With what is going on over at Twitter I have revised our Twitter advice for authors. If you are still on Twitter, I strongly recommend that you jump ship to somewhere more reliable. Somewhere like Mastodon for example.

What is Mastodon?

Do you wonder about this Mastodon thing? Fear not. Here is a brief introduction.

Mastodon is a social networking service that is set to completely transform your connections and interactions. Unlike other social netowrks, it uses the remarkable potential of decentralization. The only algorithm is you. Which means you see the content you subscribed to and very little else. This allows you to assert your authority in controlling your data.

With Mastodon, you have the opportunity to actively engage in established communities or create your own unique instances. Bid farewell to mundane centralized social media platforms and enthusiastically embrace a fresh realm of socializing.

Communication on Mastodon happens through “toots,” which are similar to tweets on Twitter. The platform promotes inclusivity, privacy, and open-source development, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more user-centric social media experience.

How to join mastodon

To join Mastodon, first, you need to select a Mastodon instance that aligns with your interests. You can explore instances using the instance list or by searching for specific keywords.

Once you’ve found an instance you like, create an account by providing a username, email address, and password. Don’t worry, you can always move to another instance if you find one that you like better.

After signing up, familiarize yourself with the instance’s code of conduct and guidelines to ensure respectful and appropriate behavior within the community. Next, customize your profile by adding a profile picture, writing a bio, and sharing your interests. This will help others understand your background and connect with you more easily.

You can follow other users to see their posts in your timeline and interact with them by replying, boosting, or favoriting their toots (Mastodon posts). In fact, it is hard to get much out of Mastodon without engaging.

One of the unique features of Mastodon is the ability to use local and federated timelines. The local timeline shows posts from users on your instance, while the federated timeline displays posts from users across multiple instances. This allows you to discover and engage with a diverse range of content.

Getting established on Mastodon

Here are the important steps to effectively begin using Mastodon:

1. Choose a server: Mastodon is made up of multiple servers, also known as instances. Select a server that aligns with your interests or create your own if you are technically minded.
2. Create an account: Sign up on the chosen server by providing a username, email address, and password.
3. Complete your profile: Add a profile picture, write a bio, and provide any other information you’d like to share. This helps others get to know you better.
4. Explore the federated timeline: Discover public posts from users across different instances by scrolling through the federated timeline. It’s a great way to find interesting content and people to follow.
5. Follow users: Mastodon is all about forging connections. Find users whose content resonates with you and click the “Follow” button to see their posts in your home timeline.
6. Interact with posts: React to posts by liking, reblogging (known as boosting), or replying to them. This encourages conversation and helps build relationships within the community.
7. Tag your posts: To increase visibility and reach a wider audience, use relevant hashtags in your posts. This makes it easier for others to discover your content.
8. Use content warnings: If your post contains sensitive or potentially triggering content, use content warnings (CWs) to allow users to choose whether they wish to view it.
9. Customize your privacy settings: Tailor your privacy settings to control who can see your posts, follow you, and send you direct messages. Find a balance that you’re comfortable with.
10. Participate in conversations: Engage in discussions by replying to posts and joining relevant threads. Mastodon thrives on conversation, so don’t hesitate to contribute your thoughts.
11. Use the search feature: Explore the vast Mastodon network by searching for specific users, hashtags, or keywords. This helps you discover new content and connect with like-minded people.
12. Report and block: If you encounter any abusive or inappropriate content or users, take advantage of the report and block functions to maintain a safe and positive environment.

For the summer season, we will feature more specific Mastodon prompts for platform building. I encourage you to subscribe to our feed if you have not already done so. By subscribing, you will gain access to a wealth of valuable information that will serve as a valuable resource throughout the summer season. So don’t delay – make sure to subscribe today and stay ahead of the competition!