The first time I've seen a well written critique of activist investors like Carl Icahn. He certainly scuttled any chance that Blockbuster had of succeeding. He's often right about small details when it comes to traditional companies and where to cut costs (as are many activist investors), but this story reads like he sabotaged Blockbuster when it had an actual substantial and viable chance to compete. I had not heard this story before, I always assumed Blockbuster was just too dumb to compete, but it wasn't the case at all. And, interesting if people like Hastings knew the forces at play in his competitors, and as Strategery points out, can play the long game when they know their competitors can't. Terrific article, as usual.