Revolution.Social Substack CEO Chris Best on Democratizing Media, Content Moderation & Freedom of Speech
Aug 7, 2025
Chris Best, CEO of Substack and a driving force behind independent online writing, dives into intriguing discussions about media and free speech. He tackles the 'Nazi bar' problem and highlights the challenges of content moderation while advocating for democratized writing. The conversation explores Substack's unique business model compared to traditional media and delves into the transformative impact of AI on content creation. Best emphasizes the value of meaningful engagement over passive consumption, promoting a future where diverse voices thrive on independent platforms.
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Chris Best's Origin Story
- Chris Best left Kik after the company planned an ICO, feeling he had little to contribute there.
- During his sabbatical, he started writing about frustrations with the internet media economy, sparking the creation of Substack.
Social Media's Economic Failure
- Social media platforms captured attention but failed to create sustainable economic support for quality culture.
- Independent creators were not aligned as economic actors in the incentive systems of big networks.
Email as the Last Open "Rectangle"
- Email is a powerful "rectangle" on the internet where independent creators can reach audiences without algorithmic suppression.
- Email's open protocol gives direct connection advantages unlike wrapped platforms with algorithms.