Tracy Pizzo FreyNov 25, 2022
Duane Aubin 
@mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem Nope, disrupting Twitter was a tactical triumph for conservatives. Twitter had long been a tool of community, organization, education and information for marginalized communities. Helped Biden get 82 million votes. Disrupting Twitter is the modern techie bombing of the Black church or opening fire in a gay club. Or burning down Black Wall Street in Tulsa. Disrupting marginalized spaces is terrorism 101 for Christian nationalist white supremacists.
Nov 25, 2022 at 4:59amWeb
Show thread𝙶𝚎𝚖™ 💎🏳️‍🌈Nov 25, 2022

@duaneaubin @mjf_pro

Excellent point.

That's exactly what it is. 💯

Show threadTed_CvilleNov 25, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem Yeah... That is why I am kind of torn about totally leaving there. While I hate what he/they are doing to it and it feels righteous & justified to leave, it also feels a little like giving up the battle and leaving the battlefield to them.
Show threadAngeleyez407Nov 25, 2022
@Ted_Cville @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem
I'm finding it more depressing as I see it trashed. I'm finding for my own peace of mind, I come here to find intelligent conversations.
Show threadMatthew RodierNov 25, 2022
@Ted_Cville @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem if everyone leaves it most likely forces a sale. The main activity there now seems to be discussing its downfall and responding to Musk’s far right turn and the changes it inspired. If that engagement goes away I don’t see how it continues under current ownership. By fighting to keep it people are keeping him in control of it.
Show threadGeoff CromptonNov 25, 2022
@Ted_Cville I'm certainly not a military strategist, but fighting a well resourced opponent on a battlefield they chose seems unwise.
Show threadTed_CvilleNov 25, 2022
@go8ose Perhaps you are right. I feel no certainty about any of this. But not all of the millions of Twitter users are politically engaged, and many may be susceptible to influence. And once we are gone there will only be the MAGAs, racists and religious extremists.
Show threadVidar Hokstad / Galaxy BoundNov 25, 2022
@Ted_Cville @duaneaubin @[email protected] @Lady_Star_Gem I agree about avoiding totally leaving, but at the same time laying the groundwork for rebuilding better in a distributed fashion more resistant to takeover will pay off in the long run.
Show threadMike Taylor 🦕Nov 25, 2022
@Ted_Cville @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem I'm not too worried about that. It's not just users who are deserting Twitter, it's advertisers. The more of us leave for saner pastures, the more Elon's advertising revenue declines.
Show threadTed_CvilleNov 28, 2022
@mike @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem Well, it's getting so toxic that I have pretty much given up on it. Musk is in the process of making it the Fox news of social media.
Show threadMike Taylor 🦕Nov 28, 2022
@Ted_Cville Yep. The process has continued since I posted this three days ago. The only reason I visit at all now is to see what my football buddies are saying about the World Cup. When that tournament's over, I can't see anything keeping me.
Show threadmathew 🦜☕Nov 25, 2022
@Ted_Cville @Lady_Star_Gem @duaneaubin @[email protected] I’m usually all for fighting on, but you’re not going to win a battle against a billionaire carried out on the web site he owns and controls. Sometimes a tactical retreat really is the best move.
Show threadTechronic9876Nov 25, 2022

@Ted_Cville @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem Twitter is still reliant on advertising revenue now and if enough decent ppl leave, I don’t think it’s sustainable.

Musk is going to keep having to burn actual money, and likely has permanently lost credibility with lenders. So leaving I think is the best way to fight back.

Show threadAris TeonNov 26, 2022
@Ted_Cville @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem when you're on Twitter you're making money for Musk. And I think the effect Twitter had in promoting the cause of democracy tends to be wildly exaggerated. The civil rights movement didn't need social media to happen. It's more that corporations have created the illusion that people need to spend hours looking at ads to save humanity.
Show threadDuane Aubin Nov 28, 2022
@Ted_Cville @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem Yep, leave it to them. Our battlefield is getting out the vote. Mastodon can be the new platform for mobilizing.
Show threadMelody CooperNov 25, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem
And targeted hate on Twitter can and has caused violence. I say take the wise warrior approach and find clever ways to disrupt what they think is a safe haven for bigotry and hate while also strengthening our own online community.
A great soldier fights on his own terms or not at all.
Let your plans be dark and as impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.
The warrior whispers, I am the storm.
Show threadTed_CvilleNov 25, 2022

@MelodyCooper @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem I totally agree about building a new community, and a great part of the attraction of Mastodon is the decentralized operation, which makes it much less likely to be taken over by rich crazies.

But in the meantime, Twitter has 250-300 million users while we have maybe 1 percent of that. So the wingers and crazies have a much larger audience while we are basically talking to ourselves. We may feel better, but how much influence are we having?

Show threadJohn Richardson - PodcasterNov 25, 2022

@Ted_Cville @MelodyCooper @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem

There is nothing to be gained from discussing anything with fascists on Twitter, for that is what they are.

Organisation is what we need and a safe space that can successfully protect itself from fascists is a place to do it. Look at what happened to Gab with its far right agenda.

Meanwhile, I found this article thought provoking.

https://lithub.com/fascism-is-not-an-idea-to-be-debated-its-a-set-of-actions-to-fight/

Fascism is Not an Idea to Be Debated, It’s a Set of Actions to Fight

Back when I was in high school in Sarajevo, my best friend was Zoka. We listened to the same bands, went to the same rock shows, found the same stupid things hilarious, played soccer together, skie…

Literary Hub
Show threadBurnerNov 25, 2022
@is_Richardson great share.
Show threadLouis MamakosNov 25, 2022

@is_Richardson @Ted_Cville @MelodyCooper @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem
The value of Twitter during the last "political cycle" of the US midterm elections was organization, not changing people's minds. Sure, it was fun to troll Dr. Oz, but the primary effect of that was to improve fundraising for Fetterman.

As a progressive, I was never going to change anyone's mind. Heck, I live in a deep red rural PA county and that's clear every day.

It's using a platform to organize effectively.

Show threadMelody CooperNov 25, 2022
@lmamakos @is_Richardson @Ted_Cville @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem I get that. But now the challenge is to figure out where people are migrating to and effectively reach out to them to organize in a multi-pronged way. You don’t want to abandon a sinking ship to dive into empty, icy waters. Nor do you safely want to play to an empty house.
Show threadJohn Richardson - PodcasterNov 25, 2022

@MelodyCooper @lmamakos @Ted_Cville @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem

This place seems nice. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Show threadSmallTownGirlNov 27, 2022
@is_Richardson @Ted_Cville @MelodyCooper @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem “only those safe from fascism and its practices are likely to think there might be a benefit in exchanging ideas with fascists. What for a privileged group is a matter [of] potentially productive difference in opinion is…a matter of basic survival. The essential quality of fascism (and …racism) is that it kills people…”
Show threadMelody CooperNov 25, 2022
@Ted_Cville @duaneaubin
@mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem
Ask yourself: how much influence do you actually have with millions of intolerant bullies and homophobic, sexist racists who believe in lies? Millions more are leaving, but I agree we should find ways to stop Twitter’s easy use by dangerously violent users. There are alternatives to engagement: Disruption (find ways on our own terms to undermine hatred instead of beating our heads against it).
Show threadAlexandra ThornNov 28, 2022

@Ted_Cville @MelodyCooper @duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem

Feeling better by itself might not be completely worthless. Demoralization is not good for resistance.

Show threadTed_CvilleDec 25, 2022
@MelodyCooper @duaneaubin @Lady_Star_Gem That app gets worse by the day, and my thinking has evolved a lot since then!
Show threadImaWorldWatcher🌏Dec 27, 2022
@Ted_Cville @MelodyCooper @duaneaubin @Lady_Star_Gem
Taking baby steps, and it's okay.
Show threadWrathofJan 🌞🌻🌎🖖Nov 25, 2022

@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem
@Gargron
@feditips

Yup, I agree. Twitter was destroyed on purpose. The right doesn*t know how resourceful we are, obviously. Good. That will give us a tactical advantage. Thank you, Mastodon. 🌞🌞🌞 ❤️👊🖖

Show threadClinton Anderson SwordForHireNov 25, 2022

@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem Less than 1% of the population is even on Twitter. Nothing that happens there matters.

But Jaron Lanier has the best solution.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37830765-ten-arguments-for-deleting-your-social-media-accounts-right-now

😉

Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts R…

A timely call-to-arms from a Silicon Valley pioneer.You…

Goodreads
Show threadlaMinzi Nov 25, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem I believe you may be right, Duane.
Show threadTransitBikerNov 25, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem just like the gilded age, robber, barons, and their armed strikebreakers.
Show threadTerry MorseNov 25, 2022

@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem

Disrupting Twitter a tactical triumph? Possibly, in the sort run.

But long term, it's likely a defeat.

Companies will not advertise on a site filled with haters, and the lack of ad dollars will choke Twitter to death.

Show threadDuane Aubin Nov 25, 2022
@terrymorse @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem I'm not talking business, I'm talking politics and identity politics. The business side is a red herring.
Show threadTerry MorseNov 25, 2022

@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem

When Twitter fails as a business–which seems quite likely–I don't consider that as a political triumph for conservatives.

The right-wingers enjoy Twitter because it lets them yell at people they hate. After the hate targets leave for a better social network, I expect Twitter will become a boring, diminished echo chamber like Truth Social. Without enough income to sustain itself.

#twitterexodus

Show threadDuane Aubin Nov 26, 2022
@terrymorse @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem As I said, I don't think it's about business. It's a POLITICAL win, it's about disrupting progressive spaces and normalizing their crap. You are welcome to disagree, but I think you're being distracted by the business aspect. Musk is already mulling over making his own alternative phone in anticipation of App Store dropping Twitter. He'll be just fine, business-wise. He doesn't need Twitter to make more money.
Show threadJRCNov 25, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem The only difference might be that twitter was already built on techbro grounds, which are already earth salted with hate. Is their an online space created by left/lib/progressive code and hands? Maybe not since the death of Forums.
Show threadDuane Aubin Nov 25, 2022
@JRC @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem Good point! In answer to your question, CounterSocial is a standalone hard fork off the Mastodon base. Read about the operator and his rather extreme efforts to maintain a safe space. It's nice there, but it isn't likely to become the main new place for most.
Show threadJRCNov 25, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem oh, I'll look it up, thank you 👍
Show threadPaul DavidsonNov 25, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem hard to argue with that.
Show threadClipperChip Nov 26, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem That argument seems very convenient. In 2016, Twitter was also blamed for getting Trump elected.
Show threadDuane Aubin Nov 26, 2022
@clipperchip @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem Trump LOST the popular vote.
Show threadClipperChip Nov 26, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem 🙄
Show threadDuane Aubin Mar 25, 2023

@clipperchip @Lady_Star_Gem

I should have been less glib.

Obama's campaign was credited with successfully mobilizing via social media in new ways.

Twitter became an effective tool for WHOEVER used it — including Trump, yes.

I never said Twitter was officially the exclusive domain of only progressives. It was a tool for community, organization, information, spin, misinformation, open to anyone.

But taking it over disrupted its value to progressives, and we ought not overlook it.

Cheers.

Show threadWesley FryerNov 26, 2022
@duaneaubin Do you have a primary website / link that gives more info about you, your professional work & your advocacy? I’m interested in learning more about your views on Twitter, but also feel compelled to get more info about you as a source… #SIFT #MediaLit
Show threadCoty RosenblathNov 26, 2022
@duaneaubin @[email protected] @Lady_Star_Gem @GreatDismal Eff. You are so right.
Show threadBob SmithNov 27, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem 💯
Show threaddavidcmguireNov 27, 2022

@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem

Fuck. You’re right.

Show threadOne Meat Ball ✔️Nov 27, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem i've noticed that Twitter has become a more disturbing and confrontational place,, but are you saying there is an organized coordinated group attack on marginalized communities? I thought it was just emboldened individuals being obnoxious.
Show threadfcvDec 1, 2022
@Lady_Star_Gem @duaneaubin @mjf_pro in the short term yes I agree the #TwitterDownfall may hurt marginalized communities. Because any disruption in communication channels will do that. But there is a real opportunity now to have a huge mass of people move to a platform that is not owned by moneyed interests. That is HUGE. Let’s make the #PublicSquare truly BY and FOR the people. Change is hard but this is the best path forward IMO. #PowerToThePeople
Show threadALDec 4, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem I had not thought of it that way but I think you have a point.👍
Show threadVolineDec 4, 2022

@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem @mwl

This is why it’s important for people to build an alternative space that is not vulnerable to the bought-by-rich-people attack.

Show threadCarla MartinDec 6, 2022
@duaneaubin @[email protected] @Lady_Star_Gem Yes, I am inclined to agree with you Duane.
Show threadDynomooseDec 11, 2022
@duaneaubin @mjf_pro @Lady_Star_Gem sadly, Musk has made it necessary to burn Twitter to the ground.
Show threadRoshan Kamath (रौशन् कामत्)Dec 16, 2022
@duaneaubin 💯%
Show threadXolani MvulanaDec 24, 2022
@duaneaubin @Lady_Star_Gem This is true. The world is changing. It's becoming more accepting of previously marginalised communities who occupying spaced to the were previously unavailable to them and this threatening those who have been enjoying these spaces hence the backlash to slow down or stop progress.
Show threadmyrmepropagandistDec 24, 2022

@duaneaubin

Whenever we build, even if it's built on less than ideal foundations, it has a way of getting destroyed. This time? More directly than most.

I'm trying to look at the bright side, see opportunity in change, but there are material realities. But, millions connected to #BlackTwitter who only use mobile for internet. Who have minimal time to learn interfaces. Who need it to be easy & clear.

Then there's the RTFM tech culture here straining to oppose that.

You are right.

Show threadjohnvonDec 24, 2022
@duaneaubin @Lady_Star_Gem feels like time to reconstitute community on a platform that can't be bought, censored or shut down. the promise of the pre-Facebook Internet :).
Show threadH4Heights 🇪🇺🇵🇸🇺🇦🇨🇦Dec 24, 2022
@duaneaubin @Lady_Star_Gem Very good point. Twatter has numbers (including bots and trolls) to give it momentum, but at some point it’s relevence will slip away once enough real journalists bail out. It’ll take a while, maybe too long to save the remnants of democracy from the swivel-eyed lunatics. Estamos bien jodidos
Show threadMelody CooperDec 25, 2022
@duaneaubin @Lady_Star_Gem You’re not wrong about the disruption but maybe overstating the case. One of the best things about 21st century organizing is that we’ve learned to be nimble and diversify. That was the power of BLM (decentralized). We learned from the assassination of our leaders that multi-level grass roots organizing and multi-pronged attacks are needed. Let them beat their little chests and think Twitter is the only place we ever organize. Still We Rise.
Show threadDuane Aubin Dec 25, 2022
@MelodyCooper @Lady_Star_Gem Amen!