Item — HN Reader

Thanks for the explanation. Interesting perspective. I'm finding that certain customer tribes over time get turned off by the point that "maximizing profits is the only true value, and whatever else they might say is smokescreen."

This reminds me of the typical social media company (e.g., Facebook). Certain 'customers' have turned cynical because of the company's aim to maximize profits. I wonder what it's going to do to their brand value/personality in the long term?

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It sure is making companies lose customers - the play is to be a dick, but only when the profits from it exceed the losses from disgruntled customers. Unfortunately I think at this point the customers are used to being routinely maltreated, so they don't turn their back on the terrible companies even in cases of blatant abuse (ex. a year after the VW scandal, their car had record sales in my country).

Facebook never once cared about its users; they are not and never have been the customers.

Facebook's name being dragged through the mud isn't too surprising if you follow the attitude that Zuckerberg was shamelessly open about since the inception of the company.