See our toots about the #ExploreTimeline and displaying boost counts, which encourage botFarms that game the algorithm, and create feedback loops to get user interactions based on perceived #popularity. We warned of it years ago (see #PopularityModel).
Forced Javascript is an anti-feature. Until about a year ago, Mastodon had basic functionality without Javascript.
So many unseen resources being fetched. Cryptomining at least secures the network.
@aendra @rrwo @xtri @WizardBear
2/2
Also, Fediverse is not Mastodon but M'don is big. They've made an algorithm that favors those who operate botfarms to elevate some messages over others. Its called the #ExploreTimeline, and you may be using it right now.
They've also implemented a limiting system that we've been suffering from for about two years.
We love fedi but unless content (ie. image) distribution is distributed (see #glutPlug), that fascists (with the biggest servers) will dominate.
Bot farms are so effective at crushing small instances and at the same time elevating #corporateState narratives.
Taking this moment to thank #Mastodon Devs.
The #ExploreTimeline really helps #bots shine.
@atomicpoet @fediversenews @spacehost @kainoa @ghostdancer
Agree it is remiss to not mention Akkoma, FireFish, or instances that operate totally js free, like GNUSocial, Epicyon, and BloatFE.
It appears corporate entities that appreciate operating botfarms love to shill M'don, because M'don has adopted a number of anti-features that were never supposed to be in Fedi. Eg. visible like/boost counts and an algorithmic timeline (#ExploreTimeline). Things the corpos use to manipulate large groups.
Something worth learning from #China. Entities that are too popular pose a danger.
Look at people that you are thinking of interacting with if they have more than 3000 followers and only been on fedi since #Nov2022 then it is *very* likely they are using or have used #botFarms to game the #ExploreTimeline, for followers.
This #PopularityModel was abuse on #BigSocialMedia. Since #Nov22 its come to #fediverse.
Limit interactions with them especially if they post images a lot.
We can understand why people are thinking of fleeing #mastodon…
A) the #botFams are getting pretty serious/intense/big/bad,
B) the #ExploreTimeline is awful,
B) they think #fediverse is mastodon.
@LionsPhil @nicuveo
When we say #BotFarmTimeline we mean the #ExploreTimeline, of course, designed to favour entities with #botFarms backing them.
Mastodon should also restore their javascript-free interface that was recently dropped.
We really need to see other server types like #Epicyon (named after a type of big wild canine), #GNUSocial, and #FireFish gainmore developer interest.
@mwl
We were saying a fork of Mastodon was needed from as far back as we can remember, with each turn of their ratchet that makes up Mastodon today.
One friend complained to us their fediverse was not as good lately, they were scrolling through, *drumroll* the damned #ExploreTimeline. We instructed them to complain to their admin and explained that unlike admins on Fakebook, fedi ones should listen and it is trivial for admins to remove the Explore timeline.
One bugbare of several.
@rolle There are three troubling things in the current default setup as far as we know. On the whole we must say the UI is quite pleasant but the troubling things are cause for great alertness and we say favour maintaining a fork.
1) Forces Javascript (#makeJavascriptOptional),
2) The #ExploreTimeline (which we call the Popularised by Bots timeline) undermines the spirit of fediverse,
3) The showing of #LikeCounts etc without opening the toot leads to #groupThink. Again an anti-feature.
@lispi314
Good luck. Mastodon has already been made hostile to Tor, try logging in again. And wait for the it looks like you are logging in from a different device, check your (temporary, throwAway) email."
Seriously though there's little point trying now. The #ExploreTimeline is designed to kill #grassroots *anything*.
Dick Smiths Fair Go Supporters