Thread by @ExpNegLambdaT

Hey, @jonfavs. You mentioned my question--the one @jonlovett asked whether it was an op-ed at the time--during the @CashApp ad on the bonus episode of @PodSaveAmerica from this weekend. And even if this is speaking into the void, I want to clarify a few things 1/

I wasn't criticizing you ability to get people to switch to the @cashapp across all the shows on @crookedmedia. I love the app & all they do to donate to charity! And I love the earnest support you guys give towards the platform in the ads Seriously, no shade intended. 2/

But I was using your sometimes frustrated proselytization for the app as an example of how difficult it is to motivate collective action within diffuse but broad networks of people--something I failed to get across in front of the huge crowd @JonesHallHOU, to my embarrassment. 3/

You all speak on many topics about the cultural changes needed for progressive priorities to be realized--from ushering a new version of masculinity to eliminating Both Sidesism within media to the effort to make Trumpers ostracized in society. 4/

I'm wondering whether the multitude of networks that have been established online can be more effectively leveraged to effectuate these changes. What incentive systems can be created to compel more consistent and coordinated action? 5/

is a good example of providing a direct incentive to switch: giving a small amount to new accounts but more importantly matching that amount with donations to truly worthy causes. It stands out from other advertisers who offer savings on 1st purchase. Brand ethics! 6/

But that seemingly hasn't led to a deeper penetrate the network of @crookedmedia. Moreover, @slpng_giants is persistent and has had some success 🎉👏, but I rarely see more than a few dozen retweets on many of the notices to advertisers that their shit is on Brietb*rt. 7/

Can we create better incentives that can compel action for both cultural and political change? That was my true question, whether you all had thoughts to that end. Which I understand means admitting inefficiency of your own network in some ways, in spite of its many successes 8/

Reluctance to admit weakness while on top can lead to things like @HillaryClinton. Knowing motivating groups is well-trodden territory in behavioral economics and political science, I ask this because progressives face prodigious challenge. 9/

The other side has us outsized in their ability to influence our debates, given the vast wealth many donors are willing to contribute to the cause. Whether it's contributing dark money to elections or establishing media juggernauts, liberals are at a huge disadvantage. 10/

So what can be innovated to lessen our disadvantage to more directly influence culture and attain power? I suspect coalescing and better coordinating diffuse, progressive networks is likely the frontier where we need to fight. 11/

Some wild ideas: a liberal cryptocurrency scheme where participation in campaigns to pressure nodes of political and cultural power can be rewarded? Platform specific currency within social networks like @reddit gold to incentivize persistent participation on actions? 12/

merch/live event rewards based on self-reported number of doors knocked or numbers called as part of Dem campaigns? Actual Soros checks?

People clearly care and are paying attention more and using their networks to have discussions and motivate action. 13/

But the activism peters out without direct incentives, it seems, since the change we seek is rarely going to come directly from said individual action.

And perhaps the activism loses its effectiveness if the networks aren't seen as always growing. 14/

How else to grow networks and ensure propagation of action throughout the network other than incentives? 15/

Anyways, if you, @TVietor08, @danpfeiffer, @jonlovett, @anamariecox, @deray, @MsPackyetti and others like @ezraklein, @chrislhayes, @joshtpm, & @brianbeutler had thoughts about the premise or suggested solutions, it would benefit is all. End/

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Hillary's loss*