Is Buzz KILLING Civitai?

Summary

In this video, the speaker critiques the monetization strategies of the CI platform, focusing on its currency system, 'bus.' They highlight the problematic nature of its Early Access model, which induces FOMO among users, making them pay for unfinished products. The speaker also discusses the psychological tactics used in the cosmetic shop, drawing parallels to practices in gaming and streaming services. While acknowledging the necessity of supporting creators, they advocate for fair and transparent payment models, cautioning against manipulative strategies that exploit consumer psychology.

Takeaways

• 😀 'Bus' is a currency used on the CI platform, where $5 equals 5,000 bus, making it easy to understand value.
• 🟦 Blue bus can be earned by viewing ads, but it cannot be cashed out, unlike yellow bus, which can be converted to real money.
• 💰 Early Access requires spending bus to access models that may not be finished, leading to concerns about value for money.
• 🤔 The Early Access model creates a fear of missing out (FOMO), pressuring users to pay for potentially lower-quality content.
• 🔄 The speaker compares Early Access to Kickstarter, highlighting that the former employs psychological strategies to encourage spending.
• 🛒 The CI platform includes a cosmetic shop where users can buy items, which reinforces the idea of needing to enhance their online presence.
• 🎮 The speaker draws parallels between the CI model and gaming, where in-game purchases leverage similar psychological tactics.
• 📺 Streaming services like Netflix are also cited as examples of monetization strategies that create FOMO through exclusive content.
• 💡 While the speaker appreciates CI for its service, they criticize its reliance on manipulative tactics to drive consumer spending.
• ⚖️ The ideal model would involve straightforward payments for services without psychological pressure or tricks.

Q & A

What is 'bus' in the context of the CI platform?

'Bus' is a currency used on the CI platform that can be purchased with real money. For example, $5 provides 5,000 bus.

What is the difference between yellow bus and blue bus?

Yellow bus can be converted to cash and used for various purchases, while blue bus is earned by viewing ads and cannot be cashed out or transferred; it can only be used for benefits within the CI platform.

What does 'Early Access' mean on the CI platform?

Early Access allows users to pay bus to access models that are not fully developed yet. For instance, accessing a full model costs 1,000 bus ($1).

How does the speaker view the concept of 'Early Access'?

The speaker finds the Early Access model problematic as it feels like a psychological strategy that leverages the fear of missing out (FOMO), making users feel pressured to pay for potentially inferior models.

What are the concerns about the pricing of items in the CI cosmetic shop?

The speaker criticizes the high prices for digital items in the shop, such as 10,000 bus ($10) for an animated gift, viewing it as exploitative and driven by social pressures to maintain a cool profile.

How does the speaker relate the CI platform's strategies to the gaming industry?

The speaker draws parallels between CI's strategies and those in the gaming industry, where companies use FOMO and social pressures to encourage spending on cosmetics and upgrades rather than offering complete products upfront.

What changes in the streaming service industry does the speaker mention?

The speaker highlights how streaming services have evolved from offering a comprehensive catalog for a low price to competing with exclusive shows and content, which compels viewers to subscribe to multiple services.

What is the speaker's opinion on Mid Journey compared to CI?

The speaker appreciates Mid Journey for its straightforward model, where users pay for the service without psychological tricks or additional incentives that pressure them into spending more.

What is the speaker's overall sentiment towards CI despite their criticisms?

The speaker expresses admiration for CI's innovation and acknowledges the need for monetization to support the platform but is uncomfortable with the psychological tactics employed to encourage spending.

How does the speaker invite audience engagement regarding their concerns?

The speaker encourages viewers to share their thoughts in the comments section while requesting that they remain civil and respectful in their discussions.