Mastodon

New Video: The Fediverse Explained by Common Craft

Over the past decade, social media has become centralized around a few big tech companies. New technologies and ideas are changing this environment by allowing apps and platforms to work together in a federation that provides more choice and flexibility. This new version of the social web is called The Fediverse.

Watch this video in full (3m 27s)

Also available for free sharing on YouTube

The term 'Fediverse' refers to a fresh approach to the social web, derived from the words 'federated' and 'universe.' A key idea is the concept of federation: independent apps and platforms can now be connected by a new protocol. With the protocol in place, people and content can move across the fediverse, creating flexibility and choice. This decentralized model could become the future of online communities. This video teaches:

The drawbacks of centralized platforms
The essence of federation
Criteria for platforms to join the Fediverse
Navigating Fediverse apps and platforms
The significance of portability
The impact of established platforms embracing the Fediverse

Curious? Download this video's Lesson Plan: Common Craft Lesson Plan - Fediverse

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New Video: Mastodon Explained by Common Craft

Mastodon is known as an alternative to Twitter. But that's not the full picture. Mastodon is an example of an emerging class of social media tools that are powered by people instead of companies. This video uses a rich analogy to explain why that matters and what people can expect in using Mastodon.

Watch it in full (3m 51s)

We’re used to social networking platforms that are owned and operated by large companies like Twitter. Mastodon is different because it’s not a company that needs to earn a profit. It’s open-source software anyone can use to create an online community that’s self-supported and connected to thousands of other Mastodon communities. This video applies a music festival analogy and teaches:

How Mastodon is different from Twitter
Why Mastodon has become popular
What to expect in using Mastodon
How Mastodon users are connected
How Mastodon fits into the big picture of decentralization

Sharing is Caring

This video is available in the Common Craft library without a watermark. If you are a Common Craft Full Access member, you can download or embed this video like any other.

We've also shared the video on YouTube:

You can also find and share posts with the video here:

Want to Learn More?

I wrote an article called Dear Friend, Let's Talk About Mastodon that explains a lot of the details in the form of a letter to a friend.

I'm on Mastodon

I am using Twitter less and have made Mastodon my home for Twitter-like connections and discussions. In fact, I am a moderator for a small community that's based on our location. My Mastodon account is here: sanjuans.life/@lee.

Sharing: Mastodon Explained by Common Craft

Mastodon is known to many as an alternative to Twitter. But that's not the full picture. Mastodon is an example of a new class of social networking tools that are powered by people instead of companies. This video uses a rich analogy to explain why that matters and what people can expect in using Mastodon.

The video is shared on YouTube with a Creative Commons license:

I hope you'll consider sharing the video. It's available for easy sharing in multiple locations:

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