If you're on a Mastodon server that needs to have the highest level of user safety, you might want to talk to your admin about whether they should activate "limited federation mode".

This mode prioritises safety over connectivity, and means a server manually chooses which servers it allows federation with, while blocking all the rest by default. More info at:

➡️ https://fedi.tips/creating-an-isolated-server

(The main disadvantage of this option is it's a lot harder to find accounts to follow.)

#FediTips #Mastodon

Here's a guide for organisations considering setting up a presence on Mastodon and the wider Fediverse:

➡️ https://fedi.tips/tips-for-organisations-on-mastodon-and-the-fediverse

There's also a related guide on how an organisation can run its own Mastodon server in practical terms:

➡️ https://fedi.tips/how-can-organisations-or-groups-run-a-mastodon-server

#FediTips #Mastodon

There is a Fediverse alternative to #Substack called #Ghost.

Ghost is now compatible with the Fediverse. It's not just a feed, Ghost-powered sites can take part in discussions with Mastodon etc accounts, the follows work in both directions etc.

There's a guide to using Ghost-powered sites on the Fediverse here:

➡️ https://fedi.tips/how-to-use-the-fediverse-on-your-ghost-powered-site

Some Ghost-powered sites to follow at:

➡️ https://fedi.directory/tag/ghost

(Copy-paste an address into the search box in Mastodon to follow.)

#FediTips #Fediverse

Mastodon now has a built-in reminder to add alt text descriptions when posting images, video or audio:

If you're using the website or web app:
1. Go to ⚙️ Preferences (on a phone click ☰ in bottom right corner, then Preferences)
2. Scroll down to Advanced Settings section
3. Tick box marked "Warn me before posting media without alt text"
4. Click "Save Changes"

If you're using an app, this option should be in the app's Settings section (exact wording varies by app).

#FediTips #Mastodon

Pixelfed's DMs are switched off for most people by default.

If you have a Pixelfed account and want to receive DMs from anyone, you have to switch on the option:

1. Go to Account Settings
2. Go to Privacy
3. Tick the box marked "Receive Direct Messages from Anyone"
4. Click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the screen

After you've done this, anyone will be able to DM you on Pixelfed.

(If you don't do this, only accounts you follow will be able to DM you.)

#Pixelfed #FediTips

If you want to add more security to your Mastodon account, you can set up a system called "two factor authentication" (also known as 2FA). This prevents anyone else logging into your account even if they find out your email and password.

2FA works using a special app on your phone which gives you a short code number to type in when you log in.

I've done a non-technical guide all about 2FA and how to use it, including answers to many questions:

➡️ https://fedi.tips/using-two-factor-authentication-2fa-on-mastodon

#FediTips #Mastodon

A reminder to anyone looking for Christmas presents, the hashtags to browse are #FediGiftShop and #ArtForSale

These are used by independent artists on the Fediverse, you might find some unique gifts that cannot be bought in any shop.

(And if you're an artist, you might want to use these tags for any sales posts!)

#Xmas #Christmas

If you would like to discover interesting videos from PeerTube, try following my other account Fedi.Video:

➡️ @FediVideo

It regularly boosts interesting videos, and if you enjoy a video try following the account that posted it.

If you're not sure what PeerTube is, there's an easy-to-understand non-technical guide all about it at https://fedi.tips/peertube-video-hosting-on-the-fediverse

TL:DR - PeerTube is like Mastodon but for videos, and you can follow PeerTube accounts from Mastodon.

#FediTips #PeerTube