State of the blog, mid-2026

2023-11-24 · Source: Interconnects AI · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Expert, medium

Summary

The author of Interconnects, transitioning from Ai2, outlines how their blog supports three core missions: clarifying frontier model evolution, creating an open model ecosystem, and building supporting institutions. The blog maintains a "raw, high-voice" style, intentionally cultivating a niche audience of over 70,000 subscribers, including AI researchers, investors, and policymakers, with approximately 900 paid subscribers. While considering a full-time commitment to Interconnects, the author decided to prioritize building an open-science ecosystem. They disclosed advising agreements with Arcee AI and Mercor, viewing these as learning opportunities aligned with their goals. Operationally, the author reinvests revenue into the blog and plans to paywall all comments to combat low-quality, AI-generated content, slightly increase paywalled articles for revenue growth, and organize more small in-person events, including for an upcoming book launch. A goal is to reach 1000 paid subscribers this summer.

Key takeaway

For AI researchers, investors, and policymakers seeking high-quality, unfiltered insights on frontier AI, you should consider engaging with niche, curated platforms like Interconnects. Its strategy of paywalling comments and increasing exclusive content aims to preserve a "0% AI slop rate," ensuring you receive valuable, expert-level discourse. Support such independent voices to foster open-science ecosystems and gain direct access to frontier thinking.

Key insights

The author's blog, Interconnects, intentionally cultivates a niche, high-quality audience to foster an open AI ecosystem and provide frontier model clarity.

Principles

• Niche audience focus combats "AI slop media."
• Independence supports open-science advocacy.
• Revenue enables quality and operational expansion.

Method

The author plans to paywall all comments, increase paywalled articles, and organize small in-person events to cultivate a highly engaged, niche audience and ensure financial growth for future full-time writing.

In practice

• Paywall comments to filter low-quality content.
• Increase paywalled content for revenue.
• Organize small, targeted community events.

Topics

• AI Ecosystem
• Open Science
• Frontier Models
• Content Monetization
• Community Building
• Independent Journalism

Best for: AI Scientist, Investor, Policy Maker

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Interconnects AI.