Early days? It’s only 4 years old.

I can’t even point to where there were enough days to put together to call them early.

I’m not picking a fight, but surely Facebook has a lot of room to grow before the early days stigma can be realized.

As for “Social Media can’t be monetized” I still think the jury is out on that one folks. No one has yet cracked it to be like search, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t enough cake to make it worth pursuing. Seems like every new medium on the web is being compared to how search is monetized.

Even if Facebook turns out to be a bigger success than the hype would have you believe, the opportunity to be a partner at Benchmark is a once in a lifetime opportunity. (And he’s probably already vested on a quite a sizable chunk of Facebook–and LinkedIn–shares.)

Translating Matt’s statements: “Facebook is great. Everything is perfect. That’s why I’m leaving.” Huh?

The reality: Facebook is going to crash and burn – they missed selling out at the top and the execs know it. Facebook Apps was a flop, and people are tired of the social networking hype.

Shoulda sold in early 2007, hate to break it to ya.

Matt was at LinkedIn for a few years, now also a few years at Facebook. i doubt it was a power struggle as much as him deciding to take on some new projects & challenges (& according to Kara, seems like that was the case… )

When he left LinkedIn it was also on very good terms & with Reid’s blessing & support. tough loss for Facebook i agree, but my guess he’ll still be involved there albeit on a less regular basis.

Matt is super intelligent, yet also very down to earth & quite personable. Great guy, and i’m sure he’ll do well wherever he goes… but i doubt he’s burned any bridges at Facebook. just an awesome individual all-around.

good luck & congrats to him.

People leave companies for any number of reasons. It doesn’t mean the company is dying. It is usually a matter of personality fit, other opportunities, or just personal reasons (baby, yacht, burned out, etc)

The silicon valley culture is that nobody is a lifer at company (except perhaps a rare founder or two). 3-4 years is a long stretch in one job. It is one of the things that makes silicon valley great. Nothing spurs innovation more than leaving a company you felt comfortable at and joining a new one where you have to prove yourself yet again. Plus, it leaves a pool of talented people that are available for startups.

Sounds like Facebook is not at all what it use to be in the early days.

i don’t see this as a problem for facebook – more of a transition as sheryl puts her stamp on the organization.

just me .02.

Congrats.