John L

Content Warnings: -
The Fediverse isn't keen on politics posts.
We need to understand that the etiquette here is to "hide" such posts behind CWs for the majority of folk here.
You can set your profile to auto show these so it won't affect you and keeps the place safe for those who don't want to see any of it.

Also use your hashtags folks! This place works on hashtags.

#TwitterMigration
#ContentWarningsRock
#hashtags
#FediTips

Nov 10, 2022 at 8:52amWeb
Show threadCardboard RobotNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto I’m fine with whatever the Fediverse has set for its aim. I’m just a guest like I was on twitter (though obviously different as monetized there) I’m curious though about muting politics in particular as a platform philosophy. Do you know the idea behind that? Just curious (and keenly interested in US politics at the moment.) Thanks.
Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@CardboardRobot Politics can be divisive, and this platform aims to be the polar opposite of that.
There are many other topics that should go behind CWs, it's just that many people joining from Twitter used that platform to vent. That won't go down well here.
Show threadCardboard RobotNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto Well, even Star Wars is divisive these days, so not sure how that line is drawn or how to keep the world from lapping onto the shores here. But liking it better here than twitter right now, and definitely digging the vibe and friendly folks. Thanks for your reply and all in for a better tomorrow.
Show threadchriszanfNov 10, 2022

@CardboardRobot @Jlfphoto The CW feature should be used for anything that you think others might want to choose to view rather than find halfway through reading that they wish they hadnt started.

Its all about consideration for others but some turn it on by default as it gives a subject line like emails

Some like to browse email summaries before opening the full content so its very similar.

Choosing to engage rather than having everyone on blast.

Definitely creates a different vibe!

Show threadDeano Nov 19, 2022
@CardboardRobot Dr Who gets a mention but I don't think Star Wars will ever be part of the Federation on Star Trek. Set phasers to stun is so unstarwars. Anyhows, Peace and long life, live long and prosper..🙂🖕
Show threadCardboard RobotNov 19, 2022
@deano Whether or not Star Wars melds with Star Trek depends on whether mega-corp Disney buys corp-Paramount. Which is why I’m not that invested in any of it. But may the force be with you and prosper my friend!
Show threadDeano Nov 19, 2022
@CardboardRobot sometimes the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.👽💫🙉
Show threadrosacris Nov 10, 2022
@CardboardRobot @Jlfphoto Talking about politics openly depends on the instance. Political discussion is an action that we as citizens cannot ignore. How we discuss is what we must watch. There are instances that openly allow this political discussion. So it's not that the #Mastodon community doesn't like the theme. The #Fediverso is in itself one of the most political constructions that the internet has. Democratizing access to information and the use of tools is a political fact.
Show threadKizzyDazeNov 10, 2022

@Jlfphoto

I completely understand why it wouldn't be, John. In normal times, I don't suppose too many of us would be wishing to keep discussing politics either.

The problem is, even without the mass migration from the other place, I do wonder if those of us in the UK watching our country disintegrating as it is, would remain silent at this point, even on here.

I completely agree though that CW's are the way to do it. If one isn't invested in UK politics, one can move on by.

Show threadnickhobson25Nov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto I agree! I'm blocking political stuff already - really want to escape all that.
How do you apply CW? Is it the person posting or can you apply rules?
Show threadDaveNov 10, 2022
@nickhobson25 @Jlfphoto Hi Nick, I’ve started using CWs where appropriate (I hope!). Different apps might be different but on mine I click on the shield symbol that appears on the icon row as I type. A text box then appears at the top of my message asking for a descriptor. Hope that helps.
Show threadnickhobson25Nov 10, 2022
@david_orr @Jlfphoto ahhh got it.
On Android it's an exclamation mark in a circle.
So essentially if you're a political party or organisation please use the CW!
#ContentWarningsRock #bekind
Show threadNorman KebellNov 10, 2022
@nickhobson25 just found out CW is content warning. Is it? Every day's a school day.
Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@Tormid @nickhobson25 yep. It was the title at the top of my post ☺️
Show threadLady de LanceleveeNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto will try and remember to put a warning on my politics post in future.
Show threadAnthony Stevens 🇪🇺 🇯🇲 💙Nov 10, 2022

@Jlfphoto To be fair mate, I'm only here for the politics & a little light relief.

From my experience with audiences, they ultimately shape their chosen media, because without them all you have is a void in cyberspace.

Agreed, there needs to be rules & guidelines for safeguarding purposes, but if there are specific rules about politics, they need to be clearly outlined so users can decide whether Mastodon is for them or not.

I only ever use Twitter for politics & intend to do the same here.

Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@AnthonyFStevens it's not just politics, I posted about that as it's what many people use Twitter for.
We don't want to be the invaders shouting loudly that everyone needs to speak English.
Feel free to rant or call out political actions/policies but just mark your post with a CW.
I have set my client to auto show CW posts, you can too.
Let's keep the good vibe here. I'm loving it so far.
Show threadAnthony Stevens 🇪🇺 🇯🇲 💙Nov 10, 2022

@Jlfphoto Perhaps I'm missing something here, but what's the CW threshold you believe is correct? Total?

I've only been here 2 days, but to be honest this is the first I've heard someone recommending to CW every post. Doesn't this work the other way too, where users can compress all toots, not follow or block accounts not to their tastes?

Users ultimately shape platforms. Some early adopters will always feel pushed out, but most I'd imagine would welcome the increased traffic & engagement. 🤷🏾‍♂️

Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022

@AnthonyFStevens I'm not 100% sure tbh.
If you're having a rant or a moan, CW it.
If you're swearing, CW it.
If you're stating a fact, or a friendly opinion, don't.
If it's a really long post, CW it.

This community is all about discussion, not arguing.

Personally I will probably CW most of my posts but with descriptive tags, e.g.
"UK Politics: Rant about Sunak", or "Long post: thread on NHS A&E wait times".

Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@AnthonyFStevens
I know I've posted this already, but for anyone following this particular thread, the etiquette "guidelines" - there are no hard rules here - are as follows
https://github.com/joyeusenoelle/GuideToMastodon#whats-the-generally-accepted-mastodon-etiquette
GitHub - joyeusenoelle/GuideToMastodon: An increasingly less-brief guide to Mastodon

An increasingly less-brief guide to Mastodon. Contribute to joyeusenoelle/GuideToMastodon development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHub
Show threadAnthony Stevens 🇪🇺 🇯🇲 💙Nov 10, 2022

@Jlfphoto Knock yourself out fella. You handle your account as you see fit.

I suppose I'll know I've overstepped the mark if I get a warning or start losing followers. I really don't possess the wherewithal to keep thinking about which posts to CW or not.

To be fair mate, neither does anyone else I've happened across on Mastodon, bar you if I'm being totally honest... 🤷🏾‍♂️

Show threadTim BinsleyNov 11, 2022
@AnthonyFStevens @Jlfphoto it’s a really simple thing to do, and courteous to all other users here. Many people have come here because of the toxic nature of Twitter, please let’s not bring that toxic nature with us. In your preferences you can choose to add a #CW to all your posts automatically. Be respectful that not everyone wants politics shoved in their face every time they come here.
Show threadTheRealDeeNov 13, 2022
@Jlfphoto @AnthonyFStevens Good to know. I only got onto SM because it seems elections are run on SM so if I wanted to see my local mayors debate I had to watch it streamed on various apps.
Show threadHazie ☘️Nov 10, 2022
@AnthonyFStevens
I agree, if we can't discuss politics this isn't likely to be the place for me or many others. And the content thing seems a little restrictive but am doing it now.
Show threadAnthony Stevens 🇪🇺 🇯🇲 💙Nov 10, 2022

@Hazie As someone mentioned, Sky News have am account & don't CW, so I'm seriously struggling to understand the issue.

Why not block people who you don't want to see their content?

Show threadHazie ☘️Nov 10, 2022
@AnthonyFStevens
Too right. Most of the posts in my feed aren't doing it anyway so what's the issue.
Besides if it's a community the rules should fit the community not the other way around.
Show threadWayneJNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto hi John. Sorry to sound like a thicky, but what's a CW?
Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@glandwrwj
CW = Content Warning. I will reply to this reply with an example.
Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@glandwrwj
This is an example of a CW post.
You would change the description to e.g. "UK Politics"
Show threadWayneJNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto thank you so much for that John. Greatly appreciated 👏🏼
Show threadLee 🇪🇺🇬🇧🇰🇷Nov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto Good to see you on here JL.
Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@LeeQuinton999 Hey! Good to see you too ☺️
Show threadChris GallagherNov 10, 2022

@Jlfphoto Put six people in a room and the conversation will inevitably focus at least some of the time on #politics.

There are good politics posts which are reasoned with a good analysis of the issues and then there are the 'I'm right you're wrong' opinions which don't help the conversation, tend to be divisive, and eat up valuable resources, be they physical (eg time) and mental (increased stress, anxiety etc).

I'll be looking to filter my content with this in mind.

Show threadBethany UsherNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto I prefer to call them content wraps or hooks in. I think it's a good idea and could offer a new model for dissemination.
Show threadAndreas Andersen 🇩🇰Nov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto Wide use of CW will also affect us, even though we setup auto-show of them, because we have to enter CW to these posts. And of course political posts is also a part of the Fediverse for people who is interested in them. I agree that tags should be used, then they can also be used to filter away posts with certain topics
Show threadbigwowsNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto Oh heck. Politics is such a broad church. I want to be able to talk about Scottish Independence, Brexshit, COVID, all the rest of it, but to have to wrap all those posts (and I’d never remember) feels like being muzzled. Given that swathes of people do politics on Twitter because of the mess the country’s in I fear there are going to be a lot of longer term Mastodon users getting very fed up, very fast.
Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@bigwows If I had the money I would setup a politics.uk instance and we could congregate on there quite happily. Anyone not wanting to take part could block the entire server.
It's going to be a time for change, both here and on birdsite. 🤷‍♂️
Show threadbigwowsNov 13, 2022
@Jlfphoto I’m reading it can cost around a fiver a month and you don’t need to do any techy stuff; that’s all done for you. Reckon the moderating could get a bit full on though.
Show threadSimon CornishNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto Thank you. That helps a lot in finding my way round as well as making sense of how it all works.
Show threadEmma KnoxNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto can we CW when boosting or would that require a share with CW (like old skool quote toot)?
Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@Emnox no you can't do that. The original author has to CW.
Show threadEmma KnoxNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto ok. I'll be aware. Ta.
Show threadChrisNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto For us new to Mastodon, can you explain what a CW is and how we enable it?
Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022

@SardoHorn CW = Content Warning (the title of my post)

Click the exclamation mark or shield icon when composing and enter an intriguing summary description!

Show threadChrisNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto thank you.
Mastodon is going to be a steep learning curve for us newbies migrating from Twitter.
I'm sure we will put a few feet in the wrong place.
Thanks for you patience.
Show threadLady Tarara Boom de HayNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto
Not sure I’ll ever remember to use hashtags!!
Show threadLittle Red FuryNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto Thank you ❤️
Show threadCatherineNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto what are "politics" posts though? I boosted the RSPB's introduction. Some of their campaigns are political, though not party political. Politics affects every aspect of our lives so often a difficult call.
Show threadFish Id WardrobeNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto I'm very keen on politics posts. A lot of us are. But a lot of us think they should be behind a CW so that when we've reached our limit of doom and gloom, we can take a break.
Show threadLindsey the GenieNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto
How do I create a contents warning if I need to?
Show threadJohn Appleby 🍏🐝Nov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto Apols, but, not sure the 'Fediverse' has a view on this? 'Political' posts will happen.
Show threadRoshana 🧜🏽‍♀️Nov 10, 2022
@jappleby123 @Jlfphoto I was just thinking this.. isn’t the fediverse the sum of its people? Ie if the people discuss politics then the fediverse is interested? (Also hi John!)
Show threadJohn Appleby 🍏🐝Nov 10, 2022
@Roshanamn @Jlfphoto well, quite! it will evolve i guess... i'm sure there will be difficult stuff... but it will just be peeps tooting!(and yes, hi back Roshana!)
Show threadhappyborgNov 10, 2022

@Jlfphoto @Fascinatorfun I disagree. There are different interests, and just like Twitter you can find others interested in each topic. To suggest any particular topic isn't welcome because this is federated isn't true in my experience.

I keep one account for mainly technical follows and toots and have another for wide ranging and mainly political follows and toots. Just as I do on Twitter.

Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@happyborg @Fascinatorfun I am only pointing out what has been written many times before and across many of the servers.
Some people get triggered by politics. This place was built to avoid such things.
It may work for you, I can't say. YMMV.
Show threadhappyborgNov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto @Fascinatorfun many servers have a particular theme and many don't. I think it would be more accurate and helpful to acknowledge that rather than suggest mastodon is universally non-political when it isn't.
Show threadJo Whitehead 💙🕷️Nov 10, 2022
@Jlfphoto I’ve got over 20k followers and I mainly (but not always) write about political stuff. Is there a server that’s more accepting of political UK chat? I don’t want to ruin things for existing people, but I want us all to feel at home.
Show threadJohn LNov 10, 2022
@Jo_WhiteheadUK I don't think so, or at least not that I know of.
If I had the money I would setup a few server instances myself... ukpol, uspol, eupol, etc.
I'm not sure if it's all posts or just "sensitive" ones. I',m still learning myself 🤷‍♂️