JudeNov 19, 2022
Dave Walker

Mastodon tips (brief)

1. Server choice - tricky
2. Add a pic and bio
3. I prefer 'Advanced web interface'
4. And the 'Light' theme
5. Listen to long-time users
6. Tip your server admins
7. Hashtags pretty important
8. Put Alt text on pics
9. Use Content Warning if in doubt
10. Pin introduction post
11. Do some boosting
12. Follow interesting people
13. Hashtags can be followed too
14. DMs not secure
15. Be respectful
16. Thank you, people who run this

#mastodon #tips #MastodonTips #tootorial

Nov 11, 2022 at 1:03pmWeb
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
(Hashtag following may not be available to you yet, but hopefully coming soon. Apologies for any confusion.)
Show threadNeil HanlonNov 11, 2022
@davewalker ahhhh thank you :D

Any idea if this is a Mastodon-only feature? (Pleroma user here)
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@neil Afraid you're asking the wrong person here, sadly. I just make lists and pretend to look knowledgeable. Hope you can find out!
Show threadDave WarnockNov 11, 2022
@davewalker I think hashtag following requires Mastodon v4. Final release (at which point I expect a very fast roll out to servers) is due on Monday (I think).
Anyway great list.
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@Dave42W Ah, OK. Yes, because I've had it I didn't know that other people might not.
Show threadSarahNov 11, 2022
@davewalker I haven't figured out how to follow hashtags
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@eatsruns It is likely it isn't available to you yet in that case. Apologies - I think it is on some servers but not all, but should be rolled out soon, I'm told.
Show threadSarahNov 11, 2022
@davewalker ah yes I think I read that! Thanks
Show threadSarahNov 11, 2022
@davewalker it's one of my favourite features in Instagram - so easy to find people with common interests. I think that's what makes it a nicer place
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@eatsruns Yes, indeed. In the meantime I guess you can have a hashtag in a separate column in the 'advanced web interface' view, perhaps?
Show threadAnne ClearyNov 11, 2022
@davewalker thank you, not sure how to pin. What do I use #for and where are the DM’s ? Cheers
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@crazynanabernadette Pinning keeps something at the top of your profile - click the three dots next to any of your posts, and it should be one of the options. To DM someone, click the three dots to the right of the 'follow' or 'unfollow' button on their profile, and again DMs one of the options.
Show threadAnne ClearyNov 12, 2022
@davewalker thanks, I only get mute, block , report?
Show threadTricksterdudeNov 12, 2022
@crazynanabernadette @davewalker you need to open up the web interface so that you get more options.
Show threadTricksterdudeNov 12, 2022
@crazynanabernadette @davewalker open in browser.
Show threadAnne ClearyNov 12, 2022
@Tricksterdude @davewalker thank you, how?
Show threadTricksterdudeNov 12, 2022
@crazynanabernadette if you look at the photo I posted you'll see where it says open browser... that's it.
Show threadAnne ClearyNov 12, 2022
@Tricksterdude I don’t get the same options though, I just get offered = delete block report ?
Show threadAnne ClearyNov 12, 2022
@Tricksterdude @davewalker turn on use default browser to open links?
Show threadTricksterdudeNov 12, 2022
@crazynanabernadette open the browser and you should see loads more settings to play with including.a bit to pin a toot.
Show threadTricksterdudeNov 12, 2022

@crazynanabernadette

I'm out and about just now. I'll have a look when I get back home and give you a shout. Can't remember how I did it off the top of my head.

Show threadKarano techieNov 12, 2022
@crazynanabernadette @davewalker You need to select the 'only people i mention' in the post button. See the below image. Also using desktop website should give you the option to directly dm from their profiles. Alternatively you could also try other mastodon apps
#feditips
Show threadAnne ClearyNov 12, 2022
@karano @davewalker why?
Show threadDave WalkerNov 13, 2022
@crazynanabernadette Pinning - select the three dots next to any of your posts. may not work on all apps - not sure.
Hashtags help others find you, and you find others with similar interests.
DMs - click the three dots below anyone's post, and you should see the option. Again, this is on desktop - app may be different.
Show threadtelzeyNov 19, 2022
@crazynanabernadette it's the search function
Show threadGrahamRKingsNov 11, 2022
@davewalker thanks!
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@GrahamRKings Thank you - I just saved up everything I heard other people say 🙂
Show threadRichard HallNov 11, 2022
@davewalker @GrahamRKings
I think that's how all the experts do it Dave!
Show threadRab Bruce’s SpiderNov 11, 2022
@davewalker Great tips. Thanks. Can I add a request not to put too many emojis or hash tags in your Display Name. Screen readers read them all out every time you post anything. It can take a while to actually hear the content of your Toot.
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@RabBrucesSpider1 Thanks - that's really helpful. I'm out of characters to add to the post, I will boost your comment.
Show threadBicycleBenNov 11, 2022
@RabBrucesSpider1 @davewalker I've boosted this. I had a number of emojis in my name and did not think about the accessibility issue that might cause with screen readers - I should have done. Thanks for highlighting.
Show threadRab Bruce’s SpiderNov 11, 2022
@davewalker @BicycleBen It’s not something that’s immediately obvious. 1 or 2 emojis are fine, but some folk have half a dozen, as well as Hash Tags. I tend not to follow them because it’s hard going paying attention long enough to get to the post. I appreciate your consideration. Thank you.
Show threadBicycleBenNov 11, 2022

@RabBrucesSpider1 @davewalker I had six, though no hashtags there. Over on the bird site I had emojis and a web address. I've taken them out as well.

This is what I really like about social media, learning about different perspectives and how what may seem like a harmless choice can actually be quite detrimental. Always happy to learn!

Show threadMarcNov 11, 2022

@RabBrucesSpider1 @davewalker

Hi Rab, do you know the best way to put alt text for your bio and header pictures? Thanks.

Show threadRab Bruce’s SpiderNov 12, 2022
@MarcR @davewalker Sorry, I haven’t been able to figure that out at all. To be honest, I struggled to even add a header photo & I still don’t know whether I managed to do it at all. Mastodon isn’t great on accessibility, which is why I use the Metatext app.
Show threadJonny MosquitoNov 11, 2022
@davewalker thank u for this
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@Jonnymosquito Thank you - glad it was of use
Show threadJames Tweedie (has moved)Nov 11, 2022
@davewalker A great summary. 👍
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@james_tweedie Thank you!
Show threadVicarofDishleyNov 11, 2022
@davewalker thanks Dave, how do I pin?
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022

@VicarOfDishley Hello!

As for pinning: If you click the three dots next to any of your posts (below the post, right hand side, on mine at least) it should be one of the options.

Show threadVicarofDishleyNov 11, 2022
@davewalker I’m using the app, which only gives me an option of muting, blocking or reporting myself! 😂 I’ll get there. Good to see you though!
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@VicarOfDishley And you! Ah - yes, less than useful options! Perhaps log in temporarily on a computer somewhere to do the pinning. [Mediocre tech support ends]
Show threadVicarofDishleyNov 11, 2022
@davewalker more than helpful, thanks!
Show threadclairemurrayNov 11, 2022
@davewalker very helpful, thank you 🙏
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@clairemurray Thank you - glad it was useful.
Show threadStephen GowerNov 11, 2022
@davewalker Related to number 14, activating 2FA is probably a good idea as well.
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@srgower Knew I forgot something! I carried on until I ran out of characters...
Show threadAgnieszkaNov 11, 2022
@davewalker Thanks for the tips
Show threadpbhNov 11, 2022
@davewalker how do you tip the server admin?
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@lastgear If you put /about after your server name, you can find out who runs your server, and details of how to donate. In your case https://mastodon.world/about and @ruud
Mastodon

Generic Mastodon server for anyone to use.

Mastodon hosted on mastodon.world
Show threadpbhNov 11, 2022
@davewalker @ruud cool, thanks Dave
Show threadRuudNov 11, 2022
@davewalker @lastgear Thanks Dave. This link even saves a click: https://mastodon.world/about/more 😁
Mastodon

Generic Mastodon server for anyone to use.

Mastodon hosted on mastodon.world
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@ruud @lastgear Even better - thank you!
Show threadChristine DonaldsonNov 11, 2022
@davewalker how do you pin your introduction post please?
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@Biker_Babe2 If you click the three dots next to any of your posts (below the post, right hand side, on mine at least) it should be one of the options. Might only work on desktop, not app. Not sure.
Show threadGoldenShieldNov 11, 2022
@davewalker how can I tip my server admin? I’m new to Mastodon.
Show threadDave WalkerNov 11, 2022
@GoldenShield If you go to the about page of your server, you can find info. In your case https://activism.openworlds.info/about and @witchescauldron, who should be able to direct you.
Activism

To support this server and the OMN project https://opencollective.com/open-media-network

Mastodon hosted on activism.openworlds.info