A Return to Micro.blog

I’ve returned to the comfortable folds of Micro.blog after an eight-week hiatus. I’m calling my time away a sabbatical, and like all such experiences, I learned two important things about myself in the process.

First, I thought I could wean myself from using social media. That was impossible. Spending time on Bluesky taught me why the core values of Micro.blog work so well. On Bluesky, I felt obligated to “follow back” those who followed me, and even without ads or algorithms, memes and inane reposts flooded my timeline.

After two years of mild annoyance at Micro.blog for not showing me my followers, it finally clicked with me on why this is so essential. Here, you follow only those you find interesting. There’s no compunction to do otherwise. Unfollowing someone as your interests change doesn’t represent a moral quandary. My timeline here is much more engaging and relevant.

Second, and more importantly, I learned how special this community is to me. I’ve made friends here. I’ve commiserated and celebrated with so many here. And I’ve watched events unfold that tested our collective mettle.

Recently, I witnessed personal attacks from outside of Micro.blog on Manton Reece for his alleged fascist and exclusionary views. I can think of many politicians who deserve this vitriol, but Manton Reece? Are you kidding me? Manton walks a tightrope of being both the owner of Micro.blog and frequent blogger. In such a divided world, I’ve wondered whether this is wise or even possible. It can’t be easy. Yet, he pulls it off, again and again, with principles and respect.

While you can never win an argument with a troll, you can still make a difference. For me, that was returning and resubscribing to Micro.blog.

For Manton.