1y ago

Mastodon tries to solve its problem with tracking down other users

www.yahoo.com

9 comments

So, they're just going to add a QR code? Of course, you could already do that, but having it built in and be the default process would probably help.
- That article is a lot of words to say Mastodon now shows a QR code next to the handle.
The seems like such a non issue. I'm on a really small instance, and I've never had trouble finding someone through a simple search.
Such a weird way of framing a cool new feature.
The problem it solves is that typing on a phone is annoying, and that's a problem every other app has too.
The "problem" of people not being able to find you if you give them your handle instead? Based on recent experience of a lot of non-techy friends signing up and finding and following me with literally no problems, I'm pretty sure that isn't a thing.
Is there no equivalent to lemmyverse.net for Mastodon users? Does the sheer number of users make the existence of such a site impractical?
- Mastodon users don't want such a thing, they see things like it as potential vectors for abuse and harassment.
  
  And it's very centralized approach. IMHO typing in handles is a good approach for a decentralized platform. Also scanning QR codes on a conference instead of exchanging business cards. You don't need a seperate website for that. And noone wants to browse lemmyverse on a conference just to add someone (the issue they're obviously trying to solve with that.)
  
  A small, but vocal segment of Mastodon users get very angry when someone creates any account discoverability service beyond what's built in to Mastodon. They do not speak for everyone.
- There are some opt-in directories for finding people by topic.

9 comments