"The Future of Twitter: Unlocking Potential through Community Building"

"The Future of Twitter: Unlocking Potential through Community Building"

Introduction:
Twitter, a complex network of microservices, has had its fair share of challenges and controversies. From its reliance on third-party clients to its struggle with monetization, the social media giant has faced obstacles in maximizing its value. However, the company's financials, social graph, and cultural impact make it an intriguing prospect for potential transformation. This article explores the possibilities of taking Twitter back to its roots and leveraging community building to unlock its true potential.

Understanding the Services Architecture:
Twitter operates through a services architecture, where various functionalities are exposed through APIs. These APIs allow clients, owned or managed by third parties, to build end-user experiences. However, this decentralized approach led to a lack of a clear business model and control over advertising. As a result, Twitter made the decision to limit third-party access to its API, leading to a shift in its monetization strategy.

The Value of Twitter's Social Graph:
While Twitter may not have the same user base as other social media platforms, its users are highly influential, particularly in media, tech, and finance. Twitter's social graph, which represents the connections between users, holds immense value. Understanding users' interests and leveraging this information can be a significant asset for the company.

The Cultural Impact of Twitter:
Twitter's cultural impact cannot be underestimated. While most people may not rely solely on Twitter for news, the platform drives conversations and influences news outlets. Its speed, information density, and interest-driven network effects make it indispensable for a specific group of influential users. Twitter's cultural impact is both large and controversial, further highlighting its significance.

The Need for Transformation:
Considering Twitter's financial struggles and the potential for unlocking its value, a transformation is necessary. One proposed solution is to split Twitter into two separate companies. One company would focus on the core Twitter service, including the social graph, while the other would handle the apps and advertising business. This division would allow for market competition and alternative client experiences, solving the cold start problem for alternative networks.

The Role of Community Building in Token Networks:
In the context of token networks, community building plays a crucial role in creating a decentralized contributor workforce. It goes beyond audience building and focuses on fostering active contributors who can govern and operate the network. When hiring for community building roles, it is important to assess candidates based on their alignment with the community's values, past experience or potential, and ability to execute.

Assessing New Community Building Hires:
To evaluate potential community building hires, consider the following criteria:

1. Value Alignment: Are they aligned with the values and mission of the community?
2. Track Record: Do they have past crypto community building experience, or the potential to become exceptional community operators?
3. Ability to Execute: Can they effectively execute plans and follow through on objectives?

Trialing Candidates:
When ramping up hiring for community building roles, it is beneficial to provide trial candidates with challenges, problems, or objectives to solve and execute. This approach helps assess their problem-solving skills, execution abilities, and fit within the community.

Conclusion:
Twitter's future lies in embracing community building and leveraging its social graph. By splitting the company and fostering competition among alternative clients, Twitter can tap into its untapped potential. Additionally, in the context of token networks, community building becomes a critical factor in creating thriving and decentralized networks. By carefully assessing and trialing potential hires, organizations can build a strong community that drives the success of token networks.