SoundCloud. Being cool is sometimes not enough.

SoundCloud is one of the most interesting communities. I find it fascinating to see the rise and then downfall of great community which was created outside of corporate music system. Something similar to coachsurfing - once it abandoned its community/open source approach it stopped being cool and let others take it place. 

Every company has to take tough decisions. Some change the strategy rapidly and some pivots are necessary to go forward even if it means abandoning values/product which gave the initial success. SoundCloud had couple of those but going after subscription service was one which initiated it's problems. "Internal key metrics changed from “tracks posted” to “number of minutes listened.”" - one one hand simple change, on other it changes the whole culture. 

New York Times offers additional view on Soundcloud community in article "If SoundCloud Disappears, What Happens to Its Music Culture?"