Why Bluesky not adding the federation systems

Cory Doctorow discusses the concept of "enshittification" in relation to social media platforms, particularly Bluesky. He expresses admiration for Bluesky's technical advancements in moderation and ranking but remains hesitant to join due to concerns about platform control and user dependency. Doctorow reflects on his past experiences with platforms that promised user-centric values but ultimately compromised their integrity under pressure from investors. He emphasizes the importance of user agency and the ability to switch platforms without significant costs, which he believes can prevent enshittification. Doctorow critiques Bluesky for lacking a federated structure that would allow users to leave easily, which he sees as essential for trust. He argues that while external capital does not inherently lead to enshittification, the leverage it provides can pressure platforms into compromising user experience. Doctorow's personal rule is to avoid platforms that do not allow easy exit, which he refers to as his "Ulysses Pact," a strategy to safeguard against future temptations to compromise his values.

- Doctorow admires Bluesky's technical work but is cautious about joining due to potential platform control.

- He highlights the risks of enshittification when platforms prioritize investor interests over user experience.

- The ability to switch platforms easily is crucial for maintaining user trust and preventing enshittification.

- Doctorow's "Ulysses Pact" serves as a personal guideline to avoid platforms that do not allow easy exit.

- He critiques Bluesky for lacking a federated structure that would enable users to leave without significant costs.