Tag Archives: left

Elon Musk, AI, and ‘Radical Left Activism’: Insights from Wikipedia’s Creator on Its Greatest Threat

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Few websites are as essential to the internet as Wikipedia.

This digital encyclopedia was established by Jimmy Wales roughly 25 years ago while he was involved with the expert-driven initiative “Nupedia.”

Although Nupedia didn’t gain traction, its successor evolved into one of the most significant platforms online. Currently, there are over 7 million articles available in English alone.

So, where does Wikipedia stand as distinguishing fact from fiction becomes increasingly challenging and artificial intelligence (AI) transforms how we generate and access knowledge?

To explore this, BBC Science Focus held a discussion with Wales. He shared insights on the evolution of platforms over the last two decades, the challenge of sustaining trust and neutrality amidst misinformation, and how AI might shape the future.







SF: You’ve mentioned that social media contributes to a decline in trust. Can Wikipedia still thrive in such an environment?

JW: I believe we can certainly hold our own. I don’t necessarily view it as a competition, akin to business rivalries or transportation competition.

There’s a growing sentiment advocating for a shift from cultural conflicts to more thoughtful and respectful interactions, embracing differences, and promoting dialogue across divides.

Yet, division is an inherent aspect of human nature. For instance, when people discuss today’s youth, they often claim they lack attention spans and are perpetually glued to their phones. However, it’s evident that while they enjoy captivating short-form content, they can also binge-watch intricate TV series for extended hours.

Both represent facets of the human experience and can exist simultaneously—light-hearted social media and serious inquiry. Much like our dietary habits, we should ensure a balance, avoiding just junk food while incorporating nutritious options.

SF: How has Wikipedia managed to foster a relatively constructive culture while the rest of the internet seems to decline?

JW: I appreciate your use of “relatively constructive,” which recognizes that we face internal disputes and occasional anger—it’s part of being human.

It’s fundamentally about design—both in terms of software and what I term community design. It’s a blend of various factors.

When a business model relies heavily on ad revenue and user engagement, it becomes tempting to promote content that elicits longer viewing times, anger, or arguments, rather than happiness. This approach can be unhealthy in the long term.

Conversely, Wikipedia operates without ads and is funded by public donations. Thus, our model positions us as a charity, which means we aim to minimize clicks and keep users engaged without overwhelming them.

This necessitates a divergent approach to site design and community guidelines.

Civilized discussion is crucial. Without it, Wikipedia could become rampant with misinformation. I believe numerous foundational elements contribute to our success.

SF: Recently, Wikipedia has encountered increased criticism—Elon Musk even referred to it as “Walkpedia.” How do you feel about that?

JW: That’s unfortunate. When Elon labels us “Walkpedia,” he’s mistaken and misinformed. That assertion is baseless.

For instance, regarding transgender topics, there’s a common “gotcha” question: “What is a woman?” Wikipedia’s entry for “female” defines it as “an adult female human being.” This is indisputable, isn’t it?

Furthermore, the entry also addresses more nuanced discussions surrounding gender in society, which add depth.

Elon Musk recently introduced Grokipedia, an AI-powered competitor to Wikipedia – Credit: Getty

Claiming that we’ve turned into some sort of radical leftist organization is simply misguided. Of course, there are areas worthy of refinement. At times, you may examine an article and feel it’s unjust towards one party, and these instances require critical reflection and effort.

The solution lies in engaging more individuals. I would welcome more compassionate and thoughtful individuals who recognize bias in Wikipedia articles to realize that contributions stem from source material, rather than assuming it’s the work of some radical activist ready to block dissenters.

While certain perspectives may lack representation, we can incorporate them and work toward a more balanced viewpoint.

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SF: As reliance on AI for information grows, could Wikipedia face obsolescence?

JW: I hesitate to say “never,” as the future of technology is unpredictable. However, at present, we don’t foresee a significant impact in that regard.

A Pew Research study indicates that Wikipedia appears in about 3% of the top 10 results in standard Google searches, whereas Google’s AI summaries link to Wikipedia approximately 6% of the time.

This dynamic means Wikipedia is frequently referenced in Google AI summaries, although fewer users are inclined to click those links. We’re not overly concerned about clicks, but it remains a trend to monitor.

Personally, I utilize AI extensively and have discovered that its strengths lie in scenarios that wouldn’t typically generate interest on Wikipedia.

Forty years ago, I would have assumed that the first AI able to write in English would be dull and purely factual, merely regurgitating information. Surprisingly, I find that AI excels in creative brainstorming. It’s impressively effective.

Jimmy Wales was the first individual to edit Wikipedia, writing “Hello, World!” right after its launch in 2001. – Credit: Getty

SF: Are you concerned that Wikipedia’s biases could influence the AI models trained on its extensive content?

JW: Absolutely. This is a crucial focus, particularly for those developing AI models.

From what I’ve observed, the largest data sources for most advanced language models (LLMs) are Wikipedia and Reddit. While both are valuable, they have inherent limitations, particularly since both are predominantly male-dominated.

We are striving for awareness, as Wikipedia prioritizes neutrality. Yet, if we’re not vigilant, we risk unintentionally reinforcing existing biases.

At the same time, LLMs can be trained and directed, making it feasible to envision an AI continuously navigating through Wikipedia, identifying biases, and flagging articles in need of revision.

If utilized appropriately, this process could highlight instances where, for example, articles about male Nobel Prize-winning economists mention their families, while articles about female winners do not. Such insights are intriguing and may go unnoticed.

This conversation has been condensed for brevity and clarity.

Jimmy Wales’ new book, The 7 Rules of Trust, is available for purchase now.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Study Reveals Two-Thirds of Cats Favor Sleeping on Their Left Side

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Recent findings from researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum, Ankara University at Prince Edward Island, and Bari Aldo Moro University reveal that two-thirds of domestic cats (Felis Catus) tend to sleep on their left side. This orientation provides them with a left field of vision, allowing the right hemisphere of their brain to have an unobstructed view of impending approach, while protecting their body.

Isparta et al. We propose that the significant left-side preference in cat sleep may have evolved alongside hemispheric asymmetry related to threat assessment. Image credits: Noah Dustin von Weissenfrue / Gleb Kuzmenko / Isparta et al., doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.043.

“Sleep represents one of the most vulnerable states for animals, particularly during deep sleep when vigilance to threats is notably diminished.”

“Domestic cats act as both predators and prey (to animals like coyotes), averaging 12-16 hours of sleep per day.”

“This implies they spend around 60-65% of their lives in highly susceptible states.”

“To minimize the risk of becoming prey, cats tend to rest in elevated locations, where they can better see approaching threats while remaining concealed.”

“In such elevated spots, predators can typically only approach from below.”

“Thus, resting at height affords cats a sense of safety, comfort, and a vantage point to observe their surroundings.”

The authors of this study examined 408 publicly available YouTube videos featuring individual cats lying on their sides in clear sleep positions, ensuring unbroken sleep durations of at least 10 seconds with full visibility from head to tail.

Only original, unedited videos were considered; those that were low resolution, obscured, duplicated, or altered (such as mirror images or selfies) were excluded.

The findings showed that 266 cats (65.1%) exhibited left-oriented sleep positions, while 142 demonstrated a significant left-sided bias as a population, compared to the 34.8% that slept on their right side.

“A cat that sleeps on its left side gains awareness of its environment upon waking with a left field of vision processed by the right hemisphere,” explained the researchers.

“This hemisphere is critical for spatial awareness, handling threats, and coordinating quick escape responses.”

“When a cat awakens after sleeping on its left side, visual cues regarding predators or prey are relayed directly to the right hemisphere of the brain.

“This suggests that favoring the left side while sleeping might be a strategic survival behavior.”

study published in the journal Current Biology.

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Sevim Isparta et al. 2025. Sleeping orientations of domestic cats on both sides. Current Biology 35 (12): R597-R598; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.043

Source: www.sci.news

Minister Warns British Workers Risk Being Left Behind by AI Advancements

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British workers need to embrace AI and turn their apprehensions into “exhilarating” experiences, or risk being outpaced by their peers, stated the technical secretary.

Peter Kyle urged both employees and businesses to “act quickly” to engage with new technologies.

Innovations like the advent of ChatGPT have triggered significant investments in technology, although it is expected that numerous roles across various sectors, including law and finance, will be impacted.

Kyle remarked: “[Using AI] leads to a sense of exhilaration, as it is often simpler than people think and more rewarding than they anticipate.”

After speaking with the leader of a technology firm, Kyle addressed the government’s initiative to train 7.5 million British workers in AI by 2030, with support from companies like Google, Amazon, and BT.

He added:

“It’s an optimistic message: act now, and you’ll prosper in the future. Failing to act could leave some behind, which is my biggest concern.”

Kyle pointed out a generational divide in AI usage, noting that individuals over 55 are adopting AI technologies more than those over 35. He suggested that merely two and a half hours of training might bridge this gap.

“There’s no need for people to delve into quantum physics,” Kyle emphasized. “They simply need foundational training on how AI functions and how to engage with it, discovering the opportunities available to them in the workplace.”

This week, Keir Starmer acknowledged that many are “skeptical” about AI and anxious about their job security. At London Tech Week, the Prime Minister stated that the government aims to demonstrate how technology can “generate wealth in your community” and significantly enhance public services.

According to recent polling data shared with the Guardian, individuals in English-speaking nations, such as the UK, the US, Australia, and Canada, express greater anxiety about AI’s rise compared to those in the largest EU economies.

Predictions regarding AI’s impact on employment vary, with organizations like the OECD warning that automation may lead to job losses in skilled sectors like law, healthcare, and finance. The International Monetary Fund reports that 60% of jobs in advanced economies like the US and UK are at risk from AI, with half potentially facing negative repercussions.

Nonetheless, the Tony Blair Institute advocates for the broad adoption of AI across both public and private sectors, arguing that potential job losses in the UK private sector will be offset by new roles created through technology.

Kyle expressed his intention to reset the conversation around AI and copyright after opposing the government’s proposed revisions to copyright law. The Data Bill, which included controversial provisions allowing AI firms to use copyrighted material without consent, was approved after no further amendments related to copyright were submitted by the Lords.

“I approach this with humility and a willingness to reflect on how I could have handled things better,” he stated. “I am committed to moving forward with a renewed focus on what creative rights can offer in the digital age, akin to the benefits enjoyed by generations in the analog era.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unusual Events on the Moon: Our Team is Left Scratching Their Heads

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A recent study by NASA has uncovered an unexpected and curious fact about the moon’s deep interior.

Utilizing data from the Grail Spacecraft, researchers found that the side of the moon facing Earth is “bending” more than the far side, indicating a remarkably unstable internal structure between the two hemispheres.

“We have long believed the moon to be spherically symmetrical deep down, so encountering clear evidence to the contrary was both surprising and challenging,” said Dr. Ryan Park, the study’s lead author and head of the Solar System Dynamics Group at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

Published in Nature, the study reveals that the moon visible from Earth deforms more significantly under the gravitational influence of Earth than on its far side, measured using ultra-precision gravity techniques.

This finding relies on a metric known as the “Love number,” which quantifies the extent to which a celestial body deforms due to tidal forces. After nearly a decade of intricate calculations involving millions of parameters, the team found that the Love number was approximately 72% greater than what would be expected for a symmetrically spherical moon.

“When we first calculated higher Love numbers than anticipated, our team was genuinely perplexed,” Park noted. However, the calculations confirmed it: the moon exhibits instability both internally and externally.

These views of the near and far side of the moon are compiled from observations by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. -NASA/JPL-Caltech

The cause? The mantle on the near side is warmer and less rigid compared to the far side, attributed to radioactive heating early in the moon’s history.

This phenomenon is likely due to ancient geological activities. The near side contains a significantly higher concentration of radioactive materials, including up to 10 times more thorium. These elements emit heat as they decay.

Billion years ago, this heat led to the formation of pockets of partially melted rock, sparking massive volcanic eruptions. These eruptions resurfaced the near side with dark plains known as “Mare,” while the far side remained rugged and cratered.

This study generates the most comprehensive gravity map of the moon to date. Future missions, such as NASA’s Artemis program, aim to enhance navigation on the lunar surface and aid in developing lunar navigation systems.

Looking to other regions of the solar system, Park plans to apply a similar methodology to investigate the metal-rich asteroid Psyche and the icy moons of Jupiter, particularly Europa.

“The most astonishing aspect was how pronounced the asymmetry was,” Park added. “This compelled us to examine the intricacies of the moon’s thermal and structural evolution, ultimately yielding new insights into how the moon—and potentially other celestial bodies—develop internal disparities over billions of years.”

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About our experts

Ryan Park is the supervisor of the Solar System Dynamics Group at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. His research has been featured in prestigious journals, including Science, Journal of Astrophysics, and Nature.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Private Organizations Rise to Fill the Science Gap Left by Trump Administration Cuts

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Following the rejection of numerous authors by the Trump administration for the upcoming national climate assessment, two scientific organizations have embarked on initiatives to publish special collections of climate change research.

Earlier this week, researchers were informed that their contributions would no longer be needed for the national climate assessment.

The future of this assessment is uncertain, and some authors have voiced concerns that its integrity is compromised, lacking scientific rigor or the ability to adequately convey the risks associated with climate change.

Robert Kopp, a professor of Earth and Planetary Science at Rutgers University and one of the authors affected by the recent decisions regarding the National Climate Assessment, commented:

In response to the administration’s actions, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) announced on Friday their plans to curate a special collection focused on climate research, as stated in press releases from both organizations.

As per the news release, this collection will span over 20 peer-reviewed journals and aims to “sustain momentum” in the work relevant to the National Climate Assessment, in light of the author and staff rejections.

AGU President Brandon Jones noted in a statement that this special collection is not meant to serve as an “alternative” to the national climate assessment but represents “a unique opportunity to publish new research and reviews that could support climate assessments focused on the U.S.”

The White House has not commented on the rationale behind the rejection of National Climate Assessment authors or the administration’s plans moving forward.

The 1990 Global Change Research Act mandates the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) to submit reports to the President and Congress every four years, with national climate assessments previously satisfying this obligation. These reports summarize the best available science on climate change physics, its effects on the U.S., and societal adaptations. They also include localized climate forecasts for various regions to inform the public about community risks.

The latest assessment, published in 2023, comprised around 2,200 pages across 37 chapters. It highlighted that the lower 48 states have experienced an average warming of 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970, alongside increasingly severe weather events and costly disasters.

“If you’re a state official, business leader, or a member of the public looking to understand the impacts of climate change on the economy, coastal areas, or human health,” Kopp stated:

The National Climate Assessment is a culmination of the efforts of hundreds of researchers volunteering their time, although it is organized by USGCRP staff. In April, the White House ceased funding for this organization.

“I have no insight into the plan; I don’t think anyone does,” Kopp remarked. “They have let go of all the authors and staff of the Global Change Research Program, leaving some government positions currently unfilled.”

The USGCRP website currently states, “We are reviewing the operation and structure of USGCRP.”

Kopp mentioned that the authors of the National Climate Assessment had dedicated about a year to summarizing the chapters intended for their 2027 report and evaluating relevant themes. This summary has already been submitted for review to the federal agency, and the authors are now considering how best to proceed with it.

“We cannot replicate the NCA unless there is an organization prepared to take charge and staff up,” Kopp concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Three million years ago, a cosmic cloud left Earth exposed to interstellar space

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Illustration of a protection bubble around the sun (yellow dot) and the earth (blue dot)

Harvard Radcliffe Institute

Two to three million years ago, the solar system encountered galactic-scale turbulence and collided with dense interstellar clouds, potentially altering both the Earth's climate and evolution.

Only recently have researchers been able to map the Sun's orbit through the Galaxy, particularly in relation to the relatively dense hydrogen clouds that pass through the interstellar medium, the vast expanse of space between star systems.

the current, Merab Offer A research team from Boston University in Massachusetts has found evidence that one of these clouds, a “local cold cloud ribbon” in Lynx, likely intersects with the Sun's heliosphere.

The heliosphere is a protective cocoon or bubble formed by the solar wind pushing out to the edge of the solar system. Within the heliosphere, the planet is protected from the worst gamma radiation in the galaxy.

The new study proposes that as the solar system passed through the interstellar cloud, the heliosphere retreated from it and moved inward toward the Sun. The researchers think that the heliosphere may have shrunk so much that Earth was outside the protective cocoon provided by the solar wind, perhaps for around 10,000 years.

Merab and his colleagues used the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite to map the location of the dense, cold clouds and the sun's past orbit.

Ofer says the heliosphere's encounter with the cold cloud coincides with deposits of the elements plutonium-244 and radioactive iron-60 in Antarctic ice, deep-sea cores and lunar samples. These elements, which originated from distant supernovae, would have been captured in interstellar clouds and deposited while Earth was outside the heliosphere.

“There are signs of an increase in these elements over the past two years. [million] “The solar cloud record going back 3 million years provides compelling evidence that the Sun did in fact pass through it around 2 million years ago,” Offer says. “The exposure of Earth to a cloud of cold interstellar material and the associated increase in atmospheric hydrogen and radiation almost certainly had a major impact on Earth and its climate.”

Sarah Spitzer The University of Michigan researcher says the paper provides “compelling” evidence that the heliosphere was exposed to a much denser interstellar cloud two to three million years ago. As the solar system passed through that dense, cold cloud, Earth would have been outside the heliosphere and directly exposed to the interstellar environment, she says.

“Understanding this can teach us about the impact interstellar material has had on life on Earth in the past,” Spitzer says, “but it also helps us better understand the impact the heliosphere has on life on Earth today, what would happen if Earth were exposed to interstellar material again in the future, and when that might happen.”

Evan Economo Researchers from Japan's Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology say it's intriguing to consider how encounters in “our nearby space” could have influenced the environment experienced by life on Earth.

“The heliosphere is part of the extended environment experienced by life on the Earth's surface, influencing climate and radiation from space,” he says. “If we had been outside the heliosphere for a period of time, it could have altered the evolutionary trajectory of a wide range of life, including humans. Such connections are highly speculative at this point, but they provide us with new research directions.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Helldivers 2: A Co-op Shooter That Rivals Left 4 Dead – A Review

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IIf you’ve ever dreamed of starring in your own version of Paul Verhoeven’s biting sci-fi satire Starship Troopers, fear not now. Your wish has already been answered. A sequel to the 2015 top-down co-op shooter, Helldivers 2 sees a squad of burly space marines swoop down onto an alien planet, inspired by patriotic slogans, and crush anything that moves with ultra-high-tech weaponry. It’s an online game. Some of them involve giant insect monsters, and some involve robots. However, the result is the same, so it doesn’t really matter. Industrial slaughter with guts flying out. And like the movie it’s based on, Helldivers 2 is a surprisingly fun and entertaining game.

There’s not much to explain in advance. It’s the future, and Earth, now known as Super-Earth, finds itself under threat from alien monsters from a distant planet, a planet that happens to be rich in mineral deposits. You start with a basic spaceship and a rudimentary warrior, then choose a world to visit and a mission to undertake, then land on land and begin educating the local population in the joys of militarized democracy . You can take on the mission alone, but it’s even better when you play with three other her players. This is truly cooperative play. Everyone gets a set of primary and secondary weapons (meaning a shotgun, SMG, assault rifle, and pistol), and a grenade. However, during battle you can also summon strategic gems, special weapons and items, ranging from orbital missile attacks to defensive shields and automatic machine gun turrets.




A wonderfully entertaining “Helldivers 2”. Photo provided by: Sony Computer Entertainment

Missions range from raising patriotic flags to recalibrating communications equipment to rescuing civilian settlers, but there are always side tasks like destroying bases or exploring abandoned research stations. You can also find samples that you can collect to buy upgrades for your spaceship, as well as medals that allow you to get new armor and custom his items. The main currency is demand vouchers, which pay for new strategies from a huge and exotic list. There is one currency, “Super Credits,” which can be purchased with real money, but the developer, Arrowhead Game Studios, notes that the things you buy with them (mostly body armor and helmets) are not required for progression, and that you can purchase them with real money. I claim it can be done. Earn Super Credits in the game anyway. I’ve never felt the need to buy anything while playing and leveling up for hours.

The gameplay loop is so tight that it can become laughably slim if done poorly. Team up, attack planets, kill stuff, collect stuff, then extract it and count your earnings to buy better weapons. Repeat until exhausted. Leveling up unlocks new collections of more powerful hardware, but it’s basically the same thing until a planet is “liberated” and you and all other players around the world move to another location. (yes, it’s there). ™ is a global real-time battle map where all participants contribute to intergalactic peace efforts).



On a mission…Helldiver 2. Photo provided by: Sony Computer Entertainment

Why doesn’t this tire quickly? Because Arrowhead focuses its design attention on making every aspect of the experience highly enjoyable. The guns are chunky, varied, and impactful. Each direct hit is accompanied by the gurgle of insects and a tangle of metal, while the sounds of missile strikes and napalm explosions are a fiery symphony of destruction. This is a game that truly understands the value of intense, disproportionate feedback.

Visually, Helldivers 2 benefits greatly from the move from top-down to fully third-person 3D visuals. And the air smells like cordite?

The best shooters encourage players to participate in a way that fits the tone and world of the game, and Helldivers 2 is definitely one of them.

Helldivers 2 is now available on PC and PS5

Source: www.theguardian.com

Adobe left with a big gap as $20 billion Figma deal falls through

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Adobe and Figma ended their $20 billion takeover dream this morning after regulators signaled tough times ahead. Figma still receives a $1 billion stipend as part of the deal, and as co-design lead, he should stand up well.

But it could be a different story for Adobe. They knew that the product they offered to compete with this company, XD, was not very strong, and they really wanted this company. They sought to use their corporate influence to seize advantageous aspects of their core creator businesses by acquiring market leaders.

But ultimately, the regulatory hurdles proved too much for them, and after more than a year of back and forth in regulatory meetings, both companies realized it wasn’t going to happen and decided to exit. decided.

Adobe put on a brave face their official statement, but I can’t help but be deeply disappointed with this result. “Adobe and Figma have shared a vision to jointly redefine the future of creativity and productivity, and we continue to leverage the huge market opportunity and mission to change the world through personalized digital experiences. We remain in a good position to do so.”

It’s not clear that Adobe could be in such a strong position without Figma, but it’s certainly true that Adobe is willing to pay a hefty price to have it under its wing. They were never able to convince regulators that this was not a blatant power grab by wealthy corporations to use their economic clout to take over the market.

Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s chief executive officer for competition, has made it clear that she believes this is just such an attempt. her official statement. “By merging these two companies, the proposed acquisition would end all current and stop all future competition between the two companies. Our thorough investigation shows that this We found that this could lead to higher prices, lower quality, or less choice for customers.”

Ray Wang, founder and principal analyst at Constellation Research, says this is a major setback for Adobe, forcing it to return to its design collaboration tool, XD. “Adobe realized that in a world of Generative AI, the value is not in content creation, but in coordinating the work of content. This deal takes Adobe back two years and expands the reach of this important market. “This will give us an incentive to revamp XD to cover this,” he said.

Adobe General Counsel Dana Rao told TechCrunch in October that the company has largely dismantled its XD team and is fully committed to meeting its product needs with Figma. “We tried to get in there [collaborative design] I used XD but it failed. We abandoned the product. Basically, our annual revenue never exceeded $15 million to $17 million. “I think he’s down to five full-time employees, but they continue to work according to their contractual requirements,” he said. “So if we’re going to get into the product design space, for us it’s going to be acquiring Figma,” he said at the time.

On the plus side, the company now has a lot of cash on hand that it wouldn’t have had had the deal gone through, and it could probably put it to better use in a post-generation AI world. Brent Leary says. Co-founder and Partner of CRM Essentials. “This deal was announced before ChatGPT, and the world has changed dramatically since then. And this could mean that Adobe could take back his $20 billion and adjust and shape the content creation process post-ChatGPT.” It might actually work better because of its gender,” he said.

Wang said the company may also consider acquiring other collaboration startups such as Milo, web flow or invision, which raised $476 million, $335 million, and $356 million, respectively (according to Crunchbase data). None of this would make him a perfect successor to Figma, but perhaps he could give the company a head start in the collaboration space without the kind of scrutiny it received in the Figma acquisition attempt. Sho.

Figma, for its part, hasn’t stopped since this deal was announced, moving forward and planning as an independent company. In fact, this startup has employed 500 people since September 2022. Additionally, we have developed new features including tools. For developers And we have a generative AI layer on top of the popular FigJam whiteboard tool.

John Lilly, an early investor in Figma, said he was enthusiastic about the company remaining independent. “This team is a very special team. Over the last 10 years, they have completely changed the way design works. And this market for designing products is much larger and growing faster.” Lilly told TechCrunch.

If he’s right, that’s exactly why Adobe wanted to buy the company. Now, with Figma continuing to operate on its own and a startup full of the same potential it had before the acquisition was announced in September 2022, Adobe will need to rethink its design collaboration strategy, and perhaps at this point You basically have to start from scratch, not in the position you were in.

Source: techcrunch.com

Small businesses fill advertising vacuum left behind by departing blue-chip companies on X site

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Small business owners are trying to capitalize on the shift of big advertisers away from X, betting that this will allow them to reach a wider audience on the platform. a source told On the Money.

Amid controversy over anti-Semitism, big advertisers like Disney, IBM and Comcast are siphoning hundreds of millions of dollars in ad dollars from Elon Musk’s social network, while some small business owners He says he is secretly grateful for this drama and is using it as an opportunity. Buy ads cheap.

“I’m not competing with the big boys anymore,” one executive said of the decision to start buying ads on X. “All the top investors and prominent businessmen I want to reach are still on the platform.”

The decline in advertising is a big problem for the company formerly known as Twitter. Although X is pushing growth in other business areas, 75% of the company’s revenue still comes from advertising, and 80% of advertising revenue comes from advertising for large companies, the source added.


Although X is driving growth in other business areas, 75% of the company’s revenue still comes from advertising. Paola Morongello

Bloomberg reported this week that X is expected to earn $2.5 billion in ad revenue this year, which is lower than the $3 billion advertisers expected it to earn this year, and that X will earn $4 billion in ad revenue in 2022. It is said that it will not reach much. .

But X is leaning toward disaster for lack of a better option, and I added a blog post to that effect this week.

“We want to do more for SMBs. With X, we are positioned to be the single interface for SMBs.”

An X spokesperson highlighted the fact that small and medium-sized businesses can easily buy advertising on the platform without going through an agency, don’t have to sign long-term contracts, and can spend whatever amount they want.

One advertiser said some amount of hate speech on the platform was “inevitable” but said the return of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was enough to make them temporarily reconsider their ad spend. . “I’m furious with Elon…why would he do something like that?”

Last month, Musk told advertisers to “pick themselves up.” Even though he acknowledged that the platform could fail without advertisers.

When it comes to user experience, many people at X say they’ve seen a hodgepodge of random advertisers lately.

“I’ve received the most random ads – Invest Qatar, Investor’s Edge, Next After – and I’ve never heard of any of them,” said one source who started noticing the random ads. “It’s like we’re scraping the bottom of the barrel.”

Source: nypost.com