Why Artists and Business Owners Should Embrace Bluesky
How a revolutionary decentralized network will work for you
In today's digital landscape, the social media that we use plays a critical role in the visibility, success, and marketing of artists and small business owners. The giants in the social media space like X, formerly twitter, and Meta's suite of applications dominate the space, and your information.
However, a new contender developed by Twitter's original co-founder is planning on revolutionizing the way that online interactions take place.
Bluesky offers it's users a decentralized, user-focused experience that is a game changer for the traditional social media scene.
What is Bluesky?
Bluesky is a social media platform that is shaped similarly to the classic 'Twitter' experience.
However, unlike traditional social media sites that are controlled by one single company or tech tycoons – Bluesky is revolutionizing the space by operating on a decentralized network which gives its users more control over their data and how they can interact on the platform.
Bluesky's unique structure promotes transparency between the application and its consumers, as well as reduces the risk of censorship or "shadow-bans".
Because no single entity has control over the entire network, content is not at the whim of a central authority.
Moreover, on Bluesky users retain ownership of their data. This is a extraordinary step forward from traditional platforms where data is monetized and shared without consent. Important to the structure of this platform is the idea that users have a say in how their information is being used and shared in the digital landscape.
Benefits For Artists
Bluesky is a potential game changer when it comes to networking for the Art world.
Unlike platforms that rely on a strict and often secretive algorithm to serve content to an audience base, Bluesky provides an organic feed. For users, this means their content feeds will be filled with contributions from their followers and communities without the push from an algorithms bias.
This algorithm free environment helps artists gain an organic reach where they can be the most honest message of themselves.
Advantages for Small Business Owners
Small business owners benefit similarly from the authentic, genuine engagement that Bluesky offers. For all, it is a tool for community building and conversation-having through the sharing of valuable content.
For businesses in particular, Bluesky offers unique brand control to help uphold brand consistency for the sake of the business.
Bluesky allows businesses to use custom domains for their profiles. This feature helps maintain brand consistency and avoids the confusion that can arise from username conflicts on other platforms.
Business owners benefit from Bluesky’s emphasis on local engagement, if that is what you are looking for. The decentralized structure of the platform enables the use of local hashtags and the participation in community specific discussions that can attract nearby customers and engagement.
The Digital-Political Landscape
Bluesky has a commitment to freedom of speech and freedom of expression.
Bluesky's decentralized nature supports a broader range of voices and opinions. Unlike centralized platforms that may impose strict content guidelines, Bluesky allows users to express themselves more freely, fostering a diverse and open dialogue.
Users have the ability to choose their own moderation settings and algorithms, which can help protect against arbitrary censorship. This empowers individuals to curate their own experience and maintain control over the content they see and share.
Echo Chambers
Like any social media platform, Bluesky can create echo chambers where users are primarily exposed to viewpoints that align with their own. This can reinforce existing beliefs and limit exposure to diverse perspectives. However, the decentralized nature of Bluesky offers potential for broader interactions across different communities
Impact on Political Discourse
Bluesky has emerged as a popular alternative to X, especially among users dissatisfied with Elon Musk's management of the platform. This shift has implications for political discourse, as users seek spaces that align more closely with their values and priorities.
Activism
Bluesky's decentralized structure and commitment to free speech make it a valuable tool for activists and political movements. It provides a platform for organizing, sharing information, and mobilizing support without the constraints of centralized control
art|Works Initiative on Bluesky
We invite you to join us on Bluesky, where we are building a vibrant and engaging community. By following our company on Bluesky, you'll gain access to content and updates away from moderation and algorithms interfering.
We are here to help you do what you do best; that includes keeping your social media engagement where you want it. If you have any questions or concerns, you can find us at The Longview Gallery every Friday for "Work from the Office Fridays" or stop by any Wednesday during Office Hours with our IT team. We're always ready to help troubleshoot and answer any questions you may have.