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The Facebook Group, and how we feel about meta?

Writer's picture: Craft Cassie Craft Cassie

There has been a lot of talk about moving away from meta services like Facebook and Instagram. Regardless of the recent motivations to leave these platforms, I feel that Facebook specifically has not been serving our community well for the last few years. When this group started as a Facebook group it was to let people know about local creative events and opportunities, as well as spreading materials, tools, and knowledge about all things crafty. With the way that the algorithms have changed the group, posts are no longer reaching the majority of us. And with the rules around meta using artist's work to inform and train their AI, it just doesn't feel right to put certain things on the Facebook group, and instead that there may be a better platform for us elsewhere.


In an attempt to pull the community back together in a separate platform, I've started using mastodon, a non profit, open source, free social media program that allows for much more customization and involves 0 advertisements by design. I'm new to how things work, but I invite anyone else interested to join the same server, and to use mastodon like you would have used The Craft Coven facebook group in the past. I intend to share my finished artworks, post when I have art supply donations to pass on to the group, and connect with anyone who has crafty questions. For a full run down on what Mastodon does, who it's for, and how it works check out this article which told me what I needed to know to get started.


To be clear, just because I've started with a new platform for The Coven does not mean that I will stop monitoring, admin-ing, and posting within the original Craft Coven facebook group. But I will not be posting images of work I've created, photos from events, or sharing other people's artwork. Just like many of you, I'm getting exhausted keeping up with all the different social accounts, so I will be focusing my energy mostly on The Craft Coven website, but I want Mastodon to accommodate those of us who do still want to interact online with a wider audience, but in a safe and supportive space.


Ok, internet is cool and all, but can you break it down for me as someone who just wants to come to in-person events? Where will I find what I want to know about workshops, socials and the like?


1.The Craft Coven Website will be where I first share events that are live for sign ups. If you bookmark this site and check it regularly you won't miss any new classes. I post our free or donation based events through Eventbrite, but they also show up on the craft coven website.


2. Also on the site I will post general updates (like this one) somewhat regularly with new information and to share about what's going on in the community. In order to get these updates sent directly to you, you can sign up (Separate than becoming a Coven Supporter, which is like donating money to help us run more free and low cost events) to be a member on the Craft Coven Site by clicking 'Log In' ^^ up there somewhere then signing up for free. It gives you the option to sign up with your google account so you can always stay logged in easily, that's what I do. If you get an account you'll also be able to use the site's forum. The forum is a great spot to share posts similarly to how you would on Instagram or Facebook, that you want to share with the general public. Posts here are not private unless you are directly messaging with other people. Many other sites use similar forums through Wix, and if you want to follow ours, or other blogs directly you can do that through the Spaces App pretty easily.


3. Second to the website, I will update the Coven Instagram and/or the Drink and Draw Instagram for any last minute updates like event changes, cancellations or alterations. I keep the Drink and Draw account separate because of the sensitive nature of the photos and model information. Each month I use that account to announce the model for the upcoming month, as well as sharing their cashapp/venmo info for attendees to tip them for their time. We (The Craft Coven) are in a moment of major transition right now and I (Cassie) want to make sure that I am doing everything I can to provide quality engagement for the community during this unstable time. I mean that both in reference to the state of the US, as well as accessibility to safe spaces online. I welcome any discourse on these topics, and I believe that the strength of this community can do a lot of good for our collective wellbeing. I need you all to remind me that we can get through this together, and I'll be here to help you all in any way that I can. Sending All my Love, Craft Cassie

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