I'm similarly shadowbanned on instagram ... no doubt due to the revulsion for genocide expressed in my stories (and quite a number of my posts). At one time I had 50,000 followers which dropped to the low forties in November 2023 and have gradually crept up again...but which Meta never seems to allow to get back up to the original.
I suppose I should consider myself lucky to get back to 49.5K. My posts tend only to be viewed by people who are my actual friends, and like you, I'm scratching to balance the books.
All of which is nothing compared to the nightmare lived daily by Palestinians, who have every right to resist their occupiers (a brutal, brainwashed nation now beyond redemption).
I consider that I am in a holding pattern and if I can just keep feeding us and paying the mortgage it is a win at the moment. It is vitally important that stuff is kept visible, and every tactic available is being used to suppress us all, from changes to Instagram's algorithm to kidnapping university professors and making all references to them disappear from websites. Tech is a huge part of this fight, and I hope people realise that fighting back online, archiving and keeping things visible, while a lesser part of resistance, is still one of the many jigsaw pieces we have.
Beautifully written Johanna. I cherish my beautiful sheets and table linens I have gotten from you. Even as I stand at the ironing board smoothing them out. I know my reward will be that night when I slip into bed and the cool, silky linen settles into a cloud. I can’t think of a better feeling.
Another beauty Hanna. Thank you :)) Like you...I know it's only a handful who see my insta posts - best use it as an archive, but here on this platform, I think we have real engagement. X
Thanks Mickey! Yeah I think we are all over Instagram’s evil attempts to manipulate our minds, and I also think that people are craving less things to look at and more stuff to think about. Which is pure gold for writers!
If I wasn't unemployed, I'd be buying your textiles; they are glorious.
I'm another who 'likes' your posts, and when I see one I also check that I haven't missed any. I don't know if it makes any difference, but I also have it set to notify me every time you post. I don't look at Instagram much any more, but when I do, there's usually a post from you in my feed.
I probably find about one or two handwoven very fine linen sheets a year. I have a beautiful sheet which will go up today if I can get to it, or tomorrow :)
Better late than never - I do LIKE/LOVE your newsletter, and admire your work - namely all of it 🙏. Since when did writers of the truth have an easy time?
Now I think I understand too why one of my grandmother’s sheets is so heavy ! But t’s a joy to sleep under and the floral embroidery is lovely 😍
Love these deep dives into these textiles and loved your footnote about instagram. I’ve been avoiding the Meta apps but your point about sticking around on there and sticking it to the tech bros has got me thinking about how to get back on there with an intention and purpose. Just drove through Brisbane past all of Clive Palmer’s horrifying election billboards. Might be the time to get active and vocal on meta again 💪🏼
I'm similarly shadowbanned on instagram ... no doubt due to the revulsion for genocide expressed in my stories (and quite a number of my posts). At one time I had 50,000 followers which dropped to the low forties in November 2023 and have gradually crept up again...but which Meta never seems to allow to get back up to the original.
I suppose I should consider myself lucky to get back to 49.5K. My posts tend only to be viewed by people who are my actual friends, and like you, I'm scratching to balance the books.
All of which is nothing compared to the nightmare lived daily by Palestinians, who have every right to resist their occupiers (a brutal, brainwashed nation now beyond redemption).
I consider that I am in a holding pattern and if I can just keep feeding us and paying the mortgage it is a win at the moment. It is vitally important that stuff is kept visible, and every tactic available is being used to suppress us all, from changes to Instagram's algorithm to kidnapping university professors and making all references to them disappear from websites. Tech is a huge part of this fight, and I hope people realise that fighting back online, archiving and keeping things visible, while a lesser part of resistance, is still one of the many jigsaw pieces we have.
Beautifully written Johanna. I cherish my beautiful sheets and table linens I have gotten from you. Even as I stand at the ironing board smoothing them out. I know my reward will be that night when I slip into bed and the cool, silky linen settles into a cloud. I can’t think of a better feeling.
They really do make your night don't they!
I’m one of the few you can rely on to like and tap share & save on every post. I too am heavily restricted and am carrying on regardless.
Thank you Johanna for this insight into the linen good grief I need new old linen pillowcases now too.
Onwards ever onwards. ✌🏻
I see and appreciate you! But you will have to make the new old pillowcases yourself...or they will be €400 a pair :D!!!
Another beauty Hanna. Thank you :)) Like you...I know it's only a handful who see my insta posts - best use it as an archive, but here on this platform, I think we have real engagement. X
Thanks Mickey! Yeah I think we are all over Instagram’s evil attempts to manipulate our minds, and I also think that people are craving less things to look at and more stuff to think about. Which is pure gold for writers!
If I wasn't unemployed, I'd be buying your textiles; they are glorious.
I'm another who 'likes' your posts, and when I see one I also check that I haven't missed any. I don't know if it makes any difference, but I also have it set to notify me every time you post. I don't look at Instagram much any more, but when I do, there's usually a post from you in my feed.
Thank you - testimony to what I keep nagging about - interacting with posts keeps the posters visible.
As always - so fascinating! (But now I’d love a couple of these amazing sheets!)
I probably find about one or two handwoven very fine linen sheets a year. I have a beautiful sheet which will go up today if I can get to it, or tomorrow :)
I do Like & often comment. I hope this is getting through and is helpful to you . Thank you as always for what you do 💝
Better late than never - I do LIKE/LOVE your newsletter, and admire your work - namely all of it 🙏. Since when did writers of the truth have an easy time?
Now I think I understand too why one of my grandmother’s sheets is so heavy ! But t’s a joy to sleep under and the floral embroidery is lovely 😍
Love these deep dives into these textiles and loved your footnote about instagram. I’ve been avoiding the Meta apps but your point about sticking around on there and sticking it to the tech bros has got me thinking about how to get back on there with an intention and purpose. Just drove through Brisbane past all of Clive Palmer’s horrifying election billboards. Might be the time to get active and vocal on meta again 💪🏼