The greatest story about social media. I don't think it gets better.
In November 2022, @TexasObserver became one of the first newspapers to start their own Mastodon server.
Unlike most newspapers, @TexasObserver operates as a non-profit.
This week, the non-profit’s board of directors voted to disband @TexasObserver.
But within 48 hours, people have given $250,000 so it can continue to exist.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/laid-off-texas-observer-journalists-and-staff
Pause and think about this.
Since November, journalists have been cynically dismissing the Fediverse, saying that journalists cannot subsist here.
Well, the Fediverse may have given @TexasObserver a lifeline! So much of the donations from the GoFundMe have come from the Fediverse — many commenters saying they discovered @TexasObserver from their Mastodon server.
We, the Fediverse, just might save a storied institution of journalism!
To be clear, @TexasObserver set up three funding goals.
The first goal was $100,000. They reached that goal within a day.
Then they created a stretch goal of $200,000. Again, goal reached.
The last stretch goal was $250,000. It was just reached.
On the Fediverse, there is clear demand for @TexasObserver's work.
Journalists, are you watching this?
Chris Trottier
jonny