Topic: Twitter Followers

The hosts discuss their experiences with social media trolls and the strategy of blocking rather than reporting. One host notes that a policy of only posting show promotions has led to a steady increase in follower counts, suggesting that users prefer content over personal opinions. They also touch on the presence of disinformation agents in their mentions.

A theoretical business model is proposed for a "House of Trolls" agency that would provide clandestine reputation management and corporate sabotage services. The agency would utilize a network of digital natives to create thousands of bot accounts with fake followers to amplify specific narratives. Potential clients could include major corporations looking to discredit competitors, such as Samsung targeting Apple or General Motors targeting Ford.

Twitter's recommendation algorithm repeatedly suggests that users follow comedian Sarah Silverman. The hosts discuss the persistence of these suggestions despite personal preferences, questioning the underlying logic of the platform's automated systems.

The discussion explores how the government could easily manipulate social media by creating "rooms of tweeters" to boost specific narratives. By having the POTUS account retweet these state-sponsored accounts, they could gain thousands of followers instantly. The hosts jokingly consider starting their own "techno expert" website to tap into the $50 billion government technology budget.

A shift in social media strategy involves posting low-quality photos of meals, such as English bangers and eggs, to increase follower counts on Twitter. The tactic is based on observations that food-related content drives higher engagement and helps users surpass plateaus in follower numbers. Criticism is directed at the aesthetic quality of the food and the use of ketchup on roasted potatoes.

Twitter's recommendation engine incorrectly suggests that one of the hosts follows Britney Spears. The "who to follow" column is criticized for its lack of accuracy, as a simple analysis of user interactions could yield better suggestions than the current automated system.

The hosts coordinate a social media update to alert listeners that the show is live. Mickey Hoogendijk is mentioned in relation to a photo of the mobile studio setup being shared on Twitter. The segment captures the atmosphere of broadcasting from a car during a snowstorm.

Twitter users are reportedly upset over changes to the "replies" and "following" features. The hosts predict the rise of Twitter clones like Identica and the eventual fragmentation of the service into specialized networks for geeks, celebrities, and other niches.

A discussion regarding social media growth highlights one host surpassing 10,000 followers on Twitter within twenty days. The conversation shifts to the utility of a large following for crowdsourcing information, specifically seeking recommendations for open-source or shareware programs to convert DVDs into laptop-viewable files.

Dvorak reports a surge in his Twitter followers to over 5,700 after a plug from Leo Laporte. Curry explains the strategy of attracting "repeaters" like Jason Calacanis to amplify messages to a larger, more relevant audience.