This week on the Area of interest Pursuits Information Podcast, Jared Bauman and Thomas Smith dive deep into the difficult relationship between Reddit and Google, focus on warnings from Google about scaled content material, and have a heated debate over whether or not AI is all hype.
Plus, they share updates on their facet hustles and wrap issues up with a few really bizarre—however fascinating—area of interest web sites.
Let’s get into it.
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Reddit’s Inventory Swings and Google Dependency
Reddit just lately went public, and whereas the IPO seemed sturdy at first look, there is a rising concern that Reddit’s success is simply too carefully tied to Google search visitors
.
Key factors:
Reddit has a licensing cope with Google, and its post-IPO visitors progress is closely influenced by logged-out customers coming from Google.
Logged-out customers don’t have interaction with Reddit the identical approach logged-in customers do. They’re much less energetic, much less worthwhile, and extra transient.
Whereas Reddit’s logged-in consumer base has grown by 27%, its logged-out consumer visitors has surged by 51%.
This dependence on Google visitors is inflicting volatility in Reddit’s inventory worth. Shares have swung from $80 to over $220 and again right down to beneath $100.
Analysts exterior of search engine marketing are starting to note the unsustainable nature of progress constructed on search engine referrals.
Reddit’s COO Jen Wong described the connection with Google as “symbiotic,” however even she acknowledged the “chop” concerned in managing it.
Why it issues: For content material creators and digital entrepreneurs, Reddit’s scenario mirrors what many have skilled: a reliance on Google that may really feel like a blessing and a curse. The lesson? Diversify your visitors sources if you’d like long-term stability.
Google Sends Robust Indicators About Scaled Content material
At a current business occasion, Google’s Danny Sullivan made it clear: scaled content material—whether or not AI-generated or not—is firmly of their crosshairs.
Right here’s what we discovered:
Google up to date its High quality Rater Tips to warn towards low-value, mass-produced content material.
Sullivan emphasised that it’s not simply AI content material beneath scrutiny—human-generated scaled content material can be thought-about problematic.
Considered one of his clearest quotes: “We do not actually care the way you’re doing this scaled content material… it’s going to be a problem.”
The purpose is to advertise content material with originality and actual worth, not simply content material produced for search visitors.
Thomas’s take:
He believes Google has used Reddit as a stopgap for UGC whereas growing its personal skill to higher floor genuine content material.
Google seems to be making ready for a broader crackdown, particularly now that its AI-generated SERP summaries scale back its incentive to ship visitors to others producing comparable low-value content material.
This may increasingly comply with the identical sample as their previous updates—beginning with small hints, then hitting arduous later within the 12 months.
What this implies for creators: You possibly can’t simply generate content material at scale and anticipate long-term rankings. The technique shifting ahead is obvious: give attention to originality, usefulness, and actual consumer engagement.
The “Phony Comforts of AI Optimism” Debate
Journalist Ed Zitron printed a long-form article criticizing what he sees as blind optimism round AI. He argues that the tech is overhyped and lacks real-world software and profitability.
The article’s key claims:
Many AI benchmarks are flawed.
The enterprise case for AI is shaky.
AI’s real-world worth is overestimated and propped up by media and speculative funding.
Thomas’s rebuttal:
There’s a transparent distinction between the AI business and AI as a know-how.
Even when AI firms are struggling to monetize, the know-how is already reworking industries—writing, design, drugs, accounting, and extra.
Most individuals don’t notice they’re utilizing AI every day—whether or not by means of instruments like Photoshop or voice-to-text transcription.
Productiveness positive factors are actual, even when they’re underreported as a result of staff don’t all the time disclose how AI helps them behind the scenes.
Jared’s perspective:
Adoption is uneven, however the course is obvious.
In some sectors, AI isn’t even mentioned but, whereas in others, it’s central to the workflow.
Because the tech turns into extra embedded, industries like building and native companies could quickly catch up.
This part was one of many extra spirited debates in current episodes, and it’s value a pay attention for those who’re inquisitive about AI’s true place within the fashionable workforce.
Aspect Hustle Updates: Amazon Influencer and Medium
Jared’s begins by sharing his progress with the Amazon Influencer Program:
March earnings had been simply over $1,000, flat from February.
He printed 40 movies in March, bouncing again after a slower February.
Conversion charges dropped considerably in comparison with final 12 months, regardless of constant video high quality.
Potential clarification: Amazon could have modified the way it calculates conversions.
Nonetheless bullish on this system—particularly as spring merchandise ramp up.
Thomas talks about his newest progress on Medium:
Earned $1,703 on Medium in March, up from $807 in February.
Targeted on getting tales boosted or featured—handbook human curation is now important.
Printed 8 tales, up from 3 in January.
Leaning into e-newsletter content material because the supply for Medium tales to save lots of time.
Emphasizes Medium’s persevering with worth—not only for Accomplice Program earnings, but in addition for search engine marketing, lead gen, and model constructing.
Bizarre Area of interest Websites of the Week
Jared goes first, with Publish Secret:
A neighborhood artwork venture began in 2004 the place folks mail in nameless postcards with secrets and techniques.
Website solely posts 10 secrets and techniques per week, creating a powerful sense of shortage.
Spawned six books, a touring exhibit, and a cult following.
Nonetheless attracts important visitors and backlinks.
Feels particularly related in right now’s digital world—uncooked, emotional, user-generated content material that AI can’t replicate.
Thomas shares the location he discovered: Hire the Rooster:
Sure, you’ll be able to hire chickens. And coops.
For round $800 per season, households can attempt yard rooster farming with out long-term dedication.
The location connects renters with native rooster suppliers throughout North America.
Earns by means of leases and affiliate commissions (e.g., Grubbly Farms).
Demonstrates a unusual however rising area of interest, particularly amid rising egg costs.
Thomas, a rooster proprietor himself, praised the idea as a sensible response to an actual shopper development.
Remaining Ideas
This episode was a mixture of market evaluation, content material technique insights, and some laughs from the world of area of interest web sites. The central theme? Whether or not it’s Google updates, AI debates, or risky visitors, creators want to remain adaptive, strategic, and diversified.
Tune in for the total episode for those who haven’t already—there’s much more nuance and information behind each phase.