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.
We're back with the 9th edition of our weekly digest, highlighting a few hand-selected pieces of writing over the past month or so. This week's collection features a few posts from /firstdraft (hosted by @mark) — an amazing program for writers, especially if you're looking to turn writing into a habit. If you're interested in joining the next cohort, fill out this form: https://app.deform.cc/form/54c88963-72a9-41a7-b076-c01913d480f6 Now onto this week's picks!
@mazmhussain shares his unexpected journey into using Farcaster and his early reflections. Initially skeptical, he quickly grew to appreciate Farcaster's community, ease of use, and the financial rewards from participating, ultimately finding it a refreshing alternative to "the informational chaos that Twitter has devolved into today". https://paragraph.xyz/@unmediatedthoughts/a-view-from-farcaster-afield
@ted writes a love letter for handwritten letters. She shares her experience stumbling across a treasure chest of 400 handwritten letters on the internet, then her journey through her own 400 letter project. "When I was sixteen, I was in love with reading. Reading always inspired me to write — pen to paper — and writing always inspired me to love." https://paragraph.xyz/@ted/love-letters
@miawintam writes about a goldfish pond that formed under a leaky fire hydrant in Bed-Stuy. The pond has become an indispensable, vibrant community gathering point, serving as an example of the emergent urbanism needed to adapt in dynamic, complex urban environments. https://paragraph.xyz/@miawintam.eth/bed-stuy-acquarium-emergent-urbanism
@ccarella.eth shares thoughts on the pros and cons of algorithm-driven feeds compared to reverse chronological feeds, and how our preferences may shift over time or as a platform grows. "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." https://paragraph.xyz/@ccarella/the-warpcast-algorithm
My thoughts on the Warpcast Algorithm.
Nice thoughtful quick read Chris, I actually use the two clients in a very similar, embrace algo "curation" but also the "slow web" as you so succinctly put it 😁 On a side note I've never used tik-tok so couldn't relate to that point in the article. 😂
Thing I got to try reverse chronological order algo now! Thanks for the write up
def using both has improved my experience
It's the only reason I'm here We invest on tokens and get reward We support our friends to grow up We can latest news and amazing content But in the before paragraph you felt bored for a while. Warpcast created this feeling for you? But it was the same all time
using the reverse chronology feed was boring.
Amm. Get it. Yeah sometimes it's boring
The only reason i like to join to supercast cast But i heard it's just on web. Most of people use mobile app. 🤷
There is a good mobile web app but yea I hear you.
discovering new ppl and new things rapidly 🎯 my feed here looks nothing like on my other social apps and i love that, constantly learning, constantly meeting new ppl, constantly being shown interesting things to try
It is in the last few days that I am hearing more and more about supercast. I still haven't decided for myself if I should use it. I can do deferred posting via wildcard, but I really have a problem with structuring the content, and I often skip things I don't want to skip, because there are so many people here, and I can just forget that someone is working on something or something.
it was a good read ccarella i didn’t get the part when you said ‘’reverse chronological feed’’ on supercast. what does that mean please? i’m thinking of subscribing for the supercast, as it seems to have more benefits and you said you use that more for work related stuff.
Warpcast's latest algorithm sparks discussions about social networks versus social media. @ccarella.eth explores the tension between exciting, algorithm-driven feeds and the understated charm of reverse chronological feeds, highlighting the benefits of each approach for engaging content.
hey that's a pretty good summary Mr bot.