Bluesky Social vs. YNOT’s Mastodon Server – Alternatives to Twitter

One thing 2023 has brought to the world, is the rumblings of a Twitter going under.

Though I don’t believe Twitter is going anywhere, plenty are fed up with Musk’s handling of the platform so never say never. It’s smart to be proactive and have a Plan B in case a major upheaval happens, and you can no longer do business on the site simply because you happen to be a sexworker.

One Plan B option is Bluesky Social. News of it has been circulating since 2019 when it was started but it’s really been in the past few weeks that it’s been getting some traction (and certainly a lot of hype) with the addition of celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, James Gunn, and Edgar Wright signing up.

So, what’s so special about Bluesky Social?

Backed by former Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey, Bluesky’s claim to fame is a decentralized platform.

As explained by former Twitter software engineer Jay Graber who helped launch the site (now in beta) along with Dorsey: “As a user, you can create an account and use our Bluesky app with few recognizable differences from using a centralized social app. However, if you decide you want to host your own server, or have a username that’s your personal website, you can also switch over to doing that. If you don’t like the way we show you posts or moderate your experience, you can switch services without losing your friends or data or swap out your feed or moderators though a plugin ecosystem.”

Sounds promising for the adult industry doesn’t it?

Not so fast.

The concept is great … other than the fact that Bluesky is a little like that fancy dating app Raya.

You know, the one you have to get on a waiting list forever and hope they choose you? Except Bluesky is even worse.

As reported on by Vox, no one really knows HOW you get the invite on Bluesky but you’ve got to get one and they’re pretty darn stingy with them. According to Forbes, there are 1.2 million people on the waitlist and the invites are so in demand some savvy business-minded folks are auctioning them off for hundreds of dollars on eBay.

So, for now, Bluesky may have a lot of buzz but it’s a moot point – unless of course you want to shell out some dough to some heavyweight on eBay to give you an invite. Sure the app could be the next big thing, but for now I’d put my bets on YNOT’s Mastodon server that we launched in January. If you haven’t joined up, now’s the time and guess what? We won’t even make you wait to be accepted.

Photo credit: iStock.com/hapabapa

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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.