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# App.net & the Open-Closed Platform Dilemma
- URL: https://www.philsimon.com/app-net-and-the-open-closed-platform-dilemma/
- Published: 2012-08-23T14:36:48.000Z
- Updated: 2012-08-23T14:36:48.000Z
- Description: The company hit its funding mark but its work to build a true platform is far from over.
- Author: Phil Simon
- Tags: Platforms, Amazon, Facebook/Meta, The Age of the Platform

![](https://i.imgur.com/kXjUVCY.jpg)

It turns out that [App.net did it](https://daltoncaldwell.com/we-did-it?ref=philsimon.com). The Kickstarter project raised $500,00\. Enough people believe in a user- and developer-centric platform, advertisers be damned.

So, the work's over, right?

Hardly. App.net has to overcome the classic open-closed dilemma. Facebook never would have become so massive if it had charged at the beginning. Because of that, it has to now figure out a way to make real money.

In [*Free*](https://www.amazon.com/Free-Smartest-Businesses-Something-Nothing/dp/140131032X/ref=tmm%5Fpap%5Ftitle%5F0?ie=UTF8&qid=1345732484&sr=1-1&linkCode=as2&tag=phisim-20&ref=philsimon.com) (affiliate link), Chris Anderson writes about how an Amazon.com free shipping promotion was illegal in France. Amazon had to charge a nominal fee. The result: dramatically lower numbers.

I love the concept of App.net but how many people will pay $50/year? Enough to sustain a true platform? I have my doubts but wish them luck.