(1) Orkut is not a "failure"—so Google didn't "fail." They just didn't compete well against Facebook. But no one else did, either.
(2) Having just one email address lets you connect with everyone you want to connect with—it doesn't matter which provider you choose. Social Networks aren't like that. If there is one that dominates, you can't get on a competing service and get the same utility—the people you want to connect with aren't there. Being an existing provider of a large network is a HUGE advantage.
(3) Facebook has crushed previously successful networks. Expecting a company to create a NEW network to succeed where EXISTING networks lost ground to Facebook is a ridiculously high bar.
Comments
(1) Orkut is not a "failure"—so Google didn't "fail." They just didn't compete well against Facebook. But no one else did, either.
(2) Having just one email address lets you connect with everyone you want to connect with—it doesn't matter which provider you choose. Social Networks aren't like that. If there is one that dominates, you can't get on a competing service and get the same utility—the people you want to connect with aren't there. Being an existing provider of a large network is a HUGE advantage.
(3) Facebook has crushed previously successful networks. Expecting a company to create a NEW network to succeed where EXISTING networks lost ground to Facebook is a ridiculously high bar.