> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://justincox.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # BlueSky, Mastodon, and Notes; Oh, My! - URL: https://justincox.com/blog/2023/05/bluesky-mastodon-and-notes-oh-my/ - Published: 2023-05-02T11:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2023-06-16T23:19:24.000Z - Description: This Week In Writing, we talk about all the “Twitter Alternatives” and what makes the most sense for writers. - Author: Justin Cox - Tags: Social Media, #This Week In Writing, This Just In, Craft, #mastodon, #substack, #twitter For many years, Twitter was *the* place for writers. Less than a year ago, I sent an issue of This Week In Writing proclaiming, "[you should be on Twitter](https://justincox.com/blog/2022/06/you-should-be-on-twitter/)." That, um, didn't age well. Today, Twitter alternatives are a dime a dozen. Remember for a week last year when Hive was a thing until everyone realized they basically [had zero security](https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2022/12/hive-social-pulls-the-plug-on-itself-after-security-flaws-found?ref=justincox.com)? There's also Post, which I guess still exists, Notes, BlueSky, and Mastodon. There's likely more since it's too difficult to keep up with. I'm sticking with [Mastodon](https://mastodon.justincox.com/?ref=justincox.com). The decentralized nature is such a fresh alternative to algorithm-based feeds. Technically, BlueSky is *also* decentralized, but there's currently only one server owned by the company. So, that's pretty much the definition of a *centralized* service. As an aside, BlueSky feels *a lot* like the launch of Clubhouse. It's exclusive and super-hyped by tech folks, yet incredibly unfinished for something four years in the making. Granted, I have yet to receive an invite, so I'm only on second-hand reports here. Anyway, while I am very happy with Mastodon, there's no clearly-defined *next* Twitter. And you know what? That's ok. Twitter was a unique entity that combined the powerful and the common in one place. Despite the *extreme* toxicity that existed before the ownership change, the site worked. Instead of trying to *replace* Twitter, I'd rather people start considering what comes *next*. BlueSky and Substack Notes even *look* like Twitter. Which, fine, if you're trying to make people comfortable. But what does the *future* of social networks look like? I'm guessing it *doesn't* look like Twitter, and that's exciting. I hope people start building *that* and stop building "familiar" networks that [ignore content moderation policies](https://www.theverge.com/23681875/substack-notes-twitter-elon-musk-content-moderation-free-speech?ref=justincox.com) and neglect to build [basic blocking features](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/jack-dorsey-bluesky-twitter-alternative-elon-musk-1234724924/?ref=justincox.com). Based on *many* responses to my [Substack lifeboat article](https://justincox.com/blog/2023/04/we-have-to-talk-about-substack/), many writers are late majority folks. There's nothing wrong with that, but with all these new networks, it can feel extremely confusing where to set up accounts and build audiences. Spoiler alert: you don't have to be everywhere. Zulie Rane has a great piece recommending that writers [stick to two social platforms](https://medium.com/swlh/if-you-want-to-be-a-creator-delete-all-but-two-social-media-platforms-c1ac70b2d98e?ref=justincox.com) for the sake of sanity. There are ways to connect networks with Zapier, but you still have to keep up with comments and responses. Trust me; this can get overwhelming. Instead, find the platform that *you* enjoy and invest time there. With seemingly a new platform every few weeks, don't feel the need to chase them all. Try the ones that interest you and invest your time in the ones you enjoy. I don't think there will be another Twitter where everyone needs to be at the same time. At least not for a while. ## You’re Invited! I’m co-hosting a special FREE webinar with our partners at Fictionary! Join Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor Shane Millar for this fantastic webinar on How to Structure Powerful Scenes. The webinar is on **May 11, 2023, at 11:00 am EST**. In this webinar, you will discover: - Why every scene needs a strong entry hook - Why every point of view character needs a compelling goal - Why getting your scene middle right is so important - How to satisfy readers with a great scene climax - How to pull readers through to the next scene with an unforgettable exit hook - After attending this webinar, you’ll know the secrets behind structuring a powerful scene! **Register Today** ## My Writing Community's Next Event Zulie, Gretchen, Eric, and I decided on the next book club event. *Drumroll, please!* Start reading [the *Silo* saga by Hugh Howey](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54957253-the-silo-saga-omnibus?ref=justincox.com) and consider watching the AppleTV+ adaptation, which begins on Friday. I'm halfway through the series, and it's *fantastic*. The show paired with the book brings another layer to our discussion, which we'll schedule once the season ends. For now, start reading. 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