Mangey OctopusDec 18, 2022
David Friedman
I think all those “How to Mastodon” articles are going about it all wrong. They start by explaining federation and talking about how to choose a server. Yes that’s the first step but it’s also where we lose people. Just put that aside. Start by talking about how you use Mastodon, all the great apps, the culture, etc. Then end with the first step, that “all you have to do is pick a server to get started” and explain how. You have to hook a fish before you can reel it in.
Dec 18, 2022 at 3:38pmIvory for iOS
Show threadKatmaDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Great point! If I had read one of these “how to’s” I probably would have hesitated longer. Instead I just dove in, wandered around lost and started to figure it out.
Old school style 😎
Show threadPatty Bluebird 🦩Dec 18, 2022
@KatMA @ironicsans Ditto.
Show threadGydaDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans @DataDrivenMD the choosing a server thing really paralyzed me for about a week, I think just telling people to pick whatever and they can change it later is a better strategy
Show threadShield MaidenDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Correct. Those who're adept forget what it's like for newbies...like instructions for a new gadget...it's often patently obvious the instruction writer hasn't given it a test drive with a normal ordinary non gadget person. It drives me mad.
Show threadNed WilcoxDec 19, 2022
@Judeet88 @ironicsans
A very common problem with tech writing.
Show threadShield MaidenDec 19, 2022
@Nedwilcox1 @ironicsans And yet it could so easily be solved...surely?
Show threadmalenaDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans and most forget to explain the structural difference between a corporation and a federation and what that means for democracy, autonomy, and the future of the web
Show threadSuzanne StephensDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans I’ve been posting this to “It’s too complicated” comments on Twitter. People seen to like it.
Show thread[ l u x ] mediaDec 18, 2022
@suzstephens @ironicsans ...except ... i don't recall needing any of this while setting up. This might add to a sense of 'it's complicated' when it's absolutely not.
Show threadSuzanne StephensDec 18, 2022
@Lux @ironicsans Here it is:
Show threadMichael GemarDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans @DataDrivenMD I also think that the particular instance one is on is largely irrelevant to most people’s experiences here, at least if one is trying to mimic how one used the birdsite. I haven’t been here long, but as my main feed has become more and more populated, I hardly ever look at my local instance feed. I understand that some folks are looking for a ready-made community for an interest, but if not, the instance chosen seems largely irrelevant.
Show threadSuzanne StephensDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans When people get on their soapbox and I’m feeling snarky, I say something like if it’s so difficult, it’s amazing that 2000-3000 people per hour manage to sign up.” And I post a current version of this:
Show threadTheRealAdde 🇸🇪🇪🇺🇺🇦Dec 18, 2022

@ironicsans Been here only two days... Best things so far is being able to edit posts and following hashtags.👌

Also, there is less hate! 😍

#introduction

Show threadjv2o21Dec 18, 2022

@ironicsans

Agree. "Pick a server someone you know of is on and you can switch later if you want to." Easy peasy.

Show threadClaraDec 18, 2022

@ironicsans Question: does it matter which server I join?

I seem to be able to see all the Mastodon users that I want— even ones on different servers. It’s basically an open relationship, right?

Show threadDavid FriedmanDec 18, 2022
@claraeroberts There are some real ways in which it matters. But in a practical everyday user experience, not really.
Show threadClaraDec 18, 2022

@ironicsans Good to know.

Twitter was easy— just sign up, tweet & follow. Mastodon is the same. Just sign up, toot & follow. For non-nerds, it’s the same and that’s a selling point. For nerds, it’s apparently even better! That’s cool, but non-nerds don’t need to hear about it. We’re happier in ignorance. Hearing about it gives us stress.

Show threadBradley RynerDec 18, 2022
@claraeroberts @ironicsans As far as I can see, the biggest day-to-day impact of the instance you choose is probably how it is moderated. For example, do its moderators distinguish between a person with lived experience of racism talking about it vs. someone spreading racism disavowed as humor or devils advocacy or whatever. I’m glad that most instances seem to protect the former and ban the latter. But to keep it that way, we should be thoughtful about where we stay.
Show threadClaraDec 18, 2022
@bradleyryner @ironicsans oh, gosh. I will think about being thoughtful. Mine seems great so far. I will cross the server bridge when I see trouble.
Show threadBradley RynerDec 18, 2022
@claraeroberts @ironicsans The specific example that I had in mind was @KimCrayton1 ’s treatment on another instance (which I think I can’t link to but is in her feed). Also, I’ve been glimpsing discussions on LGBTQA+ instances about what they need from moderation.
I feel like we have a chance here to consciously construct Mastodon as a real inclusive space by listening to what moderation practices people with different experiences need.
Show threadKim Crayton ~ Her/SheDec 18, 2022
@bradleyryner @claraeroberts @ironicsans I rarely do this but I'm going to extend David a bit of grace here because his objection is what's fundamentally flawed with tech & how we continue to replicate harm wherever we end up...his perspective is one rooted in the status quo; where, as a white dude, particularly cis & hetero, welcoming & psychological safety aren't #1 considerations because every space is made for & prioritizes his comfort. This is not my lived experience so safety matters.
Show threadc b weisgramDec 18, 2022
@KimCrayton1 @bradleyryner @claraeroberts @ironicsans I have a habit of making everything about training because of my profession, but I wonder what kind of info and training there is out there for those techy dudes who do want to do a better job on sensitive issues of moderation. Like, is there a set of Generally Accepted Moderation Practices? What do/would they look like to a Mastodon mod?
Show threadKim Crayton ~ Her/SheDec 18, 2022
@weisgram @bradleyryner @claraeroberts @ironicsans ask and you shall receive https://www.kimcrayton.com/
Kim Crayton ~ Antiracist Economist

Forging a path to welcoming & psychological safety, in systems, institutions & policies, at scale.

Kim Crayton
Show threadThe Velvet HammerDec 18, 2022
@KimCrayton1 @weisgram @bradleyryner @claraeroberts @ironicsans Excellent! Thanks Kim!
Show threadc b weisgramDec 18, 2022
@KimCrayton1 @bradleyryner @claraeroberts @ironicsans Cool! I’m definitely going to dig in. After a super quick look though, I love the use of real world examples instead of hypotheticals. I have done so many training programs that use either lifeless, or incredible hypotheticals that leave me wondering more about what brought the issue to light. Why not treat people like adults and tell a real story? Love it!
Show threadJulio J. 🀲Dec 18, 2022

@bradleyryner @claraeroberts there's also the technical part, which is also hard to evaluate beforehand. Your experience of the network goes through your server, so if your server is slow, your whole experience is slow

@ironicsans

Show threadDmytro Morykit MusicDec 18, 2022
@bradleyryner @claraeroberts @ironicsans we can see what is going to happen Elon is in Quatar🥴 today.🤔
Show threadStargeezer SmithDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans
You are onto something. I wasn't too put off since for much of my career I worked with #opensource products. But I do recall that a number of my colleagues were put off by the idea of learning open source stuff.
Show threadKarl Morant 🇨🇦  🖖Dec 18, 2022

@ironicsans

I knew nothing about Mastodon, I did zero research. I just went to www.mastodon.com, it said that had to pick a server, so I picked a Canadian one, it said I had to make a user name and password, so I did.

That was it. Done. I'm on Mastodon.

Show threadTerri GarlandDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Yes! Now that I’m here, I really enjoy it but I delayed setting up an account because I was discouraged by articles that talked about how difficult it was and went on and on with general information on federation and servers. It’s not that hard at all! Much easier than paying Cook County property taxes online. #Chicago
Show threadAlex 🍁 🇨🇭Dec 18, 2022
@ironicsans There's really nothing difficult about learning or using #Mastodon. The hardest part is about searching and selecting for the most appropriate instance to join. Even though you can change that later.
Show threadHistoPol (#HP) 🏴 🇺🇸 🏴Dec 18, 2022
@ironicsans
Yep
Show threadCharles RoperDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Use a lure, as @gilest puts it so well in https://agilecommshandbook.com/
The agile comms handbook

How to clearly, creatively work in the open

Show threadTim TruxellDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans yep. The messaging is upside down
Show threadCathie English, Ph.D.Dec 18, 2022
@ironicsans I wish I had read a bit more carefully about choosing servers. I’m not sure I’m in the best community for me. But the good thing is I can change. And I can find people.
Show threadpaulDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans @tchambers also, don’t stress about choosing a server. I moved to my present server a week or so after joining Mastodon, and couldn’t be happier.
Show threadBlort™ 🐀Ⓥ🥋☣️Dec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Exactly. Coming from a marketing / communications background, you always sell the benefits before asking for the payment (payment being the effort to figure out how the Fediverse all works and how to take part in it)
Show threadmidwesterner 🦬Dec 18, 2022

@ironicsans it's possible to have accounts on multiple servers and switch quickly between them.

Choosing a server is a choice you have to make early, but it's also easy to change your mind about.

This is something I did not understand initially, and there is a "problem of choice" that can be intimidating to new users.

Show threadEvanDec 18, 2022

@ironicsans

The things I struggled with at the outset were mostly knowing who would see what I posted, whether I could DM people on other servers, how boosting/discovery works, and general etiquette.

Choosing a server wasn't a huge deal because I figured if I hated it I could move 🤣

Show threadSionaDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Agreed. I joined not because I was looking for a social media alternative (if anything I've actively been reducing my sm use over the past few years) but because I wanted to join a protected online community for climate justice and climate activism; ie it was much more about connecting to and supporting a particular cause. And that said learning how the broader fediverse works has been terrifically excited. So much potential in the structure alone.
Show threadGraham LesterDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans They make it sound a lot harder and more complicated than it is. Using Mastodon is a lot easier than using a cellphone, which just about everyone and his grandma can do.
Show threadMarkLIVEDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans I can’t wait for the “mastodon algorithm hacks how to’s. Get your product vital instantly” videos 😆
Show threadMark McClellandDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans I would argue the audience for these articles was already hooked years ago... by Twitter. Cutting straight to the hardest part of moving to Mastodon makes a lot of sense to me.
Show threadMidnight StarrDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Those tutorials also need to be updated. There is only one about how to add #socialmedia links to your profile. But I don't have what was on that #video. Otherwise, there need to #alternatives. And where to find #plugins if you want to show #video or play some #audio.
Show threadJean VickersDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans I just dove in and learned by doing...a recent tWit defector..joined here and started posting and then looking for others randomly and boosting posts I loved for their truth, new idea, or process and that I agreed with on political, public health and labor issues. Loving the people and info I am finding and learning about so much that I never heard of before. Plus, you folks are just nicer.
Show threadIndieArtisansDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Somebody needs to start a "Start Here" server and direct everybody new to that. There they could get whatever help they may need until they're ready to choose their "forever" server.
Show threadJohn DarkDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans My FB followers react well to images I post - I screenshot Mastodon posts, then put the link into the comments. I've converted 4 people so far. Not much, but a start. Also, I've had friends get stuck on what the buttons actually do and made this #mastodon #cheatsheet
Show threadEnochDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Simon Sinek has a series of books about how groups should "Find Your Why", because that's how you hook them. The technical steps of signing up for Mastadon are very much a "what", ans will never drive people to the site...especially since it IS a little more difficult to grasp than other social media sitea.
Show threadJolynDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Yes! I actually started and stopped signing up multiple times for that very reason. I’m glad I finally came back and read the boring technicals but you’re absolutely right.
Show threadLauraDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans I think our strategy should be solely to disseminate Mastodon screenshots in other media sites and wait for the FOMO.
Show threadTruth Or Consequences ✅ 🇺🇦Dec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Exactly. My first encounter with Mastodon a few years ago ended in total confusion and I'm the one my family comes to about internet stuff. I hit the ground running BECAUSE I landed on Mastodon social somehow.
Show threadPamela OliverDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans i think the key is to understand that you have three feeds: local, federated ("everything") and home (which you curate). Offering to help someone get set up is good, too.
Show thread[ l u x ] mediaDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans agree 100% ... many times tech writers get the narrative a little wrong and that becomes THE narrative. It really isn't difficult
Show thread@[email protected]Dec 18, 2022

@ironicsans

I so agree.

The technical dunking right at the beginning makes people feel it is too difficult to get your head around.

Show threadLisa BoyetteDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans All I had to do was find @georgetakei and the rest was easy.
Show threadKellyKatDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans I completely agree. I might not be the most ‘net literate, but the whole pick a home bit was a little confusing to me.
Show threadSteven Sokulski Dec 18, 2022
@ironicsans Great point! You don’t start your sales pitch by asking for the credit card.
Show threadDreaDec 19, 2022
@ironicsans I think that would help. I’d also like to see more explanation for WHY this whole federated model is better in the long run, how it basically eliminates the chance that a dictator will take it over and implement insane rules.
Show threadLouise HorneDec 18, 2022
@ironicsans
Yep. The first time I looked up Mastodon, I bailed at the "select a server" step. It was only when one of the people I follow regularly moved over to Mastodon and gave out a link that I could follow to their account that I went further. When I tried to follow them, I was kicked over to a site with a server pre-selected and the "create an account" process was easy. I have bookmarked instructions on how to switch servers should I choose to do so, but so far I am fine with the one I signed up with.