Today in The Print, I write about why I got onto #Mastodon and why I’m circumspect about the chances of its success.

https://theprint.in/opinion/dont-cheer-for-mastodon-yet-it-can-turn-out-to-be-another-twitter/319639/

Don’t cheer for Mastodon yet, it can turn out to be another Twitter

The odds are currently against Mastodon’s success, but they improve a teeny-weeny bit with every new user and every new toot.

ThePrint
The migration of influencers “sends a signal to the people running Twitter that influencers can move out – perhaps completely – if the company doesn’t play fair. Mastodon has already begun to enjoy network effects and FOMO that will attract, initially at least, a higher quality user base. If Twitter chooses to ignore the signal, then Mastodon will more likely take off.”

@nitin @Feignshourie completely agree. I have been making this point myself that opinion makers/ high follower accounts need to not just restrict themselves to creating a mastodon account but take an active stand for the movement if they believe that this can be a credible independent alternative. The one that we should nurture and help grow.

We need to #growthhack this

@navneetmathur @nitin @Feignshourie

So what can be possible #growthhacks for #mastodon ?

1) Maybe we can have a Reddit style AMA sessions with prominent people. Something in line to what @audreytruschke is currently doing here.

2) We can start posting interesting threads(or buns) in mastadon on to birdsite.

3) Customized emojis seems to be a big hit. Can it draw in users?

4) can we integrate a tipping system like in Reddit?we can use doegcoin or smthg else.

@ullulullu @navneetmathur @nitin @Feignshourie @audreytruschke

Ooh! I can do an AMA. That's a great idea. Can announce it on Twitter and do it this weekend or something. :)

@Memeghnad @ullulullu @navneetmathur @nitin @Feignshourie @audreytruschke i can do an AMA. But what is the criteria for being prominent?
@wabbster You are prominent if you have an audience. Period.
@ullulullu @navneetmathur @nitin @audreytruschke I have a plan to start frequent AMAs, lets see how it goes. That is good for engagement, little different than RT and like games
@ullulullu @navneetmathur @nitin @Feignshourie @audreytruschke to me, only #2 looks like something which will promote migration, rest would just make the existing usage more engaging

@the_overtaker @ullulullu @nitin @Feignshourie @audreytruschke

AMA to promote mastodon is a great suggestion as it will a) create wider awareness in the bird land, b) help people understand how to reach here as it can be tricky for many, and c) convert some fence sitters/ skeptics

@navneetmathur
So how can we organize AMAs. What all needs to be done for moderating questions, promoting AMAs and the likes?
@the_overtaker @nitin @Feignshourie @audreytruschke

@ullulullu

well you should announce a date and time window when you will be available to field questions from your followers on any portal (FB/Twitter/Reddit) etc. and then execute on it. As simple as that. Of course it assumes that there is an audience that is willing and ready to ask you questions