Roast my project

[Thoth]

Hi, I am working on a project and I am interested into listen your opinions.

Current social media platforms are flooded with Bots and Artificially generated content.
My goal is build a platform that tacle these issues.

1 - The Problem:
The communication barrier is a global problem.
There are over 7000 langauges in the planet.
Meta is creating generative users.
The Dead Internet Theory is becoming real.

2 - The solution:
A platform with multi language translation via machine learning will
provide global distribution of content - back to back on any language.
Using algorithms to detect and block generative content and deep fakes.

 

[Ozzy]

As you have said 'Roast my project' I'll roast it, but I cannot because I'm afraid you haven't explained what your project is in a way I can understand what I'm roasting, so I'm left guessing.

Are you proposing another social media platform, a web browser? You say it's a platform, but what type of platform? How would I access it, and what would I consume from it?

Also, why would I want to block generative content? Some generative content is quite interesting or entertaining.

 

[dc74uk]

Hi, I am working on a project and I am interested into listen your opinions.

Current social media platforms are flooded with Bots and Artificially generated content.
My goal is build a platform that tacle these issues.

1 - The Problem:
The communication barrier is a global problem.
There are over 7000 langauges in the planet.
Meta is creating generative users.
The Dead Internet Theory is becoming real.

2 - The solution:
A platform with multi language translation via machine learning will
provide global distribution of content - back to back on any language.
Using algorithms to detect and block generative content and deep fakes.

Mate, this is a cracking idea, but I need some information on the front and back end. that said, Bots and fake content are everywhere, and solving the language barrier is a proper challenge and I think that is where the problem lies. the idea is good, my understanding is the translations are audible. if so are you using things like Magic AI? Bots and deepfakes is hard, here's a question, how would you determine what is fake or not? there is a very thin line between them both and that is ultimately the problem. the similarity between the 2 can be so fine, how would not mistaken remove the real material? huge potential but how tangible it is to achieve over success is difficult.

 

[Mark T Jones]

I'll start with the universal truth - ideas are worthless, the value is in the execution

Like Ozzy, I don't really understand what the actual model is other than auto-blocking AI content(?)

Whi is your target user (I've deliberately avoided customer)? What will they use it for?

Personally, my social media revolves mostly around LinkedIn, UKBF and Facebook (only for a few specific groups). Whilst AI creeps in, it's currently pretty easy to identify, avoid or block - i suspect there will also be tools to do this for you

 

[dc74uk]

I get where you’re coming from—execution is critical, no doubt. But I wouldn’t say ideas are worthless. In tackling something like bots and fake content, having a well-thought-out idea is key because it sets the vision and strategy for execution.

 

[Mark T Jones]

I get where you’re coming from—execution is critical, no doubt. But I wouldn’t say ideas are worthless. In tackling something like bots and fake content, having a well-thought-out idea is key because it sets the vision and strategy for execution.

A million people have already had that idea.

The one(s) who succeed will be those who turn it onto a meaningful, customer-friendly business model.

 

[tony84]

I dont see the problem being a big enough problem.

When I went to school, one of my mates was pakistani and another indian (they did get on). They were both bilingual. So if they were speaking to me, they would speak english. If they were speaking to their mum, they would speak their other language.

My daughter is in school and a french kid has just joined the school. They have an app on a tablet, which when the teacher speaks, it converts it to french for him. In the space of 6 months, he can now speak a bit of english and is needing the app less.

The only place this would come in useful (that I can see), is if you have 2 complete random people wanting to communicate. But in those rare occasions, you could use a translator or even google translate no?

What is the likelihood of 2 people wanting to communicate who do not speak the same language and google translate (or similar) not being good enough? Assuming there is the volume you need, then you get on to the "how to make money from it" question.

 

[dc74uk]

I can see the reasonable points in both replies above. The issue of “it’s been done a million times before” is valid, but the fact that it has been tried repaetedly shows there’s a clear need for this to actually materialise. A good example is adapting current environments to allow AI, like ChatGPT, to crawl websites better and extract useful information without clutter. As we shift from Google-style search to more advanced AI-driven models, this becomes a critical step.

Right now, it might seem out of reach, but having these conversations is what keeps things moving forward. Even if we don’t have all the answers today, discussing the gaps helps us get closer to what’s missing in the future.

To Tony’s question: “What is the likelihood of two people wanting to communicate who don’t speak the same language, and Google Translate (or similar) not being good enough?” I’d argue that these things only happen when the timing is right. Asking the question now and searching for better answers is exactly what we need to do to push the conversation forward.

Sometimes, it’s not about solving it imediately—it’s about keeping the dialogue alive so solutions can evolve.

 

[Thoth]

As you have said 'Roast my project' I'll roast it, but I cannot because I'm afraid you haven't explained what your project is in a way I can understand what I'm roasting, so I'm left guessing.

Are you proposing another social media platform, a web browser? You say it's a platform, but what type of platform? How would I access it, and what would I consume from it?

Also, why would I want to block generative content? Some generative content is quite interesting or entertaining.

Hy Ozzy, generative content is a cancer to internet. Over 50% of linkedin posts are already AI. Tiktok, youtube, reddit and instagram are flooded with this problem, overtime it will only get worst.
The platform will be accessed via an app and browser.
The idea is a platform that translates content to any language. You will upload videos in english and somebody at mexico will see on spanish and vice versa.

 

[Thoth]

I'll start with the universal truth - ideas are worthless, the value is in the execution

Like Ozzy, I don't really understand what the actual model is other than auto-blocking AI content(?)

Whi is your target user (I've deliberately avoided customer)? What will they use it for?

Personally, my social media revolves mostly around LinkedIn, UKBF and Facebook (only for a few specific groups). Whilst AI creeps in, it's currently pretty easy to identify, avoid or block - i suspect there will also be tools to do this for you

Also the translation of content.
You will upload videos in english and somebody at Brazil will watch on portuguese and vice versa.

 

[Ozzy]

The platform will be accessed via an app and browser.
The idea is a platform that translates content to any language.

Ok, so I understand correctly.

Is this a service that I would use to consume Instagram for example, that would allow me to view Instagram posts from Mexico and it will translate those posts for me?

 

[Thoth]

Ok, so I understand correctly.

Is this a service that I would use to consume Instagram for example, that would allow me to view Instagram posts from Mexico and it will translate those posts for me?

Full videos also. Imaging posting a video speaking your mother tonge and then this videos get translated to any language that you can think of Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portugese, Indian and so on. Your video now have a global visibility.

 

[fisicx]

Full videos also. Imaging posting a video speaking your mother tonge and then this videos get translated to any language that you can think of Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Portugese, Indian and so on. Your video now have a global visibility.

How would this work? Will you tube allow you to freely translate videos?

Most translation tools are far from perfect. Just look how bad they are a subtitles. How will yours be better?

 

[Mark T Jones]

Also the translation of content.
You will upload videos in english and somebody at Brazil will watch on portuguese and vice versa.

OK. I presume there is some market here (but not me)

From a business perspective, things to focus on (in no particular order)

The size / nature / motivation of your target audience

The technical issues

The competition- I'm pretty sure there will be others doing something similar

How you will monetise it.

 

[Thoth]

How would this work? Will you tube allow you to freely translate videos?

Most translation tools are far from perfect. Just look how bad they are a subtitles. How will yours be better?

Exactly my point, most of the current tools have horrendous audio, they sound very robotized just like the google translator, sometimes even worst actually. My system will have voice cloning, so the translated audio will sound natuaral.

 

[Thoth]

OK. I presume there is some market here (but not me)

From a business perspective, things to focus on (in no particular order)

The size / nature / motivation of your target audience

The technical issues

The competition- I'm pretty sure there will be others doing something similar

How you will monetise it.

The size: Global
Nature: Users interested into watch content outise their mother tongue
Motivation: Creators trying to expand their audiences.

Every show that you watch (ex Braking Bad) its translated into other languages. Now imagine if your stories that you post on your instagram could be accessed into other languages also.

 

[Thoth]

I wish i could send links for my slide deck. The last slide have the concept of how the app would work.

 

[Mark T Jones]

The size: Global
Nature: Users interested into watch content outise their mother tongue
Motivation: Creators trying to expand their audiences.

Every show that you watch (ex Braking Bad) its translated into other languages. Now imagine if your stories that you post on your instagram could be accessed into other languages also.

The classic fail-point of idea vs business - quick, easy answers

To make this a business you need to be giving deep, serious research and thought you the questions I've asked, not coming back with broad generic ones

That's the difference between a business and an idea...

 

[fisicx]

Have you got a website with some examples of translated video?

Can I load up a Bollywood film on the TV and it translates everything to English?

Post the link with gaps in the url so we can see how good it is.

 

[Thoth]

Have you got a website with some examples of translated video?

Can I load up a Bollywood film on the TV and it translates everything to English?

Post the link with gaps in the url so we can see how good it is.

Deck

takes slide pitch.pdf

drive.google.com

 

[fisicx]

Not interested in your deck - it tells me nothing (and is a pretty awful pitch).

I want to see a translated video.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Deck

takes slide pitch.pdf

drive.google.com

I'll roast that if you like

But seriously, that's a vague description of an idea which doesn't present any kind of business proposition

If it was truly interesting/ innovative, your risk is that an astute business person would simply pick up the idea and turn it into a business

That's why your business pitch is 90% about why you are the person who is going to make this idea a viable, profitable business

 

[Thoth]

The classic fail-point of idea vs business - quick, easy answers

To make this a business you need to be giving deep, serious research and thought you the questions I've asked, not coming back with broad generic ones

That's the difference between a business and an idea...

Interesting point. At the tech/startup scene investors always say that they are aiming for projects that have global market expansion and scalability. Instead of evaluating the project they shift their focus to scrutinizing the founder, missing the very innovation they claim to seek.

 

[fisicx]

But you don't even have a project to show them. You have a vague idea. Where is the MVP? Where is the demo site showing the translations? Does your app even exist?

 

[Mark T Jones]

Interesting point. At the tech/startup scene investors always say that they are aiming for projects that have global market expansion and scalability. Instead of evaluating the project they shift their focus to scrutinizing the founder, missing the very innovation they claim to seek.

They want projects that are scaleable

But mostly they want founders who can scale them

 

[eteb3]

A platform with multi language translation via machine learning will
provide global distribution of content - back to back on any language.
Using algorithms to detect and block generative content and deep fakes.

Where Tech Companies Build Communities

The customizable, scalable community platform powering over 22,000 communities. Create knowledge through conversation.

www.discourse.org

Does much of that already

I’d suggest your “algos to detect deepfakes” are just going to be an an AI arms race with the people producing the fakes, and you’ll win only if you can out-invest them

 

[linkator]

Do you personally have a problem to access content in other languages? I surmise that any social network has "translate to <your language" button along the post or comment. I mentioned that most people come to social networks to communicate inside their "circle" and are not interested in opinions which do not align with their beliefs. Occasionally they do some "research" to check if something new will interest them, but mostly to hang out in communities where things are comfortable.

 

[Thoth]

How do you know if you are interested in something that you can't even understand the language? Might other people also can also share the interest? Thats my point, even for niche things. This is something to expand the reach of videos.

 

[fisicx]

Do you have an example of a video with a bunch of translations?

 

[Thoth]

No I dont, but I do have the algorythm behind it - It is funcional. Im seeking funding to tie things (Server, gpu and storage).

 

[fisicx]

You don’t need any of these to put a demo together. It’s unlikely anyone will offer any funding without seeing the concept in action.

Your main challenge will be to get the streaming providers (like YouTube) on board. If I can’t translate YouTube content then it’s a far less attractive proposition.

It would be the same if I need an app to view a video. It’s got to be something that integrates with existing platforms and websites.

 

[Thoth]

I dont have to convice any streamer provider. I will be their competitor. What I have to convice is the public and the creators to jump onboard.

 

[fisicx]

Sorry to pour cold water on your project but that is never going to happen.

Why would anyone choose to switch to an unknown platform on the off chance someone in a different country might want to see the video in their own language when there are already millions of videos on YouTube?

You wanted your project roasted. There is nothing to roast, this dead duck won’t even get plucked.

 

[Thoth]

Based on your mentality TikTok would never exist then.

 

[fisicx]

Different thing altogether.

Your problem isn’t the idea, it’s marketing. Other streaming services spend millions on marketing and offer something people want.

A translation service for video isn’t an attractive proposition. Especially if you need an app to view the video.

That being said, show an example of a translated video on a demo site and you might get some traction. If if it only works on an app you won’t.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Why would anyone choose to switch to an unknown platform

If they spent a shed load of money on marketing.

Brands like TT & Temu spent a shed load on regional multi media advertising and they bought users. The more you get, the easier the organic growth becomes.

 

[fisicx]

But to get investors on board you first need to demonstrate the product.

Until there is a MVP nothing is going to happen.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Based on your mentality TikTok would never exist then.

Oh dear, please don't...

Pulling out (non) comparisons with high profile success stories screams naivety & desperation. For every TicToc, there are thousands of video upload projects that never saw the light of day & possibly a handful that did see the light of day, looked hopefully before either disappearing or chugging along in a defined niche. What part of your strategy aligns you with TicToc, rather than one of the thousands?


Remember, you don't need to prove or justify anything on here - we're just providing opinions from a range of angles & backgrounds.

However, it seems that the thread hasn't really progressed from you trying to convince us of the brilliance of your idea with no real thought to the business of making it into a business.

If you're up for it, I'd suggest 2 things right now:

1. Watch a few episodes of Dragons' Den (any episodes, they're all the same). Ignore segments 1 & 2 - the pitch & pulling it apart, and pay close attention to segment 3 'Tell us about the business'.

The same things, that come up time & time again projections/proof of concept/verification/IP. That is the meat of the show, the rest is TV titillation.

2. Imagine that it's gone to plan, that you've actually got investment.

You now have shareholders who are fixated on growth - and are looking to you to deliver it. What is your strategy for delivering the growth that they've invested in?

 

[Ozzy]

You now have shareholders who are fixated on growth - and are looking to you to deliver it. What is your strategy for delivering the growth that they've invested in?

Just to add to this, growth isn't really people signed up - growth is 'return on investment' by way of cash.
There will always be a Unicorn story, but they are very rare so what an investor will want is when will they get their money back and how.