Nicholos TylerFeb 8, 2023
Mike Masnick ✅

More strange Mastodon reporting. This time from @thurrott, who claims "I’ve been using Mastodon since December, but the interaction there is almost non-existent compared to Twitter."

Dude, you follow 22 people. Try following more people. The "non-existent" interaction is *up to you*.

I've found WAY MORE interactions and engagement here than I ever had on Twitter. Plus fewer death threats.

https://www.thurrott.com/cloud/social/279094/mastodon-continues-to-lose-users

Mastodon Continues to Lose Users

Usage of Mastodon has dwindled over the past two months, with monthly active users plummeting to less than 1.4 million after hitting a peak of 2.5 million in December.

Thurrott.com
Feb 8, 2023 at 5:52amWeb
Show threadwhetstoneFeb 8, 2023
@mmasnick Definitely more interaction here, and it’s a lively place! It does feel like some people who are “good at” Twitter are not “good at” Mastodon and perceive that as a defect in the latter platform.
Show threadSterling Hammer Feb 8, 2023
@whetstone agreed! Really does seem that way.
Show threadCameron PalmerFeb 8, 2023

@whetstone @mmasnick it is about the timeline. The timeline being strictly linear, lacking quote retweets, and threads are basic functional issues. The lack of algorithmic timeline support being the biggest failing. Not everyone wants to curate dozens of Follows, in fact, I'll go out on a limb and say, most people don't and won't do that.

Mastodon could have both the linear and algorithmic timelines presented and be a better Twitter while maintaining a better overall vibe.

Show threadHughsterFeb 8, 2023

@palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick Agreed. The most engaging feed for me isn't the Home feed but the "Explore > Posts" feed that lists all the most popular posts from the last day or so.

Why can't the Home feed have an option to be displayed in the same way, so you can see all the most popular posts from people you follow?

Show thread@pineywoozle ‘s #3WordNoteFeb 8, 2023
@hughster @palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick That would be lovely. That said I quite prefer #Mastodon over #Twitter .
Show threadAriaflameFeb 8, 2023
@hughster @palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick Well, if you turn on the advanced interface and pin either your local timeline or federated timeline you'll see things whiz by.
Show threadElizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾Feb 8, 2023
@palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick Why would you want algorithms near your timeline - that's what made Twitter awful
Show threadScot CloseFeb 8, 2023
@liztai @palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick
Some people want to use different rules for curating their feed. Not everyone wants reverse chronological.
Show threadElizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾Feb 8, 2023
@scotclose @palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick It was made that way for a reason... if you want recommendations etc, there is the Explore section.
Show threadMattFeb 8, 2023
@liztai @palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick I follow a lot of people because I enjoy the variety. That said, I miss posts that I would want to see because I didn’t scroll back far enough. My workaround is to click the bell icon next to the name for some of the people I always want to see, which puts them in my notifications.
Show threadCameron PalmerFeb 8, 2023
@MattFerrel @liztai @whetstone @mmasnick excellent point. The algorithm or algorithms should bring to your attention things you like but didn’t see.
Show threadwhetstoneFeb 8, 2023
@palmerc @MattFerrel @liztai @mmasnick I have a list of "unmissable" accounts I follow, in addition to a fairly broad variety of lists where I've classified people according to their expertise or topics they commonly address. That helps a lot in terms of making sure I don't miss important stuff.
Show threadwb x64Feb 8, 2023
@MattFerrel @liztai @palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick it seems people forget how just a few years ago we were mad at sites REMOVING linear timelines, and how awful it is that allowing a computer to choose what you see results in not only disordered parasocialization and propagandistic exploitation but also the silencing of friends who don't fit what the algorithm decides... sometimes with deadly consequences.
Show threadwhetstoneFeb 8, 2023
@wilbr @MattFerrel @liztai @palmerc @mmasnick Algorithms can do whatever they're programmed for, though, right? If I could sign up for one that automatically made sure I saw any post from someone I follow who posts infrequently, that'd be great, for example. It's when the algorithm optimizes for polarization or creates rabbit holes to extremist content that it's a problem. The ability to add a choice of algorithm in addition to a reverse-chron timeline seems fine to me.
Show threadJessamynFeb 8, 2023
@MattFerrel @liztai @palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick I'm aware I'm a little out there in terms of how much I want to fiddle with things, but using lists and having an app which allows easy reading/review of those lists has helped with this a lot for me, combined with having a local instance that I'm interested in so that's a whole 'nother discovery layer.
Show threadwhetstoneFeb 8, 2023
@jessamyn @MattFerrel @liztai @palmerc @mmasnick Extensive lists and liking my instance have definitely made my experience here better. Aggressive list-making right out the gate is my big helpful takeaway from many years on Twitter.
Show threadKristoffer LawsonFeb 8, 2023
@palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick one could argue that #Mastodon already has an algorithmic timeline. The trending posts (it's where I found this discussion).
Show threadJohn Van HamFeb 8, 2023
@Setok @palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick just chiming in to say that I too found this thread on the trending posts feed. Personally, having an algorithm by default decide what I want to view is one of the reasons I haven’t engaged on Twitter for a very long time. Here, you can also on some clients like fedistar follow local feeds of different instances which works great IMHO. And toots are all chronological so I’m not seeing ‘fresh’ posts from days ago that are no longer relevant.
Show threadKristoffer LawsonFeb 8, 2023
@jvh @palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick I concur. My Twitter use steadily declined with the prominence of the For You feed and ads. I personally like the stream feed. Interesting things tend to get boosted anyway.
Show threadKatie FFeb 8, 2023
@palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick I'd like just enough of an algorithim to supress other people's boosts of a post I've already interacted with.
I struggle with how to use the boost feature, because if you follow a concentrated group of people it becomes spam with everyone boosting the same content.
Show threadwhetstoneFeb 8, 2023
@KatieLoves2Read @palmerc @mmasnick I have a filter called "already seen it" to screen those posts out.
Show threadMike Masnick ✅Feb 8, 2023
@palmerc @whetstone that's why i use tools like feedseer and fediview. They provide the algorithmic view I want, under my own control. Both of those are new tools from the last month or so, so I expect many more such tools are on their way.
Show threadNiku 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Feb 8, 2023
@mmasnick @palmerc @whetstone Thanks, I didn't knew that something like feedseer or fediviee exists 
Show threaddragonfrogFeb 8, 2023

@palmerc @whetstone @mmasnick The one thing I very don't want is an algorithmic timeline full of "high clout" randos I have no connection with.

I could use an algorithm that prioritizes posts from people I follow higher the less often that person posts - so the quiet people don't get lost among the chatter from the much more outgoing people. But that's it.

Show threadCameron PalmerFeb 8, 2023
@dragonfrog @whetstone @mmasnick mastodon can do both. It is even possible the algorithm or algorithms could be user tweakable
Show threadBuy nothing newFeb 8, 2023
@whetstone @mmasnick no, not fault but takes adjusting too. I miss the hustle and larger connections
Show threadSarah T. Roberts, Ph.D.Feb 8, 2023
@mmasnick @thurrott meanwhile, Twitter continues to use losers.
Show threadAndyn305Feb 8, 2023
@ubiquity75 @mmasnick @thurrott I'm
much happier here, I've found it different and it took a bit getting use to doing things s new way but I appreciate the fedverse and really hope all gov accounts find there way here instead of posting there.
Show threadAleia jonesFeb 9, 2023
@Andyn305 @ubiquity75 @mmasnick @thurrott it is much calmer. Maybe it's just the times. That musk guy tho.....
Show threadAndyn305Feb 9, 2023
@Diplodocus @ubiquity75 @mmasnick @thurrott
what I find most interesting is how quickly an opinion of someone can change... #notagenius
I never liked him..
Show threadMichael Meese 🇪🇺Feb 8, 2023
@thurrott @mmasnick Agreed!
Show threadH-ear-me-now SinghFeb 8, 2023

@mmasnick my experience of Mastodon — you need to work to build your community, but once you’ve built one, it’s yours.

Post.news has great engagement, for now, but it’s owned by Marc Andreesen (as is Twitter, at least partially)🤦🏽‍♂️

Show threadAlexander HardingFeb 8, 2023

@mmasnick @thurrott > Plus fewer death threats.

🧐

Show threadJonathanFeb 8, 2023
@mmasnick @thurrott I love Paul, he is one of my fav tech journalists, but yeah he needs to actually post here. My hot take: all the smart people have fled Twitter and I just did too! I find more rewarding discussion here, but it takes a while to realise this what you are seeing.
Show threadCraig GrannellFeb 8, 2023

@jononz @mmasnick @thurrott He has twice as many posts in the past 24h on Twitter than here this year. It’s no wonder engagement is low.

And I get it. Building from scratch takes time. It might not work again. But the blame to at least some degree lies with the individual, not the system.

Show thread@pineywoozle ‘s #3WordNoteFeb 8, 2023
@craiggrannell @jononz @mmasnick @thurrott At 22 follows…I’d say the blame was pretty firmly rooted on his end. There’s no dearth of people explaining how #Mastodon actually works. If it’s not working it’s time to pick up a mirror.
Show threadCraig GrannellFeb 8, 2023

@Pineywoozle @jononz @mmasnick @thurrott I suspect some people want an instantaneous leap, which only seems to happen with mega-celebs. Everyone else has the choice of comparatively slowly building things up (by, primarily, engagement with other people and their interests) or, I suppose, complaining.

Personally, I’m having more fun here than I ever did on Twitter. My _hope_ is the place can also replace some of my work things (eg mobile app/game pitch requests).

Show threadChristianFeb 8, 2023
@jononz @mmasnick @thurrott it sure does! One also need to not mistake Twitter for what it was just a year ago and think that’s also how it started out as!
Show threadMark GardnerFeb 8, 2023
Hey @thurrott, we call this a #SelfOwn
Show threadAlan JenkinsFeb 8, 2023

@mjgardner Dude, he got it the first time.

If you think he he didn't get the point, the flood of interested comments tagging him would be a second clue.

No need to harass by pretending he needs a picture-book version.

Show threadMark GardnerFeb 8, 2023
@sourcejedi_ben Dude, when you’re a journalist that dunks on an entire social network, sometimes the network dunks back
Show threadJesFeb 8, 2023

@mjgardner @sourcejedi_ben
2300 followers, 4 posts since Jan 9th.
Can't find interaction?

Has not tried to get interaction. Disappointed in actually having to interact with others to get them to interact with him! lol

He's got his interaction now. Bet his next post is about the mean interaction and feeling set upon!

Show threadMark GardnerFeb 8, 2023
@dragons @sourcejedi_ben Your server only counts posts it’s received https://social.sdf.org/@mjgardner/109828323372580367
Mark Gardner ‍:sdf: (@[email protected])

@[email protected] You need to look at the account on @[email protected]’s own server. Your server only shows what’s been delivered to it.

SDF Social
Show threadJesFeb 8, 2023

@mjgardner @sourcejedi_ben noted, and corrected.

4 posts in a month. *shrugs*

Show threadsandywb14Feb 8, 2023
@mmasnick @thurrott 🙄🙄🙄
Show threadDirtRockFeb 8, 2023
@mmasnick
i just got here, and am already enjoying it, and actively looking for new people to follow. I've been reading your stuff for my entire 20 year career, so i figure it's worth asking who you would recommend to follow?
Show threadMike Masnick ✅Feb 8, 2023
@DirtRock I try to boost a lot of stuff, in part to help people find new (highly active) posters to follow. It really helps to find a few folks who are really active. Don't know exactly what you're interested in, but if you follow me, then @clive @glennf @yaelwrites @ted @pluralistic @ernie @Popehat @jmiers230 @chancerydaily and many more post regularly...
Show threadClive ThompsonFeb 8, 2023
@pluralistic @chancerydaily @glennf @mmasnick @Popehat @DirtRock @jmiers230 @yaelwrites @ted @ernie 🤘🏻🤖
Show threadErnie SmithFeb 8, 2023
@mmasnick @DirtRock @clive @glennf @yaelwrites @ted @pluralistic @Popehat @jmiers230 @chancerydaily You’re a good egg, Mike. The way to make this place awesome is to focus on how it works when it’s just you and the platform, and not *the discourse*.
Show threadMaria BustillosFeb 8, 2023

@DirtRock @mmasnick

Good recs! There's more stuff you can do right away to make it more fun

1. Make an #introduction post (include #introduction hashtag), and tell about the things you like, also w/hashtags

2. FOLLOW hashtags, this is different from #twitter, you'll suddenly see so much more! I made a quick post about it here: https://popula.com/2023/01/18/mastodon-will-keep-you-connected/

3. Find your Twitter people on Mastodon Flock, https://mastodon-flock.vercel.app/ (this won't last!)

Hope you love it here as much as I do.

Mastodon > Twitter

The human element is already better than it is on angry, broken Twitter.

Popula
Show threadJason RakFeb 8, 2023
@maria @DirtRock @mmasnick Great reply, Maria. Read your link too. Good info on there. Just followed #bookstodon on your rec. Thx!
Show threadMaria BustillosFeb 8, 2023

@jasonrak @DirtRock @mmasnick

you are welcome, please put hashtags on your profile so people can find yr. topics, especially your collector stuff

Show threadJason RakFeb 8, 2023
@maria @DirtRock @mmasnick Agree it’s a good idea. I’m going to do an intro post also w/hashtags. Seen a lot of other people do that too. Going to pin it top of my profile. Thanks!
Show threadhikewithrichardFeb 8, 2023
@mmasnick @thurrott it took since 2006 to get to where i am on twitter. It’s not inaccurate. It takes time for a social networking site to be dynamic.
Show threadMike Masnick ✅Feb 8, 2023
@harmonicarichard @thurrott what's "not inaccurate"?
Show threadauthor_is_ShrikeTron🔠💉x5Feb 8, 2023
@harmonicarichard @mmasnick @thurrott Gotta wait for that multi-generational arc of history, right? It's not about "your lifetime" after all. /s
Show threadhikewithrichardFeb 8, 2023
@ShrikeTron @mmasnick @thurrott Early adopters find value quickly. others do not. Plurk has been around for a decade and yet I still see no value in it. Flickr was great, but then lost a lot of users by forcing people to pay to post more.
Show threadauthor_is_ShrikeTron🔠💉x5Feb 9, 2023
@harmonicarichard @mmasnick @thurrott I see a lot of it boiling down to being the same as "school" popularity games. Just not worth it.
Show threadhikewithrichardFeb 9, 2023
@ShrikeTron @mmasnick @thurrott What are you calling "it"? Twitter, flickr, or other?
Show threadauthor_is_ShrikeTron🔠💉x5Feb 9, 2023

@harmonicarichard @mmasnick @thurrott "it" being "social network dynamic".

"engagement" being a popularity contest.