Is your Mastodon timeline too empty or too full?
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"The most common definition of an algorithm is: a finite, step-by-step sequence of precise instructions"
I'm not talking about a technical dictionary definition, I mean the way non-technical people actually use that word in the real world.
They'll typically say something like "the algorithm is showing me stuff" or "the algorithm has hidden my post".
My accounts and websites are largely aimed at non-technical people, so I try to use non-technical meanings and words.
I agree with Fritz... You are not even willing to consider you could do better.
So be it. I have better things to do than trying to convince someone he is writing like an AI.
Cheers.
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JFC...
I have four tabs open, Firefox web browser on Ubuntu, to my home instance
/home
/public/local
my Lists
and my Profile home
I'm on my /home tab viewing posts
I am looking for and using the Translate tag at the lower left of a given post
Do you need a screenshot to understand what I'm saying?
Or do you think I don't know what I'm talking about?
"Or do you think I don't know what I'm talking about?"
Absolutely not! I am the one who doesn't understand, I am trying to get a better picture of what is going on by asking for details
I'm trying to help.
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Is your Mastodon timeline too empty or too full? Are you seeing stuff you don't want to, and missing stuff you do want to see? Is your timeline overwhelmed by someone who shares too many posts?
These and lots more timeline problems are solved in the "How to customise your Mastodon timeline" guide:
p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips there is no pleasing those both humorless and in terminal thrall of Dunning Kruger. Just block, move on.
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips that sounds exactly like mastodon
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips I am sending more kofi money
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips You are doing an excellent job. Don't let them get to you.
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips asks "Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly?"
I highly recommend that.
Always.
But also particularly when somebody is trying to help without compensation, just for the sake of the community.
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips Ugh, some people just need to chill. I think you're doing fine.
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@FediTips I am sending more kofi money
@FediTips Perhaps a positive reinforcement will outweigh the negative one you just got
Thank you for what you do.
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips I just glanced through the article to see how you were using the word. You even explained how you were using it and why while acknowledging that other meanings exist. I would give that an A+ for communication. I'm sorry someone decided to be mean to you. I hope one day they learn to chill out and help people instead.
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips chill buddy please. Just don´t let it get to you.
I´m critizising a lot about this platform but never personal. There is potential lost here, that´s true imho.
Don´t let that get on a personal level, please -
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips this thread is providing good blocklist fodder. Lotta pendants showing their arses today.
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips Accusing someone of causing harm for using the non-technical definition of algorithm is kind of darkly funny in a way.
Like it's clear that they understand that words can have expanded and non-literal definitions, but seemingly only for words they want to use to make a fiddly argument about terminology sounds more dire.
Tbh, between the word "algorithm" and the word "harm", it is probably more important to insist on an accurate definition of the word "harm".
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
Just want to say that I really appreciate the work you're doing and your guides are great and really helped me to navigate mastodon a bit more confidently . thank you
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It is by the dictionary definition, it isn't by common usage. What the dictionary says on technical matters often diverges from common usage.
Maybe the clearest example is "computer": Most people use that word to mean a laptop or desktop PC/Mac and not a smartphone. But going by the dictionary definition of "computer", the smartphone ought to be called a computer too.
I'm trying to use common usage as I'm mainly aiming my guides at new and non-technical people.
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@FediTips Perhaps a positive reinforcement will outweigh the negative one you just got
Thank you for what you do.
Oh wow!
Thank you so much! You didn't have to but it is very greatly appreciated!
That's very kind and generous of you, it helps a lot with keeping the accounts and sites going!
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p.s. Good grief. I'm trying to help people use this place and just got accused of "disinformation" and "causing harm" because they didn't like the way I used the word algorithm in the guide.
Can we please chill out and be a bit more friendly? The Fedi relies on volunteers helping each other and making suggestions in a constructive way.
If I've done something wrong it is brilliant if you point it out, most of the guides rely on people correcting me. But there is no need for personal attacks.
@FediTips Hang in there. I think you do a great job of helping out, thank you for doing it!
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