ScrumblesPAbernathy

Numbers matter because activity is directly proportional to user count. A lot of mainstream users won’t join a platform until it already has a critical mass. They don’t want to be early adopters or trail blazers. They want to go where their friends and good conversations are.

We’ve got to set the table for them. With a lot of users there will be more buzz and more social gravity to pull people here. We’re the first drunk uncle on the dance floor at the wedding that gets the party started. A dance floor with a few drunk uncles is fun for the uncles but until a couple nieces and a grandma join in then there’s not a party.

People have been burned by so many hot new social networks that they’re wary. They don’t believe that they can have a good network that’s not full of ads and selling their info.

But the time is now, the DJ has put on Montel Jordan’s “This is How We Do It” and it’s up to us, the drunk uncles of the fediverse, to get everyone onto the dance floor.

That’s interesting. The last two episodes were way more horror than Black Mirror’s typical sci fi. A red mirror spin off would be cool.

Demon 79 was my favorite. I feel like they really nailed the style of 70s horror movies, especially when she’s first driving to work and all the shots are panning from static cameras.

It really had me guessing if the demon was lying or not right up to the very end. It was brilliant to do it that way. Everyone expects a twist in Black Mirror and it didn’t twist.

I’ve got to second TTRPGs. You have to be somewhat vulnerable to play. You’re basically playing make believe, you have to be unselfconscious. It forces you to be somewhat open and accepting.

If you’re more analytically minded look for board game cafes or groups. Playing a cooperative board game is almost as good of a friend finding hack as TTRPGs.

If your hobbies are more solitary then look for or create groups. Crocheting or knitting? Find a group where everyone is doing it together. It’s like parallel play. This could also work for neurodivergent folks.

One thing to keep in mind is that adults are more discerning about friendships. We know what we want now so it might have to be a bit of a numbers game. But one you have a core group the momentum seems to build. Best of luck and don’t give up! Everyone deserves solid homies.