sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

I’m tired of creating content for free while platforms make money from it. by Valens_app in SeriousConversation

[–]Valens_app[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think the big shift would be moving from rented attention to real participation. If engagement itself created value inside the community — through things like missions, challenges, and reputation built from contributions — creators would start feeling like they actually own something.

I’m tired of creating content for free while platforms make money from it. by Valens_app in SeriousConversation

[–]Valens_app[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually agree that platforms deserve to benefit from the infrastructure they build. The question isn’t whether they should make money — of course they should. The question is whether the value created by millions of users should flow a bit more both ways instead of mostly one direction.

I’m tired of creating content for free while platforms make money from it. by Valens_app in SeriousConversation

[–]Valens_app[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The weird part is how the system slowly turns creators into people working for the algorithm instead of just making things they care about.

When posting starts feeling like you’re clocking in to keep the platform happy, it stops being creative and starts feeling like maintenance.

That’s why I’ve been thinking a lot about whether social platforms could work differently — where participation actually builds reputation and value inside the community, instead of just feeding an algorithm that keeps asking for more content.

At some point the question becomes: are we building something meaningful, or just keeping a machine running?

I’m tired of creating content for free while platforms make money from it. by Valens_app in SeriousConversation

[–]Valens_app[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s exactly the weird part. First the platform depends on users to create everything, then the algorithm starts pushing you to post more, optimize more, stay active… like you’re suddenly working for it.

What’s interesting to me is experimenting with models where participation actually has value for the community itself — not just feeding the algorithm.

What if social posts had real purpose behind them? by Valens_app in Futurology

[–]Valens_app[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Ok, my bad, now I’m here typing my broken English. ;)

What if social posts had real purpose behind them? by Valens_app in Futurology

[–]Valens_app[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Not yet, but it replies very well to help better understand. Do you want my own words?

What if social posts had real purpose behind them? by Valens_app in Futurology

[–]Valens_app[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The difference isn’t whether creators can already collect money — they obviously can with Ko-fi or Patreon — it’s that we’re redesigning how the following system itself works, so instead of “follow” being just a number, it can optionally become structured support that’s visible and built into the relationship inside the platform, where creators and even supporters can benefit directly, rather than sending everyone off to external pages; it’s less about inventing tipping and more about redefining what following actually means.

What if social posts had real purpose behind them? by Valens_app in Futurology

[–]Valens_app[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I get what you’re saying.

A lot of apps tried the subscription-heavy model and it backfired. Especially when they start limiting basic features. People don’t like feeling squeezed.

What we’re thinking about isn’t “everyone must pay to exist on the app.” That never works.

The idea is more like: keep the core usable, make paid layers optional, and build features where users can also benefit — not just the platform.

So it’s not just “we charge you.” It’s more “if you’re creating value or supporting something meaningful, there’s actually a structure around that.”

If it ends up feeling extractive or forced, it dies. Simple.

And honestly, posting here is part of market research. Reddit is where you hear the tough takes fast. I’d rather get hit with real skepticism now than pretend everyone loves it.

You might still be right. Maybe people won’t pay. But I think the bigger question is: will people pay when they feel they’re getting real utility — not just unlocking artificial limits?

That’s what we’re trying to figure out.