Here is how #platforms die: first, they are good to their users; then they abuse their users to make things better for their business customers; finally, they abuse those business customers to claw back all the value for themselves. Then, they die.
If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:
https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/21/potemkin-ai/#hey-guys
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@pluralistic Has anyone correlated enshittification with changes in the management structure of platforms?
I've seen a bunch of tech companies started by technologists -- nerds -- who were passionate about what they made and who attracted equally passionate users. But as the company grew, the MBAs and professional CEOs were brought in, and everything changed.
Few companies probably begin with enshittification as a goal. But at a given point incentives, focus and management all start to shift.
@angusm @pluralistic Ya know, was just reading the Digital Strategy as well as Integrated Business Plan of a large, publicly funded university, and similar thoughts crept into mind. It's a cancer.
Also: holy motherforking shirtballs, has the corporate administration overhead of universities exploded, with little value add.
I say this as a former corporate practices person. There's no value add except plausible deniability.
Cory Doctorow
Angus McIntyre
Jacky Tweedie
vy
bubbajet