Mastodawn

Sam Missingham Dec 29, 2022

Also, I am hating Twitter more every day, if anyone is using Mastadon regularly has views on pros and cons, I'd be interested.

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Now -> [email protected]Dec 29, 2022

@samatlounge

Hi Sam, I've been on both since 2016.

My biggest faves here are

~ CWs - not only can I choose if I want/am able to engage, but it reminds me others are thoughtful enough to use them

~ alt-text - ditto on the consideration factor, plus w my connection, I don't always get pics, but the text comes through

~ no direct QTing - means I don't see same hateful stuff I'm trying to block over & over, plus no snarky hot takes.

~ rules & rapid action against hate speech of any kind. 1/

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Now -> [email protected]Dec 29, 2022

@samatlounge

cont'd

~ longer text box for more nuanced responses

Plus, people are generally nicer & better behaved - if they're not, they're blocked & if enough are on a particular instance, that instance is defederated. They can still be hateful, but not where I can see/hear them.

Real convo can be better.

Hashtags are AMAZING - but even without that, people write / boost incredible stuff. 😃

Some people talk about a lack of networks, but I think networks can be even *better* here. 2/

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Now -> [email protected]Dec 29, 2022

@samatlounge

I know it's hard being on both platforms. You may want to put equal work into both for a set period (like a month) & see how you feel then.

(Not necessarily cross-posting!! That doesn't usually work well - but equal effort, while respecting the culture of each.)

The biggest con for someone like you is that big news sources aren't here yet - but if you can get news via newsletters or strip Twitter down to nothing but news tweets, maybe that's good enough 3/

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Now -> [email protected]

@samatlounge

More & more authors are here all the time; several instances (like mine) are dedicated to them.

You could end up using Twitter just to point clients here or to your website - that you have a presence there, but the 'good stuff' is elsewhere.

And Twitter is not the be-all and end-all. Scalzi said he lost 6000 Twitter followers & gained 10,000 Mastodon followers.

People *are* here. They just may not be all the *same* people.

And honestly, that's a good thing, right? 4/

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Now -> [email protected]Dec 30, 2022

@samatlounge

Finally, work is - well, work. Often, if not usually, *hard* work, one way or another.

Don't make it harder. Find a way to do what you want in a way that not only makes sense, but is GOOD for you.

If you hate Twitter, every day you're going to hate going there for any reason. That *might* be okay for personal stuff, but not for networking.

So ... maybe don't be there as much?

You're so good at what you do, Sam - do NOT let the turkeys drag you down.

Good luck! 👍 💪

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Sam Missingham Dec 30, 2022

@Her_Doing it absolutely is a good thing. Thank you for all of your insight and yes, I think I need to think through how I can use Twitter to sign post, but not consume my time (& mental health).

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Now -> [email protected]Dec 30, 2022

@samatlounge

Another thought that applies to me & at least a few others here: if you are active on Mastodon, I am more likely to see & respond to your posts.

Partly b/c no algorithm is hiding them, but also b/c I'd rather be here than there.

I know some ppl just have placeholders, but if they are actually active here, I'm putting them on a 'Following on M' list on Twitter & muting them.

I don't want to unfollow! - & I can still check, but I'm saving there for ppl I can't get anywhere else.

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Now -> [email protected]Dec 30, 2022

@samatlounge

The algorithm part is so important! especially if you're a seller of any kind.

But also - it costs me actual money to log on each time, and my mental health is important.

If I'm going to be there, I want it to be the best experience it can be & I'm leaving as soon as it's not; even if I haven't read my whole timeline yet. 2/