Originally published January 11, 2024, on Twitter/X
Today, as I mark my 15th anniversary on this platform, it's with a bittersweet smile that I announce I'm stepping back from being as active as I used to be.
Think of this as a fond farewell, a tribute to the good times we've shared.
Twitter, was like that cool hangout spot where I made incredible friends and shared nearly 30,000 tweets worth of great experiences.
I remember the day I signed up in 2009. I was at a greasy spoon diner in Milford, MA, fresh from a local show, talking about this new app, and there I was, registering 'GenuineJack' on my Blackberry Bold at 2 AM. How times have changed!
Back then, the Internet and you, Twitter, were different – it was all about fun and the 'social' part of social media. But now, things feel... broken. You're not the Twitter I knew anymore; you're something else.
The Internet has evolved, and so has the concept of social media. Now, everyone is a 'Brand,' focused more on algorithms, being a 'reply guy', and content for your target audiences rather than genuine interactions.
The more time I spend here, the more I feel cynical than happy. This platform was an escape, a place of entertainment, connection, and creativity. The joy of making fun things has been overshadowed by growing your numbers.
Amidst all this, I can't help but address a growing moral conflict I've been wrestling with. It's clear that a domineering, self-assured leadership style controls the platform.
To me, it feels this new regime appears more focused on constructing echo chambers, perfectly engineered to amplify certain voices while silencing or minimizing others, all in the name of driving profits, vanity metrics and personal agendas.
So, all this to say, you'll see less of me here, but I'm not disappearing -- I'm just diversifying my online presence. I'm exploring new spaces like Farcaster and Threads, which are reminiscent of the 'good ol' days. '
Plus, I'm GenuineJack everywhere, so I'm easy to find everywhere 🧡
In this limited time we have, I want to spend mine in spaces that bring me joy and allow me to be my most genuine self.
So, here's to new adventures and finding joy in ever-evolving digital worlds. It's not goodbye, Twitter, but see you around – in different corners of the Internet.
Genuine Jack
www.genuinejack.xyz