Listing Stuff
Knowing the difference between your starter packs to your moderation lists
Contents
26th of November 2024
Get the information showing the difference between lists, moderation lists and starter packs and what each are used for.
What are the differences between list types?
Find out what the differences between lists, moderation lists and starter packs are.
Lists
Moderation Lists
Starter Packs
There are some things you shouldn’t use lists for. Find out what they are.
What does Bluesky Moderation not allow?
An explainer in regards to using your own and others lists in your own created feeds
What is likely to happen if you do something you shouldn’t?
An explainer in regards to using your own and others lists in your own created feeds
Get advice and guides on the multiple uses for the normal lists.
This explains the differences between the 2 different list views.
Route 1 – Side menu > Lists
The route required to create a new list.
Route 2 – Profile > List tab
A public list of all your lists and moderation lists.
This explains how to create a new list.
This area contains various ways to edit lists and add new and remove pre-existing users and sharing and deleting lists.
Adding and Removing Users – Method 1
Find out what the differences between lists, moderation lists and starter packs are.
Adding and Removing Users – Method 2
Find out other ways of using the list types.
A quick refresher on accessing menu options and what options show on lists, these are also the same for Moderation Lists.
Your own Lists Menu Options
Find out what options exist on your own lists.
Other users Lists Menu Options
Find out what options exist on other users lists.
An explainer on how to use the list as a feed.
An explainer on how to use the list as a posts interaction option to restrict replies to a specific group of individuals.
An explainer on how to use the list as a posts interaction option to restrict replies to a specific group of individuals.
Using lists in your own created feeds
An explainer in regards to using your own and others lists in your own created feeds
Get the information showing the difference between lists, moderation lists and starter packs and what each are used for.
A guide showing you how to access the moderation lists area.
A guide in creating a moderation list for yourself and/or others.
Creating a new Moderation List
Find out how to make a moderation list.
Making edits to your own Moderation List
Find out how to make edits to your Moderation Lists.
Get the information showing the difference between lists, moderation lists and starter packs and what each are used for.
An guide showing you where to find the Starter Packs tab.
Information about the 2 changed looks of the Starter Packs tab based on your first one and any after that.
First Starter Pack
What it looks like when you’re about to make your first starter pack and what the buttons do.
Any additional starter pack
What it looks like when you’re about to make additional starter packs.
A very detailed guide in Starter Pack creation and getting back to the sharing area if you need to
Information about the menu options available from your own and other users Starter Packs
Menu options on your own Starter Packs
What options are available on Starter Packs?
Menu options on other users Starter Packs
What options are available on Starter Packs?
Find out how you report lists and starter pack to Bluesky Moderation Service.
Find out how to report lists and moderation lists to the Bluesky Moderation Service.
Report to Bluesky Moderation Service.
Select the infraction that the user has made with their list or starter pack.
Provide information why the list or starter pack is being reported.
A list of moderation lists used to Mute or Block individuals.
Might be worth using if you’re wanting your sanity back.
Introduction
Oh… Hello!
You caught me going back and forth between articles like an crazy person.
It’s not a bad thing as it means more helpful things for you.
Lets cover Lists, Moderation Lists and Starters Packs in this article.
You’ll be provided with descriptions of difference and possible uses of each, including limitations at the time of writing.
Are you ready to learn some things?
That’s a yes… It is?
Awesome stuff…
I have covered very briefly, about the Moderation Lists in the Bluesky for EXiters – Settings – Moderation Lists but I’m going to expand further in this article. The link above will take you to the section of article, showing how to access the settings area for Moderation Lists should you need it.
Before I continue, I’m just going to ask if you could consider buying me a coffee. You can do that on the link below.
Buy Mike Jay a coffee through his Amicite account on Ko-Fi.
Now let’s talk lists, moderation lists and starter packs.
As always, there’s a contents menu… It’s somewhere around here… with quick links to specific sections on this article, which will take you straight to that point. And it’s been redesigned.
You can even right click on the links and Copy link address and when you share them, it’ll take those clicking on it… directly to that section.
I also added a Google Translate function to the site. If you need to view the page in any other language, you can now do so. I hope it’s helpful.
Let’s continue. Shall we?
The Basics
More stuff you need to know
What are the differences between list types?
Lists
Lists are often used to compile a list of users that the creator believes to be of interest for various reasons.
These often tend to be positive reasons and it’s rare to be added to a negatively named list.
Lists have a few uses which include:
- Just being used as a list which is great if you’re wanting to keep an eye on your besties.
- Using the list as a feed, which can be shared with others and can be pinned to your home screen.
- Using the list as a defined choice for who can reply to your post(s) in the interaction settings.
- Using the list in the creation of a feed, so the users within it can be filtered alongside other action such as checking for words, tags, emojis and content type.
Lists are versatile and don’t seem to have any forms of limitations.
Everyone can make these. Just don’t be one of the nasty people.
Moderation Lists
Moderation lists have 2 main functions and an alternative use.
These types of lists tend to have negative reasons behind them but are used to protect yourself and other platform users.
The 2 reasons for these lists is to mute or block the users on it, en masse, by subscribing to it.
Another use, just like the normal lists, is that can be used in the creation of a feed but to filter out and remove visibility of the negative individuals within the list.
Moderation lists don’t seem to have a limit on the number that can be added to it. However, its function is to allow users to mute or block users in the list, with 2 presses.
Everyone can make these. However, the system for this, is open to complaints to Bluesky. If you’re added to a negative list, report it. If you can not because they blocked you, have someone else report it on your behalf or report the user directly and provide a link to the infringing moderation list in the report.
Starter Packs
Starter Packs are actually a list but it has only 1 function.
These are used to help anyone including all the new users on Bluesky, follow all users within the pack should they want to.
All starter packs are user curated and can have up to 150 users in them. Which has one button, Follow All.
The reason this is helpful is because those creating Starter Packs can bundle groups of users together based on interest, career, hobbies and many more.
Starter Packs cannot be used for any other purpose.
What not to do with any list types
What does Bluesky Moderation not allow?
It’s quite simple. Bluesky Moderation have a habit of holding no prisoners.
This from observations of list removal actions.
Any list names that seek to incorrectly label any individual platform user might be considered libellous and this doesn’t include all items within the community guidelines…
This is what EVERYONE agreed to when signing up to Bluesky.
These include the following:
2. Treat others with respect. For example, no:
- Harassment or abuse directed at a specific person or group, including but not limited to, sexual harassment and gender identity-based harassment
- Promoting hate or extremist conduct that targets people or groups based on their race, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, or sexual orientation
- Threats of violence or physical harm, or content that encourages, promotes, or glorifies violence against people, groups, or animals
- Encouraging self-harm or suicide
- Depictions of excessive violence, gore, torture, dismemberment, or non-consensual sexual activity
- Misleading impersonation of other individuals, organizations, or entities
If you failed to even bother looking…
Bluesky Community Guidelines
What is likely to happen if you do something you shouldn't?
I’ve seen a couple of actions as a result. These included list removal and account suspension for those continuing to repeat these actions.
“Bluesky Social will decide when and how to enforce these Community Guidelines, and if we find a violation of the Guidelines will take enforcement action, which may include restricting a user’s ability to use Bluesky Social. If your report relies on or relates to conduct that happened outside of Bluesky, please provide links, context, or any relevant evidence in the details section of your report, so our moderation team can take these factors into consideration”
– Bluesky Community Guidelines
Lists
Just call me Dave Lister
Finding The List screens
Route 1 - Side Menu > Lists
This alternative page for your lists comes with a + New button to allow you to create a new list for whatever reason you need to.
To get to it:
Side menu > Lists
If you’ve done this correctly, you’ll see the User Lists screen, as shown above, this is the place to create new lists.
You can also select each of the lists to view a feed to recent posts of those you added to it or press the About tab to add more people to it or view existing ones.
Route 2 - Profile > List tab
The Profile List tab will display and list, both your lists and moderation lists giving you quick access to them should it be required.
This list of lists is public across Bluesky and all users (except for those blocked) can see these. It can be beneficial for quickly adding users to lists if you need to.
To get to this:
Profile Icon (bottom bar) > Lists tab
or
Side menu > Profile picture (at the top) > Lists tab
or
Side menu > Profile > Lists tab
Making a new list
Video showing how to make a new list
Take Route 1 – Side Menu > Lists above to get to the User Lists screen.
From here, press the + New button in the top right corner.
You’ll now see the New User List screen.
On this screen make sure in give your new list a List Name (at a minimum), a Description is helpful, so consider adding one.
If you want to, you can add a List Avatar too.
Now, press Save.
Your newly created list will appear but you still need to add users.
Press the About tab and then press Add in this section.
You’ll see a search bar. Use this to search for the users you want to add to your list.
Once you find someone press the Add button to the right of their Display Name and @ handle.
Once you’ve finished adding everyone you want to the newly created list, press Done at the bottom of this user search screen.
Congratulations! You made a list!
Editing an existing list
Adding & removing users - Method 1
This method works on an individual, user by user basis.
It allows for adding or removing a single user to or from multiple lists.
It’s important to know the ways to add and remove users from your lists, especially if there is a decline in interest or things keep piling into disputes.
Go to the individual users profile and press on the Ellipsis (3 dots, top right).
Then press Add to Lists.
You’ll see a list of available Lists and Moderation Lists. You can use the Add and Remove buttons to the right of each lists name to change this.
Once you’re finished, press Done at the bottom of the screen.
The quickest way to get to this:
Any users Profile > Ellipsis (3 dots, top right) > Add to Lists
Longer Routes that seem to be very unnecessary:
Profile Icon (bottom bar) > Lists tab > Select the list you want to add users to and remove users from > About tab > Edit button (to the right of the user)
or
Side menu > Profile picture (at the top) > Lists tab > Select the list you want to add users to and remove users from > About tab > Edit button (to the right of the user)
or
Side menu > Profile > Lists tab > Select the list you want to add users to and remove users from > About tab > Edit button (to the right of the user)
or
Side menu > Lists > Select the list you want to add users to and remove users from > About tab > Edit button (to the right of the user)
Adding & Removing Users - Method 2
This method works on a list by list basis.
It allows for adding or removing multiple users from a single list.
Using either Route 1 or Route 2 from the Finding the Feeds Screens section above, select a List you want to Add or Remove one or multiple users from.
Once on the available lists view, select a list to edit the users for.
Press the About tab.
If you want to add users press the Add link and use the provided search bar to Add or Remove those you have searched, using the button to the right of their Display Name and @ Handle and press Done at the bottom of the screen.
To get to this:
Profile Icon (bottom bar) > Lists tab > Select the list you want to add users to and remove users from
or
Side menu > Profile picture (at the top) > Lists tab > Select the list you want to add users to and remove users from
or
Side menu > Profile > Lists tab > Select the list you want to add users to and remove users from
or
Side menu > Lists > Select the list you want to add users to and remove users from
Menu Options on single List views
If looking at a list, remember… To access the menu options for the available options, always press the Ellipsis (3 dots).
These options are identical to those you find on Moderation Lists.
Your Own Lists Menu Options
When this menu appears you have the following options:
Share (on Android and iOS) / Copy link to list (Web browser)
Will allow you to share the link to the list.
Edit list details
Brings up the List Details screen to be able to edit the list image, its name and the description.
Delete List
Deletes the List.
Other USERS Lists Menu Options
When this menu appears you have the following options:
Share (on Android and iOS) / Copy link to list (Web browser)
Will allow you to share the link to the list.
Report List
Report the List, this is explained further down this article.
Using any list as a feed
Video showing how to use lists as a feed
So… You’ve been looking at the lists of others or you’ve created a list of all your favourite people on Bluesky. And now you’re wondering what the purpose of the lists are…
Well, one of the possibilities is to use the list as a feed.
Go to any list you want to use as a feed, in the top right corner is a Pin to Home button.
Press it. If you want to check that it has pinned to the home screen, press the Home icon in the bottom bar and scroll/slide the feeds top bar left or right until you find it.
This can be beneficial to do, you can use your new list as a feed to keep up to date with all your favourite peoples.
However, if you ever want to remove the list from your feeds top bar, go back to the list and press Unpin.
Please note: Moderation Lists cannot be used in this way because of them being set up to Mute or Block groups of individuals, see the Bluesky for EXiters – You’re Setting Me Up? – Moderation Lists should you want to see the original section on this.
This section of information can also be found on the Bluesky For EXiters – Feeding Yourself – Using Lists as Feeds
Referring to the Bluesky for EXiters – Feeding Yourself – Pinned and Saved Feed Management, you can unpin it and keep it in the My Saved Feeds section, or remove it completely from there.
Using your Lists as a posts interaction option
So…
If you didn’t know, you can use the list you’ve created as a way of limiting those who can reply to your posts.
The users in the list or lists that you select from the options, will be the only ones allowed to reply to you on that post.
I know, it’s crazy.
To do this:
Start by creating a new post and typing what your want.
At the bottom of this post composer screen press that Anybody can interact button.
The Post Interaction settings will appear with your lists at the bottom, indicated by Users in “(name of list)”.
Select one of multiple of these created lists options to whitelist those that you’re giving permission to reply to your post.
Rather simple. 😁
Other uses for lists - Using lists in your own created feeds
One other use for lists is in the users creation of a custom feed.
Lists give users the opportunity to create an updatable list of users to apply to a feed, this alongside specific Regex filtering of words, hashtags, emojis and specific media types.
Keep this in mind, I’ll be working on an Advanced article containing instructions on creating custom feeds at a later date.
Moderation Lists
I really don't like all of you that i disagree with
Finding the Moderation Lists area
Video showing how to get to the moderation lists screen
To get to the Moderation Lists screen:
- Open the side menu (not needed on the Bluesky website).
- Press Settings.
- Then press Moderation.
- Finally, press Moderation Lists.
You’ll see the Moderation Lists screen, this looks identical to the User Lists screen (as shown in Finding the List screens – Route 1 above but it serves a different purpose.
This screen shows you, your own created moderations lists and the moderation lists made by others that you have subscribed to.
You can press on any of the other user created moderation lists to unsubscribe (should you want to), share it or report it from the ellipsis (3 dots) in the top right.
With your own moderation lists, the ellipsis will also allow you to Edit List Details should you need to make changes to its Display Name, Description and its List Image.
Creating a new Moderation List
Video showing how to make a new moderation list
From the Moderation Lists screen, press the + New button in the top right corner.
You’ll now see the New Moderation List screen.
On this screen make sure in give your new list a List Name (at a minimum), a Description is helpful, so consider adding one.
If you want to, you can add a List Avatar too.
Now, press Save.
Your newly created list will appear but you still need to add users.
Press Add in this section.
You’ll see a search bar. Use this to search for the users you want to add to your moderation list.
Once you find someone, press the Add button to the right of their Display Name and @ handle.
Add as many people as you want.
Once you’ve finished adding everyone you want to the newly created Moderation List, press Done at the bottom of this user search screen.
Congratulations! You made a Moderation List!
Making edits to your own Moderation List
To add users to and remove users from your Moderation Lists, you can follow the instructions found in:
Editing an existing list (this article).
If you wish to Edit the lists description, share or delete your moderation list. Go to the lists page and follow the instructions given in:
Menu Options on single List views – Your Own Lists Menu Options (this article).
Starter Packs
I am a list. I just have one function. Follow me.
Finding the starter packs tab
So… Contemplating making a Starter Pack are you?
Okay, sounds awesome. To get to the area you need, you only have to follow any of these:
Profile Icon (bottom bar) > Starter Packs tab
or
Side menu > Profile picture (at the top) > Starter Packs tab
or
Side menu > Profile > Starter Packs tab
Varied Starter pack tab looks
First Starter Pack
Ah, so it’s your first time is it? 🤪
You get given 2 choices.
Make one for me – After testing, it seems as if it auto creates a starter pack of about 20-30 user who are well known, already high numbers of followers, from your own follows and automatically sets it up for you.
Create – Have more control over your Starter Pack.
Any additional starter pack
Looking at creating additional Starter Packs?
It’s simple… Press Create another +
Creating a starter pack
Before we start with the guide on how to create a starter pack. I’m going to quickly go through the limitations of this list type and bonuses.
This list type is specifically made for new and current users to follow all of those within it.
The limitations of this list types is that it is a reduced list format. This means that you can only add 150 users to the list (149 others and you, the starter pack creator). Also, because of this, this list type cannot be used as a feed on your home feed screen.
The bonus of starter packs is because they’re user curated, you’ll find different packs from users in different professions, sectors, interests/hobbies and groups. Meaning you can find “your people” and instantly follow a group containing most of those you know or have followed elsewhere.
Other things you need to know:
- You have to have a minimum of 8 users on your Starter Pack. 1 can be yourself.
- You cannot have more than 150 users on your Starter Pack.
- You can remove yourself from the Starter Pack. And, add yourself to it again if you change your mind.
- You can optionally add 3 Feeds to your Starter Pack.
Video showing how to make a Starter Pack
Let’s go through creating a Starter Pack….
Firstly, make sure you have pressed Create, if it’s your first time. Or Create another + for any time after your first.
Now, Give your Starter Pack a name and a description. Once you’ve done this, press Next.
The Choose People screen will follow. Use the search bar to find those you want to add to the Starter Pack and tick the box to the right of their Display Name and @ Handle. Once you think you’ve added those you want to, press Next.
Next, the Choose Feeds screen. Here you can add 3 feeds to include This is completely optional, if you do not want to add any feeds to your Starter Pack, press Skip.
However, if you have a feed, or 2, or 3, in mind, then use the included search bar to find those feed(s) and press the tick box to the right of their Display name and feed creator details.
Once you’ve added the feeds you want to include, press Finish.
You’ll see your newly created Starter Pack appear, at this point a popup card will appear giving you the choice to Share your Starter Pack.
The options given:
- Share link – Copy the given link and share it with others.
- Share QR Code – Send the QR Code to other to scan.
- Save Image – Save the image of the starter pack, to be used for various reason. I would personally add the image to my website and have it link to the Starter Pack.
Sharing the Starter Pack is also optional but it might be useful for getting other potential users to join Bluesky.
If you want to see this Sharing card for your Starter Packs again, go to the Starter Pack you want to share and press the Share button in the top right corner.
Starter pack Menu options
If looking at a Starter Pack, remember… To access the menu options for the available options, always press the Ellipsis (3 dots).
Menu options on your own Starter Packs
The following options are available for your own Starter Packs:
- Edit – Go back through the process used to create a starter pack to edit and change anything you want to on it.
- Delete – Delete your Starter Pack.
Menu options on other users Starter Packs
The following options are available for other users Starter Packs:
- Share link – Copy the link to this Starter Pack.
- Report – Report the Starter Pack.
Advice: If you don’t want to be on a Starter Pack, try contacting the user that added you and ask them to remove you, politely.
Reporting Lists and Starter Packs
Look... People can be A**holes, i'm making sure you know
Reporting Posts, Replies and Profiles
Reporting Lists and Moderation Lists
To report any List or Moderation List, go to the list you wish to report and press the Ellipsis (3 dots) in the top right corner. Then press Report List.
Continue to Step 1 below.
Reporting Starter Packs
To report any Starter Pack, go to the starter pack you wish to report and press the Ellipsis (3 dots) in the top right corner. Then press Report starter pack.
Continue to Step 1 below.
Step 1 - Selecting a Moderator
Both actions above will ask you to Select moderator
Press on Bluesky Moderation Service
Step 2 - Reporting the List/Starter Pack
The next screen is the report this screen with a list of choices.
Select the option you need.
If it’s not listed here, select other.
Step 3 - Writing your Report
Now, enter any optional or relevant information/reasoning about why you’re making the report.
Then press Send Report.
There you go. Simples.
Moderation List Library
Are Reform Ltd, Tories, MAGAts, Republicans and nobodies pissing you off? THere are lists, just to block all of this.
Moderation Lists by The Brexit Blocklist
Moderation Lists by Ina
Moderation Lists by Shihab s joi
Moderation Lists by Spriter Gors
Outro
I think i've finished!
And that’s it for lists, moderation lists, starter packs, reporting them, the menu options within them and whether I deserve a coffee…
Do I? Fancy buying me my next one?
Buy Mike Jay a coffee through his Amicite account on Ko-Fi
And I’ll leave it at that.
Thanks for sticking around and reading this. It’s been fun. 👋🏻😅
