Back in January of 2009, I published what I think was the first list of U.S. breweries on Twitter. There were nearly 1,500 operating breweries at that time and fewer than 50 of them were on Twitter.
Today, the number of breweries has grown by 600% and I’d imagine every single one sees social media as a core way of getting the message out. From events to new beers on tap and everything in between.
With the nature of X decidedly becoming more political recently, alternatives like Bluesky and Threads are having a moment and gaining lots of traction with those seeking refuge. For the first time, I’m considering the bifurcation of the short messaging platform. Many news media, in particular, are leaving X for either or both of the other two platforms. And, of course, many are sticking around at X.
I have mixed feelings. We are well down the path of people wishing to engage primarily or only with like-minded people and it’s been this way for well over a decade. It seems like the platforms will be divided on political lines.
Still, where does that leave brands and news reporters in fields like sports and tech who aren’t engaging in the political sphere? More importantly, where will tomorrow’s or today’s breaking news live?
Like, where will we first find out when Lebron James eventually announces his retirement?
I am based in Boston and was surprised to discover a list of a few dozen active Celtics reporters and tangential accounts already posting on Bluesky. Some prominent reporters have just started posting on Bluesky.
In many ways, it feels early, like 2008 or 2009 again. That’s an opportunity for people like you and me to rebuild ourselves yet again, on another platform, if we wish.
I am excited to dig into making lists and poke around the API which looks relatively open and accessible.