I don't think Twitter is responsible for the destruction of society. It's a flea fart in a hurricane. MSM holds first place in the news-pollution category.
Totally correct. I would take this 1 step further and say corporate media. It all fell apart when individual media outlets were gobbled up by a handful of greedy corporations.
Considering that the mainstream media is the mouthpiece and propaganda arm for the government, with an ever increasing staff full of ex government people, and a revolving door with government, you might want to reassess the “corporate” aspect of it. The only way corporations have any power is via government.
The alternative is state run media without even the pretense of being private, and if you think today is Orwellian, take a look at the state run media well…anywhere.
Exactly right. It has not always been that way. When large corporations started gobbling up independent media outlets and our congress sat around with their thumbs up their butts as these oligarchies started making as opposed to reporting the news, that paved the way for the government to be purchased by what amounts to be the elitists that run the media. Then they granted big tech monopoly rights with complete immunity and the whole bunch being a merry band of criminals. Our youth are totally unaware that they are being played as pawns through censorship in social media. They only hear one side and that side is a lie. However, they only get their news from social media, they are taught to hate the likes of Tucker Carlson or Alex. A real shit show that all started when independent media became corporate media.
The Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2012 made it legal for government to propagandize its own citizens. Interesting how 2012 seems to jibe with profound, widespread mistrust of the media. That effectively abd increasingly means you're correct: since our elected officials benefit personally from the billionairres we didn't elect, they tend to do whatever those billionairres ask them to do... including to lie to us.
I'm wondering about the "at that time" part of Twitter's admission. I suspect they will still be gunning for him. Alex, please be careful until you have more ammunition and/or when Musk finally (?) buys Twitter.
Yeah, “at that time” leaves a lot of wiggle room. Maybe Twitter thinks he should have been banned one day later after some woke kangaroo court ‘convicted’ him.
It's the shot that'll be chased by the victories against beau coup libelors who based their defamatory characterizations on the little bird's now defunct decree.
Yes. Twit is different now and will likely transmogrify if/when Elon takes over, but whatever its state, Alex can now walk into work, collect his back pay, and then tell them to "take this job and shove it."
If you had to guess, how many people here believe Berenson reaches as many, or more, real, actual, live humans through Substack than through Twitter? He reaches more bluechecks and more bots through Twitter, which, apparently, matter more, but in terms of actual lives impacted, I'd guess substack has been substantially more important than Twitter ever was.
Depends on objective I suppose. Twitter is the technological manifestation of Obama's obsession with "nudge theory." Daniel Kahneman is a genius and one of my favorite humans to read in the world, but the creation of Nudge Theory as the negative side (manipulation) of the cognitive biases first discussed in depth by Amos Tversky and Kahneman created a TON of power for those looking to manipulate people by preying on people's biases. And Twitter was the PERFECT tool because you can make things "relevant" without them actually having to be relevant. Post something - have hundreds of bots enhance them (likes, retweets, responses, etc...), and sit back and enjoy the societal influence created entirely out of thin air. Twitter created the technological ability to make things relevant that aren't actually in any way relevant, and once you do that, the people who have to feel like they are a part of the "smart" group, actually latch on, and now you have a real societal movement created entirely out of fabric.
Substack is a MUCH better platform for real, honest dialogue amongst actual living humans. if your goal is to use Nudge Theory to create false tipping points and push through ideas that 1% of the population agree with but 80% of the population now feel they have to "agree" with, then Twitter is BY FAR the best platform out there.
You should thank for the Nudge theory two authors; actually one, whom the system rewarded with the Nobel Prize fame. The other author was shrewdly brought by the first for connections … he used to be one of many Tsars in that administration.
That’s how corruption rolls. 😢
As for substack. There is no comparison between the two. Substack brought back hope, which the “Nudge” took away. Substack showed that real journalism is not yet dead. Substack unsilenced real journalism. We all should be eternally grateful to substack.
So, find a way to thank Substack. As a Russian adage goes, even a cat appreciates kind words.
I’m not sure I’m comfortable blaming nudge theory. Feels like blaming the guns for the sins of the people who use them for destruction. Nudge Theory began as a way to leverage our own biases to improve one’s self. That’s a very virtuous intent. But, like most good things, once evil people got their hands on it it was manipulated and used as a tool for coercion (even if well intended) and to manipulate.
It is very unfortunate how it’s been leveraged to the decay of society - but there is much positive to be taken from nudge theory when it’s used personally to enhance responsibility and improve decision making
Excluding Blue check boy and his compadres who writes on Substsck and attacks other Substack authors with no regard to the truth. And not on his platform but on this one. Free Soeech. What are you going to do?
Will the Twitter creeps look at Substack? If so, I need to stop participating because the family who opposes me because of no shot loves Twitter. This has been my safe haven.
Based on the audited data that’s been published it appears to range from something like 15% all the way up to 50% (The audited estimate for the White House’s official Twitter account). I would guess Berenson to be on the low end, but I’m not sure HIS numbers matter all that much. Twitter matters to Alex because of the interactions he sees other people getting - he talks about the numbers of followers of other blue checks constantly, so I’m inferring this to be true, but happy to be corrected - the vast majority of which is fake.
There were NUMEROUS doctors and nurses early in the pandemic that miraculously became very “famous” on Twitter for sharing horror stories at ERs across the country. Basically every one of them was fake. On a recent episode of Rogan Hotep Jesus was talking about how they used Twitter farms to promote his early music. Basically create an account, create 70 mimic accounts, and they post, repost, retweet and like everything you do and you get an amplified effect. This is a common practice and that’s for a small aspiring rapper - imagine how the government uses it.
And yet that validation and conflict is what Berenson craves. It’s not mine to question - just interesting given the impact and reach and REAL REPORTING that goes on on substack as opposed to the snarky comment structure of Twitter
I was naive to think you would actually see this through. A settlement with a NDA. It wasn't about free speech, it was about getting back on Twitter. I get it, but I will not be renewing my subscription. Thanks for your excellent covid reporting.
@Jeffe -- Same here. I liked Alex before COVID and before Substack (his John Wells series). I was grateful for this Substack (I have been against masks, vaccines and all since May 2020 when the BLM riots were OK but not the kids at school...). Won't be renewing. Will probably read his book on the vaccine (if there is one!) from the library. Bought Pandemia. Borrowed "The power couple" (a great novel published last year). Thanks Alex for all your work but the battle has not be won. You folded.
He's going into discovery with Twitter and will be able to peel back the onion to expose whatever pressure was coming from the US govt to force Twitter to act. THAT is the ballgame imo.
The thing is, I delete my Substack email notifications, so I couldn't go back and confirm that it was definitely you, but your pen name rang a bell, so I was *hoping* I was remembering correctly that it was you! Glad to know my gray matter is still kinda gray.
Congratulations! We must all savor each victory against misinformation and leftist suppression of free speech.
Alex, don't give up the substack. This is great platform and the information you are able to provide here is much more in depth and complete than what is possible on Twitter.
"Except I need to add one thing. The settlement does not end my investigation into the pressures that the government may have placed on Twitter to suspend my account. I will have more to say on that issue in the near future. I made a promise to readers last month, and I take my promises to readers seriously."
Is very different than the promise you made to readers last month. That promise was specific to getting and releasing the discovery that Twitter was Court-ordered to give you.
I promised to keep an open mind that you were going to adhere to that, until proven wrong. You have always been an honest broker.
I can't come up with an alternative way that squares the prior promises related to discovery with what you are saying above. I am struggling.
I really hate doing it to you. Please recall how we, paid subscribers, begged Alex to provide evidence for his attack on Dr. Malone. We were met with deafening silence.
Same happened with his thoughtlessly unsupported claims against ivermectin …
Now this. How many more times would it take before we realize that we are being played by a shrewd man?
Alex could have agreed to forgo disclosure of twitters internal communications in exchange for getting and being able to use anything to do with official communications from the gov or agencies of.
I’m skeptical too but there are a few ways Alex can thread the needle on this, so I’m waiting.
Twitter is a disingenuous organization. Allowing you to use it does not mean that you will be seen by people who elected to follow you. My guess is your shadow ban is so strong that maybe 1/10,000 people who follow you will actually see your content.
And proving that will be much harder. Just ask Elon Musk.
What happened to all Alex's bluster about "I'm not going to accept a settlement, I'm in it to expose Twitter" -- ? Hmmm? Twitter is still suspending accounts like Jordan Peterson and Dave Rubin for imaginary offenses, they're still shadowbanning and manipulating trends. This "victory" is a fart in the wind.
All Alex ever wanted was to get his seat back at the "cool kids table." Typical establishment bubblehead. Meet the new boss, same a the old boss. Congrats, enjoy your 15 seconds of glory. You're officially not relevant at all anymore.
Great to see you back. Enjoy this victory! I am patient and will be very interested to learn more about the third party communications found during discovery - WHEN the time is right.
Nothing like being back on a platform responsible for the destruction of society.
I don't think Twitter is responsible for the destruction of society. It's a flea fart in a hurricane. MSM holds first place in the news-pollution category.
Totally correct. I would take this 1 step further and say corporate media. It all fell apart when individual media outlets were gobbled up by a handful of greedy corporations.
Considering that the mainstream media is the mouthpiece and propaganda arm for the government, with an ever increasing staff full of ex government people, and a revolving door with government, you might want to reassess the “corporate” aspect of it. The only way corporations have any power is via government.
The alternative is state run media without even the pretense of being private, and if you think today is Orwellian, take a look at the state run media well…anywhere.
Exactly right. It has not always been that way. When large corporations started gobbling up independent media outlets and our congress sat around with their thumbs up their butts as these oligarchies started making as opposed to reporting the news, that paved the way for the government to be purchased by what amounts to be the elitists that run the media. Then they granted big tech monopoly rights with complete immunity and the whole bunch being a merry band of criminals. Our youth are totally unaware that they are being played as pawns through censorship in social media. They only hear one side and that side is a lie. However, they only get their news from social media, they are taught to hate the likes of Tucker Carlson or Alex. A real shit show that all started when independent media became corporate media.
The Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2012 made it legal for government to propagandize its own citizens. Interesting how 2012 seems to jibe with profound, widespread mistrust of the media. That effectively abd increasingly means you're correct: since our elected officials benefit personally from the billionairres we didn't elect, they tend to do whatever those billionairres ask them to do... including to lie to us.
I'm wondering about the "at that time" part of Twitter's admission. I suspect they will still be gunning for him. Alex, please be careful until you have more ammunition and/or when Musk finally (?) buys Twitter.
Yeah, “at that time” leaves a lot of wiggle room. Maybe Twitter thinks he should have been banned one day later after some woke kangaroo court ‘convicted’ him.
He? If twitter had a profile, what pronouns would be displayed?
I picked up on that too....was there or is there a time banning Alex would be warranted?
I'm also wondering if his prior, perhaps wrongly-applied, strikes have been removed.
Good point!
Of course in reality no one should get strikes on Twitter if this is a fight for free speech... No strikes should be allowed!
Correct
Wondered the same. I guess time will tell. I’m sure Alex meant for us to catch that.
But as of today, it is a somewhat slightly different platform, thanks to Alex. The dominoes are starting to fall.
It's the shot that'll be chased by the victories against beau coup libelors who based their defamatory characterizations on the little bird's now defunct decree.
Bravo, Alex.
Yes. Twit is different now and will likely transmogrify if/when Elon takes over, but whatever its state, Alex can now walk into work, collect his back pay, and then tell them to "take this job and shove it."
Bravo, Alex.
Fuck Twitter. I hope everyone at Twitter gets the booster.
I'm happy for Alex, but I too could not care less for Twitter.
Yup, glad he fought back and won. What’s funny is that his supposed tweets of “misinformation” are factually true.
Agreed! That's the most absurd notion of this whole deal...and the most absurd aspect of Twitter's autocratic rules.
LOL!
If you had to guess, how many people here believe Berenson reaches as many, or more, real, actual, live humans through Substack than through Twitter? He reaches more bluechecks and more bots through Twitter, which, apparently, matter more, but in terms of actual lives impacted, I'd guess substack has been substantially more important than Twitter ever was.
IMHO, substack is the superior platform at this point in time.
Depends on objective I suppose. Twitter is the technological manifestation of Obama's obsession with "nudge theory." Daniel Kahneman is a genius and one of my favorite humans to read in the world, but the creation of Nudge Theory as the negative side (manipulation) of the cognitive biases first discussed in depth by Amos Tversky and Kahneman created a TON of power for those looking to manipulate people by preying on people's biases. And Twitter was the PERFECT tool because you can make things "relevant" without them actually having to be relevant. Post something - have hundreds of bots enhance them (likes, retweets, responses, etc...), and sit back and enjoy the societal influence created entirely out of thin air. Twitter created the technological ability to make things relevant that aren't actually in any way relevant, and once you do that, the people who have to feel like they are a part of the "smart" group, actually latch on, and now you have a real societal movement created entirely out of fabric.
Substack is a MUCH better platform for real, honest dialogue amongst actual living humans. if your goal is to use Nudge Theory to create false tipping points and push through ideas that 1% of the population agree with but 80% of the population now feel they have to "agree" with, then Twitter is BY FAR the best platform out there.
You should thank for the Nudge theory two authors; actually one, whom the system rewarded with the Nobel Prize fame. The other author was shrewdly brought by the first for connections … he used to be one of many Tsars in that administration.
That’s how corruption rolls. 😢
As for substack. There is no comparison between the two. Substack brought back hope, which the “Nudge” took away. Substack showed that real journalism is not yet dead. Substack unsilenced real journalism. We all should be eternally grateful to substack.
So, find a way to thank Substack. As a Russian adage goes, even a cat appreciates kind words.
Yes and fk! nudge theory!
I’m not sure I’m comfortable blaming nudge theory. Feels like blaming the guns for the sins of the people who use them for destruction. Nudge Theory began as a way to leverage our own biases to improve one’s self. That’s a very virtuous intent. But, like most good things, once evil people got their hands on it it was manipulated and used as a tool for coercion (even if well intended) and to manipulate.
It is very unfortunate how it’s been leveraged to the decay of society - but there is much positive to be taken from nudge theory when it’s used personally to enhance responsibility and improve decision making
Like so many things. Used for good, excellent. In the hands of those with nefarious intent, not so much.
Good point.
Good point about blaming theory instead of evil users.
To add insult to injury, nudge’s “father,” who consults evil doers, was awarded Nobel.
Excluding Blue check boy and his compadres who writes on Substsck and attacks other Substack authors with no regard to the truth. And not on his platform but on this one. Free Soeech. What are you going to do?
I completely agree.
Will the Twitter creeps look at Substack? If so, I need to stop participating because the family who opposes me because of no shot loves Twitter. This has been my safe haven.
🤷♀️Just change your name to something they wouldn't think of
Might need to!
An interesting point. How many bots are in the number of the Berenson’s followers?
Based on the audited data that’s been published it appears to range from something like 15% all the way up to 50% (The audited estimate for the White House’s official Twitter account). I would guess Berenson to be on the low end, but I’m not sure HIS numbers matter all that much. Twitter matters to Alex because of the interactions he sees other people getting - he talks about the numbers of followers of other blue checks constantly, so I’m inferring this to be true, but happy to be corrected - the vast majority of which is fake.
There were NUMEROUS doctors and nurses early in the pandemic that miraculously became very “famous” on Twitter for sharing horror stories at ERs across the country. Basically every one of them was fake. On a recent episode of Rogan Hotep Jesus was talking about how they used Twitter farms to promote his early music. Basically create an account, create 70 mimic accounts, and they post, repost, retweet and like everything you do and you get an amplified effect. This is a common practice and that’s for a small aspiring rapper - imagine how the government uses it.
And yet that validation and conflict is what Berenson craves. It’s not mine to question - just interesting given the impact and reach and REAL REPORTING that goes on on substack as opposed to the snarky comment structure of Twitter
I wonder how bot business really is works. My understanding is, various companies charge those who depend on/want more followers for supplying bots.
I will not be surprised if Alex paid for/has lots of bots.
💯
I was naive to think you would actually see this through. A settlement with a NDA. It wasn't about free speech, it was about getting back on Twitter. I get it, but I will not be renewing my subscription. Thanks for your excellent covid reporting.
@Jeffe -- Same here. I liked Alex before COVID and before Substack (his John Wells series). I was grateful for this Substack (I have been against masks, vaccines and all since May 2020 when the BLM riots were OK but not the kids at school...). Won't be renewing. Will probably read his book on the vaccine (if there is one!) from the library. Bought Pandemia. Borrowed "The power couple" (a great novel published last year). Thanks Alex for all your work but the battle has not be won. You folded.
What do you see as "seeing this through" and why aren't you doing it?
He's going into discovery with Twitter and will be able to peel back the onion to expose whatever pressure was coming from the US govt to force Twitter to act. THAT is the ballgame imo.
Hah??? What part of “settlement “ don’t you understand???
I was optimistic. You were realistic.
You were right.
Always good to see a man of integrity.
I subscribe to the following definition of a pessimist: well informed optimist.
See? We’re not far apart. 🙂
The thing is, I delete my Substack email notifications, so I couldn't go back and confirm that it was definitely you, but your pen name rang a bell, so I was *hoping* I was remembering correctly that it was you! Glad to know my gray matter is still kinda gray.
He can still go after the unholy alliance with government, so bail out if you aren’t in it to win it.
Ditto!
Congratulations! We must all savor each victory against misinformation and leftist suppression of free speech.
Alex, don't give up the substack. This is great platform and the information you are able to provide here is much more in depth and complete than what is possible on Twitter.
Yes please, don't abandon the Substack...not everyone is on Twitter or will ever be on Twitter .
But will the Twits come to Substack…I hope not!
Why you would even want to go back on twitter is now the big question.
i found him there & his information helped me a lot
assuming he keeps the substack, he'll likely bring more people over to analysis that's hard to come by on twitter
Because that was where he had a major voice.
Plus it the principle of it.
*it is the principle...good grief! Senior moment.
What is a twitter?
To say fuck you @twitter every morning at 6 am.
That’s the crux of it.
Hate to parse words. But, this:
"Except I need to add one thing. The settlement does not end my investigation into the pressures that the government may have placed on Twitter to suspend my account. I will have more to say on that issue in the near future. I made a promise to readers last month, and I take my promises to readers seriously."
Is very different than the promise you made to readers last month. That promise was specific to getting and releasing the discovery that Twitter was Court-ordered to give you.
I promised to keep an open mind that you were going to adhere to that, until proven wrong. You have always been an honest broker.
I can't come up with an alternative way that squares the prior promises related to discovery with what you are saying above. I am struggling.
“You have always been an honest broker.“
I really hate doing it to you. Please recall how we, paid subscribers, begged Alex to provide evidence for his attack on Dr. Malone. We were met with deafening silence.
Same happened with his thoughtlessly unsupported claims against ivermectin …
Now this. How many more times would it take before we realize that we are being played by a shrewd man?
Trick me once ….
Alex could have agreed to forgo disclosure of twitters internal communications in exchange for getting and being able to use anything to do with official communications from the gov or agencies of.
I’m skeptical too but there are a few ways Alex can thread the needle on this, so I’m waiting.
Congratulations!!! So glad! Everything you have done is so appreciated not only for us but for our kids. Thanks!
I wish I could understand the obsession with being on twitter, for anyone.
Twitter is a disingenuous organization. Allowing you to use it does not mean that you will be seen by people who elected to follow you. My guess is your shadow ban is so strong that maybe 1/10,000 people who follow you will actually see your content.
And proving that will be much harder. Just ask Elon Musk.
What happened to all Alex's bluster about "I'm not going to accept a settlement, I'm in it to expose Twitter" -- ? Hmmm? Twitter is still suspending accounts like Jordan Peterson and Dave Rubin for imaginary offenses, they're still shadowbanning and manipulating trends. This "victory" is a fart in the wind.
All Alex ever wanted was to get his seat back at the "cool kids table." Typical establishment bubblehead. Meet the new boss, same a the old boss. Congrats, enjoy your 15 seconds of glory. You're officially not relevant at all anymore.
With friends like you who needs enemies. ?
So what happens when they suspend you again? Another lawsuit?
Right? They're still banning people left and right....well, mostly right.
Well done. Perhaps someday the SCOTUS leaker can find their/they way to this court and leak the whole settlement agreement!
Secret court settlements - all of them, not just this one - are a travesty of justice.
I feel the same way.
Great to see you back. Enjoy this victory! I am patient and will be very interested to learn more about the third party communications found during discovery - WHEN the time is right.
😂 yea! You better live long enough. Releasing the “third party communications” is not what Twitter paid Alex $$$ for.
I guess we'll see!
Thanks for fighting the good fight. This is an important battle won.