I've been edging toward the door from this particular party for some time. As I examine my feelings I think Twitter's been mostly about having an easy (distant) relationship with all kinds of influential and talented people without much obligation from me: "Ah, Neil Gaiman liked my tweet"; "Colin Meloy sees me" (or 'hears' me, anyway) - it's that dopamine buzz.... and I'm vain enough that I recognize when my limited profile gives that same buzz to someone else.
I got over FB a while back and value the return to the real world I felt after the withdrawal symptoms passed (though for industry reasons I still check a couple of groups maybe once a week).
As you point out - there are amazing people doing incredible things without ever touching these social media sites... some of them are in this list I'm sure.
I'm downloading my archive as I type (or waiting for it to be ready): I recently tweeted that Elon Musk was at strike one (for that egregious link) ... I may not wait out his at-bat.
Nov 1, 2022·edited Nov 1, 2022Liked by Colin Meloy
Hello from a fellow artist whose finger has also been hovering over the delete key for about the same stretch of time. I bought into that myth of the socials being necessary for an artist’s validation and hung on for a solid decade, but the truth is I hardly use that platform, and when I *do* pop in to Twitter the whole thing screams "wreckage" anyway. Twitter doesn't need me and I don't need *it* and with that, I think I'll join you in the glorious elsewheres, and get busy making more art. Thank you. <3
Hey Colin! I deleted all my social media some months ago due to a research project that would take me to certain places that I didn't want to be followed. I have to say it was such a fantastic decision. I do find myself to be blissfully unaware of the latest kerfuffle, leaving me space to arrange my life and my attention more deeply. I credit the work of Jenny Odell and Cal Newport for helping me get to this place. But, honestly, whatever it takes to get someone off the Twitter train, probably, the better. Welcome, friend!
The thing that bums me out about Elon buying and instantly nuking Twitter is that it's this weird equalizing app. Like unless it's run by a person's pr firm it's such a quick way to instantly connect and form a conversation with people.
It's helped me with musicians and tabletop designers which is neat. But I think the biggest upset is going to be with the neirodiversity movement.
I've seen countless self advocates use it effectively and as a way to build community, especially those without the ability to speak. I'm hoping another platform arises that can organically build that but I'm honestly doubtful. And it's such a bummer.
I know it's become a cesspool for the worst of the worst but I can directly interact with Lorna Wang or pretend like I can afford a Vito Bonono painting. I'm not killing my account yet, I'm curious to see where it goes
Thanks again. I recently wondered if I had, way back when, ever created a Twitter account and lo and behold I did. I guess it had the same impact on me as finding an advertisement on my windshield. Deleted it anyway. Just don’t care for the guy. For someone who proclaims that he’s just trying to save the human race by getting us all up safe on Mars, he certainly likes automatizing our every move. Found the Dave Troy recent article pretty fascinating.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and sentiments about that platform. I’ve never had an account, as I never really understood what it did? But beyond that, I find myself struggling deeply with how to engage with other socials, as well. I’m a musician and hairstylist living in a world where it’s expected we be our best selves on these social media platforms, self promoting, editing, sharing valuable discourse, when all I can really think about is how there’s much bigger fish to fry, globally. I’ve always deeply respected your views, Colin, and it actually provides a small amount of solace to hear your disdain towards other platforms, too.
This community has felt really cool. This is really the first kind of “blog-o-sphere” I’ve ever participated in, but man is it refreshing to see some positivity on the interwebs. Thank you, all, fellow Machinists and Mr. Meloy!
Congratulations Colin. Good riddance to that stuff. Though I would like to mention that via your twitter account was how I discovered Cass McCombs for the first time (you posted County Line to your feed) and life hasn’t really been the same since. So thanks for that one!
It was always cool to snag an answer to a question, get a liked by, or catch a re-tweet from you on there. I also liked @ing you on things, and then live in wonder if you’d seen it. I don’t begrudge you leaving twitter, but it was an accessible way to converse with you a bit--that being said, I am happy to be a Machine Shop devotee for the same type of interactions, sans Musk’s interference.
Thank you for reminding me that I have been intending to delete Twitter - for mostly the same sentiment that you expressed. Fuck Elon Musk, and He Who Shall Not Be Named, and all the bullshit that emanates from that platform. Life is too short.
I've never been on Twitter and have been a follower of your work since before 2009, so as someone who's never even seen a tweet from you (except the ones in this post), I can assure you that you do exist! Not that I believe you're actually angling for assurance.
Congratulations! I deleted myself from both Facebook and Twitter about 4 years ago, and have felt pounds lighter since then. In actual fact, what Elon bought was all of the users. There is no there there. And the only real power that users have is....not to use. Just say no. Just do it. My great hope is that Elon is caught holding a bag filled with a random assortment of nuts and screws and widgets. And that we get down to the real business of making real town squares where we all live. In any case, thanks for doing this and for sharing what you did. It matters! More than any tweet you could imagine....
I've been edging toward the door from this particular party for some time. As I examine my feelings I think Twitter's been mostly about having an easy (distant) relationship with all kinds of influential and talented people without much obligation from me: "Ah, Neil Gaiman liked my tweet"; "Colin Meloy sees me" (or 'hears' me, anyway) - it's that dopamine buzz.... and I'm vain enough that I recognize when my limited profile gives that same buzz to someone else.
I got over FB a while back and value the return to the real world I felt after the withdrawal symptoms passed (though for industry reasons I still check a couple of groups maybe once a week).
As you point out - there are amazing people doing incredible things without ever touching these social media sites... some of them are in this list I'm sure.
I'm downloading my archive as I type (or waiting for it to be ready): I recently tweeted that Elon Musk was at strike one (for that egregious link) ... I may not wait out his at-bat.
I have better things to do at home.
"All that I wanted was the freedom of a new life
So my burden I began to divest
Alright, alright, alright
Alright, alright, alright"
Hello from a fellow artist whose finger has also been hovering over the delete key for about the same stretch of time. I bought into that myth of the socials being necessary for an artist’s validation and hung on for a solid decade, but the truth is I hardly use that platform, and when I *do* pop in to Twitter the whole thing screams "wreckage" anyway. Twitter doesn't need me and I don't need *it* and with that, I think I'll join you in the glorious elsewheres, and get busy making more art. Thank you. <3
You’re music brought me and my soul mate together. You’re existence is going to always be appreciated by us
You’ve always existed outside Twitter. I’ve never been a twitterer. I don’t see the point. This outlet is far superior.
Hey Colin! I deleted all my social media some months ago due to a research project that would take me to certain places that I didn't want to be followed. I have to say it was such a fantastic decision. I do find myself to be blissfully unaware of the latest kerfuffle, leaving me space to arrange my life and my attention more deeply. I credit the work of Jenny Odell and Cal Newport for helping me get to this place. But, honestly, whatever it takes to get someone off the Twitter train, probably, the better. Welcome, friend!
The thing that bums me out about Elon buying and instantly nuking Twitter is that it's this weird equalizing app. Like unless it's run by a person's pr firm it's such a quick way to instantly connect and form a conversation with people.
It's helped me with musicians and tabletop designers which is neat. But I think the biggest upset is going to be with the neirodiversity movement.
I've seen countless self advocates use it effectively and as a way to build community, especially those without the ability to speak. I'm hoping another platform arises that can organically build that but I'm honestly doubtful. And it's such a bummer.
I know it's become a cesspool for the worst of the worst but I can directly interact with Lorna Wang or pretend like I can afford a Vito Bonono painting. I'm not killing my account yet, I'm curious to see where it goes
You and your band will continue to exist for me any time I need to reach for an agrarian rock song or a baleful ballad that teaches me a new GRE word.
Thanks again. I recently wondered if I had, way back when, ever created a Twitter account and lo and behold I did. I guess it had the same impact on me as finding an advertisement on my windshield. Deleted it anyway. Just don’t care for the guy. For someone who proclaims that he’s just trying to save the human race by getting us all up safe on Mars, he certainly likes automatizing our every move. Found the Dave Troy recent article pretty fascinating.
It also feels a little bit like being on page 212 of Logan’s Run.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and sentiments about that platform. I’ve never had an account, as I never really understood what it did? But beyond that, I find myself struggling deeply with how to engage with other socials, as well. I’m a musician and hairstylist living in a world where it’s expected we be our best selves on these social media platforms, self promoting, editing, sharing valuable discourse, when all I can really think about is how there’s much bigger fish to fry, globally. I’ve always deeply respected your views, Colin, and it actually provides a small amount of solace to hear your disdain towards other platforms, too.
This community has felt really cool. This is really the first kind of “blog-o-sphere” I’ve ever participated in, but man is it refreshing to see some positivity on the interwebs. Thank you, all, fellow Machinists and Mr. Meloy!
Congratulations Colin. Good riddance to that stuff. Though I would like to mention that via your twitter account was how I discovered Cass McCombs for the first time (you posted County Line to your feed) and life hasn’t really been the same since. So thanks for that one!
It was always cool to snag an answer to a question, get a liked by, or catch a re-tweet from you on there. I also liked @ing you on things, and then live in wonder if you’d seen it. I don’t begrudge you leaving twitter, but it was an accessible way to converse with you a bit--that being said, I am happy to be a Machine Shop devotee for the same type of interactions, sans Musk’s interference.
Thank you for reminding me that I have been intending to delete Twitter - for mostly the same sentiment that you expressed. Fuck Elon Musk, and He Who Shall Not Be Named, and all the bullshit that emanates from that platform. Life is too short.
tweeting? More like I’m fleeing (Twitter because it’s toxic)
I've never been on Twitter and have been a follower of your work since before 2009, so as someone who's never even seen a tweet from you (except the ones in this post), I can assure you that you do exist! Not that I believe you're actually angling for assurance.
Congratulations! I deleted myself from both Facebook and Twitter about 4 years ago, and have felt pounds lighter since then. In actual fact, what Elon bought was all of the users. There is no there there. And the only real power that users have is....not to use. Just say no. Just do it. My great hope is that Elon is caught holding a bag filled with a random assortment of nuts and screws and widgets. And that we get down to the real business of making real town squares where we all live. In any case, thanks for doing this and for sharing what you did. It matters! More than any tweet you could imagine....
Totally.