I have never set out to solicit followers on Mastodon, but here's the thing:
Given all of the unpleasantness that seems to be floating around at the moment, I may have to take some time out from following and posting to the hashtags and groups listed below.
So if you know me and enjoy chatting to me online, and don't already follow me, you may wish to consider doing so. If I recognise you, I'll follow you back (if I'm not already following you).
OK, I'm a little reluctant to do this, but as you have shared my comment without context, this is what your post was in response to:
"@sal Well, I do seem to have rattled your cage.
I take no great pleasure from that.
I would reiterate that this has nothing to do with ableism or the pros and cons of mask wearing.
Rather it is about you focusing your hatred on one individual to the extent that you follow him around the fediverse harassing, persecuting and bad-mouthing him. That is not acceptable.
Realistically, I did not anticipate a positive reaction from you. But I have held back for a long time and felt it was time to say something.
In all likelihood I will now become the object of your hatred. I thought about that before I posted and decided I didn't care. I will read your posts until I get tired of them, then I will block you.
I really hope you get the help you need."
I have attached a screenshot showing some of the responses from Sal.
@ratcatcher@sal@actuallyautistic@ratcatcher@ellenor2000 The suicide suggestions are enough for me. I know who I'm blocking. @sal I thought you were better than this. Disgusting. @ratcatcher let me know if you need anything, and take whatever measures you need to keep yourself safe from this disgusting and threatening behavior.
@ratcatcher@sal@actuallyautistic@ratcatcher@ellenor2000@sal I recommend others block and report, as well. Our community has zero room for death threats and suicide suggestions. We are already more vulnerable to suicide than other groups to start with, without people saying things like this to us.