Bluesky Profits Soar: How T-Shirt Sales Mocking Zuckerberg Outpaced Custom Domain Revenue
Bluesky CEO Jay Graber captured attention at SXSW last week with her provocative keynote, donning a T-shirt that humorously jabbed at Meta’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg. This clever move sparked a wave of interest, prompting Bluesky to produce and sell Graber’s shirt, despite its subtle Latin reference printed in black ink on black fabric.
Bluesky’s T-Shirt Sales Surpass Expectations
The response to the T-shirt was overwhelming, with Rose Wang, Bluesky’s COO, revealing that the company generated more revenue from T-shirt sales in a single day than it had from two years of custom domain sales. In a light-hearted post on Bluesky, she quipped, “That’s it. Pivoting to a T-shirt company…”
A Playful Retort to Zuckerberg
Bluesky’s T-shirts retail for $40 and serve as a direct response to a shirt designed by Zuckerberg that read “Aut Zuck aut nihil,” translating to “Zuck or nothing.” This phrase references the Latin saying “Aut Caesar aut nihil,” suggesting a bold comparison between Zuckerberg and Julius Caesar.
In contrast, Graber’s shirt features the phrase “Mundus sine Caesaribus,” meaning “a world without Caesars.” This clever wording not only showcases Graber’s wit but also resonates with those who question Zuckerberg’s influence in the tech world.
Why the Roman Empire Analogy?
Zuckerberg’s fascination with the Roman Empire has been noted, as he often parallels his leadership style with that of the historical figure. Both are seen as powerful yet divisive, sparking discussions about the implications of such comparisons.
Bluesky’s Quick Success
The immediate sell-out of the first shirt printing demonstrated a strong market interest, leading Bluesky to reopen its Shopify page for additional orders for one week. Wang emphasized the remarkable sales figures, highlighting the T-shirts’ success compared to the lackluster performance of Bluesky’s custom domain offerings.
- Revenue from T-shirt sales exceeded two years of custom domain sales.
- Graber’s shirt promotes a message of independence from centralized power.
- Bluesky’s Shopify page is open for a limited time to accommodate demand.
The Future of Bluesky
If Bluesky’s other monetization strategies do not yield results, they might consider continuing their venture into fashion design with a humorous twist. This shift could potentially engage users while diversifying the company’s revenue streams.
For more insights on Bluesky and its initiatives, check out our related articles on Bluesky’s revenue strategies and TechCrunch for tech industry trends.
