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Mastodon is decentralized, we should ALL be discussing what this means and working on making future platforms decentralized, cutting out the Zuckerbergs and Musks from profiting AND changing rules on fascists’ whims.

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LOL. The real fascists are Democrat politicians. Musk is CLEARLY the opposite of a fascist, so maybe you need to look up the definition. He favors individual freedom, liberty, limited government, and free speech. His opposition to government waste, unnecessary regulations, and censorship is widely known to everyone but you apparently. Such traits are certainly NOT that of a fascist. I find it strange that you consider Elon a fascist when he was the one that undeniably has made X less centralized through firing of 75% of Twitter's activist employees, and instead added democratic community notes so everyone can help determine the accuracy of posts in question. Also, Musk made the X algorithms open source, ensuring that all parties can see and report any bias. And finally, he exposed the Twitter files, thus proving that Twitter was in fact colluding with the Biden admin to censor people and the truth for political reasons.

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Can we do without your nastiness and name calling? If I want to read that, I'll go look at my X account or Facebook. It's become exhausting.

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Just admit it...you have ZERO problem with someone falsely calling Musk a fascist, but you don't like it when truthfully point out who the true fascists are, lol. Maybe you should try being honest and focus on the real issues, like the fact that Democrats held a silent coup and overthrew the elected candidate for the 2024 election, Biden, and replaced him with Harris who didn't win one delegate. Talk about a threat to Democracy! If you don't see a problem with that, then you are part of the problem. Here are some more FACTS:

Over 40% of left leaning Democrats report mental health issues:https://www.eutimes.net/2020/02/liberalism-is-a-mental-disorder-akin-to-schizophrenia-according-to-new-study/

Mental illness prevalent in the left: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339541044_Mental_illness_and_the_left

Democrats have more mental disorders: https://thinkamericana.com/scientific-evidence-study-proves-liberals-have-more-mental-disorders-than-others/

Most criminals identify as Democrats by a ratio of 5 to 1: https://www.mic.com/articles/78013/most-convicts-vote-democrat-study-shows

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My only comment was about the name calling. You know nothing about me nor my political affiliations to make assumptions about me. Are you this arrogant and assuming with everyone?

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Yeah, right. So tell us, did you vote for Harris this year, or Biden in 2020?

If your post to me was only about name calling, why didn't you complain about name calling when the OP called Musk a fascist, lol? I think we both know that it's because you were fine with that because of your politics. And my name calling? You mean the word clown? Oh, the horror! But I bet you are fine with Democrats falsely calling Trump a racist right? Let's see how you answer...

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Fred, are you still holding your breath waiting for my answer? I'm sorry if I made you big sad and you think I was singling you out about the fascist comment. I actually saw your comment first and that's why I directed it at you. I'll try to go back and find the other person's fascist comment so I can spank them too. You don't need to tell us who you voted for - we already know.

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LOL. Try again. Your refusal to answer tells us all we need to know...that your faux outrage is really about your politics.

Democrats are evil, vile people without true morals. They are fine with harming people they disagree with, using tools such as name calling, false accusations, lies, assault, arson, mob attacks and even attempted assassinations. Then they scream with outrage when someone misgenders them or calls them a clown. Democrat supporters are the useful idiots Dems need to turn this country into a fascist dictatorship. Their entire support base is filled with the ignorant and those who want handouts.

Scientific study prove Democrats are less intelligent: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160289614001081

In all three cases, individuals who identify as Republican score slightly higher than those who identify as Democrat; the unadjusted differences are 1–3 IQ points, 2–4 IQ points and 2–3 IQ points, respectively.

Republican’s have higher IQ: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160289614000373

Leftist Pollster CONFIRMS: Republicans Smarter than Democrats: https://theblacksphere.net/2017/03/pew-research-republicans-smarter-than-democrats/

Conservatives are more happy: https://thefederalist.com/2019/11/04/research-finds-conservatives-are-more-happy-generous-and-purposeful-than-liberals/

https://dennisprager.com/column/why-conservatives-are-happier-than-liberals/

Conservatives are richer: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-evidence-that-the-ric_b_7153396

Conservatives are more attractive: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5324425/Conservatives-attractive-liberals.html

European study show conservative women are far more attractive: https://patriotalerts.com/2023/06/new-study-shows-that-conservative-women-are-more-attractive-than-left-wing-women/

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Dec 11
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No, I don't David. Now try making an actual argument instead of just sounding stupid.

Democrats have mental health issues: https://news.gallup.com/poll/102943/republicans-report-much-better-mental-health-than-others.aspx

Science says liberals, not conservatives, are psychotic

https://nypost.com/2016/06/09/science-says-liberal-beliefs-are-linked-to-pyschotic-traits/

Liberals more likely to have a mental health condition

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/apr/22/white-liberals-more-likely-have-mental-health-cond/

Over 40% of left leaning Democrats report mental health issues:https://www.eutimes.net/2020/02/liberalism-is-a-mental-disorder-akin-to-schizophrenia-according-to-new-study/

Mental illness prevalent in the left: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339541044_Mental_illness_and_the_left

Democrats have more mental disorders: https://thinkamericana.com/scientific-evidence-study-proves-liberals-have-more-mental-disorders-than-others/

Most criminals identify as Democrats by a ratio of 5 to 1: https://www.mic.com/articles/78013/most-convicts-vote-democrat-study-shows

Science proves liberals have far more mental illness issues: https://freedomheadlines.com/freedom-wire/scientific-proof-study-finds-more-liberals-have-more-mental-disorders/

Conservatives have healthier mental traits like personal responsibility and conscientiousness than liberals. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/unique-everybody-else/201902/are-conservatives-healthier-liberals

Democrat fascists are so insane that they want to take children from parents if not vaccinated: https://www.dailysignal.com/2022/01/18/nearly-a-third-of-democrats-support-unvaccinated-losing-custody-of-kids/

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Mental illness is a curious label, including as it does toxic narcissism, psycopathy, addiction and psychosis. Your new president-elect is not leftist but clearly and proudly displays the named issues. I would add dementia but I'm not his clinician. It's a nonsense argument when discussing media platforms. They are either open to all, or not. FYI I'm not American, not a democrat. No mental health issues.

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Dementia? Addiction? Do you lie often? It's widely known that Trump has never done drugs. In fact, he doesn't drink or even smoke. His mental acuity is FAR better than either Biden, lol. You are obviously confused, as your description fits the Biden family perfectly.

You can dismiss the mental health issues of the left all you want, but it DOES matter that 40% of leftists report mental health issues because it explains their nutty positions. Any open-minded, rational person should be able to see it.

You also seem a little defensive about the subject, like its hitting home a little too close. I never once said anything about you.

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You're funny. Merry Christmas.

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GET A FRICKIN' LIFE!

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LOL. So angry! Is your life that bad? Seems like it. Or are you angry because you are incapable of making a fact-based argument? But thanks for proving my point that your comment "Can we do without your nastiness...?" was all a show meant to silence people. Try being more polite, ok? I'm just posting facts after all. If facts bother you, maybe the problem is you.

Here are some more facts:

Conservatives are more tolerant: https://americanlookout.com/confirmed-study-says-liberals-are-far-less-tolerant-of-other-peoples-opinions/

Conservatives are better neighbors: https://spectator.org/rasmussen-poll-liberals-significantly-more-likely-to-snitch-than-conservatives/

Democrats have more sexually transmitted diseases:

https://www.frontpagemag.com/democrat-cities-have-highest-std-rates-america-daniel-greenfield/

Genital herpes infection rate higher among democrats. 2010 CDC analysis and a 2020 study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization showed that herpes infection rate is highest among Democrats. www.statista.com/statistics/815257/genital-herpes-prevalence-us-by-ethnicity/

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Dec 12
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He's an idiot with a sub-par capacity for judgement. Also ignorant. Don't bother.

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David, you are a typical lib...can't make a single rational fact-based argument, so you spew bullshit. The "brainwashed" are people like you. Now go back to your mom's basement and yell for some meatloaf.

Scientific study prove Democrats are less intelligent: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160289614001081

In all three cases, individuals who identify as Republican score slightly higher than those who identify as Democrat; the unadjusted differences are 1–3 IQ points, 2–4 IQ points and 2–3 IQ points, respectively.

Republican’s have higher IQ: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160289614000373

Leftist Pollster CONFIRMS: Republicans Smarter than Democrats: https://theblacksphere.net/2017/03/pew-research-republicans-smarter-than-democrats/

Conservatives are more happy: https://thefederalist.com/2019/11/04/research-finds-conservatives-are-more-happy-generous-and-purposeful-than-liberals/

https://dennisprager.com/column/why-conservatives-are-happier-than-liberals/

Conservatives are richer: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-evidence-that-the-ric_b_7153396

Conservatives are more attractive: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5324425/Conservatives-attractive-liberals.html

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PANTIES IN A KNOT - BRAVO!

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"Can we do without your nastiness and name calling?" Apparently, you just say that to silence people you disagree with, while you are free to say whatever rude comment you want. And all caps? Are you a child too? Hypocrite.

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It was so nice to block and leave Mr 4 followwrs screaming up his own void. Ahhhh!

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Is that why he's banned accounts, and publicly threatened to ban more the other week?

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Nothing fascist about that , right Phil? Musk is the poster boy of fascism

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Do you imagine Elon actually goes around managing accounts on X all day? There are systems and algorithms in all social media platforms and they all constantly have to compromise and evolve

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The number of people being banned on X has VASTLY decreased under Elon, clown. The platform is far more fair today, so stop the ridiculous lies and Democrat talking points. "Under Musk's leadership, the company has taken steps to address this issue and promote a more open and inclusive platform for all voices. Content moderation is now being applied more equitably; political affiliation no longer determines whose ideas are allowed to flourish. This shift has given users representing a diversity o perspectives a fair chance to share their thoughts without fear of censorship or suppression." Also, hate speech has declined as well. And, Elon revealed the truth that the Biden Admin was colluding with corporations to censor people. "Another notable achievement under Musk's leadership was the release of the Twitter Files, which exposed rampant government corruption and highlighted the platform's former leadership's collusion with federal agencies to target and suppress certain accounts. This shed light on the troubling practice of censoring accounts expressing viewpoints on COVID-19, vaccines, and elections that didn't align with the state-approved narratives on these matters. Additionally, the files revealed instances of content being censored on behalf of the Ukrainian government, raising questions about government intervention in social media content."

https://www.newsweek.com/twitter-has-undeniably-gotten-better-under-elon-musk-opinion-1814882

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2020 article here. Citing Newsweek does nothing to convince me. You say nothing to convince me of anything other than I should believe the people who disagree with you. https://newrepublic.com/article/158968/newsweek-rise-zombie-magazine

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Suggestion... Don't argue with someone who reads Newsweek. Move your attention to something productive. You will be happier. 😁

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What's wrong with you!

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I suspect that needs to be addressed by a professional... 💁🏼‍♀️

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The question is what is wrong with you?

Democrats have mental health issues: https://news.gallup.com/poll/102943/republicans-report-much-better-mental-health-than-others.aspx

Science says liberals, not conservatives, are psychotic

https://nypost.com/2016/06/09/science-says-liberal-beliefs-are-linked-to-pyschotic-traits/

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Musk is out for Musk - just like the rest of them. If you are not in the mega wealthy arena, you are serfs and the caste system is being put in place here - notice very little middle class? Also, please be kinder with your responses - your CLEARLY is clear to you, not necessarily others.

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"Musk is out for Musk"??? Deborah, sorry that life has been unfair to you, as it sounds like your life philosophy is built on envy and hate. I say this because there is absolutely ZERO reason for you to feel this way about Musk unless there are other reasons behind it, as he has probably done more to help humanity and the environment than anyone in the last century. He is the single greatest force for transitioning to alternative energy on the planet. He is making driving safer and more affordable. Through neural link, he is helping people live more enriching lives. Through Starlink, he is helping provide broadband communication throughout the world, which is especially important in the 3rd world and in places like Ukraine. He has created tens of thousands of good jobs, and enriched every community he operates in. Though his solar and energy storage business, he is making solar viable and affordable. Through Space X he is making humanity a multi-planet species, which could one day help prevent our extinction. And perhaps most importantly, he has become a champion of free speech and freedom, and even exposed the Federal government for colluding with big business to censor truth information in order to hide it from the public.

So, tell us what this Musk hate really about? Do you just hate rich people? If so, what is the cut off? Billionaires? Millionaires? Or do you hate anyone who has more than you? Also, please be kinder with your responses...hating Musk without justification isn't very nice, is it?

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That is my opinion and my take - you have yours - no disrespect. THERE IS NO MENTION OF HATE in my post so get over yourself. I read your response - stay on point and don't put attitudes or twist other posts with you i

nterpretation of what I meant.

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Oh, so the false claim that "Musk is out for Musk" and the claim that we are all serfs and part of a caste system wasn't hate, lol? Try being honest with yourself. Like others, your attitude can only be driven by petty jealousy and hate because any rational, honest person would admire the guy.

If it's not hate, explain why you feel this way about him? Musk is rich because he's provided products and services that people really want or need. He's also paid more taxes than any human being in history.

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Are we on Substack here? How disappointing.

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Ha ha! I thought you were serious!

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There’s arguments that the system of advanced algorithmic management of information in a democracy is inherently fascist, no matter who’s wielding it but the interesting thing about the new team surrounding Trump is that they all are highly aware of this problem and seem to intend to do something about it.

Sort of like when the early American founders had first hand experience with tyranny so they knew how to structure a guard against it.

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Dec 15
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Even the most well meaning do this- it’s a function of the system through the inevitable law of “power corrupts”

I was contemplating the fact the other day that the founders of our country were so wise about tyranny because they had just lived through it and likewise Elon, RFK and the whole TrumpTeam are similarly united after experiencing the deep state oppression under the Biden /Obama reign.

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Mux is an idiot

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"Mux is an idiot"

Wow...are you a child?

The real reasons some people hate Elon:

1) They lost money betting against TSLA and have never recovered emotionally or financially.

2) They are angry over Elon taking away their censorship toy.

3) They are deeply envious of Elon, which stems from a lifetime of their own failures.

4) They lean Marxist and hate Elon’s pro-freedom politics.

5) They suffer from a form of mental illness which affects rational thought. https://news.gallup.com/poll/102943/republicans-report-much-better-mental-health-than-others.aspx

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Do you think the clean water act is an outdated or unnecessary regulation? If you do you could be drinking gasoline in your water. The clean water act legislation

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Hey clown, no one said anything about the clean water act. Pretty pathetic strawman argument, don't you think? Maybe your IQ is room temp. If you think there aren't thousands of unnecessary regulations written by unelected bureaucrats, then you are dumber than you look.

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Musk only promotes or allows the free speech of those he approves of or agrees with. That is one reason so many refugees of X have ended up here. You can report slander and abuse all you want on his site but if you are a member of one of the groups he dislikes his platform won't respond to your request to remove other's hate speech about you. You've really swallowed the kool-aid.

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"Musk only promotes or allows the free speech of those he approves of or agrees with. "

Liar. Musk's algorithm is open source, so stop the pathetic lies because what you said is provably false. X is far more open and fair than it ever was when Democrats used it as a platform to censor anyone they disagreed with. Doubt it? Twitter lied about Trump and banned a sitting President. Did Elon ever ban that lying fraud Biden or Harris? Nope. So go seek some help for your delusions.

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Dec 11
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Drop dead, crypto scammer.

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Dec 11
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And yet you still haven't proved any error that I posted...like a child, your sole counter argument is "you are brainwashed". Are you slow? Serious question.

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Nancy, thanks for your encouragement. I agree that we should be discussing federation like Mastodon. My understanding is that federation is a complex socio-technical problem. I'd even call it a "wicked problem." Decentralization / federation is also a significant departure from Substack's current centralized approach that may affect their business model ability to attract high earners. Also, while the federated learning and architecture can help improve discovery of niche writers and provide writers with more control, it introduces new and ongoing challenges such as content moderation, fair representation of less popular writers, a fragmented experience for readers, etc. Will decentralization / federation solve the long tail and platform degradation ("enshittification")? I don't know. Does anybody else?

I appreciate you provoking us to think this through. In the meantime, I want to remain supportive of Substack's ongoing vision while continuing to explore solutions that benefit all of us — authors, readers, and the teams at Substack. To that end, I’ve taken a couple of steps: creating a directory of Library Voices on Substack to help showcase niche writers and responding to a discussion where Hamish offered to have our CTO clarify how Notes works, I’ve raised some questions: https://substack.com/@anitacoleman/note/c-81119962

Thanks, again, and here’s to us solving this wicked problem so all of us can flourish — writers, readers, and Substack.

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Thank you Nancy, for your thoughtful attention to the question of sustainable frameworks for the nourishment and betterment of writers who wish to develop connections with potential readers.

And a welcome breath of fresh air! There had developed a noisome buzz of narcissistic blather on this thread. Good to be back to what we're here for–constructive engagement amongst writers who are seriously pursuing their passions.

Is Mastodon a platform for creatives?

Anita, your reflection on centralized vs. federation based social structures is thought provoking.

I lean towards structures that mimic the bio-form of mycelia, among the largest of organisms extant on our planet. A great nourisher of the web of life, and all things rooted in soil. It also employs a node-based system where all vital information is replicated in every node throughout the entire body's network. This provides a solution against demise or debilitating maiming due to possible external threats, such as forest fires. If any part of the organism is thoroughly consumed by fire or other toxic inputs, there still remains the hope for complete regeneration stemming from the areas that are outside of the danger zone. This, due to the existence of the nodes, which possess all of the building blocks for a continuance of the organism's vibrant vitality.

This brilliant soil-dwelling organism provides a model, in my estimation, for the organization of human social structures of many stripes. Rather than being heirarchical in it's assignments, all parts have equal access to the nourishment and purpose driven existence enjoyed by such an entity, with fruiting bodies of myriad colorful arrangements, sometimes even seemingly magical, and often beautiful, in a rare way that distinguishes it from any other living being of the natural world.

The instances of varieties populate every land-form on our planet. And each one performs its vital work in astonishing ways. Imagine if this model could be applied to the development of a marvelous and enduring platform for writers, for instance!

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Thank you, I fully support that vision here, and agree to try to make this a more positive space for all who are contributing with all good intentions to progress our human race forward, taking note of all those who are of good service in our society. The helpers and the kind folks.

You’re an amazing writer, again I thank you for your thoughts, well delivered.

Cheers, I’ll see you around the stacks!

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Have had 4 accounts banned on EchoSky already. Elon isn’t the Fascist. It’s you.

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Dec 11
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Stick your crypto scams up your ass.

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