1/x One of the things I liked about Web 2.0 was that you could build a following as a techno-optimist blogger.

[ricmac@mastodon.social]

1/x One of the things I liked about Web 2.0 was that you could build a following as a techno-optimist blogger. I mean in the sense that you could be passionate about a technology — the web, in my case — and people wanted to get behind that. Now yes, folks like me *should’ve* been a tad more critical. But I loved writing about the opportunities the web presented at that time. These days, your best bet to build a following in tech journalism is by being AGAINST something — AI, crypto, whatever.

[andypiper@macaw.social]

@ricmac interesting! Yes, it’s very hard to be a technology optimist and have a positive following right now. The energy is very “anti” things, antagonistic, negative. I am mulling this thread as I think some more about upcoming talks I have planned…

[phillycodehound@indieweb.social]

@andypiper @ricmac totally agree. Not feeling to optimistic about tech right now. 🤪😖

[ricmac@mastodon.social]

@phillycodehound @andypiper I know, it’s hard…but there is the fediverse and the open web to believe in and advocate for.

[evan@cosocial.ca]

@ricmac do you really think you should have been more critical? It seems like the RWW thesis around user-generated content, APIs, and the generative power of ecosystems has entirely paid off. That we live in a time where we are dealing with the knock-on effects of those trends doesn't mean that the world isn't a significantly better place with those technology trends in wide use.

[andypiper@macaw.social]

@ricmac @phillycodehound 💪 yes exactly! I've been thinking more about this since @cwebber talk about joy at #fediforum / @pluralistic mention of hope vs optimism in a recent online chat / some discussions about fun vs being in the Rebel Alliance. Hope (and a sense of purpose) are important.