driverbod125Jul 2, 2023
Ben Buchanan

A few thoughts for people who are new due to #twitterdown #riptwitter

Currently mastodon feels like early Twitter: growing fast, rough edges, evolving norms, not everyone is here yet.

Don't instantly give up because it's different. Give it time.

Your follow(ing/er) count is not a scoreboard.

Chances are you've gone from a fire hose to a trickle, but is that actually bad? You don't have to frantically recreate your old feed. Maybe just slowly add content that makes you happy.

Jul 2, 2023 at 3:37amWeb
Show threadBen BuchananJul 2, 2023

Some other things:

Edit a post. Oh yeah, it feels good hey? No more delete and republish just due to a typo.

Pay attention to your instance's rules about CWs (content warnings). If you find the instance you're on is a bit fussy (or a bit lax) for your liking, transfer to a new instance with rules that suit you.

Be a good human and put alt text on your images. You should have been doing that on Twitter too, people just weren't reminding you as much.

Show threadBen BuchananJul 2, 2023

Understand that you can unfollow, mute, block and report as appropriate. I mean that whole sentence including the "as appropriate" - if you just don't like someone, mute them. But do report actually-shitty behaviour - mods can and do take action. That includes defederating instances that are wretched hives of scum and villainy.

In other words, this is a community. Welcome. Be a good human and you'll be fine here :)

Show threadAndi HJul 2, 2023
@200ok
The nice feature is one that can confuse.
The local server you first join is like a pub/cafe. You hear chat from other people and the pub/cafe (server admin) owner can warn and ban people.
Local servers can be picked by location (UK) or interests; green, lgbt, arts etc
However, don't worry about this. You can still see the global feed, boosted posts from anywhere and can search and follow anyone.
Show threadGabriele PollaraJul 2, 2023

@200ok edit is soooo useful.

Why oh why do I only ever spot typos AFTER I've posted a message! 🤦‍♂️

Show threadAvogadro's ConstantJul 2, 2023
@200ok newbie here. What do you mean “instance rules on CW”
Show threadBen BuchananJul 2, 2023
@AvogadrosConstant Look for an "about" link on your instance, eg. on mine it's https://mastodon.social/about - it has useful info about your mastodon instance: moderation, funding and server rules - that should explain the kinds of content that is expected to be flagged with a Content Warning (CW).
Show threadBad at NamesJul 2, 2023

@200ok

No algorithm means no flood of rage bait, but it also means you have room to breathe and think.

Show threadMichael TeeJul 2, 2023
@200ok You're absolutely right, Ben. I urge everyone to give Mastodon (or whatever alternative to #twitterdown you are using) a chance.
Show threadEvilCheezGraterJul 2, 2023
@200ok So many of those rough edges are unnecessary and/or could be greatly improved. The initial user experience is a mess that puts many people off. Those in charge of being able to make improvements have repeatedly made it clear they’re not interested … apparently posting ‘tutorials’ and telling people to ‘bear with it’ is the way forward (Spoiler: it isn’t - instead strive to make everything you can as intuitive as possible including, and especially, the initial experience).
Show threadJane DallawayJul 2, 2023
@200ok my favourite feature has to be the ability to follow a hashtag. Brings posts of interest into my timeline without necessarily following someone
Show threadShirleyJul 2, 2023
@200ok totally agree. It just feels so much healthier here.
Show threadmittsJul 2, 2023
@200ok That’s thoughtful advice thank you!
Show threadTransitBikerJul 4, 2023
@200ok it’s like rehab for parasocial interaction.