I was already in favour of it when the thread started. Some sound arguments were made against it, especially by Livvy and Magnus. So, we kept it for the time being.
The problem is that by maintaining it, we are indirectly associated to Musk’s right-wing shithousery, and thus, supporting him. Since September 2024, a lot has happened, and not for the better. From being an unsavoury cesspit, X has become a direct platform for extreme-right ideology, helped by the algorhythms and Musks personal engagement against democracy.
Also, I’ve experienced the problem that at times, I involuntarily click on links to X when a post cites something from there, and thus again, I support it, despite of me not wanting to read a line of what is there.
On the other hand, Livvy and Magnus are progressively using other sources of information, ie. Bluesky. So, I again ask the question: can we get rid of it already? I’m firmly in favour of it.
There’s no debate about Musk being a stain on humanity—no one is defending him. I find both him and his views distasteful. I absolutely encourage using other platforms where possible.
That said, as much as I (and probably most of the forum) despised Rupert Murdoch, we still watched Sky Sports or listened to TalkSport. I could just as easily highlight TikTok, Facebook, PayPal, Tesla, solar panels, Starlink, or the satellites SpaceX put into orbit—many of which our members use without issue.
I believe this community is adult enough to transition away from Twitter where possible. But censorship isn’t the answer. Because it’s not Musk we’d be censoring—it’s the global users of the platform. Many of them are respected reporters, heads of state, or just some unlucky bugger caught in the middle of a war or natural disaster. Whether we like it or not Twitter is the main global platform for news.
On TAN, we don’t see the cesspool of right-wing garbage that Twitter amplifies. We don’t give Musk any money from previews. What we do have is a handful of quality posters providing quality content. Yes, it’s fucking annoying when the forum jumps around due to Twitter links, but that’s a separate issue (and will happen with BlueSky).
I’m all for reducing reliance on Twitter, but pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t help. Twitter might be rotten, but the people sharing real news, real experiences, and real insights aren’t. That’s what matters—and that’s what we engage with on TAN
We are a football forum. But I would argue that the likes of our Ukraine and Palestine threads are as good as anywhere on the internet. Thats driven by curated content much of which from twitter. I am resistant to give that up because a dick owns the news platform.
Has anyone asked LFC when they will finally stop using X and switch to Bluesky? As long as that doesn’t happen and there is only one fake account that distributes club news privately on Bluesky, I think it is dubious to argue with this.
I think Fake accounts are dubious, no matter the platform. I would never use it as a source.
There are simply not enough reputable sources on Bluesky so far. But who knows, maybe that will change at some point. Until then, unfortunately, it is as it is.
I think you believe that people in general are a lot more “adult” than they actually are. We have grown adults on here sharing content from white supremacist sources without even checking the source, and people just reposting crap that they saw on social media without even verifying if it’s true or not. People reposting stuff from known Russian propagandist sites. People reposting things from sockpuppet accounts.
I use Bluesky when I know I can trust the source, maybe it’s my English but I’m tired of explaining myself here over and over again, I’m already trying to use other sources if possible. However, unfortunately this is not always possible. But it’s starting to really annoy me here. I’m not here to please everyone. And I’m really starting to lose interest in getting involved here any further.
I think that “beeing one of the main culprits” is totally personal. Because that’s how it was and is presented here. And quite honestly, I’m fed up with it.
The argument about LFC having to make the switch is 100% correct. As much as I’d want TAN to not be associated with X, as long as serious information sources don’t do it, we’ll only amputate ourselves from some genuine info.
I have thus to fully agree ismf’s post above, even though we are a large majority here to hate everything Musk represents.
That might be a fact but why is the word ‘culprit’ used here on her? You might think you are right and she is wrong and that gives us now the right to label others as ‘culprits’? Maybe you guys are culprits at kicking up a big fuss unnecessarily over this over and over again?
I see your point, but I suppose it’s a question of values. I’m fine either way. I’m not that information hungry and lately have been simply ignoring all X posts. Seemed like a decent compromise. But that’s just my opinion and how I live with my own expectations.
For me, some things are more important in life that “genuine info”. I find a lot of X hurtful and insensitive and just not worth knowing or supporting in any form (arguably its raison d’etre is now poisonous). I don’t expect others to hold the same view. We all have to make our decisions. If I were running the forum, X would have been gone. But I’m not. So to each their own.
I am being honest when I say its never my intention to call anyone out on what they read, believe or support.
That is YOUR choice and I respect your right to do what you want.
However
I am of the belief that as a forum we should ban X. I am entitled to my view on this.
In my view you are an essential part of the community here. You represent a different viewpoint and that is refreshing.
I don’t want you to ever feel isolated because of a difference of opinion.
That is 100% genuine.
Edit
I called people out on supporting Brian Clough.
But to me he is The S*n personified in his views on Hillsborough
