David Kirkpatrick

The Facebook Effect

1. IDEA 1

   A student built a social network

   Kirkpatrick describes how Mark Zuckerberg launched Thefacebook from his Harvard dormitory in 2004. The site spread rapidly among students, first at Harvard and then at other universities. Kirkpatrick explains that the idea started small and personal, but it caught on so fast that it soon moved beyond a single campus.

2. IDEA 2

   Disputes followed success

   Kirkpatrick describes claims by the Winklevoss twins that Zuckerberg had stolen their idea. The dispute was later settled. In Kirkpatrick's account, the question of who came up with the idea became a long and public argument.

3. IDEA 3

   Investors joined

   Kirkpatrick describes how figures like Sean Parker and Peter Thiel helped Facebook grow. Thiel made an early investment. In Kirkpatrick's account, these backers gave the young company money, advice and contacts that helped it grow beyond a student site.

All 8 ideas from The Facebook Effect →