In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and social media, understanding the intricate web of ownership and alliances among tech giants is crucial for any digital platform aiming to make its mark. Today, we delve into the story of WordPress, its commercial arm Automattic Inc., and the perplexing phenomenon of shadow banning that has left many content creators, including us, in a quandary.
WordPress and Automattic: A Tale of Two Entities
WordPress stands as a testament to the power of open-source software, a beacon of community-driven development. It’s a platform that empowers millions to share their voice, managed by the WordPress Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to democratizing publishing. On the flip side, we have Automattic Inc., the for-profit entity that leverages the WordPress software to offer hosting services through WordPress.com. Founded by Matt Mullenweg, Automattic represents the commercial success of the WordPress ecosystem.
The Tech Titan Tango: Collaborations and Independence
Automattic’s founder, Matt Mullenweg, has navigated the company through the tech waters with a clear vision of independence, allowing fruitful collaborations with industry leaders like Google and Facebook and other big tech corporations. This independence is a double-edged sword, providing freedom to innovate while necessitating partnerships that sometimes blur the lines between ally and competitor.
Unseen and Unheard: The Silent Struggle Against Shadow Banning
As a platform dedicated to delivering quality content, we’ve encountered a baffling roadblock—shadow banning. This invisible hurdle seems to stifle our reach, leaving our professional statistics team scratching their heads. We meticulously track all our numbers, likes, and subscribers. Our internal analytics paint a picture of robust engagement and a growing followership, yet the external feedback and visibility are disproportionately low. It raises the question: Are the ties between tech giants and their complex algorithms inadvertently casting a shadow over our platform? The answer is yes, absolutely.
All of our platforms are being shadow banned, and this is unequivocally unfair. Our photography platform, in particular, has suffered significantly, and we are exasperated with this treatment from these companies. When you visit our pages on Facebook, MeWe, or LinkedIn, it’s as if our content is invisible; our pages might as well not exist. Despite having followers on all these platforms, our posts echo into silence—no likes, no shares. Even on WordPress, we encounter subscribers whose profiles seem ephemeral—they subscribe, and then, as if they were never there, they unsubscribe, causing our numbers to plummet. These are not mere coincidences; they are verifiable facts. This should be a massive concern, not just for us, but for everyone. The implications are far-reaching and demand attention.
Furthermore, we invest a significant amount for our space on WordPress, and it’s reasonable to expect fair treatment in return for our payment. As paying customers, we should be able to rely on WordPress to ensure our content is accessible and visible to our audience, free from unjust restrictions or hidden barriers. It’s time for service providers to honor their end of the bargain and support the visibility and growth of our businesses.
Some of you have employers, but what if you started a business? Would you like this to be happening to you? Ask yourself that question. We need people to start sharing what we put out; we need to push through the seams of the ridiculous shadow banning, this censorship that has got a hold on a whole lot of people and businesses.
When I first started this company, we were thriving; the numbers were impressive, and our trajectory was exactly what we had envisioned. However, as we began to share our perspectives on governmental actions—areas where we believe they could improve—we experienced an abrupt and stark invisibility. It’s bewildering, really. These governments are meant to serve us, and it’s our fundamental right to voice our opinions about their conduct. We possess the undeniable right to vote for our preferred candidates. The America that once symbolized the ‘American Dream’ seems to have transformed into something unrecognizable. This America—I’m at a loss for words to describe it now.
We stand for freedom of expression and the right to be heard. It’s time to break the chains of shadow banning and reclaim our voice. Join us in this fight for visibility and fairness. Share our content, spread the word, and let’s ensure that every voice has the chance to be heard. You, me, and our businesses have the right to be seen, no matter your belief system. If this suppression continues and is allowed to persist, success will be unfairly distributed, reserved only for those chosen by the gatekeepers, not for you or the deserving many. We deeply appreciate those of you who share our content and support us. Our hats are off to you. Additionally, we’ve created a new page to honor you, the superheroes who support us with your donations, likes, and shares. If you’re a supporter and would like your name on our ‘Juggernaut Circle of Champions,’ please let us know in the comments below or email us at therealistjug@proton.me
We recognize who you are; we just don’t want to presume to add you without your consent. We can add your page name or your actual name—whatever you prefer. Thank you for your support; we are nothing without you.
The Way Forward
While the concept of shadow banning remains shrouded in mystery, with platforms often providing little to no transparency, we remain undeterred. Our commitment to our audience drives us to seek alternative avenues for growth and to continue producing content that resonates. We call upon our fellow creators to share their experiences and join us in unraveling the intricacies of digital visibility in an age where algorithms dictate reach. Let’s be honest, it costs a lot to open and maintain a business. If these practices lead to failure, are the platforms going to compensate for your losses? Or are you simply out of luck? This is a question that demands attention, as the livelihoods of countless entrepreneurs hang in the balance.
Conclusion
The journey of a content platform is fraught with challenges, but it is the resilience and adaptability that define its success. As we navigate the shadows cast by the tech titans, we remain hopeful, steadfast in our mission to connect with people across the globe. Join us as we explore new horizons and break through the barriers to make our mark on the digital world. No governments, companies, enterprise corporations, or any entity has the right to keep you from profiting and making money. This obstruction to our livelihoods needs to stop!
