Here's a #tip if you're a #newbie to Mastodon: you can search for people with their name or handle under the # icon here ==>

If you want to make sure you see your favourite writer or good friend's toots you can press the 🔔 icon on their profile and you'll get notifications. This makes up for the lack of algos which would usually show you "important" posts etc

Remember, this platform was created by a community including queer, trans, neurodiverse and disabled people. It is designed to be more of a safe space than many social media platforms.

Be respectful and if you share an image edit it to add a caption to help people know what it is

Content Warnings (CWs) are not censorship, they are consent. Its just a way of being kind and polite.

Use CWs liberally so that people don't have to automatically see iffy things like politics, hate, violence, food etc (yes, I love food too but some people feel uncomfortable about it for various reasons).

It takes seconds to add a CW and it will make people more comfortable engaging with and boosting your post too.

You can change settings so you see all the CW content if you like

@Isa Yes so much this! I have seen a few "I hate CWs on here" posts and I'm like, I don't get it? The content is still there? One click and you can look at it anytime you want.

As someone who gets overwhelmed and anxious with *other* social media sites, I'm finding this place so much more pleasant. If I don't feel like reading about politics or whatever first thing in the morning I can just not.

@HeatherInNZ @Isa I had a passive aggressive, mansplaining, reply guy first thing this morning. I mean, WTH, I hadn’t even finished my first coffee #Block 😜”Have a nice day”
@LesleyW oh heck no not before the morning coffee!