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The use of the term "merit" in this context feels fraught with issue. One could say that, almost by definition, the individual with the most ability to game th

The use of the term "merit" in this context feels fraught with issue. One could say that, almost by definition, the individual with the most ability to game the system has the highest merit. If a poker player is able to read the opponents' faces where no-one else can - they win based on merit. The losers may well disclaim this as being some sort of 'hack'. We are speaking here about some pictures on a small, rectangular screen held in the hand.

joe_hoyle 8y ago
Based off this definition of merit, any system would be meritocratic. A politician winning elections by purchasing votes wouldn't be considered to be merit based. In poker, reading tells is an accepted part of the game and within the rules. It's my understanding that most of the tactics reported in the article are against Instagram's rules.
- Zenbit_UX 8y ago
  Somethings are part of the rules by virtue of the alternative being uninforceable.
pitt1980 8y ago
So who is paying the scam Instagram influencers? My impression is that who’s interested in this sort of service is something like small start up fashion brands that can’t afford an actual celebrity. My brother makes independent video games, at one point he was approached by someone who offered to broker deal with Twitch streamers to promote one of his games. How real the popularity of these streamers really was, effects whether this might have been a good idea or not. Whether that evokes your sympathy or not, I guess the moral of the story, of you’re in the market for purchasing influencer services, buyer beware
- deleted 8y ago
  [deleted]
- Nasrudith 8y ago
  The streamers seem to be some of the more honest "influencers" acting as entertainers. At least ones I follow (there are many subgroupings within) will disclose if they have any special connections or contractual obligations (can't show this cutscene or boss fight prerelease), sponsorships, or even if they just received a free copy. I would advise treating unaffiliated middlemen as scammers like those offering jobs for money. (If there is some affiliated group of streamers and they handle communications that is fine.) If you want cheap marketing releasing some free copies generate no to marginal expenses. It is respectful to all involved - you are giving away a few potential sales in exchange for a potential larger market, they can give it a fair shake and let people know what they think. The viral effect can be real but it seems to depend on its own merits even if the "merit" is a gimmick like being hillariously glitchy.
reureu 8y ago
I stopped reading when the author complained about being able to "buy reposts and shout outs from feature accounts and influencers." Isn't that exactly what being an influencer means: people paying for shoutouts? So it's ok when you're getting paid, but it's fraud when you're paying someone else for the shoutout?
- Zenbit_UX 8y ago
  How about when OP repeatedly talked about the old school days of Instagram, where nobody was interested in doing whatever it takes for fame and money.
cortesoft 8y ago
So would you say the same about a poker player who marked cards with invisible ink that only he can see with his special glasses? You seem to be arguing that there is no such thing as cheating unless you get caught.
- luckylion 8y ago
  Which is also what I'm hearing from the article. "I've done it, but now I've stopped doing it, and everybody who still does it is bad and cheating". Sounds like "yeah, market manipulation is terrible and evil, and now that I've made my millions from doing it, we should all stop" to me.

joe_hoyle 8y ago

Based off this definition of merit, any system would be meritocratic. A politician winning elections by purchasing votes wouldn't be considered to be merit based. In poker, reading tells is an accepted part of the game and within the rules. It's my understanding that most of the tactics reported in the article are against Instagram's rules.

Zenbit_UX 8y ago
Somethings are part of the rules by virtue of the alternative being uninforceable.

pitt1980 8y ago

So who is paying the scam Instagram influencers? My impression is that who’s interested in this sort of service is something like small start up fashion brands that can’t afford an actual celebrity. My brother makes independent video games, at one point he was approached by someone who offered to broker deal with Twitch streamers to promote one of his games. How real the popularity of these streamers really was, effects whether this might have been a good idea or not. Whether that evokes your sympathy or not, I guess the moral of the story, of you’re in the market for purchasing influencer services, buyer beware

deleted 8y ago
[deleted]
Nasrudith 8y ago
The streamers seem to be some of the more honest "influencers" acting as entertainers. At least ones I follow (there are many subgroupings within) will disclose if they have any special connections or contractual obligations (can't show this cutscene or boss fight prerelease), sponsorships, or even if they just received a free copy. I would advise treating unaffiliated middlemen as scammers like those offering jobs for money. (If there is some affiliated group of streamers and they handle communications that is fine.) If you want cheap marketing releasing some free copies generate no to marginal expenses. It is respectful to all involved - you are giving away a few potential sales in exchange for a potential larger market, they can give it a fair shake and let people know what they think. The viral effect can be real but it seems to depend on its own merits even if the "merit" is a gimmick like being hillariously glitchy.

reureu 8y ago

I stopped reading when the author complained about being able to "buy reposts and shout outs from feature accounts and influencers." Isn't that exactly what being an influencer means: people paying for shoutouts? So it's ok when you're getting paid, but it's fraud when you're paying someone else for the shoutout?

Zenbit_UX 8y ago
How about when OP repeatedly talked about the old school days of Instagram, where nobody was interested in doing whatever it takes for fame and money.

cortesoft 8y ago

So would you say the same about a poker player who marked cards with invisible ink that only he can see with his special glasses? You seem to be arguing that there is no such thing as cheating unless you get caught.

luckylion 8y ago
Which is also what I'm hearing from the article. "I've done it, but now I've stopped doing it, and everybody who still does it is bad and cheating". Sounds like "yeah, market manipulation is terrible and evil, and now that I've made my millions from doing it, we should all stop" to me.