social.outsourcedmath.com
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
There is a point when your account reaches a certain critical mass on social media where everything you post gets at least 1-2 replies with 1 or more of the following traits:

- Blatant condescension
- Unwarranted rage
- Hostile misinterpretation
- Accusations of bad faith/lying
- Unnecessary "corrections"
- Orders on how/what to post
- "Jokes" at your expense/snarky observations about your content
- Attempts to provoke arguments

It's exhausting. I've definitely hit that threshold recently.
This entry was edited (1 year ago)
Link to source
WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian
WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian • mastodon (AP)
*mumbles something about the instance you're on* 😛

I don't know what your experience has been, but almost all of the crappy replies I get are from accounts on m.social and m.online. Not that those people can't still find you and comment when you're elsewhere, but the local timeline (and an instance with tighter moderation) does help cut down on it.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@welshpixie Maybe, but also it isn't just local timeline randos, it's people who follow you who are in a bad mood or whatever. Unlike Twitter the amount of people who aren't followers who snipe at you is pretty low here
@WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian
Link to source
WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian
WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian • mastodon (AP)
No I mean, being on an instance with a smaller/cosier local timeline makes your experience a bit nicer. But yeah they can come from everywhere, heh. Shitty that you have followers who're doing it 🙁
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@welshpixie I have a lot of really wonderful folks here too and I need to do a better job focusing on that, it's just hard to keep in a positive headset when your life is in utter turmoil
@WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian
Link to source
WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian
WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian • mastodon (AP)
:bear_hugs:
Link to source
Nix Kelley
Nix Kelley • mastodon (AP)
@welshpixie just wanted to get in on the internet hugs and fist bumps 🖤🖤🖤
@WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@nixkelley @welshpixie thank you, that's very kind. I appreciate it ❤️
@WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian @Nix Kelley
Link to source
florian :flan_hacker:
florian :flan_hacker: • mastodon (AP)
@welshpixie don't forget fossbrotodon... :flan_eyes_narrowed:
@WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@florian @welshpixie is that an actual thing?
@WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian @florian :flan_hacker:
Link to source
WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian
WelshPixie, Cont Sgrechian • mastodon (AP)
@florian it's the techbro reply guys of the fosstodon instance - another instance known for the people who show up in replies being trash XD
@florian :flan_hacker:
Link to source
ZZ Bottom
ZZ Bottom • mastodon (AP)
:bl70:
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@fonecokid Thanks ❤️
@ZZ Bottom
Link to source
ZZ Bottom
ZZ Bottom • mastodon (AP)
❤️
Link to source
Elizabeth Barrow
Elizabeth Barrow • mastodon (AP)
I'm sorry to hear this. I've just recently found your work and have enjoyed it, very much
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@EBarrowTX Thanks so much Elizabeth, I appreciate it
@Elizabeth Barrow
Link to source
Richard Grant
Richard Grant • mastodon (AP)
I'm so sorry to hear that! And sorry too that this is the state of our collective discourse today. Bon courage my friend
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
Thanks Richard. I do the best I can. I'm pretty fortunate compared to some other types of social media accounts but even so it does wear thin at times. Can't imagine what women, LGBTQ+, minorities, and politically oriented accounts deal with in terms of how I'd handle that emotionally
This entry was edited (1 year ago)
Link to source
Trailer Park Orthopod
Trailer Park Orthopod • mastodon (AP)
sorry you are feeling this. I love your content.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@stresshoop Thanks so much, and yeah, it's just been stressy in general so my sensitivity to it is probably heightened also
@Trailer Park Orthopod
Link to source
Trailer Park Orthopod
Trailer Park Orthopod • mastodon (AP)
Hope you can find a way to keep up the good work. I appreciate you.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@stresshoop thanks friend. I hope I figure out a way too ❤️
@Trailer Park Orthopod
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
A lot of people are really terrific and supportive, I'd say the majority even. But toxic replies can really be draining when you have to field them every post. Kind people know this and rude people don't care, but you have no idea what the person who posts the art/music/writing/whatever in the account you follow is going through, and I'm not saying to give them a pass if they are posting hateful stuff for ex, but -
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
Maybe reread what you're writing if you're feeling pithy or are in a bad mood and ask yourself if you were the person receiving the comment, would you feel it fit any of the criteria? Does it *need* to be said if so? Because yeah, one comment isn't going to break someone any more than a small stone will crush you. But when those stones are getting piled on every time you post, they do get suffocating, and people leave platforms for that. Not saying I plan to, at all. But in general, people do.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
To other people who go through this stuff, it's okay to just block people who do exhibit these attitudes in their replies. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt but that wanes with my patience and capacity for managing stress. And to those of you who are supportive and kind, thank you. You have no idea how you can also turn someone's day around and how much you contribute to the community. It's not always as dramatic or immediate an effect, but it is powerful and positive nevertheless
Link to source
Thee Mighty Peculia
Thee Mighty Peculia • mastodon (AP)
Don't leave, please! Just blockity block block as soon as you start getting bad vibes. They can add up quickly so it's best not to invest any energy in them whatsoever. It's not rude not to reply on social media.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@lydialurch Thank you, and I'm not leaving. Frankly there's no platform to go to where this doesn't exist so the alternative is just to stop doing social media in general and I'm too stubborn for that
@Thee Mighty Peculia
Link to source
Eph
Eph • mastodon (AP)
@lydialurch seeing you post honestly about this stuff has netted you at least one new podcast subscriber, fwiw

(also on the strength of your cool-ass posts)
@Thee Mighty Peculia
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@ephesossh Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy the podcast ❤️
@Eph
Link to source
Thee Mighty Peculia
Thee Mighty Peculia • mastodon (AP)
That's the spirit. 🙂
Link to source
Lord Kelvin
Lord Kelvin • mastodon (AP)
"just block"

Yeah, I'm often tempted to go full #DarkWeb and get them added to some sort of *list*. Ya know?
#DarkWeb
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@kelvin0mql hoo boy though, the amount of effort that takes isn't worth it and is pretty disproportional. It is hard to keep perspective esp when someone really hits a nerve but walking away and blocking is almost always the best option for your own sanity
@Lord Kelvin
Link to source
indi
indi • hometown (AP)
this is definitely the time to let you know that I've enjoyed your work for years! And I hope to keep on doing so, as long as you post it. I'm glad you came over to mastodon.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@indi Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I'm very fortunate to know a lot of kind people online too ❤️
@indi
Link to source
tbs
tbs • ActivityPub
I agree with the other posters, just block the offenders, and continue with your great work. It's very much appreciated!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@tbs Thank you, and the thing about blocking is that it *does* feel disproportional at times, bc there's no clear cut answer on how much is too much or whether you've misunderstood something, etc.
@tbs
Link to source
Dean, Steven
Dean, Steven • mastodon (AP)
@tbs Years ago I was the person being mean to someone on Twitter. I didn’t think it was mean, I thought I was calling out their negativity. They pushed back instead of blocking me, and that confrontation made me go introspective. Many wouldn’t look inward, but I’m grateful that they told me what I had said was hurtful because knowing that changed how I interact with people in every part of life, not just online. I’m a different person because of them.
@tbs
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@deancommasteven @tbs I'm glad it made a difference! ❤️
@Dean, Steven @tbs
Link to source
Stygian Lizard
Stygian Lizard • mastodon (AP)
@tbs I've had to block exactly 1 person so far on Mastodon, and ironically, I think it was one of your rather negative followers who hopped onto my feed to also aggressively misunderstand there. So yeah, don't hesitate to block- you might be doing some other people a favor too!
And having followed your work since back in the Twitter days, I can say there's really no cause for challenging anyone and anything on your posts. Like, ever. 🤗
@tbs
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
aw, thanks so much. I mean, I recognize I'm not always right and sometimes we all need someone to say "hey, your head's in the wrong place" but there's a massive difference between that and someone just venting their ill humor on you
This entry was edited (1 year ago)
Link to source
GJ Groothedde 🇪🇺
GJ Groothedde 🇪🇺 • mastodon (AP)
Hey, I'm not going to give you advice here, but I feel you. Keep your pecker up, buddy! There's more of us than there is of them.
This entry was edited (1 year ago)
Link to source
JESSICA B
JESSICA B • mastodon (AP)
when people steal your peace and joy, go find it again. It's there if you seek it out. It never leaves you it just gets drowned out with the noise. I find meditation on universal love calms me almost instantly if I let it. Hope this helps!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@JBliss it's hard to do but I agree, very necessary. I tend to ruminate and that doesn't help things
@JESSICA B
Link to source
CautionWIP 🎃+🇨🇦+🏳️‍🌈= :CApride:
CautionWIP 🎃+🇨🇦+🏳️‍🌈= :CApride: • mastodon (AP)
I don’t really comment, but I’m really glad you’re here and appreciate the images and words you share.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@cautionwip thank you so much ❤️
@CautionWIP 🎃+🇨🇦+🏳️‍🌈= :CApride:
Link to source
Mehitobel
Mehitobel • mastodon (AP)
I love your posts, and spent a long time exploring your website last night.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@mehitobel thank you so much! I hope you enjoyed it and found some cool places!
@Mehitobel
Link to source
Mehitobel
Mehitobel • mastodon (AP)
I was really upset, reading about the Little Flower Institute and how scrappers and inattention had brought ruin in a *decade* to a grand building that had survived a hundred years.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@mehitobel yeeeeeeah, that one really frustrates me too. A lot.
@Mehitobel
Link to source
Nick from Toronto
Nick from Toronto • mastodon (AP)
there’s nothing wrong with not giving these people your time or attention, and I don’t think it’s even rude to block without replying.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@nbomb I agree. Sometimes I think about a reply for like 15 minutes and then say f it and just block them. That was a wasted 15 min
@Nick from Toronto
Link to source
Nancy Mac
Nancy Mac • mastodon (AP)
Good point! It's a good idea to reread your posts, and sometimes even wait a few moments before posting.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@NancyAuthor yep especially if you're angry or in a bad mood. Also good to reread the OP and see if you're misreading it
@Nancy Mac
Link to source
Nancy Mac
Nancy Mac • mastodon (AP)
Yes, it's easy to misinterpret text!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@NancyAuthor yep. Same with comments too. There have been a few times where my read was wildly off from the intention
@Nancy Mac
Link to source
Tilly Bridges
Tilly Bridges • mastodon (AP)
yeah, and this is amplified for every vector of marginalization a person faces, too. it’s rough out there. sorry you have to deal with that, take time to care for yourself!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
I absolutely believe that and have witnessed it. It grates on me but I do have it easy compared to many other people online. I honestly don't know how I would emotionally handle the abuse I've seen other people go through online. I'd have to be a lot stronger than I am currently.
This entry was edited (1 year ago)
Link to source
Tilly Bridges
Tilly Bridges • mastodon (AP)
some days it’s hard to deal with. I mean it’s never easy, but SOME days you just want to scream
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@tillybridges in that I can completely relate. Today was pretty brutal and we've been having a lot of those lately. Just seems like you don't get a break, and when you have that going on personally going online and getting more crap is tough. I hope you get much more positivity to compensate
@Tilly Bridges
Link to source
Tilly Bridges
Tilly Bridges • mastodon (AP)
you too!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@tillybridges thank you, I do. Just gotta keep my eyes on that ❤️
@Tilly Bridges
Link to source
skua
skua • mastodon (AP)
And appreciation of an artwork can take a long time to build.

They tell me some artist had only sold one work in their lifetime.

All the rest sat in some French shed.

Then somebody bought the shedfull.

Not sure if Sunflowers was in that shedfull or not.

So maybe holding back and letting your evaluation age in the bottle will give you more joy.
Link to source
Laura G, Sassy Sixty-something
Laura G, Sassy Sixty-something • mastodon (AP)
it’s inevitable. As a friend of mine says, “People are the worst!”
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@LauraJG it wouldn't even be so frustrating if they couldn't be pretty terrific sometimes too
@Laura G, Sassy Sixty-something
Link to source
Laura G, Sassy Sixty-something
Laura G, Sassy Sixty-something • mastodon (AP)
it’s a mystery.
Link to source
Bill is doing a thing
Bill is doing a thing • mastodon (AP)
You do amazing work - I hope the fans out here are enough to substantially outweigh the trolls.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@wcbdata Thanks so much, and they do. But - and this isn't the right way of handling things - kind people require less thought. They say a nice thing, you say thank you, and then you move on, whereas a negative person you often have to really ponder how you want/need to respond. Was it enough to block? Am I misreading it? Are they normally like this? Do I bother replying? And it's different every time
@Bill is doing a thing
Link to source
Jason Parsons
Jason Parsons • mastodon (AP)
I'm glad you're here!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@jp Thanks Jason! I'm glad you are too 😊
@Jason Parsons
Link to source
Marcia Darling
Marcia Darling • mastodon (AP)
comments like that are exhausting
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@AuntyChrist Yep. When you're already exhausted, doubly so.
@Marcia Darling
Link to source
trefle ⏚
trefle ⏚ • mastodon (AP)
well this is a shame, and from a usually silent follower I'd like to compensate by sharing how much I appreciate your work. As we say in French (I've never found an appropriate translation), bon courage for dealing with this unpleasant side of social networks...
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@trefle Thank you on both counts. I also really have to figure out how to not bring all my life stress to the platform too
@trefle ⏚
Link to source
Stephen Rees
Stephen Rees • mastodon (AP)
I am sorry that you are experiencing that. I have not had to deal with any of those traits - but if I had blocking would have been my response. No-one needs to put up with this.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@StephenRees Thank you, and I think a lot of times people don't even mean it, but man oh man does it still sting when you're jabbed in the same spot repeatedly
@Stephen Rees
Link to source
MrSnarkyPants
MrSnarkyPants • mastodon (AP)
Ugh. I just appreciate the art. Because what you post is art. So thanks for doing what you do.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@MrSnarkyPants Thanks so much! My favorite part of being here is sharing places and hearing what people think about them
@MrSnarkyPants
Link to source
Jim Wald
Jim Wald • mastodon (AP)
So sorry to hear that, Matthew! Here's hoping the weekend brings calm and peaceful walks with your 2 trusty companions
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@CitizenWald Thanks Jim! My leg's a bit injured so walks are curtailed (which does not improve my mood) but maybe I can try to sneak one or two in if I'm feeling better
@Jim Wald
Link to source
Meercat ✅
Meercat ✅ • mastodon (AP)
Sorry to hear that. Yes they are difficult to ignore sometimes. But we love your posts, please keep up the good work
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@meercat0 Thank you so much! I appreciate it ❤️
@Meercat ✅
Link to source
Idealistic Pragmatist :mstdn:
Idealistic Pragmatist :mstdn: • mastodon (AP)
how upsetting that this happens to you here too. I hope the annoying people feel chastened and shut up for a while!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@IPEdmonton They won't. In fact, I think stuff like them might even embolden them because they know it hits a nerve. But it is what it is. Can't go posting/not posting stuff just because other people will take issue with it, or you might as well just pack your bags and leave
@Idealistic Pragmatist :mstdn:
Link to source
Tim Ellis 🦝
Tim Ellis 🦝 • mastodon (AP)
A while ago I decided I'm too old to spend any energy on people like that. The moment someone decides to be a jackass, I block them and don't give it another thought.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@The_Tim That's pretty much where I'm at too.
@Tim Ellis 🦝
Link to source
professional theremin player
professional theremin player • mastodon (AP)
aw man I’m sorry to read this. I went on a photo trip of yours at the “trolley graveyard” in Widmer PA and it was lovely.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@katieonviolin Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it ❤️
@professional theremin player
Link to source
Frankie Saxx
Frankie Saxx • mastodon (AP)
I'm sorry that's happening to you. Some humans are just not very nice, maybe they're going through something or having a bad day, but it still sucks to be the stranger they decided to take it out on. :blobcatheart:
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@frankiesaxx Thank you and yes it does. Even people who are generally wonderful people have bad days, I think the trick is recognizing when you are and doing your best not to unload on others because of it, and that is *tough*
@Frankie Saxx
Link to source
Frankie Saxx
Frankie Saxx • mastodon (AP)
Yep. Reminds me of a thing Patrick Rothfuss said about how even when the majority of comments is positive, that one person being shitty sticks:

"And you know which comment I’d focus on? Yeah. The last one. It would sit there like a steaming turd in my bowl of cereal. It doesn’t matter how delicious the cereal is. It could be Fruity Pebbles, or even Cookie Crisp. But in a situation like this it doesn’t matter. You can’t just eat around it. All you can do is focus on the turd."
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@frankiesaxx that is a pretty good summary of it really. Although I feel like the obvious solution here is to get a new bowl of cereal or throw that bowl away and skip breakfast, while I do tend to just sit there looking at it sometimes
@Frankie Saxx
Link to source
Heretical_i
Heretical_i • mastodon (AP)
I typically 'deal' in geopolitics from a perspective to the left of Trotsky, so I'm used to 'snark' from everyone ProgLib to S-Trump-Et. What I don't tolerate are ad homs, vacuous statements by people who refuse to cite their statement, and I consider 'reply, and delete', to prevent my replying to their comment, to be trolling and it's reported as such. Often I post screenshots of them and reply in a fresh toot/tweet/FB post etc 🤣
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@theotherbrook I do. And good God, I appreciate the positive people. But it's hard when you're already going through a lot to stay focused sometimes.
@The Other Brook
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@Crazypedia Yeah, it's a good idea sometimes, but trust me, there are plenty of times the call is coming from inside the house
@:jan:‍:abreath:‍‍🌬:dandelion:
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America Private Message mastodon (AP)
@SueNeu Aw, thank you Susan. I am very fortunate to have met so many wonderful people through social media too
@Susan from NeuStudio
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@thatkruegergirl Thank you so much, Kerri Ann. I probably have it pretty easy compared to a lot of other accounts, they'd probably marvel at how generally positive things are for me, so I do try to be grateful for my good fortune there too
@Kerri Ann :blobbee_bi:
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@ArgentinidadyConfusion Thanks so much, and I'm sure IG is rough because of how many people use it. But you nailed it - you have to figure out a civil, measured response and that is *draining*. I am becoming a lot less cautious with blocking as time goes on, but I don't always feel good about that
Link to source
_Birdie_
_Birdie_ • mastodon (AP)
Thank you for what you do. I love your work. Never change. 😁
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@_Birdie_ Thank you, that's very kind!
@_Birdie_
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@darkuncle almost nobody goes by that, and I can't say I always do either but I make an attempt at least. I *want* to be kind and supportive to others and generally don't say anything when I am feeling negative
@Scott Francis
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@scott_d Thank you Scott ❤️
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@chessert yeah, I did the same there, and I'm at that point here now too. Thankfully it's a lot less frequent and overtly abusive here.
@Chris Hessert 🇺🇸 🇺🇦
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@Crazypedia yeah that would be a good feature. I generally really like reading people's responses and learn a lot from them but there are definitely a few landmines in that pile too
@:jan:‍:abreath:‍‍🌬:dandelion:
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
thank you! And my wife and I have plenty of other bastards to deal with, the ones here are pretty tame by comparison 😄😕
This entry was edited (1 year ago)
Link to source
EVHaste
EVHaste • mastodon (AP)
I really enjoy your content. ❤️
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@Haste Thank you so much!
@EVHaste
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@mcmcgreevy Thank you Michael ❤️
@Michael C. McGreevy
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@triskeltic thanks for understanding - unfortunately I rarely feel victorious over a block even though sometimes it's very clearly merited
@Triskeltic
Link to source
Anxious Cat
Anxious Cat • mastodon (AP)
I so appreciate your work (I have been following you for many years on other platforms) and I caught your podcast this week and really enjoyed it too. Sending you care and support - navigating rude and negative feedback is hard on a good day, and even worse when things are hard in life.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@AnxiousCat thank you so much, I hope you enjoy the podcast! You are absolutely correct. It has been weighing on me more heavily because a lot of other things are too.
@Anxious Cat
Link to source
Daniele10
Daniele10 • mastodon (AP)
Sorry to hear that, I''m glad you shrare what you do.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@daniele_Hesse thank you! I'm glad to have people to share it with ❤️
@Daniele10
Link to source
Heather
Heather • mastodon (AP)
That's such a bummer. Your photos are so interesting.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@Heather aw, thanks. Most of the people here are really nice. I've just had a few frustrating interactions lately and my life is even more frustrating so I'm probably taking it harder than I should
@Heather
Link to source
Heather
Heather • mastodon (AP)
I like to remind myself that nearly 1 in 10 American adults has a personality disorder, and they are over-represented in prisons, c-suites, and comments sections. They are chaotic evil. They can't even help it.
So just try to focus as much as you can on the people who dig what you're doing (which is most of us). *virtual hugs*
Link to source
acm
acm • mastodon (AP)
sorry! I think you should feel free to use your blocking powers widely!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@acm_redfox thanks - I have been more liberal with it but I'd make a lot of mistakes if I wasn't thoughtful about doing it too
@acm
Link to source
Hud
Hud • mastodon (AP)
but please don’t quit!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@hudsoch ahhhh I can't even if I wanted to. This is too big of a part of my livelihood 😬
@Hud
Link to source
Shawn King
Shawn King • mastodon (AP)
@ianbetteridge Maybe this will help a little bit.

I love your posts and images and look forward to seeing them. ❤️

Sincerely,
Random Canadian on the internet
@Ian Betteridge
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@KingShawn @ianbetteridge thank you so much, that's so kind of you. I appreciate it ❤️
@Ian Betteridge @Shawn King
Link to source
Ian Betteridge
Ian Betteridge • mastodon (AP)
@KingShawn I love them too.
@Shawn King
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@ianbetteridge @KingShawn aw, thanks Ian!
@Ian Betteridge @Shawn King
Link to source
Shawn King
Shawn King • mastodon (AP)
@ianbetteridge I love @AbandonedAmerica images because they show me places that I’ll never go to but the images are so well created, I feel like I’m there. ❤️
@Ian Betteridge @Abandoned America
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@KingShawn @ianbetteridge thank you Shawn! That's exactly my hope and how I try to edit them. It's part of why I shoot wide angle mostly, so you get a better sense of space
@Ian Betteridge @Shawn King
Link to source
Shawn King
Shawn King • mastodon (AP)
@ianbetteridge You’re welcome! You take beautiful, sometimes haunting images. ❤️
@Ian Betteridge
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@KingShawn @ianbetteridge thanks so much! I appreciate the encouragement 😊
@Ian Betteridge @Shawn King
Link to source
Shawn King
Shawn King • mastodon (AP)
@ianbetteridge You’re very welcome. I know from the personal experience of doing an Apple podcast for over 26 years that it can be very disheartening at times. Keep the faith in your work and the good that you’re doing. I know it’s hard to ignore the haters.
@Ian Betteridge
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@KingShawn Thanks so much. Yeah, podcasts aren't easy, I've definitely learned that the hard way 😄 😕
@Shawn King
Link to source
Shawn King
Shawn King • mastodon (AP)
Oh, they’re easy to *do* (hell, I started the first Apple one back in 1994! 😀 ) but they are *really* hard to monetize if you don’t have that skill. 🙁
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@KingShawn Plus I hate having to monetize everything so there's that. Probably why I'm poor.
@Shawn King
Link to source
Shawn King
Shawn King • mastodon (AP)
Same here. I’m a really good podcaster/interviewer but I *sucked* at the business end of things and everyone I hired to helped me on that side ended up fucking me in various and sundry ways. 🙁
Link to source
Bob
Bob • mastodon (AP)
One more person chiming in in support. I don't think I knew of you before I came to Mastodon. I've started poking around the website recently, too. Prob won't do the podcasts (I don't process them well), but it's cool that you've got them.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@bobmueller thanks so much Bob! I appreciate the support and kind words. I hope you enjoy the website and part of the recent format shift in the podcast to essays that either are on the website or will be added is so people who prefer reading can do that and people who prefer listening can do that too
@Bob
Link to source
Jamiepullman
Jamiepullman • mastodon (AP)
Just ignore us all. I enjoy your posts, god knows you don’t have to react to anything I might contribute!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@Jamiepullman thanks but when I'm able to I enjoy interacting with people. It makes my day better more often than worse ❤️
@Jamiepullman
Link to source
Lydia Schoch
Lydia Schoch • mastodon (AP)
I’m sorry that happens to you.

I really like and appreciate what you have to share here.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@lydiaschoch thanks so much Lydia! The majority of interactions are really nice
@Lydia Schoch
Link to source
Rod Hilton
Rod Hilton • mastodon (AP)
is this a thing on all social media?

I never "made it" on Twitter so had almost no engagement, but I've had a few things blow up on Mastodon and have more followers here than I ever had there.

For a brief time it was pretty great but at some point I crossed some threshold where all of my replies are exactly as you describe.

I started thinking maybe Mastodon's shittier than I realized but now I'm wondering if I just never crossed this threshold on Twitter but did here.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@rodhilton oh God hate to be the one to burst the bubble but it is absolutely everywhere and Mastodon is by far the least problematic of the platforms
@Rod Hilton
Link to source
Son of a Sailor
Son of a Sailor • mastodon (AP)
Allow me to send you a little unabashed appreciation instead! 👏
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@Sonofasailor thanks so much 🥰
@Son of a Sailor
Link to source
Tom
Tom • mastodon (AP)
I love seeing your content in my feed. Just wanted to say that. It sucks that the crappiest people tend to talk the most. I kinda feel like we need a downvote button….
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@thatguy thanks Tom! I am lucky to have a lot of nice people here who more than make up for it
@Tom
Link to source
Cam St.Clair 🇦🇺
Cam St.Clair 🇦🇺 • mastodon (AP)
these are all the reasons I quit posting for a few years, particularly on Facebook. I got to the point where I was so worried about what comments my post would get that I would rewrite the post considering every negative comment... And in the end would just delete the post to save myself the anxiety.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@Saintcam yep I can totally relate I took a number of loooooong breaks from my FB page and I haven't posted on my personal one for years
@Cam St.Clair 🇦🇺
Link to source
Cam St.Clair 🇦🇺
Cam St.Clair 🇦🇺 • mastodon (AP)
I don't know why but I'm more willing to post and reply on Mastodon, maybe because I'm able to craft myself a social space with the benefit of hindsight.
Link to source
Abra Staffin-Wiebe
Abra Staffin-Wiebe • mastodon (AP)
So sorry to hear that. I really enjoy your posts, in a quiet and non-commenting way!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@abracanabra thanks so much Abra!
@Abra Staffin-Wiebe
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@caelan thank you so much, that's so kind and I'm really honored to have people who feel that way about what I do. I never thought it would make any sort of difference to anyone but me
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@florian thank you ❤️
@florian :flan_hacker:
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@colorfiend thank you - I'm feeling a bit better now and focusing on the fact that I know so many more kind people here 🥰
@colorfiend
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@lechindianer thanks Pascal! I appreciate it ❤️
@Pascal 🎸 🧗‍♂️ 📷 🐡 💻
Link to source
Kanye Briggs
Kanye Briggs • mastodon (AP)
I support you. I know this counts probably as a correction. But don’t respond to those Fucks. I know I can’t really say “don’t read it,” since your job means you gotta maybe review feedback. They livin rent free in yo head
This entry was edited (1 year ago)
Link to source
Richard Earney
Richard Earney • mastodon (AP)
I love what you do!
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@methodphoto thank you Richard!
@Richard Earney
Link to source
(((Baslow)))
(((Baslow))) • mastodon (AP)
So, there's this term I've been using, "drive-by community", to characterize so much of the "discourse" on microblogging platforms. It's part of a piecemeal (necessarily, because microblogging) project of critiques and suggestions I've been compiling under the hashtag #SeizeTheMeansOfCommunity

Basically: we are erring, in the Fediverse, by too closely aping the structures designed and put in place by the powerful...
Link to source
Jordan Warshavsky
Jordan Warshavsky • mastodon (AP)
@Migueldeicaza

My posts are lucky to get 1-2 replies with any traits to speak of.

But alas, that says more about my post quality than greater trends in the social herd.
@Miguel de Icaza
Link to source
Dieu
Dieu • mastodon (AP)
Sorry about that.
Link to source
Jeffrey Goldberg
Jeffrey Goldberg • mastodon (AP)
@Migueldeicaza Why are you accusing me of hostile misinterpretation? I am outraged!
@Miguel de Icaza
Link to source
Clara Listensprechen
Clara Listensprechen friendica
Oh WOW.
When your post first came across my feed, @Abandoned America , I said a private AMEN and Quote-reshared it relating my similar experience. In revisiting your post, I see all the good fans you have and have to add that please, count me in as one of them. You're one of the best accounts I follow and may it always remain thus regardless of naysayers. ❤
@Abandoned America
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@claralistensprechen thank you so much Clara. I consider myself truly lucky to have people who care about the work I do. It wasn't always that way ❤️
@Clara Listensprechen
Link to source
Adam Katz :donor:
Adam Katz :donor: • mastodon (AP)
You have lots of fans, even if we rarely reply.
You are appreciated.
Keep being you.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@adamhotep thank you Adam. I really appreciate it ❤️
@Adam Katz :donor:
Link to source
europlus :autisminf:
europlus :autisminf: • mastodon (AP)
💗
Link to source
JL Johnson :veri_mast:
JL Johnson :veri_mast: • mastodon (AP)
sorry you have to go through that. I’ve followed your account for years elsewhere. Always fascinating stuff. Appreciate you sharing your passion. And teaching me about coal cleaning which I somehow missed all these years. It’s still LOL in my mind. Always just guessed it was dug up and burned.
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@User47 thanks so much! And yeah, coal breakers are really fascinating, it was quite a process producing it. A lot of little kids who worked in the breakers and suffered pretty ugly injuries to do it.
@JL Johnson :veri_mast:
Link to source
Martin Kelly
Martin Kelly • mastodon (AP)
I mean, I am glad you have the reach as I know it’s fundamental to what you do but I am sorry for the shit that comes with it
Link to source
Abandoned America
Abandoned America • mastodon (AP)
@potatogunkelly aw, thanks Martin. Tbh I am so fortunate to be connected with so many nice people online, and that is the majority of my interactions. But I still feel the need to call out behavior like this when it happens
@Martin Kelly
Link to source
Martin Kelly
Martin Kelly • mastodon (AP)
anytime. I love the director’s cut with extra commentary fwiw.
Link to source
Andy D.
Andy D. • mastodon (AP)
I'm sure it doesn't count for much, but I really am so sorry to hear that you're going through this crap. I love your work and find it incredibly thought-provoking. Keep up tge good work. Non illegitimus etc..
Link to source
Kirstyn Piper Plummer
Kirstyn Piper Plummer • friendica (via ActivityPub)
@Abandoned America This one time you posted this one thing, and that’s the only reason I follow you! You must ONLY post this one thing from now on!
@Abandoned America
Link to source

This website uses cookies to recognize revisiting and logged in users. You accept the usage of these cookies by continue browsing this website.