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3 hours ago
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I created a Bluesky account a while back. I used it for a few days and couldn't get into it. After a few weeks, I gave up and returned to X.
But I still wasn't happy. X had become a cesspool of trolls and vitriol, and my blood pressure couldn't tolerate one minute more on the site. So I set my X account to private and made a vow to migrate to Bluesky.
Also: 7 things to know about Bluesky before you join - and why you should
I'm so glad I did.
Bluesky is a breath of fresh air. You're not force-fed ads, nor are there algorithmic suggestions to clutter up your feed. Even better, there's so much positivity. That alone is worth the time to migrate.
But how do you get started? It took you years to collect those followers on Twitter. Will it take years to do the same on Bluesky? No. Here's why.
What are Bluesky starter packs?
Bluesky's starter packs are customized collections of accounts pre-loaded with users interested in different subjects. You might find a Linux users starter pack, a Swiftie starter pack, or a foodie starter pack. Some sites, including ZDNET, have their own starter packs. So, instead of piecemealing accounts to follow one at a time, you can do it in bulk based on common ground or interests you have.
You can browse the directory of Bluesky starter packs here.
And if you get added to a starter pack, it's a good way to grow your account.
Also: How to use Bluesky Social
You might even want to create your own starter pack to have a customized feed that you can check and share with others. Let me show you how to do that.
How to create your first Bluesky starter pack
What you'll need: The only things you'll need for this are a valid Bluesky account and a web browser from which to view it.
Make sure you've logged into your Bluesky account using your default web browser.
Click on your profile icon, which will open the page where you can customize your feed and account. Click on the Starter Packs tab near the right edge and then click Create.
Are you ready to expand your skies?
On the resulting page, give your starter pack a name, add a description, and click Next.
Make sure to give your Starter Pack a clear and concise description.
On the next page, you'll find a searchable list of accounts to add to your new starter pack. Either scroll through or search for accounts, and once you find one that is apropos, click the check box for the account.
Continue doing this until you've added all of the accounts you'd like associated with your starter pack, and then click Next.
You can search for or scroll through a host of accounts to choose from.
In the next window, you can then add feeds to your starter pack. This is especially important if you're unable to find all of the accounts you'd like to add. You don't have to add feeds. Either way, click Next and your starter pack will be created.
Finally, you'll be presented with a button for either a QR code or a link. Click either button, and you'll receive a QR code image or a link copied to your clipboard. You can then share either to your feed, so others can spread the word.
You can edit your starter packs after they've been created to add more users, delete users, or add more feeds.
Also: 8 Bluesky tips every new user should know
When my flame for Bluesky was rekindled, I was able to very quickly build a collection of people to follow, thanks to starter packs.
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