Tim MakJul 22, 2023

Are you finding Mastodon to be less vibrant/active?

I’m worried that we are not getting as much engagement on our Ukraine war reporting as we used to.

We’re trying to decide which social media platforms to continue posting on, given how much effort it takes to replicate across all of them.

If you want to send a signal to us that we should keep posting here, will you sign up for our newsletter? http://Counteroffensive.substack.com

I’m only asking Mastodon users today so we can gauge impact.

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak | Substack

A war correspondent's open notebook, reporting live from Kyiv. Compelling human stories that illustrate what’s happening during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Click to read The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak, a Substack publication with tens of thousands of subscribers.

Show threadTim Mak
Have some of you tried Threads? What do you think is the advantage or disadvantage of that over mastodon?
Jul 22, 2023 at 1:29pmWeb
Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023

A lot of people saying just add some hashtags and engage more! Which, fair.

But one thing I want to convey is how exhausted our team is. We spend all day traveling by car or train. We are out in the heat reporting from the field.

We work 14-18 hours a day. All of us live in our office in Kyiv.

We are doing everything we can to bring better journalism to you folks and every small task takes up time we could be sleeping or reporting or just not working!

Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023

Thanks for everyone’s concern! Truth be told I haven’t had a single day off since May!

Launching a #startup — from a war zone in #Ukraine ! — has been tough. We have all sorts of things to think about from safety and security to logistics to social media to marketing to legal.

This is all before we get to the journalism we need to do! Which requires planning, security, gear, and the toll that travel takes.

Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023

Have been blown away by the response here.

The advice: use apps to automate hashtags and posting; shorter threads longer individual posts; vary posting times. #Ukraine #counteroffensive

Also RTs are more important here because in an algorithm-less platform, no one will see us beyond our followers otherwise.

Any more advice?

Will you RT the first toot in this thread?

Show threadAndrew 📪🐾🥃🍺💻🐧🎯Jul 22, 2023
@timkmak fuck yeah I will
Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023
@andrew thank you!!
Show threadBridge&Tunnel JeffJul 22, 2023
@timkmak It's also fine to boost your own posts (the first one in a thread) half a day later, so that followers in other timezones might have a better chance of seeing it.
Show threadAaron VeghJul 22, 2023
@timkmak I just subscribed, after following you here for weeks. Please don’t stop your incredibly important work, and posting it here on Mastodon! 🙏
Show threadMike (no not that one)Jul 22, 2023
@timkmak I have you on notification and I'm trying to boost the start of any threads you drop.
Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023
@mikey thank you!
Show threadSteve Dinn 🇨🇦Jul 22, 2023

@mikey @timkmak I wish there was a way to say, federate this post to all my peer servers, but don't include it on my personal timeline. Because, yes, I want to propagate a message, but there are so many things that fit in this category, my personal posts would get lost in the flood.

I appreciate what @lisamelton does, but I don't want my personal timeline to look like hers.

Show threadVic UzumeriJul 22, 2023

@timkmak

1. Consider using polls to increase dialog with viewers. Offer options for editorial thrusts you are considering … then follow up and deliver. Create a “contract” with viewers.

2. Cut down on firehose of short posts and establish a reliable pattern of communication: e.g., short posts = breaking news, longer posts are lead-ins to free substacks. etc.

3. If connecting to substack content, label free or paid in your post.

4. Ask readers for questions that aren’t being answered.

Show threadVic UzumeriJul 22, 2023
@timkmak This post seems to have generated a positive response. It supports a theory of mine that an author should explicitly engineer, curate and maintain their stream of info … as opposed to relying on the platform’s built-in mechanisms. It might even be a good idea for a bunch of content authors to collaborate and coalesce around a common set of best practices. That sort of consistency would make viewers more comfortable and able to quickly absorb content. That should draw and hold viewers.
Show threadThe Animal and the MachineJul 22, 2023

Done.

One thing I will say is that you should visit @KyivIndependent’s Office and see how you can help each other. You will be able to leverage each other and still stay separate. Perhaps they can run some admin in exchange for sharing a story without money changing hands. Share equipment and contacts. Lift the burden for each other. Start a Kyiv news network perhaps.

You are separate but have the same goals and the same needs. You are both alone and also surrounded by friends. You don’t need to do it alone.

P.S. Take a day off in some famous Ukrainian hot spring or something and write a piece about that. We need that hope too and we need you not killing yourself with work.

Well done @timkmak, you are a most excellent individual!

Show threadLisa MeltonJul 22, 2023

@timkmak I have you in a List which I check periodically and boost the *start* of your threads. So, a LOT of people are seeing the start. But here's the problem...

They probably don't know it's the start of a thread. So, it's likely they don't read the rest of it. I recommend you make that clearer by appending something like "1/" to it so readers get the idea. And just increase that number for each new post in that thread.

Show threadLoukas (They/Them) 🏳️‍⚧️Jul 22, 2023
@lisamelton @timkmak the good thing about Mastodon is you can realise, oops that became a thread, and then go back and edit in the 🧵 and the numbers.
Show threadLisa MeltonJul 22, 2023

@Loukas @timkmak Bingo! 💯 And I see people doing that all the time.

Also, that 🧵 emoji is quite handy but oddly doesn't always render legibly on all platforms. That's why I recommend using a text-based indicator. Bonus points if you know how many posts you're going to make ahead of time so you can do something like, "1/5".

Show threadGunChleocJul 22, 2023
@timkmak Maybe https://fedica.com/ or https://buffer.com/ would be a good tool for you to help maintain multiple platforms.
Social Media Analytics and Publishing - Fedica

Fedica is an all-in-one Data-driven publishing, follower analysis, listening and analytics platform for social media.

Show threadStephen Bannasch (316 ppm)Jul 22, 2023
@timkmak I like what you do … and it’s very clear how hard it is on many levels … trauma of war, hard work of writing, somehow keeping a tiny journalism business alive and hopefully growing sustainably, and the other parts of life that have to work give you energy to keep working towards your goals. So … yes, I’m concerned about you and want things to work out whatever that means.
Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023
@stepheneb thank you Stephen!
Show threadBluesberryJul 22, 2023

@stepheneb @timkmak

Very well said, Stephen.

Tim, we are rooting for you!!! ❤️

Show threadThe Febrile MuseJul 22, 2023
@timkmak Take care of yourself. I know a day or two off seems insurmountable, but may be necessary?
Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023
@CMDoran taking some time off next week
Show threadTC Won't Give In To LiesJul 22, 2023
@timkmak
Love your work. Thank you!
Show threadGeorgeJul 22, 2023
@TCatInReality @timkmak sleep more. Do less enjoy more.
Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023
@george @TCatInReality hard when you have a startup and your entire team depends on you for their livelihood!
Show threadAndy 🌎Jul 24, 2023

@timkmak @george @TCatInReality That's true, but you also won't be able to support the team if you burn out.

Take care of yourself Tim and be safe!

Show threadJamie Baker RoskieJul 22, 2023
@timkmak I'm already signed up, so I can only boost today. I'm personally not on threads because it scrapes your contacts and has extremely broad TOS in favor of Zuck having all your data. But I understand lots of journalists are there and it's probably easier to get good reach. I don't have the impression that the engagement is very rich, though. But, obviously, do what makes sense for you, take care of yourselves.
Show threadBill, organizer of stuffJul 22, 2023
@timkmak It's owned by Mark Zuckerberg. That alone means I will never use it.
Show threadannie grayJul 22, 2023
@wcbdata @timkmak
Ditto.
Show threadBlaster1360Jul 22, 2023

@wcbdata @timkmak

After learning how much Facebook personally screwed me over by selling off my data to third parties, which resulting in me and my partner getting harassed on Twitter and such by some low-life scumbag, I'm never touching anything Fuckerberg owns either.

I've always known Meta has always been scummy in that regard, but now it's personal.

Show threadRufus J. CooterJul 22, 2023

@wcbdata @timkmak I like to think that I'm relatively open-minded, but if a social media site's MO is, "Nazis can say and do whatever they please, and we'll ban you if you object to that"...

Well, that's a hard no from me, dawg

Show threadHoldfastJul 22, 2023
@timkmak One of the things that has kept me away from it is hearing, early on, that it is brilliant for influencers!
Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023
@wscottwatson it hasn’t exactly blown me away
Show threadHoldfastJul 22, 2023
@timkmak I am keen to be informed (preferably by people I trust) but I do not feel the need to be "influenced. If what I learn changes my opinions, that is an effect of being an adult. I
Show threadEl FotografoJul 22, 2023
@timkmak I thought Meta said they wanted to discourage news on Threeads?
Show threadP StewartJul 22, 2023
@ejrfoto @timkmak Or prohibit it entirely in some places, e.g., Meta's plan to not allow Canadians to see or share *any* news content on their platforms.
Show threadMike (no not that one)Jul 22, 2023
@timkmak If your a celebrity the algorithm will get you engagement. It's harder otherwise from what I can tell. It's banned in the EU for privacy reasons, and you can see why from the pile of data it collects in the app.
Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023
@mikey sadly I’ve always had a face for radio ;)
Show threadBrendan KinneyJul 22, 2023
@timkmak Based on comments from @mosseri and Zuck, I think Threads will minimize news content and you'll be drowned out by brands sharing cat memes.
Show threadrobJul 22, 2023
@timkmak threads seems to be instagram but a lot worse. I won't open a personal account there. (Debating whether and how to open an account for the organisation I'm in.)
Show threadJesseJul 22, 2023
@timkmak Tried it and barely log in now. Find it extremely boring. Lack of chronological timeline makes it feel like this vague nowhere space. Nothing connects. I don’t know how else to put it.
Show threadThe Lady (La Donna)Jul 22, 2023
@timkmak No to Threads. I'm here. And, I read your email on my work break, especially, if I didn't catch it in fediverse.
Show threadmartin lentink 🇪🇺 🇺🇦📎Jul 22, 2023
@timkmak No and I will not try it either.
Show threadLe ChepJul 22, 2023
@timkmak Threads reeks of Zuckerberg's contempt for anyone's privacy but his own. Hard pass.
Show threadTim MakJul 22, 2023
@c_chep tell me more. What’s the specific concern?
Show threadLe ChepJul 22, 2023

@timkmak it is so toxic they haven't found a way yet to pretend it could come within an ocean of complying with the GDPR, which isn't merely an annoyance aimed at American corporations but the consequence of respecting a fundamental right, privacy.

Even with the Irish DPA, which is (pardon my French) a fucking underfunded joke.

Show threadLe ChepJul 22, 2023
@timkmak this said, freedom of association is also fundamental and I am not to trample on yours.
Show threadGabriel PettierJul 22, 2023
@timkmak @c_chep the app apparently asks for *all* the possible permissions, including starting in the background at startup automatically (and being mostly invisible). Why would an app to read news from people you follow need all that?
Show threadThomas LiekensJul 22, 2023
@timkmak @c_chep As people have stated above, it will sell and use and abuse ALL of your personal details. This isn't me and the others being paranoid, this is based off of Meta's and Zuckerberg's history, and the permissions you have to give the app. I just want to add my voice here to reinforce the point. Threads, Meta and Facebook are utterly toxic. If it isn't even allowed in the EU, you really shouldn't touch it with a bargepole.
Show threadSilversaltyJul 22, 2023
@timkmak
https://mastodon.social/deck/@thomasfu[email protected]/110754311522635738
Show threadArlenecwJul 22, 2023

@timkmak I am waiting until I can follow Threads users from Mastodon. I won’t sign up for any Meta product.

Also, I read your posts and links, but I tend not to interact unless it’s a subject I know well such as books, hiking, and craft beer. I leave Ukraine to the experts.

Show threadTobsenJul 22, 2023
@timkmak No, it‘s Meta and also not aviable and blocked in the EU.
Show threadJoe Steinbring Jul 22, 2023
@timkmak There are people out there who will only use a social media platform if it's controlled by a billionaire. I figure that the biggest benefit is the ability to follow those folks. The biggest negative is all of the data collection. If you look at the permissions that Meta requires when you install the app, it's everything from your exact location to your health data. It sounds like Meta is threatening to allow Threads to interoperate with Mastodon. I would just wait for that.
Show threadNick Spacek Jul 22, 2023
@timkmak After moving to Mastodon from Twitter, my favorite thing has been the organic growth of posts in my timeline based on my interests. Following a couple of tags lead to following a few people, who boosted content from others with similar interests. Over time I have more content than I can handle, but it's almost all content I want to see, instead of being overwhelmed with content being pushed by an algorithm.
Show threadDavid Mitchell Jul 22, 2023

@nickspacek @timkmak

That was very much my initial experience on Twitter, because I kept a tight lid on things and kept forcing things like a chronological timeline, no matter how many time it tried to switch my prefs for me. Eventually that stopped being possible, so here I am on Masto where I have all the the controls!

Show threadAllan ChowJul 22, 2023
@timkmak people like Taylor Lorenz and Molly JongFast have definitely been able to build a sizeable audience with engagement there. My feed there is a combination journalists and local news and after 2 days of muting accounts I don't want to see and engaging with what I do, the feed is in a pretty good spot now.
Show threadDouglas KilpatrickJul 22, 2023
@timkmak no chronological feed: it's always algo. They say they're fixing that but until they do it's nothing but insane posts for me
Show threadDan KennedyJul 22, 2023

@timkmak The sheer number of users on Threads, especially of people and accounts I hadn’t seen since Twitter, gives it a huge advantage over Mastodon.

But Zuckerberg may regret pushing it out too early. The lack of browser access, accounts-only tab, lists, etc., are all contributing to the drop-off that’s been reported.

Show threadGeorgeJul 22, 2023
@timkmak Threads is not available in EU : this is the main advantage of Threads
Show threadBrotherd66Jul 22, 2023
@timkmak haven’t tried Threads.
Took one look at how much background data they’re harvesting/scraping and decided to stay away.
I’m enjoying Mastadon.
The engagement may seem lower, but that may be because there’s no algorithm trying deliberately to cause combativeness/engagement.