

I agree. I think these lines are directly related to the NYT controversy: """ If it’s a distinctive culture, it will fit certain people like a custom-made glove. The reason cultures are so stable in time is because people self-select. Someone energized by competitive zeal may select and be happy in one culture, while someone who loves to pioneer and invent may choose another. """

Post by srt146 » Fri, Apr 08, 2016, 6:13 AM UTC

sharkweek wrote: post #24

sabalaba wrote: post #12

I see this letter as an attempt at vindication for the controversy sparked by the NYT article on Amazon's corporate culture. Jeff Bezos was clearly affected and I see this as a defense of their "distinctive culture". "For better or for worse" that culture got them to $100 billion in annual sales faster than any company in history.

I live in Seattle and am friends with a lot of Amazon folks. Most work very hard and complain from time to time, but I only know one who left for another job because most who are there now actually really like their jobs. One friend put it best after he transitioned from a small department in the ecommerce side of the business to one of AWS's early-ish hires, that most young departments have the thrill of working at…

Post by andrewfong » Fri, Apr 08, 2016, 6:25 AM UTC

zeven7 wrote: post #53

andys627 wrote: post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The fee is getting paid somehow - either by you up front, as a subscription, or for "free" built into the cost of the item.

That's not what I've heard. A quick search found me this: > The company loses an estimated $1 billion to $2 billion on Prime shipping annually http://www.marketwatch.com/story/is-free-shipping-killing-am... Amazon wants market share enough to absorb a loss on shipping costs. It's part of why Amazon is still not profitable.

Post by [deleted] » Fri, Apr 08, 2016, 6:26 AM UTC

MichaelGG wrote: post #44

darkclarity wrote: post #30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I like being that irresponsible one. Though it is impressive that Amazon has turned a delivery fee - that most people don't like paying - into an exclusive subscription service. A service that customers fall over themselves to sign up for when it's offered at a discount.

I cancelled it because Amazon's abusing their position. Refusing to sell Chromecast and Apple TV, then lying, repeatedly, about the reason when asked? I've been an Amazon customer for 13 years. I was rather annoyed to see them go with the anti-Wikileaks and try to be "sensitive" by banning certain cultural items. But this shows they've zero commitment to selling products customers want. Edit: And it really hurts. Som…

Post by SilasX » Fri, Apr 08, 2016, 6:29 AM UTC

danblick wrote: post #51

Am I the only one who read "Type I and II decisions" and thought "System I and II decisions" (from Thinking, Fast and Slow?). I like the idea of distinguishing reversible from irreversible decisions, I just wish he'd come up with better names...