Bluesky Censoring Gaza Accounts

A situation seems to be developing with Bluesky's large scale moderation of accounts from Gaza.

#Bluesky user Alex Winter recently posted the screenshot below.

Here is a link to the referenced letter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_ycgklimHHszjCItkk8y0CFu306kNgST3mpRNT4jV3g

Would like to point out that because of the centralized nature of the Bluesky platform this type of appeal is the only recourse. In the Fediverse/Mastodon blocked users have the option to relocate to a different server.

If your main timeline on Mastodon is getting too crowded, you can use the Lists feature to split it into several smaller themed mini-timelines. You can then dip into a particular timeline when you want to see accounts on that topic.

More info on how to set up and use Lists at:

➡️ https://fedi.tips/how-to-use-the-lists-feature-on-mastodon

#FediTips #Mastodon

I forget where I first heard this, but I feel like it bears repeating:

If you see someone stealing food in the grocery store: no you didn't.

Reminder that you can criticize bad people by just pointing out that they did something shitty and leave it at that

You extremely don't need to go on to make fun of their physical appearance, sexuality, gender identity, or imply that they are mentally ill or disabled

And in fact if you do it weakens the point you're trying to make and also alienates people who might otherwise be your ally

So disappointing to realise that, in all this #Fedicate mess, it's been developed by someone who runs @transpride. I spent years in that city working on queer issues and queer liberation, and I hate that a tool that can (and will) so easily be used to abuse trans people has been written by someone who claims to fight for us.

Please, developers. Remember that nobody's safety is less important than your ego - it's okay to create something then go "oh shit sorry yeah my bad" and stop it.

It's ok to realise/admit that you don't know everything. It's ok to be wrong and learn from your mistakes.

It's not okay to ignore the overwhelming feedback from the community you claim to be fighting for, nor to try and guilt people into not being open with this feedback if you're running a public service.

Sigh.