Waffles has acquired Bluesky, sparking debates on user moderation and platform identity.
Waffles buys Bluesky
Social media posts about waffles surge
Controversy over moderation policies
CEOs respond with humor
Historical context of user issues
Criticism of leadership decisions
Waffles officially acquired Bluesky on October 5, 2025. The acquisition was valued at $500, with the transaction processed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker “WFLS”. This deal marked a significant moment for Bluesky, a social platform valued for its early advocacy of marginalized communities.[1][4]
Community Reactions and Moderation Issues
Following the acquisition, Bluesky’s platform saw a flood of humorous posts about waffles. However, this light-hearted moment quickly evolved into serious discussions about Bluesky’s moderation policies.
Controversy centered significantly around Jesse Singal, a figure whose presence has been divisive due to his views on transgender issues. A Change.org petition with over 28,000 signatures called for his banning after accusations that he violated community guidelines. Singal was formerly the most-blocked user on Bluesky.[4][7]
CEO Jay Graber responded to the controversy by emphasizing that harassment is ineffective in changing minds or policies. Graber also signaled a moderation philosophy focused on reducing confrontations rather than blanket bans, which has fueled ongoing tensions with some users feeling marginalized.[11][4]
This has led to growing dissatisfaction among users who believe Bluesky’s leadership has shifted away from its original inclusive mission, causing community fractures and criticism.
Platform Growth and Operations
By late 2025, Bluesky served over 27 million users with a lean team of 25 full-time employees and roughly 100 contractors, many dedicated to moderating content remotely. This efficient staffing structure supported rapid user growth while balancing operational costs. Bluesky also raised $23 million in funding over two rounds, underlining investor confidence despite community challenges.[9]
Decentralization and Future Direction
Graber has promoted decentralization as a key strategic element. This approach enables users to customize their own moderation systems, aiming to foster healthier dialogue and reduce user complaints by distributing control away from centralized authorities.[11]
The CEO also acknowledged that Bluesky was designed with the possibility that users leave if dissatisfied, underscoring a philosophy of user-driven platform evolution.[4]
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