There has been a lot of discussion in the last few months about Warpcast's feed algorithm and calls for a return to a reverse chronological feed. When a social app introduces an algorithm, it shifts from being a social network, where you make genuine connections, to social media, where you find great content. You think you want a social network, but you probably want social media.
So, what about the Warpcast algorithm? Well, it is important to note that it is constantly changing, but it's pretty dialed in right now and very algorithmic. At times, it can feel TikTok-y, making you feel like you're missing content from your friends or leaving you wondering what the point of following someone even is. It can produce that minor anxiety when it feels like SO MUCH IS GOING ON today. But it's also absolutely fantastic. Show up to Warpcast, and you have interesting content. Refresh, and you have an endless supply of interesting content. You can also discover new people and new things pretty readily. While I've always appreciated the constant iteration the Warpcast team has done with the home feed, I have a newfound appreciation for the algorithm after recently switching to a reverse chronological feed client.
Supercast is an incredible Farcaster client. It's $10/month, and I personally think of it as a client for work. It has scheduled casts, multiple accounts, and allows you to make lists of casters you want to see. Founder Woj ship, ship, SHIPS, and I highly recommend checking out this client if you need a little bit more from Farcaster than Warpcast can provide.
What it also provides is a reverse chronological feed.
My initial response to the reverse chron feed was, "OMG, THIS IS GREAT." I could see the people and channels I follow. I could catch every cast one of my friends made. But very quickly, I settled into... "Wow, this is boring!" There can be minutes between casts. Habitually refreshing the page did not show me anything new. I found myself wanting to check in on Farcaster less. In some ways, it's a masterclass in the Slow Web.
The "Slow Web" prioritizes mindful consumption, quality over quantity, reduction in digital noise, slower, more deliberate communications, and embracing offline time. It sounds great! Who can argue with that? But wait until you actually try it. It's very boring. If you embrace being hyperconnected, being inspired by what others are doing, and discovering new things, the Slow Web feels like a huge step backward. Like literally, it feels like stepping back in time when the internet was less useful.
It turns out, I (and probably you, dear reader) really love the algorithm. Give me the TikTok memes, show me reels I didn't know existed about topics I'm interested in, and show me the best casts on the network. For people who are demanding a reverse chron feed, give Supercast a try and decide if that is the Internet you really want.
I'm currently using Warpcast as my main have-fun-social-media app and Supercast as way to use Farcaster for work and follow things I don't want to miss.
Slow Internet is great but becomes boring.
Using both seems best.
