2024-11-20 04:00:00
The social network Bluesky, which has become X’s biggest competitor in recent days, is committed to decentralization and non-profit organization. The company wants “put your mission above profit,” and CEO Jay Graber comes across as very different ideologically than the “free-speech absolutist” Elon Musk. However, the latest round of financing raised questions about who will actually earn money from the “Bluesky ecosystem”.
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How does Bluesky plan to balance user engagement and innovation with the financial pressures that come from investor funding?
**Interview with Jay Graber, CEO of Bluesky**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jay. With Bluesky rapidly emerging as a competitor to X, many are intrigued by your commitment to decentralization and a non-profit model. Can you share more about how this approach differentiates Bluesky from other social networks, particularly in light of recent financing inquiries?
**Jay Graber:** Absolutely. Our focus at Bluesky has always been about creating a platform that prioritizes users and their data, rather than generating profits for shareholders. We believe a decentralized model will allow for greater user control and transparency in how data is handled, contrasting sharply with other platforms, including those led by figures like Elon Musk.
**Interviewer:** Some critics have pointed out that while decentralization sounds appealing, the recent rounds of financing raise questions about the sustainability of your model. Who stands to gain from the Bluesky ecosystem if it thrives, and how do you respond to concerns that profit motives may still seep into your operation?
**Jay Graber:** That’s a fair point. Our intention is to reinvest resources back into the platform to enhance user experience and further decentralization efforts. While we have funding from investors, our framework is designed to ensure that profits are not the primary goal; instead, we aim to prioritize community needs and innovation.
**Interviewer:** This discussion touches on a larger theme in the tech industry about the balance between profit and purpose. How do you envision the role of users in influencing the direction and governance of Bluesky, especially compared to the more top-down approaches seen in traditional social networks?
**Jay Graber:** User engagement and input are critical to our mission. We are exploring ways to integrate user governance, allowing our community to have a direct say in developments and policies. It’s about creating a platform where the people who use it have genuine ownership and say in its future.
**Interviewer:** This brings us to a thought-provoking question for our readers: In an era where most social networks prioritize profit, would you feel more secure and engaged on a platform like Bluesky that accepts no profit motive, or does the idea of such an organization raise concerns about sustainability and innovation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!