345: Scrape or Be Scraped

Sep 6, 2024 20m

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Episode Description

Welcome to the weird world of web scraping in the AI age, where founders have to protect their data from hungry AI companies but also need to collect information from all kinds of (not so) public APIs.

Today, I dive into a particularly confusing situation I am in with Podscan when it comes to scraping and keeping the web free and open.

This episode is sponsored by Podscan.fm

The blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/crawl-or-be-crawled/

The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/345-scrape-or-be-scraped

Check out Podscan to get alerts when you're mentioned on podcasts: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvid

You'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com

Podcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletter

My book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/

My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/

My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.com

Here are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw

AI-Generated Summary

Navigating the Scraping Dilemma

In this episode, Arvid explores the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding web scraping in the age of AI. As he collects data for his podcast data scanning business, Podscan, he finds himself embroiled in a battle with large AI companies that aggressively scrape the web for information. While he understands the importance of data availability for his own business, he grapples with the need to protect his data from these intruders, ultimately highlighting the tension between data accessibility and ownership.

The State of Web Scraping

Arvid explains how web scraping has evolved and become a contentious issue with big players like OpenAI and Anthropic leading the charge. Their disregard for the rules set up to protect content leads to significant traffic and costs for the original content hosts. He discusses recent lawsuits that have sided with scrapers and reflects on the Internet’s foundational principle of data availability, contrasting it with the current aggressive scraping practices.

Building Defenses for Data Protection

As a response to the aggressive scraping behaviors of AI companies, Arvid delineates various strategies he's implemented to safeguard Podscan's data. This includes making the directory of podcasts behind a login system, employing strict rate limits, and implementing encoded IDs to prevent easy scraping. Through these measures, he seeks to control access to his information while remaining a responsible data collector.

An Ecosystem-Friendly Approach to Scraping

Arvid discusses his approach to web scraping in a way that minimizes impact on others’ servers. He emphasizes the importance of spreading out requests, utilizing caching, and respecting server signals like the 429 or 503 errors. His methodical strategy aims to balance the need for data with the obligation to preserve a healthy web ecosystem.

Potential Opportunities Through Scraping

In this segment, Arvid proposes that rather than merely viewing scraping as a threat, it can also present business opportunities. By establishing contact with scrapers, he could turn what was once data theft into a mutually beneficial relationship. Arvid plans to implement systems to detect scrapers on his platform and seize the chance to sell data to AI companies rather than just allowing it to be extracted for free.