Mastodawn

1/There is nothing more embarrassing than watching hordes of liberals willingly herd themselves into a pen funded by Russian capital. Blue sky’s principal funder Blockchain Capital LLC is run in part by Kirill Dorofeev, who also works for VK, Russia’s state social network.

2/Be aware you are effectively operating behind enemy lines. It may be tactically useful to do so, but don’t pretend there is anything “good” happening here. For all the talk about critical thinking, folks could try using some for once. 🤦

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joecardillo_bluesky-bigtech-socialmedia-activity-7263206291139932161-BTim

Joe Cardillo on LinkedIn: #bluesky #bigtech #socialmedia #platformpower #startups | 118 comments

Many people are making the leap from Twitter/X to Bluesky – even though the design & experience are currently better, I won't be signing up... I worked… | 118 comments on LinkedIn

3/Update: we have reached out to Blockchain Capital to confirm or deny questions posed here. So far they have not responded. However, we will share an updated analysis soon, and report any additional findings.

4/Meanwhile, here is Blockchain Capital founder Bart Stephens complaining in 2023 about the Biden administration as “overtly hostile to crypto” and looking to move out of the country. I asked the company about this as well. Will report back.

https://www.theblock.co/post/231805/blockchain-capital-mulls-expansion

3/Here's the final story with lots of references. See endnotes.
https://america2.news/without-sky-social-media-and-the-end-of-reality/

Without Sky: Social Media and the End of Reality

People are flocking to Bluesky in droves, but creators and users should think critically about the risk of capture by potentially hostile investors.

America 2.0

Masto.poetry Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy
http://betterthanthetimes.com/2024/11/09/wonderful-old-manual-from-the-cia-that-makes-a-great-workbook-for-the-resistance/

this content is stolen from another person on Mastodon. sadly, i cant remember who posted it.

Wonderful old manual from the CIA that makes a great workbook for the Resistance

Did you know that the CIA has a declassified field manual detailing the kinds of sabotage an ordinary person can do with lots of plausible deniability? With like, details for both specific industri…

Better Than The Times

@Mastopoet @davetroy section 11 reminds me of the regular day to day of some companies I’ve worked for.

Marty Fouts Nov 17, 2024

@Mastopoet @davetroy The first example is a frequently used union tactic which is often called “work to rule”.

Little1Lost Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy
Do you have more useful links about the topic?
i want to gather some more resources for clearing misinformation and exposing red&green flags

i mainly use/have
https://bsky.social/about/blog/10-24-2024-series-a
https://rys.io/en/167.html and
https://urbanists.social/@sam/110339902538138997

Bluesky Announces Series A to Grow Network of 13M+ Users - Bluesky

Bluesky now exceeds 13 million users, the AT Protocol developer ecosystem continues to grow, and we’ve shipped highly requested features like direct messages and video.

Bluesky

Gatekeeper..Nov 16, 2024

@Little1Lost @davetroy
JFC...what more do you want...? Wake up snowflake.

Chris Nov 17, 2024

@GatekeepKen booooooo

Nia Molinari Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy great information. Thanks

Oliver Pfleiderer 🇬🇱Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy the guy looks as if they made him up with ai.

Xena362 Nov 16, 2024

@LinHead @davetroy
since I'm an old GenX, I immediately identified the photo of actor Kyle McLaughlin. Ironically, his most famous role was actually as an FBI agent in the cult favorite TV show, Twin Peaks.

Oliver Pfleiderer 🇬🇱Nov 16, 2024

@Xena362 @davetroy Oh, I remember that show (being GenX myself) and you're absolutely right.

The Enemy is Within Nov 19, 2024

@LinHead @Xena362 @davetroy

Warning: humorous post

Kyle McLaughlin is FSB?

Now it really looks like a Russian op.

Is @[email protected] even real.

humorous post end

Synapsid Nov 16, 2024

@Xena362 @LinHead @davetroy
So this is what Cooper got himself up to after being fired from the FBI...

Chris Burgess Nov 17, 2024

@LinHead @davetroy this guy?

Oliver Pfleiderer 🇬🇱Nov 17, 2024

@xurizaemon @davetroy
... Wow!

The Enemy is Within Nov 17, 2024

@LinHead @xurizaemon @davetroy

Block Chain LLC website

No Dorofeev's here

either this is a disinfo op to discredit BSky or, gulp... Dave's wrong?

https://www.blockchaincapital.com/team

Team

Team

Amy Meyers 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦🇺🇸🐸Nov 19, 2024

@Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon @davetroy

Dave’s a troll. Tosses a grenade, can’t back it up with facts. Won’t answer questions. Yet people boost his OP and accept his faked LinkedIn-looking actor-using post as truth and run with it. No research. No reservations. (For the most part.) Three quick Google searches prove the hoax. But folks don’t bother. This is why we wound up with the orange man again. Lack of critical thinking skills. Sigh.

Sascha Pallenberg 🇹🇼 ♻️ ⚡Nov 19, 2024

@Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon @davetroy @amyshark thank you!

Been digging for hours, through archives, startup databases... Nothing!

He calls himself an investigative journalist, won't answer to critical questions and doesn't allow replies in Bluesky. What a shit show!

@pallenberg @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon @amyshark

Thanks for your concern. I'm in the process of finalizing this research and have reached out to Blockchain for comment. I will report back when I get an answer.

Sascha Pallenberg 🇹🇼 ♻️ ⚡Nov 19, 2024

@davetroy @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon @amyshark

man you have one source and you went live with it. Rocketreach features 2 profiles for this name... one is the CFO of X (no kidding!) and the other Agent Cooper from Twin Peaks.

I hate these Blockchain bros invests (maybe) as much as you do but this looks like a nothing burger so far!

@pallenberg @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon @amyshark

As mentioned it is complex, there is a real person attached to those profiles, and the question is what connections if any they have to the company involved. I will have a final report soon.

The Enemy is Within Nov 19, 2024

@davetroy @pallenberg @LinHead @xurizaemon @amyshark 👍

Amy Meyers 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦🇺🇸🐸Nov 20, 2024

@davetroy @pallenberg @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon

Real investigative journalists do the research and then publish the findings with attributions. Posting something on multiple sites claiming X is a fact but I can’t tell you why yet bc it’s complicated doesn’t mean it’s (a) true or (b) newsworthy. In fact, it’s (c) sketchy AF and seems like a publicity grab, a smear campaign, trolling, or all of the above. Put up or shut up.

@amyshark @pallenberg @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon I have given the company a chance to respond. I will report my findings in due course. There is complexity here and I felt it was better to raise all available information than sit on it, given the stakes.

The Enemy is Within Nov 20, 2024

@davetroy @amyshark @pallenberg @LinHead @xurizaemon 👍

Sascha Pallenberg 🇹🇼 ♻️ ⚡Nov 20, 2024

@davetroy @amyshark @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon

Wouldn't it make sense to clarify that you (maybe) unknowingly published a bunch of fake profiles, with fake connections?

I mean THIS is your story so far!

@pallenberg @amyshark @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon the issue is that the profiles aren’t fake; they connect to a real person with relevant background. That needs clarification that can only be provided by Blockchain.

Sascha Pallenberg 🇹🇼 ♻️ ⚡Nov 20, 2024

@davetroy @amyshark @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon

The issue is that your story gives the impression that Bluesky is influenced by Russian VK guys and Steve Bannon buddies.

I am sorry but these profiles are fake profiles no matter if someone with this name exists or not.

@pallenberg @amyshark @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon 1) I don’t have a “story” yet, but will; I shared some unvarnished research in progress, 2) Bluesky is in fact influenced by right wing investors, unfortunately 3) the profiles are not “fake”; they connect to an actual person with ties to the crypto industry, and to California. The only question is whether that person has ties to the company, which only the company can confirm.

Amy Meyers 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦🇺🇸🐸Nov 21, 2024

@davetroy @pallenberg @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon

1) So… you have a concept of a story?
2) Show me proof Bluesky is “in fact” “influenced by” “right wing investors.” I’m not on the platform, so no skin. I want the facts. Who are the investors? Plural. How are they influencing the platform?
3) you want me to believe that’s a real linkedin profile? Or just there is this Russian with ties to crypto and CA? And maybe Bluesky?

Sascha Pallenberg 🇹🇼 ♻️ ⚡Nov 21, 2024

@amyshark @davetroy @Deixis9 @LinHead @xurizaemon

So far this is a big big big nothingburger.

Chris Burgess Nov 21, 2024

@pallenberg @amyshark @davetroy @Deixis9 @LinHead well I got a surprising amount of engagement for a twin peaks gif so there's that I guess

The Enemy is Within Nov 21, 2024

@xurizaemon @pallenberg @amyshark @davetroy @LinHead

Perhaps we all need to wait for a sufficient amount of time?

mark Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy i spoken with several people that have liked going over there. It seems like the network lock in effect carried over with so many people moving at once. When I point out that it's no longer run by the visionary, and that it's sold out to VC, and that it was no other choice but to follow the money squeezing path... I get looked at like I'm wearing a tin foil hat.

I have a literal degree in enshitification. I could consult any business on strategy for monetization. It's only time now

Dutch Investor Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy I love how the two lines directly contradict each other

Strypey Nov 17, 2024

"No shade if you do use Bluesky, but I would recommend continuing to maintain other profiles and no over investing your time/energy, particularly if you are a news organization or content creator/influencer."

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joecardillo_bluesky-bigtech-socialmedia-activity-7263206291139932161-BTim

#HatTip to @davetroy for the link.

Joe Cardillo on LinkedIn: #bluesky #bigtech #socialmedia #platformpower #startups | 118 comments

Many people are making the leap from Twitter/X to Bluesky – even though the design & experience are currently better, I won't be signing up... I worked… | 118 comments on LinkedIn

Mastodon Migration Nov 17, 2024

It's like a bad teen horror movie, where you're yelling and the screen, "Don't go into the basement," and you just know they are going to go into the basement.

Mastodon Migration Nov 17, 2024

So, here's the question. Is anyone in our illustrious Tech Media going to do some reporting on the ownership of Bluesky and these ties ☝️, or is it just going to continue to be a parade of puff pieces?

It would seem that they have a duty to inform their audience, but of course, that hasn't worked too well in the past.

My camera shoots fascists Nov 16, 2024

New boss, old boss ...something ...something ...don't get fooled again ... How does that go?

I'm going to borrow your "operating behind enemy lines" line. Everyone makes such trade-offs constantly, but I think in this case virtually no one realizes that's what they're doing.

Le Sigh.

Skoda the Band Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy Oversimplifying a bit, aren't you :) ?

t s r o n o Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy this post is leaving a bit unclear unfortunately. hopefully there's some more to this that goes towards some solid proof.

harmone Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy What percentage of the Bluesky company does this Russian Kirill Dorofeev own? Is there a place where I can see that percentage? Thanks for the warning not to use Russian controlled software 🙏.

RejZoR Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy I've avoided BlueSky because the founder was the same as for Twitter so you know it'll eventually just become Twitter 2.0 and in the end X 2.0. So, no thanks.

No Gods , no Masters! RESIST Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy Thanks for posting that... it's important!!

Nat Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy his PFP is Agent Cooper-- fuck me lol.

draNgNon Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy while I know that is not your point, is that really his picture in the profile? no. that's not really his picture

isn't that Kyle McLaughlin from "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" ?

well maybe not, he's a bit heavier in that movie, but it IS him from the picture on this article:

https://www.polygon.com/entertainment/23434855/twin-peaks-november-lets-go

The Twin Peaks people are right and November is best the time to watch it

Fall is the perfect time to watch Twin Peaks, David Lynch’s seminal TV mystery and influential cult classic. Already seen Twin Peaks? And Fire Walk With Me? And The Return? Cool! Watch them again.

Polygon

stevenray Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy Bluesky users take note and consider what you're encouraging through your participation.

He's also using Cooper's photo from Twin Peaks as his profile pic, which irks me.

Amy Meyers 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦🇺🇸🐸Nov 16, 2024

@stevenray @davetroy that’s because this is all made up by dear Dave who needs some attention. No legitimate source confirms what he says. He won’t answer questions here or on Democracy Underground, where he posted the same post. Don’t feed the #troll.

stevenray Nov 16, 2024

@amyshark @davetroy ah thanks, Amy. 👍🏻

Ceremus Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy As suspect as I am of bsky's investment funding, as I am their crypto leaning board and CEO, the reason it is currently flourishing and will likely continue to do so is they have a Trust & Safety team actively protecting users and frequently rolling out robust features designed to do the same. That's why Dorsey jumped ship, he believes in "freeze peach" similarly to Musk.

Its T&S is clearly superior to xhitter or Meta, but Mastodon lags behind them as well.

bk Nov 16, 2024

@davetroy
The #socialmedia lesson we can all learn from #xitter is that one should be willing and prepared to pick up and leave any platform at any time.

Thomas DeRamus (he/him/his)Nov 17, 2024

@knutson_brain @davetroy

Yeah I learned that lesson through Facebook around the time of the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing.