Automattic Trust & Safety: 2025 Transparency Report

Been thinking about how many organizations are caught right now in the play-it-safe cycle about who they are and what they do.   There’s a lot of polish, sparkly goals, and looking great on paper. But seems light on the “purpose” of it all. Which we know quickly translates into a lack of inspiration for teams, audiences, stakeholders, customers, etc. Hear me out, what happens when you challenge the status quo? When you lead your organization rooted in a mission that’s bold and authentic, one that has meaning? TGW evolved into what it is today by continuously coming back to that meaning. Operating deliberately from mission. This approach doesn’t always align with the current landscape, but we can be a lighthouse where this approach does more than just define our identity. It allows us to better support each other, strengthen our work, and connect with organizations that are too rebellious at their roots. Perhaps we reframe “What do we do?” to “What needs changing?” “What impact do we want to make?” “Whose lives are we here to improve?” Imagine a collective that challenges the status quo. 😍 Attracting like-minded individuals who trust and are motivated by similar goals AND sets you apart. This will lift people and the work. And above all, it fosters a community rooted in shared values.

What are some questions to ask when adopting a tech solution? Learn more in our September issue from Nicole Farley, senior vice president of Agency and Carrier Operations at Bold Penguin. https://lnkd.in/gdZaMfB6

Hinge just updated its content violation rules. When a post breaks guidelines, the content is removed and the user is told exactly what about it crossed the line — with a chance to correct it before the profile is banned. We caught up with Hinge CRO Jeff Dunn about the change: “Transparency builds the strongest foundation for trust — and the most important part of any safety system is ensuring that people understand how it works.” Full story: https://lnkd.in/eCBZdxjs

This is a never-ending story in the creative industries. Yet it's rare to hear creators openly discuss paying collaborators when budgets are tight. This, along with more behind-the-scenes insights, comes up in the conversation between Tupac Martir and Thomas Tait .

For decades, publishers lived by one sacred rule: editorial and sales don’t mix. The so-called “church and state” divide was meant to protect integrity and keep advertisers out of the newsroom. But that wall — once seen as the foundation of journalistic credibility — now looks more like an obstacle. Today’s best niche media companies are proving that collaboration between editorial and sales doesn’t erode trust. It strengthens it. The future isn’t about separation. It’s about alignment. *NOTE: This is from today's Niche Fix newsletter, where we share insights from experts and professionals in the niche publishing industry. Read the full article with link in comments 👇

I've always been fascinated by the media term "church vs state". Separation of editorial and sales teams can be crucial in some cases. In others, in can be a detriment to the entire business. Here's my latest from the Niche Media newsletter, where I break down how publishers are tearing down the walls between "church and state" to create great editorial and marketing products. Read it with link in comments 👇

Is being “relatable” still a strategy, or just a leftover from 2020? 👀 Aves argues that relatability has lost its edge. The overly earnest, “we’re your friend” tone that once felt fresh now reads as stale. Modern consumers expect more than friendly—they want brands with a clear, intentional point of view. Listen to the latest ep of Ad-venturous for more: https://lnkd.in/gMKUbSm3

Family businesses often face a tough question: 👉 How do we protect our heritage while transforming for the future? The truth? You don’t have to choose. Tradition and transformation can - and should - go hand in hand. Watch this video to see how businesses like Simply Washrooms | B Corp™ are balancing both… and how you can too. And if you’re ready to take action, grab a free Green Gap Review (only 3 spots weekly):

Do editors make good advisors? Our Senior Council and former Business Editor Damian Reece explores how newsroom editorial experience can translate into trusted strategic advice in his latest Vigo Consulting insight. 🔗 Damian’s insight: https://lnkd.in/g_iWbdWs

Jurors don’t live in a world of drawn out narratives. So trial craft has to adapt, or it dies. Earlier in my career, trials took two or three weeks. Today, if I don’t bring engaging storytelling, I’m wasting everyone’s time. People can watch crime, investigation, trial, verdict, and aftermath in an hour on TV, and they can’t sit through a 90‑second commercial. I try to go off‑code: - If my cross creeps past 25–30 minutes, the jury has tuned out. - Use visuals and clean chapters. - Earn credibility. Authentic beats theatrical every time. Attention is the new constraint, respect it, or lose the room.