The Summer of Threads

There is plenty of room for more than one social network.

Photo by Bruno Gomiero on Unsplash

So, Meta released Threads last week. Just in case you missed that little out of the way bit of news. Ha!

I like to explore new social networks when they come out, so of course I’ve installed the app on my phone and became one of millions that have already joined. You’ll find me at @blogoklahoma.

The Threads App

I found the Threads app quite easy to use. It follows many of the same standards as other social media apps. I think Meta did the smart thing by linking Threads with your Instagram account. That made for an easy on-boarding process and my following list is already populated with people I followed on Instagram. Well once they get on Threads too that is, and most of them have already done so.

There are a host of missing features, but not having them doesn’t interfere with using Threads. Multi-account switching, hashtags, lists, editing, a chronological follow-only list, a web interface or desktop app, and of course the promised federation are missing. However according to the guy in charge of Threads, Instagram’s Adam Mosseri (@mosseri), all these features are on the list to be rolled out. So hopefully it won’t be too long until we see them.

Quick Threads Tip

Here’s one work around, if you like me need to switch accounts regularly:

• Go to your profile page (user icon bottom right toolbar).

• At the very top click on the menu icon (two line icon upper right)

• Click Log out

• Login to your other account.

Not difficult, just a lot of clicks.

Is Threads a Twitter killer?

Well, it depends on you really. What service do you want to use? Personally, I like Mastodon better and plan to keep using it as my primary social network. Once Threads becomes federated, it will be easier to communicate with each other on the different networks (Mastodon + Threads).

Twitter though, to be honest, is currently a dumpster fire.  Once Elon Musk took over the company, he has been doing his best to run it into the ground. That’s just not my opinion on that (See In The News section below).   The mass migration to other social spaces like Mastodon or Threads could be the end for Twitter, but then again Twitter could recover.  Elon Musk could step away and/or sell the company.  

There is plenty of room for more than one social network.  It all depends on what service you find most useful.  If you like Twitter, keep using it. You don’t have to go with what’s popular now. That includes other social networks like Facebook, Reddit, MeWe, Post, or something new. Use the service you like.

That said, you’ll know where to find me if you need something,,@blogoklahoma@social.tulsa.ok.us.

This Week

WxAlert2Mastodon

I published the weather alert code I’ve been working on over on Github. Please feel free to look it over. I’m setting it aside for now and will revisit it later. It was good to work in Node.js again. I need more side projects like that to keep my skills up. I may have to come up with a Node.js/Vue.js side project soon.

Cross-Posting

I’m making a slight change to my posting for Blog Oklahoma. I’m going to limit where I post news headlines. Not enough hours in the day to keep up. So, for now, all news headlines will go to Mastodon, Threads (for now), Lemmy, and of course this newsletter. I’ll be using all the other social spaces for just communication and promotion.

Storm Damage

Looks like I’ll be working out in the backyard this week. Over the weekend we had a sever thunderstorm blow through. Our yard is littered with tree limbs and debris. I also have part of tree that’s fallen over and leaning on some other trees. Unsure yet if I need to call a tree service to take care of it. It all depends on if I can pull it down safely.

More later. Time to explore Threads and pick up sticks.

In The News

• Metro Library to capture Oklahoma City's future history with film cameras | KOSU

• As Broadband Board chairman, Mike Fina pushed $20 million Motorola project with college roommate | Nondoc

• Oklahoma Democrats, once a powerful party, are looking to rebuild | The Oklahoman

• 1977 Northeast Oklahoma Girl Scout murders case gets fresh look in wake of 'McGirt' ruling | KOSU

• Oldest living Tulsa Race Massacre victim, publishes memoir | The Oklahoman

• Oklahoma judge throws out a suit seeking reparations for the Tulsa Race Massacre | KGOU

• Ryan Walters: don't teach that race lead to Tulsa Race Massacre | Black Wall Street Times

• Outrage as Republican says 1921 Tulsa massacre not motivated by race | The Guardian

• Oklahoma man arrested for parachute plunge into river with homemade gear | KOKH

• 'It's surprising': Study ranks Oklahoma as sixth most energy-expensive | KTUL

• Preservation Oklahoma highlights state's most endangered buildings in 2023 list, including prominent OKC landmarks | KOKH

More on Twitter & Threads

• Meta unspools Threads by Casey Newton | Platformer

• Mark Zuckerberg is winning vs Elon Musk as Threads goes against Twitter | Vox

• Elon Musk Calls Mark Zuckerberg names as Threads Nears 100M Users | The Daily Beast

• Instagram’s Threads surpasses 100 million users | The Verge

• Cloudflare CEO Says Twitter's Traffic Is 'Tanking' | Slashgear

• There is Only One Person to Blame for Twitter's Demise: Elon Musk. | The Dean's Report

Listening In

This past week I listened to the catalogs of various artists on Spotify: Code Orange, Van Halen, Gojira, The Police, and Billy Joel. I think I'll do the same again this week. Get to rediscover some great albums that way.

Well I thought I was about done with Demon by John Varley but I still have five more hours left in the book on Audible.

Something To Watch

Geography Now! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | Geography Now

Animation vs. Math | Alan Becker

World's Largest LED Sphere Lights Up in Vegas | Attractions 360°

Guitarist NIXED SINGER's Cover Song In Favor of his Original...Became Band's Only #1 | Professor of Rock

Why every radio station sounds the same | Phil Edwards

The Rise of Porky, Daffy and Termite Terrace - THE MERRIE HISTORY OF LOONEY TUNES | KaiserBeamz

Feedback Welcome

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave a comment on Substrack, email me at blogoklahoma@blogoklahoma.net, or connect with me at Mastodon at @blogoklahoma@social.tulsa.ok.us.

Have a great week.

– K.