Flower badges on Substack 🌸 : I hate them so much (hate hate hate)!
Although if their main purpose is to reduce bots and allow for non-biased moderation, I guess the alternatives might be worse.
But I hate them because they remind me of the huge cultural divide between Americans and the rest of us... they are cultural imperialism.
They remind me that American culture is deeply rooted in the concepts of status and shame. The flowers tap into both concepts:
🌸 status because you can show off how wealthy and generous you are by having a flower with heaps of petals... (ewww)
🌸 shame because they shame people who don't (or can't) pay for multiple subscriptions.
I come from a culture that's less concerned about status and shame than US culture and I dislike having these emotional levers activated in my favourite online platform.
And I certainly won't be hating on you if you don't have a flower badge next to your name.
Super interesting read. I always try to prove value and do what I do and let the platforms so their thing.
I learned about this new feature because someone used me as an example (in a good way) because of my badge. I was supporting others not doing it for a flower or to be noticed.
I have a mixed feeling but when things start to be gamified, it’s much less about the quality, it’s more about performative like who’s willing to play the game fullest and sell their souls to the algo.
i dont think so, at least not at this current user base. X does make sense because they are massive but not Substack. Paying for publication can also be gamed by providing huge discount. So i dont think it's a good proxy to really tell if those people are not spammy.
Thanks for this, Casandra. I have mixed feelings, it definitely adds to the gamification, and also raises privacy concerns. One thing’s clear though, it benefits Substack more than anyone else.
I would love to see a subscription plan that would allow me to read x number of articles from any substack contributor I choose to read at that moment,- eg. x views for $50. For me to read some of the articles of each of 20 or so contributors with a full subscription to each would become unduly expensive. I also would like to read them anonymously as to other viewers- my preferences for subjects and authors are noone's business but my own.
Casandra you made an excellent point about how Substack may be looking to leverage the flower as a sort of 'passport'. Twitter/X does this in a way by giving boosts to users that paid to be verified. I could see Substack trying to do something similar. Good thoughts.
Personally, I find the idea of these badges very helpful. I hope they make them for comments too - I think more people will be motivated to leave their opinions.
It is complicated! I would honestly say it's also totally fine to ignore it. Some people will get enamored with playing the status game, but for most, it is just a distraction.
Flower badges on Substack 🌸 : I hate them so much (hate hate hate)!
Although if their main purpose is to reduce bots and allow for non-biased moderation, I guess the alternatives might be worse.
But I hate them because they remind me of the huge cultural divide between Americans and the rest of us... they are cultural imperialism.
They remind me that American culture is deeply rooted in the concepts of status and shame. The flowers tap into both concepts:
🌸 status because you can show off how wealthy and generous you are by having a flower with heaps of petals... (ewww)
🌸 shame because they shame people who don't (or can't) pay for multiple subscriptions.
I come from a culture that's less concerned about status and shame than US culture and I dislike having these emotional levers activated in my favourite online platform.
And I certainly won't be hating on you if you don't have a flower badge next to your name.
Very interesting to consider all the layers here. It was inevitable. Thank you, Casandra.
I have a hard time reading with the font and black background.
I am the same way. Is your phone or computer set to dark mode?
Super-informative. Thanks! I really dislike this innovation (privacy) but am interested to read more about the rationale.
That's fair!
Super interesting read. I always try to prove value and do what I do and let the platforms so their thing.
I learned about this new feature because someone used me as an example (in a good way) because of my badge. I was supporting others not doing it for a flower or to be noticed.
Thanks for the clarification of what it's about.
It has been really cool to see so many of them floating around!
Love the post!
I have a mixed feeling but when things start to be gamified, it’s much less about the quality, it’s more about performative like who’s willing to play the game fullest and sell their souls to the algo.
Do you think there's a world where people with badges get better Notes distribution? Like being verified on X.
i dont think so, at least not at this current user base. X does make sense because they are massive but not Substack. Paying for publication can also be gamed by providing huge discount. So i dont think it's a good proxy to really tell if those people are not spammy.
Good points!
Clutters my screen. Could make people feel uncomfortable. Is a bit invasive. Generally hate gamification. Wish they’d remove it but they won’t.
Thanks for the informative article.
I think a lot of people feel the same way, but I agree; I don't think they will remove it.
Thanks for this, Casandra. I have mixed feelings, it definitely adds to the gamification, and also raises privacy concerns. One thing’s clear though, it benefits Substack more than anyone else.
Totally agree, Substack will benefit the most!
I would love to see a subscription plan that would allow me to read x number of articles from any substack contributor I choose to read at that moment,- eg. x views for $50. For me to read some of the articles of each of 20 or so contributors with a full subscription to each would become unduly expensive. I also would like to read them anonymously as to other viewers- my preferences for subjects and authors are noone's business but my own.
I hear that from a lot of people! In case you're curious, this is why I think that's unlikely to happen: https://www.reallygoodbusinessideas.com/p/substack-platform-wide-subscription
Appreciate the tier clarity; I just figure out I need one more for a prettier flower; of course there's a third level!
https://youtu.be/VqomZQMZQCQ
Incredible 🤣
Casandra you made an excellent point about how Substack may be looking to leverage the flower as a sort of 'passport'. Twitter/X does this in a way by giving boosts to users that paid to be verified. I could see Substack trying to do something similar. Good thoughts.
Time will tell!
Personally, I find the idea of these badges very helpful. I hope they make them for comments too - I think more people will be motivated to leave their opinions.
Yeah that would be cool! I would love to be able to specifically see who my subscribers are the feed so I can make sure to support them there.
Great read, I like the "Private Support Has Become a Public Identity" part. This creator-first thinking. Gives me hope.
Yeah it's a really interesting addition to the platform!
Thanks for the thorough explanation. I was wondering about those new badges.
Glad I could help :)
It is complicated! I would honestly say it's also totally fine to ignore it. Some people will get enamored with playing the status game, but for most, it is just a distraction.