At some point soon, time allowing, I want to write something about the differences between creator reach, interactions and revenue on Twitter Vs Mastodon. I'm aware that as a digital strategist AND ALSO a creator with a platform on both I am relatively uniquely placed to do so.

But trust me, the spaces are not equivalent. Perfectly valid design decisions here do have negative impacts as a small creator dependent on reach.

There are absolutely ways that Mastodon could correct this. The biggest being:

1) Supporting, rather than being hostile to, threading
2) OPT IN for "I will let my quotes be tweeted"

Both would have a SIGNIFICANT positive impact for small creators.

There are also perfectly valid community reasons not to do both. But if, as a federated platform, it decides that's not in its best interest than it needs to be acknowledged that it's also a choice not to make Mastodon small creator revenue friendly

While it DOESN'T support those things though, which is a conscious platform choice, do try to remember that the opportunity for your favourite creator - artist, writer, maker, whatever - to switch to here as their primarily presence are limited.

And for it to be their ONLY presence simply isn't viable, for most.

I appreciate this isn't a thing people are openly saying. I appreciate I am a "first wave" Twitter exile here.

But I like to think my behaviour and posting here has shown how much I've enjoyed and embraced this platform.

And part of that is wanting to see others like me, but more reliant on marginal creator income, find a home here too.

And that's just not possible for so many small creators on Twitter I love right now, who would make Mastodon sing even more than it does already.

@garius I mean, I see where you're coming from, but if my income relied on the continuing existence of Twitter then wow, I would be panicking hard right now.

That's more important than the moralistic thing you see here sometimes I think.

@tomw @garius

Lots of marginalized creators will be looking for day jobs because of Twitter's implosion, and they know it. Lots of panic and despair in our community.

And denial, of course. Don't forget denial!

@mwl @tomw well that really just adds to my point.

I know a LOT of small creators who ARE panicking. And the fact they don't see Mastodon as a viable solo lifeboat should be seen as evidence that it isn't.

And therefore they shouldn't be judged for that, if it's the result of active (and reasonable in context) design decisions here.

@tomw @mwl no, it's design decisions as well.

Honestly, i've been here long enough now - and had 'viral' content on both platforms - to see how different the interactions can be.

Short version is that validation of quality by a friendly QT REALLY matters for small creators looking to build reach, be visible and convert customers.

So the (valid) lack of that to limit bad habits here, has a disproportionately negative impact on small creators as an unfortunate side-effect.