Internet History Podcast 39. CNET Founder Halsey Minor
Nov 3, 2014
Halsey Minor, founder of CNet, shares his journey from Wall Street to creating one of the earliest web giants. He recounts the birth of CNet, highlighting its revolutionary role in tech journalism during the 90s. Halsey also discusses his partnership with Jeff Bezos and explores the transformative potential of Bitcoin, suggesting it could rival the impact of the web. His insights reveal how blockchain may disrupt traditional banking and challenge monopolies, paving the way for a more equitable financial future.
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How A Cut Project Launched Two Entrepreneurs
- Halsey Minor built Merrill Lynch's first intranet called ML Info after a two-year investment banking stint.
- He and Jeff Bezos collaborated on a customized internal news project that got cut, which led both into entrepreneurial paths.
CNET Launched As TV And Web Together
- CNET launched simultaneously as TV shows on USA/Sci‑Fi and online in April 1995 by combining television visuals with online depth.
- Paul Allen funded the venture to marry TV programming with online text depth and Microsoft/TCI interest validated the approach.
Build On The Open Internet Not Walled Gardens
- Embrace open standards: Minor argued proprietary online networks must open to the internet, calling it the 'lingua franca'.
- He convinced partners like Paul Allen that CNET should build on the open internet rather than closed networks.