[04148565]

Legit question: is [1] an instance of this kind of scheme? The guy came out of nowhere boasting how he left his $500K job at amazon and whatnot (first red flag for me) and I've seen his content popup pretty often.

1: https://gumroad.com/l/aws-good-parts

[philipkiely]

I know Daniel, his work is not a ponzi scheme. Because you asked this question in good faith, I'll give you a summary in good faith:

1. The book you linked is just technical content. It teaches you how to use AWS, not how to sell books about using AWS.

2. Unlike the tongue-in-cheek examples of the original post based on minimal success, this book is written based on years of professional experience as a developer building AWS.

3. His content pops up pretty often because people like it.

Of course, if the book was part of a ponzi scheme, then part of that scheme would be having people like me defend it on HN :)

[koluna]

And yet, this is the same guy that peddles a “here’s how to become Twitter famous” course[0].

If you check the testimonials of those who have achieved success, it’s exactly as the article describes. Someone going from 100 to 150 followers going “OMG ITS WORKING!”

[0]: https://mobile.twitter.com/dvassallo/status/1263160316277350...

[cercatrova]

I've bought and implemented the strategies in that course. I mean, it does work, at least for those who put the effort in.

[koluna]

100% is - see a comment I made in this thread further down. From what I can tell, this is the guy that doesn’t seem to have any substance short of talking platitudes on Twitter about life philosophy, how he quit his cushy job, and how we all need to pursue our dreams. Oh, and buy his book and Twitter audience growth course.

[DVassallo]

That guy is me. What would convince you that I'm not running a ponzi scheme or anything dishonest?

[koluna]

I think Ponzi scheme might not be the right term here, and to be fair (thanks for reaching out) my goal is not to have you prove anything.

I’ll address one thing - the Twitter audience course. There is no secret/hidden Twitter audience strategy. Post good stuff, engage with others with insights that provide value, don’t post BS. That’s it. That’s the strategy. Anything beyond that is made up stuff. People on Twitter follow those that provide meaningful content that is useful. Short of that, any other automation schemes, follow/unfollow tactics, are just for inflating low quality numbers.

[moltar]

He was on a podcast recently, I think indie hackers, explaining his path in great detail.

IMO he’s legit, not a scheme

[ZephyrBlu]

I would not think about what this post is saying in literal terms.

I'm pretty sure Daniel has good intentions, though he has most definitely benefitted from this type of 'scheme' given that a lot of his brand revolves around the lifestyle he has managed to create for himself due to the success of his info products.