INSTANT

I think I posted awhile back some of my favorite apps.  The list included Instagram --- have you checked it out?  And have you heard the news --- Facebook is buying Instagram for $1 billion!  That is insane.

For those who haven't seen or tried the app, Instagram allows you to take a picture and change the finish of it (see example below).  Then you can share your pictures on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.  Apparently there is a cult-like following out there.

Instagram is less than two years old and was started by two Stanford graduates.  They currently operate with about a dozen employees out of San Francisco.  It is reported that Instagram has 30 million followers and around 5 million pictures are posted and shared every day.  The app is free.

I can't say that I follow the business aspect of companies who provide sites such as Facebook, Twitter or those that develop and publish apps.  If you read the book The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, I wonder if the Instagram founders put in their 10,000 hours?  I read they tried other ventures that didn't take off.  And I wonder if they are hitting their pace at the right time and with some luck.  Interesting stuff.

Tracy  

P.S.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK ANDREW!!!  Moving on from a "tween" to a "teen".  Yikes!  Enjoy your day and celebrate!

Before Instagram

After Instagram 
(there are many finish options)