BlueskyConnellanMashable – Recent online migrations have caused users rushing from popular websites like X (formerly Twitter). Now, many users are flocking to Bluesky.
Like learning a new social media platform, learning Bluesky might feel like you’re learning a new language. But that’s where the “Connellan-Mashable” connection comes in. The tech journalists documenting this shift, like Shannon Connellan of Mashable, have provided people the help they need to better understand the new and confusing decentralized web.
This guide aims to combine all of this information into a single document. If you’ve come from a negative social media timeline and are now inquisitive about social media, this is everything you need to know about Bluesky.
What is Bluesky?
When you first access Bluesky, you might think that it is just another app similar to Twitter, and you would not be completely wrong. You have the option to use the app just like Twitter and (like other social media) you have a feed, and you can follow people. But it’s how the app functions that is different.
Social media platform Bluesky uses the function of the AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol). Unlike Facebook or X, which are “walled gardens”, meaning that one company controls your data in the garden, AT Protocol is open source.
How is this different from traditional social networks?
- Decentralisation: Think of Bluesky as email. You can email people with Gmail accounts, even if you have an Outlook account. The aim of the AT Protocol is the same. One day, you’ll be able to move your profile to a different server without losing your followers, or any data.
- Choice of Algorithms: This is the best feature. On TikTok and Instagram, you are shown what the algorithm thinks you want. However, on Bluesky, you choose the algorithm. You can follow a feed that shows cat posts, or one that shows posts from scientists. You can choose.
- Domain Verification: One of the best things for professionals is that you can use your own website domain as your handle. So, instead of being @johnsmith.bsky.social you can be @johnsmith.com. This feature is a direct and instant testament that you are who you say you are.
Understanding the Situation: The Connellan and Mashable Relationship
What’s the story behind Shannon Connellan and Mashable? When a new platform becomes a trending topic, accurate information becomes highly sought after.
As an experienced technology editor and journalist at Mashable, Shannon Connellan was one of the first in the industry to help the average user understand the platform. Her work went beyond simple how-to guides, and looked into the impact of the platform on society.
The Connellan-Mashable model on Bluesky refers to an approach that places emphasis on the user, and focuses on:
- Safety – Getting familiar with blocks and moderation tools.
- Curation – Actively using the platform to shape your feed, and not just consuming content.
- Community – Quickly connecting with your “people” and avoiding that empty new app feeling.
How to Set up Your Account – a Simple Guide
The process is much simpler than it was in the past. Bluesky is no longer in the invite-code era and is now open to the public.
The process is quite simple.
- Navigate to the bsky.app website, or download the app on your device. Account sign-ups can be completed on both desktop and mobile.
- Creating your account involves providing your email, a password, and your date of birth.
- Choosing a Handle: Your handle will automatically end in .bsky.social. Make it as recognizable as possible. If you have a personal brand, use a similar handle as other platforms to make it easier for people to find you.
- Profile Picture and Bio: Do not skip this! Accounts with default avatars are mistaken for bots and ignored. Use the bio space to introduce yourself to the others and inform them about the contents of your posts.
- Interests: Before the discovery, you will be asked to select your interests like Technology, Art, Gardening. You can choose them to help the algorithm show you contents of your liking.
The Interface: Feeds, Discovery, and Starter Packs
The platform really shines here. After you log in, it is time to make your digital home.
Setting Feeds
On your home screen, you will have multiple feeds set up. You can even edit your preferences to choose which feeds are pinned and swipe between them.
- Following: You’ll receive posts in no particular chronologic order, no algorithm, just posts from people you are following.
- Discover: You will receive a mixture of posts based on current trends along with the algorithm determined posts from bluesky.
- Custom Feeds: You can look up feeds from other users. For instance, a feed called “Quiet Posters” shows posts from mutuals who are quiet posters so you can make sure to include your friends who aren’t chronically online.
Starter Packs
Launched in mid-2024, Starter Packs are one of the greatest onboarding innovations. A Starter Pack consists of a pre-selected group of people and feeds from another user.
- Here’s how it works: When you join through a friend’s Starter Pack, you will follow the 50-100 users that they selected. It answers the “who do I follow?” question in seconds.
- Get to creating: Once you are all set up, you can make a Starter Pack for your niche (e.g. “Indie Authors,” “Climate Scientists”) to help others find your community.
Expert Tips: Building a Following
You’ve got the account. You’ve got the feeds. Now, how do you get people listening?
1. Verification is key
If you have a website, add your domain handle as soon as possible. It’s a 5-minute job and requires adding a TXT record to your domain’s DNS. It shows credibility and that you know what you are doing.
2. “Skeet” Culture
Compared to “X” the community here is more conversational. Shitposting happens, but so does genuine threaded discussion. Community tone is usually described as fun, chaotic, “early Twitter” style.
3. Use the moderation tools
Bluesky lets you moderate as much as you want. You can subscribe to third party moderation labelers. Don’t want to see spiders? You can subscribe to a labeler that blurs spider images. If you want to moderate hate speech, you can subscribe to a moderated list and it will take care of it for you.
Future Outlook: The Evolution of the Platform
Mashable and others in tech journalism suggest that Bluesky is walking towards a “federated” future.
Most of us are currently on the bsky.social server. In the future, large entities, like news companies and universities, will be able to set up their own servers. You will still have the ability to follow and interact with them, but they will have complete control over their own data and moderation policies.
This is a sign of the return to the open web. A web that is free to use, where no single billionaire can own the town square and change the rules abrupt.
Checklist and Conclusion for New Users
Bluesky is a fresh start for your digital life. It may need a little more manual work than other apps, but the result is a social media experience where you control everything.
Now that you are going to start the sign-up process, here are some things to get you ready.
- Signing up can be done at bsky.app.
- Then, upload a profile and banner picture.
- Next, verify your identity to do this it’s recommended to link your website domain.
- Then, look for three Custom feeds. You can choose “Science,” “Art,” or “News.”
- In your industry, “Starter Pack” fast tracks your following list.
- Finally, make a post that says “Hello, World!” to introduce yourself.
Now, welcome to the Blue Skies.
