Threads: What You Need to Know About the Newest Social App

Threads: What You Need to Know About the Newest Social App

I’m just now taking a break from one of the largest online block parties I’ve experienced in years, on the newest social media app – Threads, and I’m here to let you in on the fun!

In this article, I’ll do my best to cover my experience with the app, the background for its conception, and it’s key features and drawbacks.

First, some background…

With the launch of Threads, an app by Instagram, the new platform was ablaze with new users, and endless new conversations of folks working together to figure out how this new social media app works, and also expressing hope for the future – many who are also Twitter users (like myself) that have been weary of unreasonable changes, an ego-driven billionaire buyout, and massive layoffs which have soured the platform’s reputation for many.

I was an early adopter of Twitter when it first came out, and have always been active on the micro-blogging platform, but as a marketer and someone that also works in public service, the platform is way different than it started out – and not for the better, in my opinion. In recent years there have been reports and studies of increased hate on the platform, making it a not-so-comfortable space for everyone, with little to no enforcement from the company leaders. It’s also not been providing the reach and engagement it promised users. This combination of issues, and more, has led to major advertisers pulling out of the platform indefinitely.

Since all of these issues have unfolded, many Twitter users have looked to other platforms such as Mastodon or Hive as healthy alternatives to Twitter, but they couldn’t compete with Twitter as they were either too difficult to sign up for and understand, or just had too many glitches to deal with.

Now, the true contender has finally appeared on the scene! Threads.

Let’s dive in.

What’s the signup process like?

Very easy. After downloading the app and logging in with Instagram (IG), you can automatically follow accounts you already follow on Instagram, if and when they sign up for Threads.

It took 3 clicks at the most, and I was in.

NOTE: If you skip the part about automatically following the folks you already do on Instagram, there doesn’t appear to be a way of going back so, be mindful!

What are the key features of Threads?

It’s very similar to Twitter in that it has a text-based feed of posts (or “threads” as some are already coining as the officially unofficial term) that you can like, reply to, and share. Images and videos are supported. A couple of neat additions, though, are that you can share “threads” to you’re Instagram stories or feed, so even though the apps are separate they work well together.

Some other interesting or quirky notes:

  • The individual post limit is 500 characters long, but you can easily add threads to the first….thread? (jury is still out on calling them posts or threads)
  • You can post image carousels very cleanly!
  • For now, it seems if you sign up for Threads, you can’t delete your Threads account without first deleting your Instagram account. I’m sure this will change but, just making you aware if you’re unsure about signing up!
  • Accounts you have muted or blocked on Instagram will stay muted or blocked on Threads
  • Gifs aren’t natively part of the app, so if you love using gifs you will have to download and use the Giphy app, and copy and past the gifs into your threads.
  • The app doesn’t show folks who you are following, just how many people are following you

What are some key differences from Twitter?

  • It’s 100% app-based, meaning you can’t sign into a desktop version (for now?) to use the platform
  • At the moment, there are no ads on the platform, but that is sure to change
  • No limits on how many threads you can view! However, the app will stop you from following thousands of people at once as they will on IG.
  • Hashtags aren’t a thing on the platform (for now?) and you currently can’t search for topics like you would on Twitter
  • Adult content (nudity) is not allowed, so IG rules apply there as well
  • At the moment, there isn’t a “Following” or “For You” filter set up on the app, which on Twitter allows you to separate out content from people you don’t know. But Meta representatives made comments on the app that this is a feature that will be rolled out soon enough (however I think it’s great for now, as I made many new followers and had great conversations this way!)

What do you post on Threads, anyway?

That conversation is still happening in real-time, but the CEO of Instagram, Adam Mosserisaid on the app:

“For those of you trying to think about what to post here on Threads versus on Instagram, my take is it’s less about text versus photos and videos and more about what public conversations you want to have. Do you want to engage in more of a back-and-forth, Threads make sense. If not, great, probably Instagram…”

I’m personally taking this as – the medium doesn’t matter so much as the intent and the delivery. If you’re planning on making Threads a billboard for promoting things, it may not work as well as you’d like.

So, what does this all mean?

In my many conversations from the night, the overwhelming consensus I saw was that folks are looking for more authentic conversations, and don’t want to be sold to by influencers or deal with online trolls like they’ve had to on Twitter. They also don’t want the filtered curated feeds one finds on Instagram (why post the same thing in both places, anyway?).

Users want social media to be social again, and with the launch of the app had fun being silly together as we bumbled along trying to figure out the current capabilities of the app, making each other laugh, discovering its positives and negatives, and connected with folks from other social scenes, as well as making new friends as we all experienced the launch at the same time, growing together.

Of course, we all have goals for being on social media, but I don’t think there’s a drawback here. What do you have to lose from having conversations with folks, and letting them get to know you? At the end of the day, folks gravitate toward others they feel they know, like, and trust and I think what Threads has started has the potential to bring us back to basics with social media.

Many millennials (like me), however, have been here before. We have grown up having to adopt every online social media platform ever invented, so we know that there is a pattern of the early honeymoon period, and then things will turn dark, but I think we could all use some optimism here.

The platform is a reflection of us all and we’ve essentially been given a clean slate, so if we want to have a safe and overall positive experience on Threads – I say let’s work together to make that a reality.

I hope this article was helpful, and of course, we will see the platform grow, adapt and change as Meta/IG works through user feedback, but I’m excited to see what the future holds.

Be sure to follow me on Threads here, and good luck!

Pride Isn’t Just a Month: 7 Steps to Support the LGBTQ+ Community Every Day

Pride Isn’t Just a Month: 7 Steps to Support the LGBTQ+ Community Every Day

It’s almost 1:00 am as I’m writing this on July 2nd, a couple of days after the end of #PrideMonth when brands usually move on to the next trendy thing to focus on. If you’re unfamiliar with what Pride Month is, in a nutshell, it is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a platform for visibility, solidarity, and recognition. But, it all started with the Stonewall Riots decades ago. You can brush up on your Pride Month history here.

In the wake of Supreme Court rulings rolling back LGBTQ+ protections and rights, state legislatures doing the same across the country, and brands like Budlight and Target throwing the community under the bus after blowback from conservative groups for showing even bare minimum support for us – I have to tell you this Pride Month hasn’t felt great.

I know that there are genuinely supportive brands out there that want to do good for the LGBTQ+ community, but maybe are afraid or don’t know how where to start, beyond the annual rainbow logo change and a post on social media one month out of the year.

While it’s essential to acknowledge the progress made during this designated month, it is equally important to extend support and recognition throughout the entire year. Otherwise, you might be offering little more than lip service.

Authentic allyship and genuine inclusion require consistent effort and a commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

So, as a queer person that coaches a lot of brands on what to do, I’m going to lay out some meaningful steps you can implement for the rest of the year (and hopefully every year) to recognize #Pride year-round and create a lasting impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Educate Yourself

Knowledge is a powerful tool for promoting understanding and empathy. Take the initiative to educate yourself about LGBTQ+ history, terminology, and the challenges faced by the community. Read books, watch documentaries, and explore reputable online resources. By becoming informed, you’ll be better equipped to challenge prejudice and engage in meaningful conversations.

As a start, check out the Human Rights CampaignGLSENGLAAD, and PFLAG just to name a few.

Support LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses

Show your support by actively seeking out and patronizing LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Whether it’s your morning coffee, a clothing store, or professional services, consciously choosing to spend your money at these establishments helps foster economic empowerment and sends a clear message of support.

Check out the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) for chapters in your state that likely has a list of certified LGBTQ+-owned businesses you can support.

Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights

Pride is more than a celebration; it is a time to rally behind the fight for equality, and we need allies now more than ever to stand with us.

You can stand up for LGBTQ+ rights by participating in local, regional, or national advocacy efforts. Write to your elected representatives, join LGBTQ+ organizations, attend rallies or marches, and amplify the voices of those fighting for change. Together, we can advocate for policies that protect the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Volunteer and Donate

Consider volunteering your time and skills to LGBTQ+ organizations and charities.

Many organizations require assistance throughout the year, whether through event planning, fundraising, or mentoring programs. Additionally, financial contributions make a significant impact on the resources available to support the community’s needs.

Foster Inclusivity in Your Community

Creating an inclusive environment starts at the grassroots level. Engage with your local community organizations, schools, and workplaces to promote diversity and inclusivity.

Advocate for LGBTQ+-inclusive policies, such as gender-neutral restrooms, inclusive healthcare, and anti-discrimination measures. By fostering a welcoming atmosphere, you can contribute to making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Be an Ally Every Day

Being an ally is an ongoing commitment that extends beyond a single month.

Practice active listening, validate experiences, and offer support to LGBTQ+ friends, family members, colleagues, and acquaintances throughout the year.

Educate others on the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion and encourage them to be allies as well.

Amplify LGBTQ+ Voices

Use your platform, whether it’s social media, a blog, or personal conversations, to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. Share stories, artwork, and experiences that reflect the diversity within the community. By actively promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and representation, you can challenge stereotypes and create spaces for marginalized voices to be heard.

In Conclusion…

While it’s impossible to sum up ALL the ways you can support in one article, I hope this helps. Recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community goes beyond a single month of celebration.

It requires continuous effort, education, and empathy year-round. By actively engaging in meaningful ways, fostering inclusivity, and promoting equality, we can work towards creating a world where every LGBTQ+ individual feels seen, heard, and valued.

Together, let us embrace Pride year-round and build a more accepting and inclusive society for all.

The Cost of Silence: How Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Create a Climate of Fear and Shame

The Cost of Silence: How Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Create a Climate of Fear and Shame

As an openly gay person in today’s world, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of the recent wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws being proposed and enacted across the United States. It’s distressing to see that in 2023, there are still those who seek to erase the very existence of LGBTQ+ people and deny us the basic human right to love who we choose and live our lives authentically and in the open.

The recent national surge of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is not only discriminatory, but it is also incredibly dangerous. It fuels a climate of fear and hatred that can (and has) led to violence and even hate crimes against our community. Everyone, no matter their religion, background, identity, or beliefs, has a fundamental and legal right to safety and security in this country.

Take, for example, the “Don’t Say Gay” laws that prohibit the mention of LGBTQ+ relationships or identities in schools. These laws not only erase our experiences, but they also create an environment of shame and silence around LGBTQ+ issues, making it even harder for young people to come to terms with their own identities and find support from their peers and educators.

Similarly, the banning of books that feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes is a blatant attempt to erase our experiences and prevent young people from seeing themselves represented in literature. This not only deprives LGBTQ+ students of the chance to see themselves reflected in the world around them but also sends a message that our stories are not valid or worthy of being told.

And then there are the recent efforts to criminalize drag shows and other forms of LGBTQ+ expression in places like Tennessee. This is a clear attempt to police gender expression and to deny American citizens the right to express themselves in ways that feel authentic and true to their identities.

It doesn’t help that public figures like J.K. Rowling continue to make hateful comments about transgender people’s existence, fueling hate in young people’s minds. A children’s book author that I used to look up to as the Harry Potter series was a cherished part of my childhood.

All of these anti-LGBTQ+ laws, actions, and policies are rooted in a deep-seated fear and hatred of those who are different, of those who do not fit neatly into society’s narrow definition of what is “normal” or “acceptable”. And they are all part of a larger effort to roll back the gains that we have made over the past few decades, to push us back into the shadows and deny us the rights and freedoms that we have fought so hard to achieve.

But we cannot let this happen. We must speak out against these laws and policies, we must stand up for the rights of LGBTQ+ people everywhere, and we must fight for a world where everyone is free to love who they choose, express themselves in the ways that feel most authentic to them, and be proud of who they are.

We cannot let fear and ignorance win. We must show the world that drag queens and LGBTQ+ people are not the enemy – hate, and ignorance are.

Together, we can create a world where love, acceptance, and inclusion are the norm, not the exception.

Kurt Thigpen is a former school board member in Washoe County, and his journey has been covered on outlets such as ProPublica, CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell, and Meet the Press Reports with Chuck Todd. He is also the CEO of Ace Studios, a creative marketing company with a focus on creating social impacts in the world.

Want to Be Your Own Boss? Here’s How I Did It.

Want to Be Your Own Boss? Here’s How I Did It.

Want to be your own boss?

1. Find out what you’re passionate or highly skilled at (and actually enjoy).

2. Find a way to monetize that as a side hustle.

3. Grow that side hustle to match your current income.

4. Quit your job and make your side hustle your main business and continue to grow it.

These are the exact steps I followed when working to launch Ace Studios.

To some, my success seemed to happen all at once in 2018 when I left a good-paying job for Ace Studios, received multiple accolades and media attention for making the jump.

However, I’d honestly been working at this, whether consciously or subconsciously, since high school.

I knew that I loved graphic and website design and that I could make good money doing it – just not where I lived at the time. So I moved to Reno in 2011 after getting my AA degree in web design at a community college.

By this time, I *knew* I wanted to work for myself and be my own boss, but I didn’t know anyone at the time who had done it, as I had always been taught that when you find a stable, good-paying job with benefits, you held onto it for dear life. The typical survivor’s mentality.

However, I was never happy working for someone else, and got bored and frustrated with the sameness of it all. I LOVE variety and getting to do new and challenging things all the time.

So from 2011-2018, I hustled hard to network, teach myself many new marketing skills, surround myself with people smarter than me that could act as mentors, until one day my gut was telling me, quite loudly, that it was now or never – take the risk. Make the leap.

I left my job with no savings, but with fire in my belly, a decent client roster to pay my bills at a minimum, a solid professional network, and the willpower to make it work.

It’s now 2022, our agency is celebrating 6 years in business. We have hit 6-figures and continue to grow. We provide employment to a very talented and diverse group of people and have helped dozens of organizations reach their goals.

If I can do it, so can you. It may take time, but it’s so worth it.

Grabbing Onto the Grateful Moments

Grabbing Onto the Grateful Moments

I’ll be the first to admit that my mind tends to focus primarily on the negative things that have happened to me or are going on in the world in general. I’m sure I’m not alone in this, and it is a very easy train to get on (the admission is free).

But today, I finally find myself in a quiet space where I can exhale a little bit after a chaotic few weeks (not to mention the whole year and a half).

Luckily I got enough sleep last night so, being that it’s a Saturday, I’m getting caught up on things at my own pace, with no one blowing up my phone and the world seemingly on pause. It’s in these moments that I try very hard to reflect and grab onto the things that I am most grateful for, and to sift through the darkness to find those shining nuggets of happiness. They do exist and need to be brought to the surface, otherwise, I think we get complacent.

I’m sitting in my new office in downtown Reno. Our business is doing so well that we are fortunate enough to upgrade and moved into a dream space that will allow us to continue growing and better serve our clients. We’re celebrating over 5 years in business, and I’ve been in the business full time for nearly 4 of those 5 years. Amazing.

My bills are paid, I have a steady home we’ve lived in for years, clean water, food in the fridge (and delivery on my phone), a husband who has really been there to let me lean on him more than I’ve ever needed to, and a family that loves me (even though they occasionally drive me bonkers, lol).

If my teenage self that was suffering so much could see me now, I think he would probably break down crying with relief that it did get better. That I made it out, took the risks, and made it to the other side in one piece. That I was able to find a way to live openly, honestly, and without shame of who I authentically am. What a feat!

Make no mistake, I’ve had to fight like hell for everything I have and continue to do so, as I always feel like it could all be gone tomorrow. But to take a moment and look back at how much life has improved for me and my family personally over the last 10  years since I moved to Reno is something worth taking a moment to be grateful for. It hasn’t always been easy, but dammit I’m still standing.

Many people helped get me here, and I thank you all. Some are still with us, some have moved on from this world or lost touch with me, but I hope wherever they are, they feel my gratitude.

I’m happy to be having a good day, happy for love, friendship, empathy, comfort food, coffee, our dogs, music, and the time I have on earth to try and improve things from my own little corner of the world and just focus on being a good person seeking peace and contentedness.

Someone who I greatly admire recently admitted that he was “just a trailer park kid” in a conversation, and I just LOVED how he put the words together, and that he was so open about it. I, too, am just a trailer park kid who has worked hard and been very lucky to get to where I am.

I can only hope that I will be here for many years to pull others up behind me. Why don’t we work on that together? Imagine how much better the world would be, and happier we’d all be for it.