Love the idea of reconnecting with those I used to chew the fat with on Twitter, and a space where that conversation might be engaging and informative. But finishing on X was the best thing I did for my health at the time I quit (about 16 months ago). I don't think I have it in me to go back to something that could turn that way again. I tried Threads for a while, but I think leaving X was really about getting some time back for myself away from screens and all of the vitriol as much as anything else.
I've found so few followers migrate with you to threads 1,500 as against circa 10,000 0n X, and frankly threads is full of tedious stories about flights, grandchildren and health hacks that go on and on.
Bluesky okay so far but there I have circa 200 followers against 6,000 on Insta.
I use Insta most now but as we will all have noticed that too has changed.....
Happy reading this and as I'd just joined Bluesky this morning! Thanks for the link as am trying to work out feeds etc. I'm very happy to see you there and away from toxic twitter.
Bluesky is an open source, federated network. Users create their own algorithms (feeds) for the things they want to see in their feeds. If the bluesky team adds advertising, any developer can create a new ad free app for surfing bluesky. And users can host their data file on their servers, so they own their data. Very different model from X and the rest of them. Also if you don't delete your X account, your postings will be used to train Elon's AI.
I've been on BlueSky for a few months. Although it seems to have had a large influx of new people, it seems to to lack a bit of dynamism and interest. That may change. In the meantime I am staying on Twitter/X as there is still content there that I want to see - although I visit it far less than in the old days.
I’ve never been active on Twitter/X and am now completely inactive. It now has values and ambitions that do not align with mine. Very pleased that the Guardian has moved off the platform.
Rather than delete your Twitter account entirely, the best thing is to just stop using it. That way, if Twitter ever becomes tolerable in the future you can return to it rather than start afresh.
I've been on Bluesky (stevehutch@bsky.social) and Threads (@cdlcreative the same as Insta) for a while and get much more engagement on Bluesky than Threads.
I've also tried Mastodon but that was just too fragmented.
That's what I found too. Just couldn't get my head round it! Good advice about the Twitter account though (unless Musk decides to delete inactive accounts!)
I'm pleased to see you're now also on Bluesky because I'm having nothing further to do with X. So I'm certainly in favour of swapping for a non-toxic environment.
Although I didn't have a Twitter account, I sometimes looked at it - until Musk bought it and changed it into a sewer in which I will not swim: my antipathy towards his methods predates his support for Trump. My only social media account is stephencooksfrench on Instagram (where I'm pestered daily to set up on Threads - no thank you) - but I don't have a business or a book to promote and, as social media for me is only for fun, my online presence is sufficient - which for others, I understand, would not be so. I do wonder if the platform formerly known as Twitter will go the same way as myspace (does anyone still use that? I never did). And as for social media in general - it is still in its infancy. I think - I bet Fiona has far older wines laid down in her cellar.
I shall come and look for you. Am enjoying Bluesky at the moment having like you set up an account a while back and then promptly forgotten about it!
I stopped posting on X a while back but should you want to link Substack posts there I found converting the post’s address into a tiny url worked well.
I’m proud to share I never joined Twitter (or X as it’s referred to), didn’t really see the point in Threads and doubt I’ll bother with Bluesky, although you’re post has made me slightly intrigued about this platform Fiona. so may have a little bit more of a read about it.
Love the idea of reconnecting with those I used to chew the fat with on Twitter, and a space where that conversation might be engaging and informative. But finishing on X was the best thing I did for my health at the time I quit (about 16 months ago). I don't think I have it in me to go back to something that could turn that way again. I tried Threads for a while, but I think leaving X was really about getting some time back for myself away from screens and all of the vitriol as much as anything else.
I totally get your thinking, Matt. Bluesky is a nice place to hang out but I can't deny it's a distraction!
I've found so few followers migrate with you to threads 1,500 as against circa 10,000 0n X, and frankly threads is full of tedious stories about flights, grandchildren and health hacks that go on and on.
Bluesky okay so far but there I have circa 200 followers against 6,000 on Insta.
I use Insta most now but as we will all have noticed that too has changed.....
Just been and followed you on Bluesky. I think the lack of anything in the small avatar may have people wondering if you're really you, as it were.
Remedied I see though not many people are called Thane tbf!
Indeed it has. Unless you're constantly posting reels and other video it's hard to get any traction
Happy reading this and as I'd just joined Bluesky this morning! Thanks for the link as am trying to work out feeds etc. I'm very happy to see you there and away from toxic twitter.
Good to see. Have reposted your ramen which seems perfect for a day like this!
Thanks Fiona! ....and for the repost, great to be in touch here and on Bluesky.
Bluesky is an open source, federated network. Users create their own algorithms (feeds) for the things they want to see in their feeds. If the bluesky team adds advertising, any developer can create a new ad free app for surfing bluesky. And users can host their data file on their servers, so they own their data. Very different model from X and the rest of them. Also if you don't delete your X account, your postings will be used to train Elon's AI.
Not sure I follow all that, Kari, being deeply untechy but thanks for enlightening me!
Just means no one person can own it and no one person can control what you see. So way better than Threads, Facebook, X, Instagram . . ..
💯
Are you liking it Fiona?
so far, yes, but early days! What about you?
I’m tempted but haven’t taken the plunge yet.
I've been on BlueSky for a few months. Although it seems to have had a large influx of new people, it seems to to lack a bit of dynamism and interest. That may change. In the meantime I am staying on Twitter/X as there is still content there that I want to see - although I visit it far less than in the old days.
Yes, that's the dilemma although it does look as if Bluesky is becoming more engaging as more and more people set up accounts.
I’ve never been active on Twitter/X and am now completely inactive. It now has values and ambitions that do not align with mine. Very pleased that the Guardian has moved off the platform.
Me too. Brave move
LinkedIn is very dull, and just seems to be a “look how great my carer’s going” platform. Which is fine.
Facebook is for families and friends to keep in touch.
Substack is the place to create a kind of personal newspaper and read in depth articles. That’s how I use social media.
I gave up Twitter when Musk took over, and I’m not on instagram.
And I bet you save yourself a lot of time!
Oh i don’t know. I end up watching funny video clips on facebook
*sigh*. So many ways to waste time!
Career is going…
Very interesting and comprehensive. I see your dilemma. As a very low profile person I’ll watch your journey with interest.
Well, let's see how I get on!
Rather than delete your Twitter account entirely, the best thing is to just stop using it. That way, if Twitter ever becomes tolerable in the future you can return to it rather than start afresh.
I've been on Bluesky (stevehutch@bsky.social) and Threads (@cdlcreative the same as Insta) for a while and get much more engagement on Bluesky than Threads.
I've also tried Mastodon but that was just too fragmented.
That's what I found too. Just couldn't get my head round it! Good advice about the Twitter account though (unless Musk decides to delete inactive accounts!)
Interesting!
Threads is nice ... ❤️
Maybe I should give it another go
I'm pleased to see you're now also on Bluesky because I'm having nothing further to do with X. So I'm certainly in favour of swapping for a non-toxic environment.
How do I find and follow you, Stella?
I'm smtfhw on Bluesky. @smtfhw.bsky.social
Although I didn't have a Twitter account, I sometimes looked at it - until Musk bought it and changed it into a sewer in which I will not swim: my antipathy towards his methods predates his support for Trump. My only social media account is stephencooksfrench on Instagram (where I'm pestered daily to set up on Threads - no thank you) - but I don't have a business or a book to promote and, as social media for me is only for fun, my online presence is sufficient - which for others, I understand, would not be so. I do wonder if the platform formerly known as Twitter will go the same way as myspace (does anyone still use that? I never did). And as for social media in general - it is still in its infancy. I think - I bet Fiona has far older wines laid down in her cellar.
I shall come and look for you. Am enjoying Bluesky at the moment having like you set up an account a while back and then promptly forgotten about it!
I stopped posting on X a while back but should you want to link Substack posts there I found converting the post’s address into a tiny url worked well.
I’m proud to share I never joined Twitter (or X as it’s referred to), didn’t really see the point in Threads and doubt I’ll bother with Bluesky, although you’re post has made me slightly intrigued about this platform Fiona. so may have a little bit more of a read about it.