Bluesky T-Shirt Sells Out After Zuckerberg Troll

A Subtle Critique at SXSW

During her appearance at the SXSW conference this week, Bluesky CEO Jay Graber delivered a pointed critique of Mark Zuckerberg, achieving this without directly naming Meta. Her attire played a key role in this message.

Graber wore a black T-shirt featuring text in a style reminiscent of one previously worn by the billionaire founder of Meta at a public event.

The Latin phrase Mundus sine Caesaribus, meaning “a world without Caesars,” was prominently displayed on Graber’s shirt.

Bluesky Capitalizes on the Moment

The response on Bluesky to Graber’s T-shirt was overwhelmingly positive. This enthusiasm prompted the platform to offer replica shirts for sale, with proceeds benefiting its developer ecosystem.

The shirts, priced at $40 and available in sizes S to XL, quickly sold out within approximately 30 minutes.

The Caesar Connection

Zuckerberg has previously alluded to Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator, in his public persona. The shirt he wore featured the phrase Aut Zuck aut nihil, translating to “Zuck or nothing.”

This is a clear reference to the historical Latin phrase Aut Caesar aut nihil, a sentiment fitting for a powerful, autocratic ruler. Observers have noted the unusual nature of Zuckerberg’s self-comparison to a figure known for violence and dictatorial power.

Decentralization as a Core Principle

While significantly smaller in scale than Meta’s operations, Bluesky operates on a decentralized and open-source infrastructure.

This design envisions a social media landscape where power isn't concentrated in the hands of a single executive.

The platform’s structure encourages contributions from any developer, fostering growth and innovation.

Therefore, Graber’s T-shirt represents more than just a playful jab at a competitor; it embodies the fundamental principles that Bluesky strives to uphold.

The Power of Forks and Alternatives

Graber explained at SXSW that Bluesky’s architecture allows for resilience against centralized control. “If a billionaire were to acquire Bluesky, or exert undue influence, users could create a ‘fork’ and continue on a different application,” she stated.

She further elaborated that existing applications already provide alternative views of the network, and new ones can be readily developed.

This inherent openness ensures users always have the option to migrate to a new, viable alternative platform.