It became the only reliable source of information I had. People posted links with a minimal amount of commentary, picking and choosing the best content from other social media networks. They’re not doing it to “build a brand” because that’s not a thing in the Fediverse. It’s too disjointed to be a place to build a newsletter subscription base.
One of my policies to make this place less insufferable, is to block people who behave in ways that I object to.
For example if somebody shows up in a Windows thread, and just types in “Linux!” I’m blocking that person. Add something germane or novel or fuck right the fuck off, that’s my attitude.