Presently, I’m taking a bit of a break from being online. I’ve spent so much time looking at things, testing features, and replying to people getting ready for Micro Social to launch that I am a bit burnt out. It’s at this point that I realise the importance of iOS Shortcuts and the great API Micro.blog has.

I’ve been making things using Shortcuts for years. Back when it was Workflow, it essentially powered my day-to-day life, including my company. The app enabled me to work from an iPad, and I was constantly digging in and improving things.

At times like this, though, when I want to be away for a while, I can still write, publish, and share everything I need to, without needing an app. Apart from Ulysses, of course. There’s no friction, no distractions, and no fuss. Of course, Micro Social doesn’t try to hack your brain for more attention, but I’d still find myself scrolling or replying to mentions. So with a few Shortcuts on my phone, I can carry on as I was and still take the break I crave.

There’s some realisation here too. I know I should have built the share sheet well in Micro Social, and no doubt it will come. However, right now, I couldn’t get where I wanted to, so I included Shortcuts by Jarrod instead. Mainly because this fits in with my usage of micro.blog, but I also understand that they can be confusing and not straightforward to make yourself.

I much prefer this extra friction between me and the web. I have no self-control! So I will always opt for great Shortcuts over more integrations, and at this point, we must acknowledge why these work so well. Without Manton building a great API for micro.blog, none of this would exist. There would be no Shortcuts and no Micro Social at all — and for this, I am truly grateful.