Ayup! This isn’t a rant or a moan. I feel incredibly lucky to have access to algorithm-free social media. I feel even luckier that I don’t have to see a single ad, ever. But there’s one glaring problem with the interconnectivity of the Fediverse: Multiple accounts.
In addition to Mastodon, I’d quite like to explore some of the photography platforms. Vernissage being one that popped up in conversation today. Except every time you open a new account on any other federated channel, another one of you pops up on Mastodon.
Confusing & Messy
It reminds me a little of WordPress. Back when I wrote a guide on block themes, the block editor had four different names. The documentation still refers to each of the four versions.
Not entirely on par with the Fediverse, but for the average user, it makes things more complicated than they need to be. The issue with interconnected platforms, however, isn’t as easy to solve as giving it one name.
Back when I tried Pixelfed for a week, I stumbled upon something pretty magical. Buggy, but still magical. A thriving community of photographers. No algorithm. No ads. Rediculously high engagement.
But then there was an imposter on Mastodon. Another me, posting my photos, too. How rude! Of course, I was my own imposter. It was me, or my Pixelfed account, to be more precise. I didn’t want my account to replace my Mastodon profile, but then my photos were showing up twice.
Once from the Mastodon account, once from the Pixelfed account. They’d show twice on Mastodon and twice on Pixelfed. See how this is quickly descending into messy chaos?
Unique yet restrictive
Federated/connected platforms are undeniably powerful. Yet, at the same time, it’s the very thing holding them back. I feel like I can’t dive into any of the other photography channels due to duplicate accounts showing up.
I can’t personally get my head around having more than one account on the Fediverse. I know this isn’t currently possible, but one profile that lets you log into all platforms would make things a lot less complicated.
Again, not a rant. Just an observation from an average (less than average, non-technical) user. Mastodon remains my favourite social media channel for photography. I’m more than happy to continue focusing most of my time and attention there for now.