F-Stop Collaborate and Listen 413: Tom Watson - Glass: The Photography Community Free from Algorithms
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Mar 17, 2025 Tom Watson, co-founder of the photography platform Glass and former designer at Facebook and Pinterest, shares insights into creating a user-friendly space for photographers. He highlights Glass’s unique features that prioritize genuine community interactions and quality over algorithms. The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining authenticity amid AI-generated content while promoting user feedback for continuous improvement. Watson also emphasizes the importance of privacy, as Glass aims to foster a tranquil and engaging experience free from the pressures of traditional social media.
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Facebook & Instagram
- Tom Watson was at Facebook when they acquired Instagram in 2012.
- His manager was Adam Mosseri, who currently runs Instagram.
Glass Origins
- Tom Watson started Glass in 2019, seeing problems with existing platforms.
- He wanted to recreate the early community feel of Instagram and Flickr.
Glass Business Model
- Glass is bootstrapped and subscription-based, prioritizing community over growth.
- This allows Glass to avoid ads and manipulative algorithms, unlike venture-funded platforms.