I really liked this, Gabe. The distinction between scaling legitimacy versus capacity is a great lens.
Using Broken Windows Theory to screen for character rather than just content is a smart move. It makes sense that if a person can’t respect the simple ground rules, they probably aren't going to add much value to the nuanced debates.
One thought on a potential blind spot as Agorae grows is the Petrified Forest or Negative Social Proof effect. Robert Cialdini has some interesting research on how highlighting bad behavior, even to condemn it, can sometimes backfire. If the focus stays too much on what is being policed, it can inadvertently signal to newcomers that the environment is naturally messy. That makes it easier for them to justify their own lapses.
The real trick for Agorae will be keeping the enforcement strict and transparent without letting those broken windows become the most visible part of the culture. I am curious to see if the subscription model is enough to keep the toxoplasma of rage from taking over.
I would be interested in what the subscription-based model would look like. Any more details on that?
Additionally, how do you plan to gain traction? Most platforms need to reach some amount of critical mass before they become engaging and viable enough for people to check regularly. I wouldn't know what the magical number is, but it seems you would need some fast growth mechanism, so as not to get stuck in an eternal purgatory: a trickle of new people who are very motivated by the vision, who try to engage but only receive sparse comments in return.
A random idea I had while reading: you could give people the option to invite others, creating a sort of platform ancestry (a visible tree of who invited whom). This would build a larger feeling of familiarity, and also make it possible to get a better overview of the nodes (the individual members and how they connect to one another), this should be something people can toggle on/off. It might also help to defuse discussions, or to see others as acting in better faith, since you can easily relate to the two or three contacts you have in common.
I really liked this, Gabe. The distinction between scaling legitimacy versus capacity is a great lens.
Using Broken Windows Theory to screen for character rather than just content is a smart move. It makes sense that if a person can’t respect the simple ground rules, they probably aren't going to add much value to the nuanced debates.
One thought on a potential blind spot as Agorae grows is the Petrified Forest or Negative Social Proof effect. Robert Cialdini has some interesting research on how highlighting bad behavior, even to condemn it, can sometimes backfire. If the focus stays too much on what is being policed, it can inadvertently signal to newcomers that the environment is naturally messy. That makes it easier for them to justify their own lapses.
The real trick for Agorae will be keeping the enforcement strict and transparent without letting those broken windows become the most visible part of the culture. I am curious to see if the subscription model is enough to keep the toxoplasma of rage from taking over.
Great 👍🏽
I would be interested in what the subscription-based model would look like. Any more details on that?
Additionally, how do you plan to gain traction? Most platforms need to reach some amount of critical mass before they become engaging and viable enough for people to check regularly. I wouldn't know what the magical number is, but it seems you would need some fast growth mechanism, so as not to get stuck in an eternal purgatory: a trickle of new people who are very motivated by the vision, who try to engage but only receive sparse comments in return.
A random idea I had while reading: you could give people the option to invite others, creating a sort of platform ancestry (a visible tree of who invited whom). This would build a larger feeling of familiarity, and also make it possible to get a better overview of the nodes (the individual members and how they connect to one another), this should be something people can toggle on/off. It might also help to defuse discussions, or to see others as acting in better faith, since you can easily relate to the two or three contacts you have in common.