Gregory's Server@TechConnectify Fellow engineer here, who had also ruffled feathers unintentionally for similar reasons. Our confidence can be our undoing.
It's funny, I remember these exact types of issues with Live Journal. Without an algorithm driving engagement, people would get very protective about their space. Why are you being an ass to me on my page? This is my space! Vs don't ever read the comments! It's a cess pool!
I wonder too if the lack of ability to comment when you boost adds to this. Rather than boost with a "I like my dim lights, what the heck is he talking about?" They respond directly to you rather than shouting about you to the void.
So instead of (sort of) snickering behind your back they are taking potshots in your personal space. And it stings more because their confrontation is pointed at you rather than the void.
At least that is my take. Mastodon doesn't give the haters the option to do anything except blast back in your face.
@sewblue I agree completely.
I understand the aversion to quote-toots given the harassment angle, but they were also very valuable in shaping culture, discourse, and expectations.
They were an opportunity to learn *from the crowd* whereas here, every piece of feedback is direct.
And in my position, some people delight in taking pot-shots. It sucks.
I know for a fact that's happening all the time in my YT comments, but the system design there makes it so I'm unaware of it. I want that here.