The video critiques Civitai’s currency system, highlighting concerns about the psychological tactics used to encourage spending, particularly through the “Early Access” model and the cosmetic shop, which leverage fear of missing out (FOMO). The speaker contrasts this approach with Mid Journey’s more straightforward and fair pricing, advocating for transparency and fairness in monetization without manipulative strategies.
In the video, the speaker discusses the currency system used on the platform Civitai, specifically focusing on the different types of currency available: yellow bus and blue bus. Yellow bus can be purchased with real money and is transferable, while blue bus is earned by viewing ads and cannot be cashed out. The speaker appreciates the straightforward pricing of yellow bus but raises concerns about the implications of blue bus, which is tied to ad engagement and offers limited utility.
The concept of “Early Access” on Civitai is another focal point of the discussion. The speaker explains that users must spend bus to gain early access to models, which can be seen as a way to support creators. However, they express discomfort with this model, likening it to a Kickstarter campaign where users pay to support a project rather than receive a finished product. The speaker argues that this approach plays on the psychological tactic of fear of missing out (FOMO), compelling users to spend money to avoid being left behind.
Additionally, the speaker critiques the cosmetic shop on Civitai, where users can purchase animated gifts and AI-generated images using bus. They highlight the high prices for these items, suggesting that the platform is leveraging FOMO to encourage spending on cosmetic upgrades. The speaker draws parallels to the gaming industry, where similar tactics are used to monetize free-to-play games through in-game purchases and cosmetic items, creating a cycle of spending that can be detrimental to users.
The speaker contrasts Civitai’s approach with that of Mid Journey, a service they find more straightforward and fair. They appreciate that Mid Journey offers a clear product without the psychological manipulation seen in Civitai’s model. The speaker emphasizes the importance of transparency and fairness in pricing, arguing that users should not feel pressured to spend money through psychological tricks.
In conclusion, while the speaker acknowledges the value of Civitai and its contributions to the community, they express concern about the psychological strategies employed to drive revenue. They advocate for a more straightforward approach to monetization that does not rely on FOMO or other manipulative tactics. The video encourages viewers to share their thoughts on the matter while maintaining a civil discourse in the comments section.