The assumption is that centrally managed social media is bad because their algorithm is bad. But actually, they are bad because they are centrally managed and force one algorithm onto you. I’m not even advocating algorithm-by-choice. Even instance-specific algorithms would already work and would make the whole experience much more enjoyable and less boring. And if an instance’s algorithm(s) is too aggressive, it gets defederated. That would result in a much more exciting experience imo. And by the way: what’s the problem with getting old posts back in the timeline if it makes the overall conversation more interesting?
I just look for new stuff on my feed. Not interested in algorithms. Maybe I’m an edge case.
You’re not. If we wanted algorithms, we could go back to Reddit or Facebook.
Every time a social media site has offered, pleaded, cajoled or forced me to take a non-chronological timeline, I’ve refused. And if that refusal eventually becomes impossible (no option, addons no longer work, etc), I take my eyeballs elsewhere.
You’re not an edge case. :)