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GP> Private spaces might be a big net win.

I am old enough to remember the pre-Internet geek world; things like cons and zines were way more important than now, but they existed, and we definitely didn't expect for there to be, let alone rely on, mainstream channels providing our social contact.

> there are a lot more non-tecchies, and they are the ultimate arbiters of what succeeds or dies.

Succeeds, yes. Dies? I think no. There aren't many mechanisms to kill off things in the long tail, other than whatever the kids mean when they whinge about "discovery".

In The Time Machine, the Morlocks use the Eloi for sustenance. I suggest we do something similar, living among ourselves in our caverns, letting the masses frolic upon their platforms, and merely harvesting a few percent (2?) of the revenue every now and then; not so much as to threaten their existence, but enough for us to thrive.

> "We must be as stealthy as rats in the wainscoting of their society." — ♝

[ChrisMarshallNY]

Well, "dies" happens, when the Eloi don't use/buy something.

Morlocks like to be paid. If they don't get paid, they might not do it.

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> ...when the Eloi don't use/buy something.

As Morlocks provide all the infra for the Eloi, we can certainly provision it also for ourselves. (how many days of HN could fit in an average TikTok video?)

  It['s Morlocks'] care in all the ages to take the buffet and cushion the shock.
  It is their care that the gear engages; it is their care that the switches lock.
  It is their care that the wheels run truly; it is their care to embark and entrain,
  Tally, transport, and deliver duly the [Eloi "members"] by land and main.