I’m liking the vibe here so far, but i’m still confused about the whole server/“ instance “thing ??

[scooter@labyrinth.zone]

@anxietynectarr Looks like folks have said the right things here...so just saying hi and welcome!

[justinderrick@mstdn.ca]

@anxietynectarr I think the best part of Mastodon is that aside from how actively your administrators enforce their rules, it doesn't matter what instance you're on.

Follow hashtags for your interests. If you see someone who posts using that hashtag, and you like what they have to say on that topic, then follow them. Hashtags replace the algorithm.

And because of federation, it doesn't matter where you are, you can follow anyone from anywhere, as long as they're good 'netizens' and run instances that aren't a source of trouble.

If your instance has become problematic, and you find yourself following people from a particular instance, you can migrate there without too much trouble.

Good luck!

[ernestoduracelli@ruhr.social]

@jztusk @nancylwayne @anxietynectarr @Remedios_Varo_Bot I'd like to double down on the unfollow later advice. If you go for generic hashtags it might easily flood your timeline. However if you don't know where to start you might need to make use of those obvious hashtags first to discover more obscure ones. Or accounts.

Following and unfollowing are the most important things to do for you. Because there is no machine around to take that piece of work from you.

[remedios_varo_bot@mastodon.art]

@ernestoDuracelli Jean Nicolle (1948)
https://www.remediosvaro.art/paintings/jean-nicolle

Feel free to help improve this bot by suggesting better alt text in the comments, thanks.

#SurrealistArt #Surrealism #Surrealismo #RemediosVaro

[ernestoduracelli@ruhr.social]

@jztusk @nancylwayne @anxietynectarr @Remedios_Varo_Bot In theory instances are pretty important and they might be practically important in other parts of the Fediverse.

On Mastodon the choice of instance doesn't seem to be too relevant for most users. Myself I only rarely check the feed my instance is offering me.

[mrgrumpymonkey@mastodon.social]

@anxietynectarr You should check out Lemmy if you want a Reddit alternative. It's also associated with the broader Fediverse.

[remedios_varo_bot@mastodon.art]

@ernestoDuracelli Night Hunt / Caza Nocturna (1958)
https://www.remediosvaro.art/paintings/caza-nocturna

Feel free to help improve this bot by suggesting better alt text in the comments, thanks.

#SurrealistArt #Surrealism #Surrealismo #RemediosVaro

[anxietynectarr@mastodon.social]

@FediTips okay thank you and let’s say I wanted to join a different server? How would i do that exactly? I heard I have to make a brand NEW account? Sorry I’m just lost lol

[feditips@social.growyourown.services]

@anxietynectarr

If you want to communicate with people on other servers, you can do that from your existing account. You don't need to join a server to communicate with its members. For example you and I are on different servers but we can talk like this

You generally don't need accounts on other servers unless you specifically want to operate multiple accounts (for example a work account and personal account), or if there are special features on other servers you want to use.

[pgiulan@federate.social]

@anxietynectarr

Servers:
- https://mastodon.fediverse.observer/list
- https://fedidb.com/servers
- https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/fediverse-near-me_828094#3/25.878994/29.707031
- https://instances.social/
- https://fedi.garden/
- https://fediverse.party/en/portal/servers/

Other tools, resources, and contact lists: https://federate.social/@pgiulan/116529362762588898

#Mastodon #FediTips

[revivalrecords@cupoftea.social]

@nancylwayne @anxietynectarr Yes, I was coming here to say just this. Your instance may tell others a little bit about yourself but it isn’t that important. Sharing a bit of background, building your own feed with people who share interests, following hashtags and joining in are a much better way forward. The best thing about the fediverse is you are in total control. Have fun!

[davidculley@hachyderm.io]

@anxietynectarr Yes, you have to create a new account. Then you have two accounts.

You can then either start from scratch on the new account and tell all your followers to follow you on the new account. That's the easier way.

A bit more technical: Or you can trigger a process from the account settings that automatically moves all your followers from the old account to the new account. You can take your followers with you to the new account, but not your posts.

Either way you have to create a new/second account.

[lauerhahn@sfba.social]

@anxietynectarr Well, you've already unlocked the secret to getting lots of engagement on Mastodon . If you want extra bonus replies, just ask about installing Linux...