tree-style invite systems reduce AI slop
AI slop concerns are at an all-time high. jazzband just shut down in part because github has become inundated with unqualified AI PRs. facebook, X, reddit, et all feel more machine than human these days. lobste.rs, on the other hand, feels very human. i believe that this is in large part due to their membership system. the lobste.rs membership system works like so: * registration is invite-only * if an account is 70+ days old, the ability to send “registration invites” is unlocked * registration invites may be gifted to people to register their own account * invites are _not_ limited * because invites are traceable, you are responsible inviting good community members in many ways, this system winds up resembling a tree of “vouches”. that is to say, the system is based on trust. this means…
