Grab your cuppa and get ready for a behind‐the-scenes look at the latest community shake-up! Emma Cossey dives into the messy world of social media—with a healthy dash of head versus heart debate. Find out why Facebook’s current antics have her pondering a move to Discord (and yes, there’s even talk of a book chat and video rooms)! It’s a candid romp through the trials of balancing business and values in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Listen to the podcast episode below, watch it on Youtube, or scroll down for the summary!
The Future of My Community
Timestamps: 0:00 Intro Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmacossey Follow me on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/emmacossey.bsky.social Email: [hello@emmacossey.com](mailto:hello@emmacossey.com) Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/freelancelifestyle/ Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership: https://freelancelifestyle.co.uk/
Prefer to read it? Here are the main points!
Welcome back to another behind‐the-scenes dive into the ever‐changing world of online communities. In today’s post, I’m sharing my latest thoughts on Facebook, Discord, and everything in between. As someone who’s been juggling the dual roles of building a vibrant community and staying true to my values, I’ve found myself caught in a head versus heart conundrum that many of you might relate to. Grab your cuppa and settle in for a candid chat about why I’m contemplating a shift—and how we can navigate these tricky social media waters together.
The Dilemma: Facebook or Something Else?
Lately, I’ve been feeling increasingly uncomfortable with Facebook’s current direction. With some of their guidelines causing serious concern, particularly around sensitive issues and certain community groups, it’s hard not to feel a bit disillusioned. Even though Facebook is a major driver for my business—accounting for 50-60% of my client connections—it’s become clear that my values no longer align comfortably with what the platform represents today.
Exploring Alternatives
With the Facebook dilemma in full swing, I’ve been looking at alternative platforms that might better suit a safe, engaging community. Here’s a quick run-down of my thought process:
- Discord: A promising candidate offering voice, video, and text channels, much like Slack. Although it’s been used for my son’s play space, it also provides an excellent environment for more controlled and interactive community chats. However, I’m a tad wary of overwhelming those who are used to the familiarity of Facebook.
- Other Platforms: I also explored options like Skool and Circle. While both offer great features—ranging from interactive incentives to customisable channels—the price point and the need for an extra app can be a hurdle for those just starting out in freelancing.
- Hybrid Approach: After weighing up all the options and even discussing with creative minds like Laura Summers (who does all my Reels), the solution seemed to be a hybrid one. I’m keeping the Facebook group for those who aren’t quite ready to make the leap, while also setting up a Discord space for anyone looking for a fresh start away from Facebook’s current vibe.
Why This Matters
At the heart of the matter, it’s about balancing business needs with staying true to my values. It’s a constant struggle to manage a growing community in an environment that sometimes feels like it’s at odds with what I believe in. More than ever, I want to ensure that our community remains a safe, inclusive, and dynamic space where everyone—be it for co-working, casual banter, or even a spot of book chat—feels welcome.
Call to Action
So, what do you think? Are you ready to explore new digital territories with us, or are you a staunch Facebook loyalist? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this hybrid approach. Drop a comment below, join the conversation in our Facebook group, or if you’re up for a change, hop onto our new Discord channel. Let’s chat, share experiences, and shape a community that truly works for all of us.
Hope you have a cracking freelance week ahead, and thanks for being part of this ever-evolving journey!
Here’s the link to the Freelance Lifestylers New Discord Community!
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Email: hello@emmacossey.com
Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group
Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.
