𝕏’s new monetization system will promote more self censorship, not free speech

This is why I will likely always remain centrally located here on Substack

Screenshot from an 𝕏 space I sat in on where monetization was discussed in depth

“I view this as a modern day social credit system.”

-Laura Loomer

I was convinced that Elon Musk’s takeover would be a good thing for free speech. In the short term, it has been.

However, the more I listen in on spaces featuring top content creators on the platform where they give tips on how to monetize your content, I worry that the focus is shifting away from free speech — if it was ever the main focus to begin with.

In the space titled LOOMER v. KRASSENSTEIN that I sat in on tonight, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Laura Loomer’s arguments against the

Krassenstein

brothers. I actually subscribe to Brian Krassenstein, one of the twins, so this isn’t intended to be a smear towards them, as I do appreciate their perspectives.

The thing I do disagree with Brian on is whether this new system 𝕏 has implemented is actually as positive as he believes it to be. To be fair, we are looking at it from two different angles. You can see what he thinks in this post.

Brian’s Post on the ad sharing program. Follow the hyperlink to see his full post.

It’s starting to seem that 𝕏 is actually going in a very similar direction YouTube did when the “Adpocolypse” occurred. Content creators were forced to censor themselves to continue to make a living on the platform.

The difference here is that 𝕏 is giving ad companies the ability to selectively apply their ads to creator’s posts, whereas YouTube’s system has historically applied ads to a creator’s content unless they find specific posts to be in violation of their monetization policies.

One thing worth highlighting — as I quickly touched on above — is that 𝕏 does allow for direct subscriptions to creators, but you have to have a minimum of 500 followers to enable this feature.

If we allow ad companies to dictate our speech so we can collect a paycheck, are we even exercising our 1st Amendment rights to the fullest extent? To me, freedom of expression is NOT making sure to say all the politically correct, or “acceptable” things — effectively walking on egg shells every time you say something on social media.

My comment in the reply thread of the LOOMER v. KRASSENSTEIN space

I prefer to collect my thoughts on things, and speak my mind regardless of whether people will disagree or be offended.

Controversies aren’t easy or comfortable to discuss. But, opening the door for discussion, and facilitating a space where people can debate ideas is absolutely critical to a functioning democracy. It’s the only way we can actually find solutions to the problems we face collectively.

This is why I will continue to work hard at building something here on Substack. It’s one of the only true free speech platforms that exists today.

You are in control.

They allow for monetization, but the reader-writer relationship is one that allows for the reader to directly support their favorite creators. It’s not a system that’s beholden to any corporate entity or organization that will pull the rug from underneath you at any moment.

This is invaluable.