It seems we joined the party late: we set up our Twitter account just three weeks ago (come and say hey before it all ends!) and now it’s all going down the pan thanks to Elon Musk. But what will we do if Twitter really does die? The social network has had a huge impact on my career — I’ve had commissions thanks to sassy tweets I’ve sent about the government, been invited on downright bizarre press trips that make the best dinner party anecdotes, and even made some friends. Where will we get our editors’ calls for pitches now?
I’m not yet panicking, but I’m worried, and I’ve not committed to another social network yet (I’ve been an avid Twitterer for over a decade). So, tell me, where are you going, where should I go, and how can I follow you?
Share your other social media handles in the comments so we can follow one another beyond the Twittersphere…
Good morning! No-one knows me so, yeah, I'm an arts and travel writer based on Gadigal Country in Eora/Sydney. Yesterday was the first day I started to feel not-great about losing Twitter. In Nov last year I was hacked on FB and never regained access. Two weeks later that flowed through to my What's App (Meta). I lost a lot, including access to the Aus Society of Travel Writers FB page and a What's App-based music prize that I judged. Much more too on a personal front, but those were rough! I tried everything - new emails, new accounts - but they're gone for good. So I've already lost those involuntarily and, with it, a sense that anything you don't own is permanent. They own your labour but you don't get a stake. (The hackers never got my Instagram, thank god.)
So Twitter. I have a reasonable following there probably b/c I used to write about music. I've never *used* it but it's 100% my writing community and where I go to get smarter/more current. I'm most often there on the weeks when I'm ass-deep in a deadline, that weird combo of super busy but also at my computer 24/7 looking for short bursts of procrastination/encouragement or responses to quips about the hell that writing is (until it's filed and you decide you like it again).
I woke up feeling bloody sad to lose all that. I will definitely need to re-establish a writing community but that's not going to be Instagram which is all adults acting like children, and lame reels about literally nothing. I follow some cool ppl but rarely see their content. It seems to have gotten worse this past few weeks, might look at my settings? I do still enjoy Instagram, btw, it just feels very atomised and individualistic so it's not a replacement for Twitter. I'll look into Mastodon when I have the headspace but until then:
I'm still hoping it's not dead, just a bit sick, and it will come back. Though probably won't be the same/as good. Nothing else works to replace it, but if we do all fall off the face of the internet, I can be found at:
I don't know what to do either. I hate that we're in this position at all and I'm quietly hoping all the worry and chaos is for nothing. Twitter has been part of my life for 13 years and it satisfies a very specific use case for social media. It won't be easily replaced.
I cannot think of something that could replace twitter. The instagram algorithm is awful, it makes it difficult to connect with your own audience, let alone discover accounts that have something interesting to say. I quite like Substack but it's much more slow paced...
I've seen insta stories from editors looking for freelancers. Also The Dots is used for freelance content creators / copywriters / designers so could be a good place for freelance journo calls for pitches.
I don't believe Twitter will die BUT it will probably be changed to the point of being unusable so good to have a plan B. Not investigated Mastodon yet, interesting a few people have dipped their toe already. I do think we could harness LinkedIn more. I used to loathe it as it was full of American gumph and humble bragging but actually could be a useful space, particularly for calls for pitches through the feed or peer support groups.
Big Sigh. I feel exactly the same. Twitter has brought me friends and work and entertainment. You can find prettier, more curated, slightly less political, mostly Rome and Venice content on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gmcguireinrome/
I (controversially) left Twitter a little while back... Currently, I only really use Instagram @wordsbydanielle. I'd love to see something new and exciting (and less techy than Mastodon?) take Twitter's place *should* it crumble into the sea...
Although I have more followers on Twitter than anywhere else, it's always the place that I've received the least meaningful engagement. Insta has slightly fewer followers but more engagement. My Facebook page has far fewer followers but genuine relationships and I'm happier there than anywhere else.
I'm waiting to see what happens with Twitter but will likely create a Mastodon account (@thirdculturenel). Here are my other socials. Would love to keep in touch.
Haha agree with you about Slack, it's not my fav. Benefit to owning one is we own it and it's led by our community, so no one can take it away. Downside is we have to buy a server, store it somewhere and pay for it.
Have completely exhausted the house supply of popcorn watching this train wreck—has not been good for productivity!
Will be on Twitter till the bitter hellfire end, but spending an increasing amount of time on Mastodon—feels like Twitter a decade or so ago. You’ll find me at https://mastodon.social/@travelfish
I will definitely be on the other channels, including Mastodon and I really hope lots of this community will come and join. I am happy to lend some help in getting started. But I wonder if we couldn't also band together to set up our own travelwriters space: either a Mastodon instance that we co-own and host ourselves, or a Slack channel or similar?
I've been thinking about this too. I don't know so I selected other to see where others are going! I think Mastodon seems most likely as it's the closest. I can't see Instagram being a replacement but LinkedIn could? I'm hoping editors will let us know on twitter where their pitches are heading? Fingers crossed!
Thanks for this poll and indeed for creating such a fab community among travel writers. I joined Twitter in 2009 (@tripalong) and, like everyone, am pondering how I'll keep tabs on editor call-outs for pitches and in touch with my many Twitter writer friends if the platform really does collapse. Us travel writers and editors *definitely* need a space where we can interact. I'd be happy to help you guys put something in motion.
I'm staying put on Twitter for the moment, but can be found here too:
I'm on Instagram and FB- Instagram reels do the most for my work. I've heard good things about Mastodon but it does seem a bit too tecchy to sign up. I will probably give in and do it though.
I have used Instagram in the past and gave up because the algorithm kept serving me stuff I wasn't interested in, and made it difficult to find stuff I was interested in.
I'm also on Facebook which I use for family and overseas friends, and I'd rather keep it that way. Again, I find the algorithm unhelpful. If it wasn't the preferred communication method for some of my family, I wouldn't bother.
I've been so busy I haven't been following the Twitter meltdown literally at all, but I refuse to support that individual in any way. Shame as it's definitely where all the eds and writers are.
Much prefer IG but not really geared to what we need, I think. Anyway, would love to follow some of you. Here are my handles.
I discovered your incredible newsletter thanks to Twitter. I just about started using Twitter effectively for work and am so sad, that it has come to this. But like someone below said I am hoping this upheaval will settle soon, and that things will be back to normal. I am on Instagram on: @07chaitalip
Hopefully some of the very talented people who have been made redundant or decided to leave will set up a better social space.
Good morning! No-one knows me so, yeah, I'm an arts and travel writer based on Gadigal Country in Eora/Sydney. Yesterday was the first day I started to feel not-great about losing Twitter. In Nov last year I was hacked on FB and never regained access. Two weeks later that flowed through to my What's App (Meta). I lost a lot, including access to the Aus Society of Travel Writers FB page and a What's App-based music prize that I judged. Much more too on a personal front, but those were rough! I tried everything - new emails, new accounts - but they're gone for good. So I've already lost those involuntarily and, with it, a sense that anything you don't own is permanent. They own your labour but you don't get a stake. (The hackers never got my Instagram, thank god.)
So Twitter. I have a reasonable following there probably b/c I used to write about music. I've never *used* it but it's 100% my writing community and where I go to get smarter/more current. I'm most often there on the weeks when I'm ass-deep in a deadline, that weird combo of super busy but also at my computer 24/7 looking for short bursts of procrastination/encouragement or responses to quips about the hell that writing is (until it's filed and you decide you like it again).
I woke up feeling bloody sad to lose all that. I will definitely need to re-establish a writing community but that's not going to be Instagram which is all adults acting like children, and lame reels about literally nothing. I follow some cool ppl but rarely see their content. It seems to have gotten worse this past few weeks, might look at my settings? I do still enjoy Instagram, btw, it just feels very atomised and individualistic so it's not a replacement for Twitter. I'll look into Mastodon when I have the headspace but until then:
https://www.instagram.com/the_smallest_room/
I'm still hoping it's not dead, just a bit sick, and it will come back. Though probably won't be the same/as good. Nothing else works to replace it, but if we do all fall off the face of the internet, I can be found at:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/passportandpixels/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/passportandpixels/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-falk/
Mastodon https://mas.to/@passportandpixels
You've made me really see the benefit of Substack!
I have a wholly unused IG account: @tim_hannigan1
A wholly unused new Mastodon account: @Tim_Hannigan@mastodon.world
And a seldom-used Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TimHanniganBooks
And I'm rather hoping not to start using any of them regularly!
I don't know what to do either. I hate that we're in this position at all and I'm quietly hoping all the worry and chaos is for nothing. Twitter has been part of my life for 13 years and it satisfies a very specific use case for social media. It won't be easily replaced.
I cannot think of something that could replace twitter. The instagram algorithm is awful, it makes it difficult to connect with your own audience, let alone discover accounts that have something interesting to say. I quite like Substack but it's much more slow paced...
I've seen insta stories from editors looking for freelancers. Also The Dots is used for freelance content creators / copywriters / designers so could be a good place for freelance journo calls for pitches.
I don't believe Twitter will die BUT it will probably be changed to the point of being unusable so good to have a plan B. Not investigated Mastodon yet, interesting a few people have dipped their toe already. I do think we could harness LinkedIn more. I used to loathe it as it was full of American gumph and humble bragging but actually could be a useful space, particularly for calls for pitches through the feed or peer support groups.
I'm @frenchlottie on Twitter and on Instagram
https://twitter.com/frenchlottie
https://www.instagram.com/frenchlottie/?hl=en
And occasionally LinkedIn, although mainly for my other biz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottecassedanne/
Big Sigh. I feel exactly the same. Twitter has brought me friends and work and entertainment. You can find prettier, more curated, slightly less political, mostly Rome and Venice content on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gmcguireinrome/
I (controversially) left Twitter a little while back... Currently, I only really use Instagram @wordsbydanielle. I'd love to see something new and exciting (and less techy than Mastodon?) take Twitter's place *should* it crumble into the sea...
Although I have more followers on Twitter than anywhere else, it's always the place that I've received the least meaningful engagement. Insta has slightly fewer followers but more engagement. My Facebook page has far fewer followers but genuine relationships and I'm happier there than anywhere else.
I'm waiting to see what happens with Twitter but will likely create a Mastodon account (@thirdculturenel). Here are my other socials. Would love to keep in touch.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdculturenel/
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nelliekhossousi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thirdculturenel/
I'll be sharing over on LinkedIn, and on Instagram stories, until I launch my new platform + newsletter (which this is reminding me to get to stat!)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lebawit
https://www.instagram.com/sunandstilettos
Still on Instagram (@jeremy.bassetti) and now on Mastodon (https://mastodon.social/@jeremybassetti).
Haha agree with you about Slack, it's not my fav. Benefit to owning one is we own it and it's led by our community, so no one can take it away. Downside is we have to buy a server, store it somewhere and pay for it.
Have completely exhausted the house supply of popcorn watching this train wreck—has not been good for productivity!
Will be on Twitter till the bitter hellfire end, but spending an increasing amount of time on Mastodon—feels like Twitter a decade or so ago. You’ll find me at https://mastodon.social/@travelfish
I will definitely be on the other channels, including Mastodon and I really hope lots of this community will come and join. I am happy to lend some help in getting started. But I wonder if we couldn't also band together to set up our own travelwriters space: either a Mastodon instance that we co-own and host ourselves, or a Slack channel or similar?
I've been thinking about this too. I don't know so I selected other to see where others are going! I think Mastodon seems most likely as it's the closest. I can't see Instagram being a replacement but LinkedIn could? I'm hoping editors will let us know on twitter where their pitches are heading? Fingers crossed!
Hi Lottie and Steph
Thanks for this poll and indeed for creating such a fab community among travel writers. I joined Twitter in 2009 (@tripalong) and, like everyone, am pondering how I'll keep tabs on editor call-outs for pitches and in touch with my many Twitter writer friends if the platform really does collapse. Us travel writers and editors *definitely* need a space where we can interact. I'd be happy to help you guys put something in motion.
I'm staying put on Twitter for the moment, but can be found here too:
Mastodon: https://mastodon.world/@tripalong
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tripalong/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tripalong/
I'm on Insta at @tim_bird_photo
I'll follow you if you follow me!
I left Twitter some time ago - I didn't find it very useful or edifying, so I won't miss it.
I use Facebook to show photos sometimes and find it useful for Groups and comparing notes with like-minded souls. I find Linkedin increasingly useful.
https://www.facebook.com/timbirdphoto/
https://www.facebook.com/timbirdtravelphoto/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-bird-9b8b2a5/
I'm on Instagram and FB- Instagram reels do the most for my work. I've heard good things about Mastodon but it does seem a bit too tecchy to sign up. I will probably give in and do it though.
I'm still trying to work out where to go. I am on LinkedIn and Mastodon, but I'm not sure how well they'll replace Twitter.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-stephens-80891121/
@Denise@mastodon.nz
I have used Instagram in the past and gave up because the algorithm kept serving me stuff I wasn't interested in, and made it difficult to find stuff I was interested in.
I'm also on Facebook which I use for family and overseas friends, and I'd rather keep it that way. Again, I find the algorithm unhelpful. If it wasn't the preferred communication method for some of my family, I wouldn't bother.
Down the pan?
Twitter is not going to die, it will only become stronger and more of people's everyday lives.
Finally it has someone at the helm who has been very successful with just about every business he has touched.
I've been so busy I haven't been following the Twitter meltdown literally at all, but I refuse to support that individual in any way. Shame as it's definitely where all the eds and writers are.
Much prefer IG but not really geared to what we need, I think. Anyway, would love to follow some of you. Here are my handles.
https://www.instagram.com/heleniatrou/
https://www.facebook.com/helen.iatrou/ (not on there much, tbh)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heleniatrou/
I discovered your incredible newsletter thanks to Twitter. I just about started using Twitter effectively for work and am so sad, that it has come to this. But like someone below said I am hoping this upheaval will settle soon, and that things will be back to normal. I am on Instagram on: @07chaitalip