Blocking

Social media lets you like, comment and follow people you like, and those are conveniently tallied up in your profile screen. Currently I have something like 4500+ followers, and I am grateful for them. If I have enjoyed success in my art and text posts, it is thanks to those people who resonated with what I create.

With that said, my current focus is now on the "blocking" functionality of social media sites. Blocking is a fundamental tool: no one should be forced to see content or people they do not like, whatever the reason, and in the case of Bluesky, a simple block command will also wipe out any subsequent mentions and posts from the blocked account.

However, this tool can be used poorly and abusively, turning into a problem that can cause much mental distress. An artist trying to grow their community may be hit by such blocks with no explanation why.

I know that in this cutthroat social app, where a follow or a block can make or break an artist's livelihood online, it can be a big problem to deal with, but I personally don't pay much attention to them. As I said before, I am indeed grateful for the community that I was able to build so far, but it is also true that someone who felt the need to deliberately block me would never follow me to begin with.

I believe that if I keep being genuine and making what I enjoy, this will naturally lead to community growth. Slowly, but surely. Slowly, but earnestly.

I'm not here to chase trends and please everyone. Having a group of blockers may as well be the sign of your own authenticity.