Using Deck.Blue

If you remember that great web application called tweetdeck which allowed you to follow a #hashtag conversation even if you don't follow all of the people taking part? Well there is a version for BlueSky so you can now follow #BlindDrams or the appropriate Steve Rush' Tweet Tasting e.g. #GlasgowDistillery

Some simple steps allow you to set it up. It's better on a computer or tablet with a large screen but will work on a phone.

In your browser go to deck.blue and you'll get a window similar to the one below:

The first time you use it to need to login to you BlueSky account using a special App Password - not your normal BlueSky password. To generate this enter you BlueSky username and click on the ? in the App Password field.

This will take you into BlueSky:

Click on the "+ Add App Password" button

Enter a unique name and press "Next >", this will generate an App Password for you:

Press the Copy icon and then the Done button.

Move back to deck.blue and paste in the new App Password then press Login:

You'll then be logged into deck.blue! You shouldn't have to repeat the steps above again.

Yours may look slightly different but basically there is:

• a menu column,
• a column showing your normal BlueSky feed
• a column showing your notifications feed

Don't worry if yours doesn't look exactly the same!

The clever thing about deck.blue is that the columns scroll down automatically as new posts appear - this allows you to follow the conversation without having to continually refresh!

Click on the magnifying glass (Search) at the top of the menu column, a small box will pop up. Enter the hashtag you want to follow e.g. #BlindDrams and press enter.

You'll see an example of the posts, click on the + Add Column button at the bottom right.

You'll get a preview - Click the +Add Column button, then close the Search box. You will then have a new column which will automatically follow every post which has that hashtag enabling you to join in and follow the conversation!

Click on the settings Gear a the top of your new column, edit the settings as required but the main on to change is the Refresh time at the bottom: change this to 15s or 30s for live tastings.

You can use the + icon (at the top of the menu column) to add your own post or the comment button at the bottom of each individual post to reply.

Just don't forget to add the hashtag to your post so that everyone else can see it!