Mastodawn

Fulcrum Dec 29, 2022

If independent creators aren't supposed to promote their work, how am I supposed to know what to buy or recommend to my friends? More importantly, how are they supposed to eat?

C'mon, this is the #Fediverse. If promotion bugs you that much, put your big person pants on and curate your feeds instead of bellyaching. Yes, I know people can abuse self-promotion (like porn, you know it when you see it), but most creators are just trying to find an audience and survive. Give them a break.

bss, super genius Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon since I've been replying to other threads on this, I thought I'd just say that I am pro-self-promotion, but insofar as this network relies on people talking and boosting, I think it needs a level of conversational sincerity or the whole thing falls apart, and that hurts the creator.

I feel like a lot of people would be right to block users if they just toot out product page links and endlessly hustle, even if those people would appreciate a genuine conversation with the creator about their product.

then, a lot of Twitter mannerisms fall by the wayside. seems win-win to me.

Dave Clark Dec 20, 2022

@bss @Tim_Eagon authentic presence rather than just pure sales links will always be better.

No matter the platform or the thing being sold.

PamWingedHorse Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon Is this no-promotion rule instance-specific, or does it apply to all of Mastodon? Seems pretty ridiculous, as you've pointed out.

hadoken Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon I guess I don’t understand the issue - if I don’t think someone’s a good follow, I stop following. I think self-promotion’s fine if it’s not the only thing they do, but honestly I haven’t seen that in a long time.

The Velvet Hammer Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon yes, fair’s fair, we ought to welcome them too.

Beefsen Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon I like self-promotion a lot - I've just been muting the 'we post promotions every day for the same thing at 3PM, 4PM, and 5PM'. And that's how you do it!

I've had a lot of talks about this and there's a weird vibe of 'this is my space, get out, follow my rules' when... everyone is following the instance's rules. Just mute people!!!

I'm sure someone out there has muted MY ridiculous musings, and someone else will do it too when I advertise my work coming up.... and that's OK!

Beej ➡️ BJK Games Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon I’ve seen a couple posts mentioning this tonight. Did something specifically start the discussion on self-promotion that I’ve missed?

Morgan Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon if independent creators aren't supposed to promote our work, how are we as a community supposed to keep as much money as we can among working-class people? How are we supposed to find individuals to support rather than corporations? Seems pretty capitalist to me to discourage alternatives to Amazon

Black Eye Books 👁Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon Loving this conversation. As a micro press publisher I struggle with just how much self promo to do, especially during crowdfunding campaigns. I’m looking to refine my postings on social media in 2023.

🏳️‍🌈 Lucy Wildboots

@Tim_Eagon @vmatinnia the whole point of this place is that each instance decides for themselves. Honestly, I’d vote no for letting someone on my instance who thinks, ‘putting on your big boy pants” is an appropriate argument for, well, anything.

I might be into instances where it was explicitly allowed (perhaps .sells) or an ActivityPub dev for an Etsy replacement. But just randomly through my feed? Not interested.

The Velvet Hammer Dec 20, 2022

@LucyWildboots @Tim_Eagon I may not follow the artists I’m not interested in, I understand what you’re saying. I find so much talent out there, that I enjoy their work and do want to foster a place for all. Art is an important part of life, as much as math or science. And artists do need to eat. Good point being that each instance make it’s own choices. How can we make this good for all concerned?

Humble Fan of Atty. Woo Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon
although I do not game, my son does, and I am not offended by anyone who is marketing their wares here; if it is something I am not interested in, I simply pass it by. No harm, no foul. Carry on.

Sciency Arty Ewok Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon I've also seen people go after disabled folks for doing fundraising as self promotion and it's like. I thought this was supposed to be the kinder friendlier place and THAT left an awful taste in my mouth.

Like, I want to start drawing and offering commissions again. I won't spam, but ffs let me post now and again!

Sciency Arty Ewok Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon (My instance doesn't have self promo rules, but once it's out in the wild I'm sure someone will complain my way)

Sharon Cummings Art (Official)Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon Thank you for this Tim!

Aviva Gary Dec 20, 2022

@Tim_Eagon truth... also remember this when I start trying to sell my books 😉