Mistakes from building a model to scalp concert tickets
(datastream.substack.com)
In November 2022, Taylor Swift fans crashed Ticketmaster. Not just the website - they crashed the entire company's facade of competence. Over 14 million people tried to buy tickets meant for 1.5 million fans. The servers melted down, the presale collapsed, and Ticketmaster had to cancel the general public sale entirely. Swift herself said watching her fans struggle to get tickets was "excruciating."
In November 2022, Taylor Swift fans crashed Ticketmaster. Not just the website - they crashed the entire company's facade of competence. Over 14 million people tried to buy tickets meant for 1.5 million fans. The servers melted down, the presale collapsed, and Ticketmaster had to cancel the general public sale entirely. Swift herself said watching her fans struggle to get tickets was "excruciating."