In recent years, Twitter has become a shadow of its former self. Once a bustling hub of real-time news, vibrant communities, and genuine interactions, it now feels more like a platform dominated by bad marketing and controversial decisions. The “rocket man”, seems to be running Twitter to the ground, pushing away many of its loyal users. This decline in the quality of experience prompted me to seek a new digital home, and I found it in Bluesky.
Why I Moved Away from Twitter
A Diminished Experience. Twitter was once a place where I could connect with like-minded individuals, share insights, and engage in meaningful conversations. However, over time, it has transformed into a platform riddled with ads, sensationalism, and divisive content. The algorithms prioritize controversy over quality, making it increasingly difficult to find value in my feed.
Poor Marketing Practices. The essence of Twitter’s problem lies in its shift towards bad marketing. The platform has become a haven for spammy promotions and unsolicited advertisements, overshadowing the organic content that once thrived. This incessant push towards monetization has eroded the user experience, making it more of a marketplace than a community.
Questionable Leadership Decisions. The leadership of Twitter, particularly the “rocket man,” has been steering the platform in a direction that many of us find unsettling. His decisions have alienated a significant portion of the user base, leading to a decline in both the quality and quantity of interactions. It feels as though the platform is being run to the edge, with little regard for the core community that built it.
Why Bluesky?
A Return to the Roots. Bluesky embodies what I remember Twitter used to be. It’s a platform that prioritizes genuine connections, quality content, and meaningful interactions. It allows users to share their thoughts and engage with others without the noise of aggressive marketing tactics. Bluesky has become my primary medium for technical content, providing a space where I can discuss industry trends, share insights, and connect with both new and old friends in the tech community.
A Change in Habits. Despite my decision to move away from Twitter, I have chosen to keep my account active for the time being. This does not mean that I will be frequenting the platform as I once did. My engagement with Twitter will be minimal, and I will no longer rely on it as my primary social media outlet. My digital presence and the sharing of my thoughts and insights will now primarily occur on Bluesky. This shift marks a new chapter in my online interactions, one where quality and community take precedence over the noise.
I will keep reading Direct Messages (DMs) and I still allow them from people I do not follow.
Fostering a community. One of the most appealing aspects of Bluesky is its focus on community building. Unlike Twitter, where users often feel like they are shouting into the void, Bluesky provides an environment where conversations can flourish. The platform encourages dialogue, making it easier to connect with like-minded individuals and foster relationships.
Adoption by Major Players. Even major players like Microsoft have found their way onto Bluesky. This adoption by influential entities speaks volumes about the platform’s potential and reliability. It’s not just a haven for individuals seeking a better social media experience, but also a space where industry leaders can engage with their audience in a more meaningful way.
Getting Started with Bluesky
Create Your Account. Getting started on Bluesky is a straightforward process. Begin by visiting the Bluesky website and signing up for an account. You will need to provide some basic information and verify your email address to complete the registration. Once your account is set up, you can start customizing your profile.
Customize Your Profile. Your profile is your digital identity on Bluesky. It’s important to make it as informative and engaging as possible. Add a profile picture, write a compelling bio, and include links to your other social media accounts or personal website.
This will help others understand who you are and what you bring to the community.
Exploring the Platform. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the platform’s features. Bluesky offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate. Explore different sections such as the feed, trending topics, and communities. Use the search function to find people and content that align with your interests.
Connecting with Others. One of the core strengths of Bluesky is its ability to facilitate connections. Follow people whose content you find interesting, engage with their posts by liking and commenting, and don’t hesitate to start conversations. Joining communities related to your interests is also a great way to meet new people and participate in discussions.
Benefits of Bluesky
Enhanced Privacy and Security. Bluesky places a strong emphasis on user privacy and security. Unlike other platforms that often misuse personal data, Bluesky ensures that your information is protected. The platform employs robust security measures to safeguard user data, giving you peace of mind as you engage with others.
Ad-Free Experience. One of the most refreshing aspects of Bluesky is its ad-free experience. The absence of intrusive advertisements allows you to focus on the content and conversations that matter. This creates a more enjoyable and distraction-free environment, enhancing the overall user experience.
Inclusive and Supportive Community. Bluesky prides itself on fostering an inclusive and supportive community. The platform’s guidelines and moderation policies ensure that all users feel welcome and respected. Whether you’re sharing technical content, personal stories, or engaging in debates, you can do so in a positive and constructive environment.
Advanced Features and Tools. Bluesky offers a range of advanced features and tools designed to enhance your social media experience. From customizable feeds to advanced search options, the platform provides everything you need to tailor your experience to your preferences. These features make it easier to discover content, manage your interactions, and stay updated on topics of interest.
Companion Tools
There are several companion tools available that can enhance your Bluesky experience. These tools offer features such as enhanced search capabilities, content curation, and automation. They provide additional functionalities that help you make the most of your time on the platform, and this is my Favorite Add-Ons for Bluesky.
If you are a Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Regional Director, or a Microsoft employee, you should take a closer look at Bluesky.ms . Even if you don’t fall into these categories, Bluesky.ms is still the platform for you. Join today, fill in your profile, and enjoy the benefits of Bluesky.ms starter packs and much more.
BlueSky Roast
BlueSky Roast is an AI-powered tool that analyzes your Bluesky presence and turns it into a hilarious roast. With millions of users sharing content daily, I thought it would be fun to add some humor to social media analytics.
The AI combines advanced language models with comedy writing techniques to create personalized, witty observations about your posting habits, interactions, and overall Bluesky personality.
Skycle - Your Friends Bluesky Circle
With Skycle you can craft your personalized circle with colors that reflect you and share it on Bluesky. Grab attention, spark engagement, and light up your network!
Bluesky Analytics
Bluesky Analytics is an essential add-on for anyone looking to monitor their performance on the platform. There are multiple solutions avaliable to get detailed insights into your engagement metrics, follower growth, and content performance.
Go Search - Bluesky for Analytics companions.
I tried a few, and found these two of interest, Bluesky Meter and Bluesky Analytics .
Enhanced Search
The Enhanced Search add-on improves the platform’s search capabilities, making it easier to find content and users that match your interests. With advanced filters and search parameters, you can quickly locate relevant posts, communities, and individuals. This add-on is a great tool for discovering new content and expanding your network.
For more information see the Tips and Tricks for Bluesky Search from the Bluesky blog .
Bluesky Starter Packs. Starter packs in Bluesky are curated collections of folks to follow. These packs are created by the community and are a great way to get started with Bluesky. Currently, starter packs do not show up in search, meaning to find a starter pack, a friend will have to send you the link or you can see the embed preview within the Bluesky app.
Well, the Bluesky Starter Packs site offers the missing search option, so you can discover an ever growing list of Starter Packs and Profiles, and connect with the community on Bluesky.
Automation Tools
Automation Tools add-ons provide functionalities such as auto-replies, content scheduling, and bulk actions. These tools help streamline your activities on Bluesky, saving you time and effort. Whether you’re managing multiple accounts or looking to automate repetitive tasks, these add-ons can significantly enhance your productivity.
Conclusion
Bluesky has emerged as a refreshing alternative to Twitter, offering a platform that prioritizes genuine interactions, quality content, and community building. The shift from Twitter to Bluesky has rejuvenated my social media experience, allowing me to connect with a supportive community, share valuable insights, and engage in meaningful conversations.
With its focus on privacy, ad-free environment, and advanced features, Bluesky provides a superior social media experience. Companion tools like Bluesky.ms and various add-ons further enhance the platform’s functionality, making it easier to manage your content, track your performance, and discover new opportunities. If you’re looking for a social media platform that values quality over quantity and fosters a positive community, I highly recommend giving Bluesky a try. Join us on this exciting journey and experience the difference for yourself.
And by the way, please follow along on Bluesky .
–Jesper
Header image credit: sippakorn