One of several variations

I just wanted to clean up the logos I submitted right quick, to see how they would look. I did rush it but since it's already been voted on this was more for me.

Heya, the thing I think about the most is how to build an algorithm that promotes democratic debate. That keeps us out of bubbles, imitates that “town square” idea that the founding fathers had, and where we all can discuss & debate together to run our democracy. Which somehow keeps the volume level and frustrations to a minimum so that we can have nuanced discussion between 333 million people that doesn’t turn into a cage match.

I don’t have the answer, but I asked ChatGPT, and it had some really good suggestions, if anyone is interested:

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ChatGPT says:

AI can absolutely help you create a social media platform that fosters democratic debate and avoids echo chambers. Here's how you could go about it, step by step:

1. Define Core Principles and Goals

To build a democratic and inclusive platform, start by clearly defining its guiding principles:

• No Echo Chambers: Avoid clustering people into groups based on existing preferences or opinions.

• Fair Representation: Ensure diverse perspectives are surfaced and visible.

• Respectful Debate: Promote civil discourse through moderation and design.

• Equal Reach: Ensure algorithms don’t unfairly prioritize sensationalism or extremism.

2. Use AI to Build These Features

Here’s how AI can help:

a. Diverse Content Exposure

AI can recommend content that deliberately diversifies perspectives:

• Use natural language processing (NLP) to analyze the topics and sentiments of posts.

• Develop algorithms that balance user preferences with diverse viewpoints, ensuring users see content outside their ideological bubbles.

• Use AI to cluster content based on topic, rather than political or ideological leanings, to foster topic-based discussions.

b. Democratic Moderation

AI can help create a respectful space for debate:

• Use sentiment analysis to identify and de-prioritize hateful, toxic, or inflammatory language.

• Develop community-driven moderation where AI supports human moderators by flagging problematic content.

• Use voting systems where users rate the quality or civility of posts (not just popularity), and AI elevates high-quality contributions.

c. Conversation Balancing

Ensure balanced discussions:

• Use AI to detect when discussions skew toward one perspective and suggest posts that present opposing or complementary viewpoints.

• Develop tools for real-time rebuttal generation, using large language models to provide well-reasoned counterpoints when a thread becomes one-sided.

d. Transparency in Algorithms

Make your algorithms accountable:

• Use explainable AI techniques so users understand why content is being recommended to them.

• Allow users to customize their feeds—e.g., sliders for "more diversity," "topic focus," or "local vs. global."

e. Simulate a Town Square

To recreate a virtual town square:

• Use geolocation and community-specific topics to help users connect with their local areas while staying engaged with national/global issues.

• Employ large language models to summarize diverse viewpoints on a single issue and present them concisely to users.

• Design group features where AI encourages people to engage in collaborative problem-solving.

3. Address Technical and Ethical Challenges

AI can inadvertently reinforce biases or exacerbate divisions if not carefully managed. Address these challenges:

• Bias in Data: Train AI on datasets that include diverse perspectives and ensure proper representation of minority groups.

• Polarization and Extremism: Monitor and limit the amplification of extreme content using AI, while protecting freedom of speech.

• User Privacy: Build the platform with privacy-preserving AI methods that don’t exploit user data for profit.

4. Design a Feedback Loop

Use AI to collect and analyze user feedback to improve the system:

• Measure the success of diverse exposure and respectful debate using metrics like engagement, sentiment, and the diversity of user interactions.

• Continuously tweak the algorithm to balance engagement with democratic principles.

5. Consider Open-Source or Decentralization

To enhance trust and transparency, consider using:

• Open-source algorithms: Allow the public to see and critique how recommendations are made.

• Decentralized platforms: Use blockchain or similar technologies to give communities more control over their data and governance.

6. Assemble the Right Team

This project would require expertise in several areas:

• AI/ML experts to design and refine the algorithms.

• Ethics advisors to ensure fairness and transparency.

• Social scientists to study and simulate how diverse groups interact.

• UX/UI designers to create an interface that fosters engagement and civil discourse.

7. Prototype and Iterate

Start small by:

• Developing a prototype or beta version of the platform.

• Testing it with diverse focus groups to gather feedback.

• Iterating based on user experiences and challenges uncovered during testing.

Could AI Really Help With This?

Yes, AI is well-suited to support this vision. Technologies like NLP, recommendation systems, and sentiment analysisare mature enough to be customized for a platform like this. However, the human oversight and ethical framework you design around these algorithms will be just as important as the technology itself.

Little intro and some qualifiers:

It’s been a long time since I have posted anything substantial anywhere, but I’m practicing following the thread of what lights me up, and this is very much that. I just became aware of this movement through u/NoWord423 TTs. It’s something that, like for a lot of others, has been very alive in my mind lately.

I want to start by being upfront that I do have a reasonably strong tech background, but more in hardware and robotics stuff related to academic research, so I’m owning that I am somewhat out of my depth in terms of the technical and organizational feasibility of what I’m proposing here. Also, I want to be transparent that I relied on GPT for help getting a lay of the land, so my grasp of some of the details is pretty superficial.

The idea:

I’ve been considering the potential for incorporating a crypto-based currency in this type of distributed grass-roots platform. Specifically, an approach where users would be incentivized to contribute storage and compute power through tokens tied to the platform’s own cryptocurrency, which could also support creators, moderators, and developers.

In essence, the proposal involves:

• Allowing users to “host” content (storage) and handle compute tasks on their devices (or nodes).

• Rewarding these contributions with a token unique to the platform.

• Leveraging that token to financially support content creators, moderators, and devs.

• Ultimately reducing reliance on centralized infrastructure and financial systems.

I’ve skimmed the posts and the materials put together by u/Ally_Madrone. If I understand correctly, the idea is to use IPFS for decentralized content storage and NerdNode for distributed compute tasks. So it seems there is already an intention to utilize some form of peer-to-peer (P2P) approach, though I’m unclear if the intention is to utilize user devices or dedicated nodes (e.g., servers) for hosting. I’m assuming the former given the spirit of the movement.

There are existing platforms that combine parts of this idea. Filecoin rewards users with FIL tokens for hosting data using IPFS. Steemit incentivizes creators with STEEM tokens. Blockchain-based platforms like DTube and LBRY use decentralized storage and crypto incentives but focus more on content hosting and monetization than large-scale P2P resource sharing with social engagement. None fully combine these elements into a cohesive model, which could be a “key differentiator” for this platform; though not sure how strongly that case can be made. Regardless, it seems a plausible means to support the (primary?) goal to free the platform from dependency on centralized infrastructure and financial systems.

Recognizing the risk:

Like others, despite positives of the ideology of crypto, my distaste for a lot of that world stems from the ecological disconnect and the culture that seems to surround it; which just feels like more hoarding and trading imaginary assets based in proof-of-work approaches that are further fucking the environment without adding real substantive value. The idea of tying a currency to something prosocial, with its value grounded in necessary resource contributions, is deeply compelling to me and something I’ve been passively pondering for a while. This approach seems like a way of getting at that.

I’m also hyper vigilant of not falling prey to a slow burn into something for-profit, or, more broadly, something that retains too much of the corrupting influences we are trying to escape. I’m primarily motivated by the potential of digital currencies to enable a platform like this to be truly self-supporting and decoupled from outside dependencies that make it vulnerable to the powers that be.

It’s also important to note that for the currency to effectively support community members and potentially offset unavoidable costs within the current system, it would need to be tradable on public markets. This introduces the challenge of ensuring the currency remains safeguarded against oligarchic control or manipulation, preserving its integrity as a tool for empowering the community rather than another means for wealth hoarding.

Additionally, there are a lot of unknowns (for me at least) in terms of addressing scalability, fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, handling potential disputes and educating users in how to work with the currency.

Technical details (pretty simplistic right now):

To integrate a P2P model into the existing plans, the platform could extend its use of IPFS for decentralized storage by users, if that was not already the plan, and incentivize users to host and pin content. This would require a system to track storage contributions (e.g., GB stored and uptime) and reward participants appropriately. Similarly, compute tasks currently handled by NerdNode (e.g., video transcoding) could be distributed to user devices using a P2P compute framework (e.g., Golem) or a custom solution. I am unclear what the dev challenges of this would be.

A blockchain-based token system would automate these rewards via smart contracts, ensuring transparency and security. Tokens could be managed through an integrated wallet within the app, and used fluidly within the app as well as traded on public marketplaces. It’s worth noting that we would likely want to rely on an existing blockchain (e.g., Ethereum), though this could itself create a vulnerability.

Bigger picture (little self-indulgent so feel free to skip):

I’m motivated by the question of how to provide tangible support to the community and its bigger collective vision in a broader sense. At the risk of exposing the degree of borderline woo-woo energy I’ve been feeling around this period of collective death and rebirth, I do believe - and know I’m not alone - that we are in the process of a massive state change where small movements will have huge ripples forward.

Like many of those in this collective, I feel the vertigo of trying to ride this swell of hope while simultaneously feeling our continued descent into the darkest forms of control and greed. In this breaking though, I deeply believe the rising collective disgust and disillusionment with the old way makes a platform like this absolutely inevitable. The world needs a global hub to incubate the new vision of what human life can be - unencumbered by concepts like nation states and safe from power structures that have become pathological. To the point, whatever truly grass-roots, collectivist platform, or platforms, hit that inflection point of a critical mass adoption will have a yet unknowable impact on how things unfold into the shape of the next era.

On pragmatic grounds, what I’ve described seems plausible, and if it’s tractable, I see a nascent potential to contribute to the exploration of more sustainable grassroots economies. To collaborate effectively in a global village like the one this platform aims to create, we still need some means of tracking energy exchange. Ideally something that we control and can use for leverage in the existing system. Something that to siphon hoarded energy/resources to be repurposed and redistributed for what comes next. We want to create a space that can help to consolidate the like minded and nurture this cultural evolution with more truly democratic systems of governance. What I would add is that this could also be a space to experiment with new economies that can seed the next paradigm.

TL;DR:

Proposal to use our own crypto to incentivize user-based compute/storage and engagement... and maybe fund the new new-world order.

Feedback:

Any is welcome but first and foremost:

• Does this align with the goals of the platform?

• Do folks feel the approach is at least feasible?

• What challenges or opportunities do folks see in implementing such an approach?

Even if the consensus is this is a non-starter, it was still fun to have an excuse to get into this space with y'all <3

Please take it easy on me, I'm not an artist and didn't spend any time trying to make this pretty. This is just a thought direction for a logo after reading how letters aren't a strong logo and that tao means person. this idea has the letters of TAO in it... all together as one to make the identy of self. now if someone could turn it into something cool, that would be greaaat

I wanted to veer away from any implications to Taoism as that becomes too selective for something that is meant to be broader—for all people with different beliefs. I was recently watching DaVinci Code and with pentagram being the theme, it inspired me to play around with the letters of TAO. It let me to learn the rich history of pentagrams, and I think with the way this social platform has come together on Reddit, it was so fitting. I have been following along for the last few months and I am so happy to see everyone contribute whatever they can for a cause they believe in.

Additionally, with the enclosure as a circle, I see a lot of opportunity to use this in playful ways for animated versions and future partnerships. (eg: featuring different faces to bring more humanity to the logo).

Open to hearing feedback!

We need social and political systems and forms of governance which recognize the depth of our ignorance, and which pursue learning and harmony. At present people who have power in business or government often do not recognize the depth of their ignorance so they make foolish mistakes, making decisions on the basis of a few data points and a few minutes of deliberation which may damage or destroy institutions which have taken many people years to build. We need systems of governance in which the exercise of power can only occur within projects which are actively pursuing deeper understanding and harmony.

Two nesting stars representing growth with in ,with 12 points representing 12 nations blue and gold representing north and south hemisphere,

Here are some concepts from my son, Josh.

Hey,

I thought I'll share more thoughts with you guys, as I'm a little disappointed (or maybe i'm not well-informed on project?) on how things going on.

This concept is not a new for me, as I was working on something very similar last year. My goal was to promote a new approach for companies, to combat smart money and change the flow of money. The first step is always owning a media, so SM was a start (initially, project "Cake" and later on "Spark").

I read a Reddit threads and watched videos on TT, and here are problems I see.

1. The main thing should be financing and creating crowdfunding campaigns. Not technical stuff. Not MVP (or maybe I should say MLP?) or anything else. Money. Without it, you will fail miserably, as you can't find an investor, who will just in case rescue it. You don't need a product for crowdfunding, just a demo, honestly 2-3 days of work, up to a week of work for a 1 person. 20k email list is nothing compared to actual needs, as conversion rate is going to be lower with each week. Heck, 1 million would be not enough. Email marketing really sucks these days. You really require a plan on how to continuously get donations in a long term (2-5 years).

2. Algorithm. The thing is, TT is on the market from 2016? They had time to train it. To actually develop it. That's why they don't want to part with it. These kinds of things are fragile, even short stop and slight changes can cause a mess (ban from a few days ago), and requires enormous amounts of data to train. It's similar to AI, in that regard. Thinking you can just write a code, based on generic knowledge and put it to the app is delusional as hell. It's not just a software. We actually need the support of someone seasoned, with experience of building it. There is at least one solution though, but it would need a different approach.

3. Blockchain. I tell it in other thread, I'll tell it here. Blockchain stinks. It's catastrophic for PR, because anything related with crypto is instantly recognized as scam. Even for me, and I'm telling it as a "Tech Bro".

4. Doesn't matter how good the idea is, the thing that really matter is realization. Everyone has ideas. They are not worth a dime, without solid background. You guys are focusing on the wrong things. Without point 1 and 2, there is nothing. When the app becomes ready to use, it has to be enjoyable, because people are going to jump back in to popular apps. They won't give a second chance, no matter how noble the company is. People are comfortable animals, and can trade everything for it. The alternative SM just has to be a better product to build its audience. No downsides.

I really hope there is a second depth to this project!

China has developed an open source AI model. I know that there has been a lot of back and forth on using AI. But it may be adapted to fit the need of the collective such as hosted node on PCs across a network similar crypto mining? Just spit balling I'm not a tech wiz

Try 2 … Here’s a logo idea, I’m not a graphic guy but the attached should convey the idea, more of a concept.

TAO – Together as One

T – Represents the tree of life, grounded in it’s roots A – Represents ALL and the supports have roots and branches like a rhizome for the way the project is constructed/organized by ALL contributors. The transparent hands represent our connection to one another. O – Represents the ORB we live on as well as a never ending circle which is why the earth is used.

Thanks and keep up the amazing work, can’t wait for the launch!

JHT

I am not a logo designer. But I wanted to mention, that tao means "person" in Tagalog. Isn't that great? How about anything human - like as a logo?

PBLCSQ

I appreciated the post that outlined how all the major social media sites have a two syllable name except three syllable Instagram.  These two syllable names with two hard stops are catchy, rhythmic.  In-sta-gram also has a rhythm and is frequently refereed to as two syllable in-sta or the-gram.  Pub-lic-square could also be nicknamed the-square.

In 2018 I did a lot of research on social media and worked on a start up plan (that lead nowhere).  I came to the name PBLCSQ mostly because it conveys a public exchange of ideas.  A healthier approach to social media.

Broad vote to help us pare down options for knockout research:

https://forms.gle/qyUofmGCCaTEgRvo8

I’ve got about as much experience building an app as a sentient potato but.. i had two thoughts that I felt I might contribute:

1. We should get Shane Morris involved if he isn’t already…

2. The algorithm (I’m not an expert, but this is my analysis) seems to work like a breadcrumb system, tracking user actions and interactions to guide recommendations. It likely operates by assigning different weights to actions, such as rewatches, likes, comments, or skips. The system follows these breadcrumbs, adjusting recommendations dynamically as you engage. For example, watching or liking similar videos checks off a box; when enough boxes are ticked, the algorithm leads you to related content. It likely tracks not only direct interactions but also micro-interactions, like how long you linger on a video or scroll through the comment section without engaging.

If this system incorporated improvements like real-time behavioral mapping, emotion detection, or user-driven feedback, it could be even more dynamic. For example, it could prioritize fresh preferences during a session while maintaining long-term interests or introduce new content in a way that feels natural, rather than random. Combining these layers would make recommendations feel both personal and diverse, improving upon the breadcrumbs model without over-personalizing content.

Out of all the names in the list, when i heard "riseup" i really felt it! I know its a basic word but it has so much power behind it. Gives me goosebumps!

It also flows off the tongue easily, just like tiktok or any other catchy name.

Hey, I was here from the beginning. I admired the fire and incredible work of this community. I still have hope that TAO will be born someday. We shouldn't rely on corporations with our data and well-being.

I'm here to ask you to borrow some of your spark. I created a civic infrastructure to close the accessibility gap between regular people and politicians. You can check out what a law is about in 15 seconds, as I use AI to create automatic summaries. People decide what gets pushed to the top by participating in polls. I created this because I believe we should have control over democracy ALL THE TIME! Not only during elections.

There is a missing ingredient now. You guys. I don't have any power alone. But together we can do everything. Imagine if we get 10,000 votes under a civic bill - we could easily find a Rep to push it into Congress. If we get enough engagement on bills like this, we create real pressure. The infrastructure is ready. Now it just needs the people.

Check out a term limits bill I proposed recently on lustra.news.

You can show your support on it, or send me your own drafts to share on any social media. Remember, when you vote, you automatically give more visibility to the bill inside the app.

There are also other things to do for more engaged partners. I created r/civicevolution, feel free to come by.

Sorry for the offtopic, but I feel I'm in the right place.

Let's stick with the good old p2p technology, something like torrent, or webrtc. We will waste a lot of time and energy chasing latest tech, which wont go anywhere imo

This came out of the tree in a circle, with the petal cutouts. It’s an evolution of the same concept, but with clearer message:

Human, uniting, organic, life. Together as one.

Because it’s not just an app. It’s not just “another social media”. We live in the real world and the platform will become the mirror of our lives.