👋 Welcome to Ambit’s periodic update where I share about Ambit’s mission, new feature developments, and highlight happenings in the Ambit community.

In today’s newsletter:

1. Fork In The Road: Pushing back against billionaires and Big Tech.

2. New Beta Features: Check out two new features Ambit has released into Beta!

3. Community Updates: Learn more about Social Enterprise MSP and Blue Hippo Bakery!

4. PLUS… Vendor Opportunities! There are two opportunities for pop ups to check out.

Let’s dive in!

🍴Fork In The Road

When Elon Musk sent emails to Twitter and Government employees during periods of mass firings, he used the subject line “Fork in the Road”. These emails presented a choice: fully commit to Elon’s vision or step aside.

This moment defined his approach—an all-or-nothing mentality that left little room for dissent or discussion while demanding absolute loyalty, regardless of legal or ethical concerns.

Elon’s Backlash

Largely speaking, Elon’s recent actions have been met with frustration. Veterans and voters across the country have flooded town halls to voice their frustrations toward elected Representatives.

The backlash has grown intense enough for the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee to advise Republicans not to host in-person town halls anymore.

Musk’s increasing involvement in government policy and decision-making has been widely criticized by both Democrats and Republican voters, and many in between. It turns out Americans don’t like Billionaires dictating how our government operates!

Counterproductive Behavior

In the age of social media, many of us use Ex-Twitter (and other platforms) to express our frustrations, including towards Elon Musk and his (undefined) role in the government.

As good as it feels to shout into the abyss online, it’s ultimately counterproductive to use Twitter and social media platforms as a means of opposition and progress. Here’s why:

1. Algorithmic Bias – Social media algorithms are not neutral; they are ideologically biased and do not provide a fair fight in the battle of ideas.

   1. For example, Elon bought Twitter, then reconfigured the algorithm to promote himself in the algorithm and help Donald Trump get elected. Posts that don’t align with Elon’s ideology are often demoted in the algorithm, or swarmed by his sycophants.

2. Monetization – Every post we make fuels social media platforms financially. These companies monetize our engagement and use the revenue to further entrench their influence, continuing the cycle of control they’ve had for over 20 years.

3. Social Relevance – Social media’s power relies heavily on their cultural relevance. Ironically, even when we post about how much we dislike these platforms, we are still reinforcing their relevance.

In other words, the worlds richest man would be delighted to have you share your outrage on his platform so he can continue to monetize off of being the center of conversation.

On the other hand, if we are serious about moving on from social media platforms, then we need to eliminate their algorithmic advantages, compete for their revenue, and decrease their social relevance.

Productive Behavior

Yes, these are massive companies with lots of power… but we are not powerless against Big Tech, billionaires, and massive corporations.

This is, in part, why Ambit exists.

My expectation isn’t for every small business, local journalist, and others to immediately abandon social media and switch to an alternative platform.

However, we can take small, meaningful steps to gradually reduce our dependence on Big Tech over time.

Here’s My Ask:

1. When a Big Tech CEO says something outrageous, create or “like” a post or event on Ambit instead of on social media.

2. When an out-of-touch billionaire overexerts their power, support a small business owner on Ambit—someone who can actually use your dollar to grow their own business.

3. When a big corporation turns their back on their “values”, invite a friend to join you on Ambit.

Overtime, we can take away Big Tech’s ability to monetize us, redirect our dollar from billionaires to small business owners, and strengthen our negotiating position in the market.

The Takeaway

Elon Musk is right about one thing—we are at a fork in the road. But there is another option beyond simply following his lead or staying trapped in the system: pushing back.

If you’re tired of being bullied by billionaires and Big Tech, start taking small actions with a community of people committed to making a big impact over time.

This is, in part, why Ambit exists. Thanks for being here.

I love you, Minnesota!

CHUCK

🚀 New Beta Features!

Check out what Ambit’s been up to and how the platform continues to evolve!

📍New Feature #1: User Check Ins!

Become a “Regular” at your favorite local businesses!

User Check Ins enable users to share which local busineses they’ve visited, post updates with photos, and appear in friends' feeds. Users visiting small businesses most frequently earn title of a "Regular" title, unlocking exclusive perks and discounts (coming soon). Showcase your favorite spots while supporting local businesses!

1️⃣ Share: Let your friends know what local businesses you've visited

2️⃣ Count: Keep track of your most-visited businesses

3️⃣ Reward: Become a "Regular" at local businesses to be eligible for discounts and prizes (Coming soon!)

🤑 New Feature #2: Ambit Perks!

Ambit Perks helps businesses attract more customers by offering exclusive deals to Ambit users. Businesses can drive sales while users can easily find and claim special promotions at local spots. It’s a win-win for boosting business and saving money!

Check out this sweet first Perk from Nrth Media ⬇️

➕ Add Your Perk! Are you a verified business on Ambit? Add your own Perk to encourage Ambit users to check you out!

Get to know our friends at Social Enterprise MSP!

Social Enterprise MSP is a community platform comprised of purpose-driven businesses and individuals in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. It connects local social enterprises to resources, networks, and support to create a more impactful economy.

• Supports businesses, nonprofits, and individuals focused on social change

• Provides resources and connections for scaling social impact

• Hosts events like Social Impact Week MN

• Aims to prioritize people over profits in the economy

Follow Social Enterprise MSP on Ambit to stay up-to-date on their work and exciting events, like the one tonight!

🐀 Viewer Discretion is Advised 🐕️ 

What does one do when a fat rat invades your home? You go to Blue Hippo Bakery to custom order cookies!

The Backstory

Back in February, a rather plump and long rat found its way into our home. My wife - who is terrified of rats - took refuge in the basement while I was out of the house.

Meanwhile, our two dogs upstairs (a 45lb Samoyed and a 105lb Bernese Mountain Dog) seized the opportunity. They chased the rat around the house until the samoyed jumped on it, rang it’s neck (ope!), and paraded around the house in victory.

After the exterminator confirmed this rat was a lone operator and we had the house professionally cleaned, I called Bree Markuson from Blue Hippo Bakery to custom make cookies to celebrate our success in fending off of the invasion...

Supporting Local

These cookies not only tasted delicious, but were a work of art that told the story of “man’s best friend” protecting its people from an intruder. These cookies were like Paleolithic art from the caveman days, but edible and sweet 🤣 

The next time a rat invades your house - or you just want to celebrate an event - call up Bree from Blue Hippo Bakery.

In the meantime, follow Blue Hippo on Ambit and check out some of Bree’s work here!

📣 Vendor Opportunities

Are you a pop up vendor looking for markets and pop ups? Check out these two opportunities from The Village and Tried & True Confections!

🚀 Ambit is growing!

Apply for your verified account today!

Are you a small business, local organization, newspaper, or other leader in the community? Apply for a verified account on Ambit Media Company to connect with locals in Minnesota.