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Musk Discusses His Views on Content Moderation as Twitter Deal Inches Closer to Completion

Published

2 years ago

May 11, 2022

Musk Discusses His Views on Content Moderation as Twitter Deal Inches Closer to Completion

So what’s the latest on Elon’s great Twitter shake-up?

While we’re still waiting for Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover bid to be finalized, Musk has been slowly doling out more details of his Twitter reinvigoration plan, which he believes will see the app grow its user count by 200% over the next three years, and bring in 5x more revenue by 2028.

Which seems ridiculously optimistic by any measure – but given Musk’s track record with his other companies, no one’s dismissing his plans outright, as maybe he sees something we don’t, and there is actually a pathway to making Twitter a more essential element of people’s everyday lives.

Though from what Elon’s outlining thus far, that pathway’s not exactly clear just yet.

Today, in an interview at the Financial Times’ ‘Future of the Car’ conference, Musk provided some new notes on his Twitter plans, including:

Musk feels that Twitter has a strong left bias because it’s based in San Francisco. Musk’s view is that many Twitter employees would not even realise this bias due to where they’re located
Musk reiterated his plans to open-source Twitter’s feed algorithm, saying that, if he can, he would ‘literally put the Twitter algorithm on GitHub and say like, ‘Hey, anyone want to suggest changes to this? Please go ahead’
Musk indicated that, based on the evidence that he’s seen, he would likely restore former President Donald Trump’s banned account, as permanent bans, in his view, are not effective in the vast majority of cases

The last point is what most are latching onto – ever since the Tesla owner announced his plans to buy Twitter, right-wing pundits have been trumpeting the deal as a win for free speech, and a restoration of their capability to say what they want on the social media platform, free from perceived bias and enforcement aligned with political perspective.

Twitter itself has been working for years to establish a fair and reasonable process for the enforcement of its rules, but in Musk’s view, the banning of Trump was an over-reach, which Musk says, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey agrees with.

In response, Dorsey explained his perspective on the Trump ban:

I do agree. There are exceptions (CSE, illegal behaviour, spam or network manipulation, etc), but generally permanent bans are a failure of ours and don’t work, which I wrote about here after the event (and called for a resilient social media protocol): https://t.co/fQ9KnrCQGX

— jack⚡️ (@jack) May 10, 2022

As you can see, Dorsey had reservations about the decision at the time, and Musk’s view aligns with these concerns. Whether it was the right move or not, the decision to ban Trump has become a ‘line in the sand’ moment, and it will likely be a major point of contention in marking the Elon Musk era at the app, if indeed Musk does move to undo Trump’s ban once he takes ownership of the company (which is still to be confirmed).

Though Trump says that he’s not coming back anyway. The former President is apparently dedicated to building his own social network, Truth Social, which, if it’s successful, could end up making him a lot of money, while also allowing any type of speech that it chooses.

But it’s also hard to imagine that Trump is overly happy speaking to a much smaller audience. Here’s a visual representation of the engagement on Truth Social as it stands right now.

Trump had close to 90 million followers on Twitter when his account was banned, which gave him a huge platform to spread his political messages, while virtually every one of his tweets sparked a new news cycle of its own.

If Musk does reverse Trump’s ban, despite his comments to the contrary, I’m tipping that Trump will be back, which will kick off a new season of ‘Will They Ban Him?’, as he resumes his late night practice of poking his various enemies and critics via his short missives.

The Trump issue aside, Musk’s expanded comments on content moderation in today’s interview do seem a little concerning, in that outside of these larger, more high profile cases, there does seem to be a level of naivety to his understanding of adequate platform moderation.

As per Musk:

“If [Twitter users] say something that is illegal or otherwise just destructive to the world, then there should be perhaps a timeout, a temporary suspension, or that particular tweet should be made invisible or have very limited traction. I think if there are tweets that are wrong and bad, those should be either deleted or made invisible, and a suspension, a temporary suspension is appropriate but not a permanent ban.”

‘Wrong and bad’ is pretty vague, and while I’m sure that Musk has a stronger grasp on the real issues at play than what this statement would suggest, it does seem that he has a way to go in fully understanding the potential harms and dangers of allowing certain types of speech to be amplified via social networks.

In any event, Musk does advocate a form of moderation here, in policing the most harmful types of content. Musk has previously noted that he will align with the laws of each region, in determining what will and won’t be allowed in the app, while he also recently met with Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Markets to discuss the EU plans for content moderation.

So Musk, according to his statements thus far, will look to ensure that Twitter adheres to evolving content laws, in all regions. Which makes sense, and seems like a more ‘hands off’ approach to such issues. But ultimately, that could see Musk’s free speech stance diluted, at least in the eyes of the more extreme elements who are welcoming the Musk era with open arms.

The Trump issue also clouds a bigger question around the potential for tweet censorship under Musk’s leadership – how will the platform deal with requests from the Chinese Government to remove content.

Musk’s main earner, Tesla, is reliant on Chinese manufacturing, with the vast majority of Tesla components manufactured in China. Indeed, Tesla sold more than 70k China-made vehicles in December alone, its highest monthly rate since it started manufacturing in Shanghai in 2019, while almost half of the total 936k cars that the company shipped last year were manufactured in the region.

Tesla itself may be US owned, but China is crucial to its development and growth, and with Twitter currently banned in China, and regularly the focus of pro-CCP propaganda campaigns, it’ll be interesting to see how Musk manages this element as he looks to implement his free speech approach.

As noted, more recently, Musk clarified this stance, noting that Twitter will be beholden to the laws of each region.

Like I said, my preference is to hew close to the laws of countries in which Twitter operates. If the citizens want something banned, then pass a law to do so, otherwise it should be allowed.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 9, 2022

But those guidelines could still prove problematic, because China, India and more recently Russia have sought to quell anti-government sentiment by restricting what’s shared online.

From one perspective, you could say that China’s efforts to block certain topics is aligned with the laws of that region. Does that mean that the CCP should be allowed to simply erase such mentions from an entire platform if it chooses – no matter what, exactly those topics may be? Should Russian be able to call on Twitter to delete mentions of its invasion of Ukraine?

And within this, where does ‘freedom of speech’ begin and end?

And all of this aside, none of Musk’s views on free speech will help the platform stimulate user growth.

How will Twitter triple its user base in three years? Most people that can access Twitter are already well aware of what the platform is and how it works, and they’re either using it or they’re not.

How will Musk convince those who’ve shown no interest in the past to sign up?

There’s still a way to go in understanding the next phase of Musk’s plan, and many elements that need to be considered, in all aspects, before we get some perspective on what, exactly, Twitter will become in its next stage.

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12 Proven Methods to Make Money Blogging in 2024

Published

17 hours ago

May 14, 2024

Entireweb News Bot

This is a contributed article.

The world of blogging continues to thrive in 2024, offering a compelling avenue for creative minds to share their knowledge, build an audience, and even turn their passion into profit. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting, there are numerous effective strategies to monetize your blog and achieve financial success. Here, we delve into 12 proven methods to make money blogging in 2024:

1. Embrace Niche Expertise:

Standing out in the vast blogosphere requires focus. Carving a niche allows you to cater to a specific audience with targeted content. This not only builds a loyal following but also positions you as an authority in your chosen field. Whether it’s gardening techniques, travel hacking tips, or the intricacies of cryptocurrency, delve deep into a subject you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Targeted audiences are more receptive to monetization efforts, making them ideal for success.

2. Content is King (and Queen):

High-quality content remains the cornerstone of any successful blog. In 2024, readers crave informative, engaging, and well-written content that solves their problems, answers their questions, or entertains them. Invest time in crafting valuable blog posts, articles, or videos that resonate with your target audience.

Focus on evergreen content: Create content that remains relevant for a long time, attracting consistent traffic and boosting your earning potential.
Incorporate multimedia: Spice up your content with captivating images, infographics, or even videos to enhance reader engagement and improve SEO.
Maintain consistency: Develop a regular publishing schedule to build anticipation and keep your audience coming back for more.

3. The Power of SEO:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures your blog ranks high in search engine results for relevant keywords. This increases organic traffic, the lifeblood of any monetization strategy.

Keyword research: Use keyword research tools to identify terms your target audience searches for. Strategically incorporate these keywords into your content naturally.
Technical SEO: Optimize your blog’s loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall technical aspects to improve search engine ranking.
Backlink building: Encourage other websites to link back to your content, boosting your blog’s authority in the eyes of search engines.

4. Monetization Magic: Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services. When a reader clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you get a commission.

Choose relevant affiliates: Promote products or services that align with your niche and resonate with your audience.
Transparency is key: Disclose your affiliate relationships clearly to your readers and build trust.
Integrate strategically: Don’t just bombard readers with links. Weave affiliate promotions naturally into your content, highlighting the value proposition.

5. Display Advertising: A Classic Approach

Display advertising involves placing banner ads, text ads, or other visual elements on your blog. When a reader clicks on an ad, you earn revenue.

Choose reputable ad networks: Partner with established ad networks that offer competitive rates and relevant ads for your audience.
Strategic ad placement: Place ads thoughtfully, avoiding an overwhelming experience for readers.
Track your performance: Monitor ad clicks and conversions to measure the effectiveness of your ad placements and optimize for better results.

6. Offer Premium Content:

Providing exclusive, in-depth content behind a paywall can generate additional income. This could be premium blog posts, ebooks, online courses, or webinars.

Deliver exceptional value: Ensure your premium content offers significant value that justifies the price tag.
Multiple pricing options: Consider offering tiered subscription plans to cater to different audience needs and budgets.
Promote effectively: Highlight the benefits of your premium content and encourage readers to subscribe.

7. Coaching and Consulting:

Leverage your expertise by offering coaching or consulting services related to your niche. Readers who find your content valuable may be interested in personalized guidance.

Position yourself as an expert: Showcase your qualifications, experience, and client testimonials to build trust and establish your credibility.
Offer free consultations: Provide a limited free consultation to potential clients, allowing them to experience your expertise firsthand.
Develop clear packages: Outline different coaching or consulting packages with varying time commitments and pricing structures.

8. The Power of Community: Online Events and Webinars

Host online events or webinars related to your niche. These events offer valuable content while also providing an opportunity to promote other monetization avenues.

Interactive and engaging: Structure your online events to be interactive with polls, Q&A sessions, or live chats. Click here to learn more about image marketing with Q&A sessions and live chats.

9. Embrace the Power of Email Marketing:

Building an email list allows you to foster stronger relationships with your audience and promote your content and offerings directly.

Offer valuable incentives: Encourage readers to subscribe by offering exclusive content, discounts, or early access to new products.
Segmentation is key: Segment your email list based on reader interests to send targeted campaigns that resonate more effectively.
Regular communication: Maintain consistent communication with your subscribers through engaging newsletters or updates.

10. Sell Your Own Products:

Take your expertise to the next level by creating and selling your own products. This could be physical merchandise, digital downloads, or even printables related to your niche.

Identify audience needs: Develop products that address the specific needs and desires of your target audience.
High-quality offerings: Invest in creating high-quality products that offer exceptional value and user experience.
Utilize multiple platforms: Sell your products through your blog, online marketplaces, or even social media platforms.

11. Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations:

Partner with brands or businesses relevant to your niche for sponsored content or collaborations. This can be a lucrative way to leverage your audience and generate income.

Maintain editorial control: While working with sponsors, ensure you retain editorial control to maintain your blog’s authenticity and audience trust.
Disclosures are essential: Clearly disclose sponsored content to readers, upholding transparency and ethical practices.
Align with your niche: Partner with brands that complement your content and resonate with your audience.

12. Freelancing and Paid Writing Opportunities:

Your blog can serve as a springboard for freelance writing opportunities. Showcase your writing skills and expertise through your blog content, attracting potential clients.

Target relevant publications: Identify online publications, websites, or magazines related to your niche and pitch your writing services.
High-quality samples: Include high-quality blog posts from your site as writing samples when pitching to potential clients.
Develop strong writing skills: Continuously hone your writing skills and stay updated on current trends in your niche to deliver exceptional work.

Conclusion:

Building a successful blog that generates income requires dedication, strategic planning, and high-quality content. In today’s digital age, there are numerous opportunities to make money online through blogging. By utilizing a combination of methods such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services, you can leverage your blog’s potential and achieve financial success.

Remember, consistency in posting, engaging with your audience, and staying adaptable to trends are key to thriving in the ever-evolving blogosphere. Embrace new strategies, refine your approaches, and always keep your readers at the forefront of your content creation journey. With dedication and the right approach, your blog has the potential to become a valuable source of income and a platform for sharing your knowledge and passion with the world, making money online while doing what you love.

Image Credit: DepositPhotos

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

Published

2 months ago

March 18, 2024

Max

Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

Published

3 months ago

February 26, 2024

Entireweb News Bot

Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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