Chad Boyda in Main | The Thing

You shouldn’t have to build a following before anyone hears your good ideas. For years, I’ve wanted a social network that levels the playing field. A public soapbox where someone with something useful to say can reach people, even on their first day. Most networks reward whatever keeps you scrolling. Clickbait, rage bait, another argument nobody needed. I wanted to see what happens when you reward what someone contributes to the conversation. I’ve spent 3+ years writing and rewriting algorithms to make that practical. Then Jev happened. Thanks to Jev by @typesafeai, I’ve finally been able to build the version I wanted to try. It’s called The Thing. Think X meets Reddit, where your post earns its place on its own merit. There’s Main, the shared conversation, and individual Things around topics people care about. Anyone can start one. Each has its own queue, with posts assessed for relevance, substance, and what they add. Spam and AI slop get screened along the way. And the community rules work differently: you write them in plain language, and they become part of how Jev assesses submissions. The idea is to make moderation depend on the written rules rather than who happens to be making the call that day. That won’t make every decision perfect. But I think it’s worth trying. You can show up today, contribute something worthwhile, and compete for the same space as someone who’s been there from the beginning. Likes don’t buy you a better spot in the feed. Will it work? I have no idea. But after three years of trying, I’m excited to finally put it in people’s hands. Come post something you wish more people were talking about. Or start a Thing for it.