Thread by @UlrikeKlinger

For folks who want to try #Mastodon but are unsure how to do it – a #thread to get started, just my own experience from the past week.
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#TwitterMigration #mastodonmigration

techcrunch.com/2022/11/07/boo…

2/14 #Mastodon is not ONE site like Twitter, but a network of many independent servers. No matter which server you join, you can follow and be followed across servers. Don't let it confuse you. It does not matter.

3/14 You can always move to another server later and take your followers and followings with you. It is like choosing email with Gmail or another provider. Here you can pick a server: joinmastodon.org/servers

4/14 Set up your account, add the same bio and pic as on Twitter to make it easier for people to find you. Add your Mastodon account name to your Twitter name or bio (e.g. @[e-mail]) – again, so people can find you.

5/14 Now find the people you follow on Twitter and follow them on Mastodon. All it takes is a few clicks, done in less than a minute: fedifinder.glitch.me or pruvisto.org/debirdify/

6/14 In your Mastodon profile, you can import any csv file with Mastodon accounts and automatically add them to your followings. Make sure you chose “merge”, not “overwrite”.

7/14 Here are lists of academics and academic communities on Mastodon that you can import as CSV and follow in batches: github.com/nathanlesage/a… Easy, right?

8/14 How to Mastodon: Follow LOTS of people, b/c there is no algorithm to fill your timeline! You can follow hashtags, too! Eg #commodon for communication science stuff #FollowSunday

9/14 ⭐️Favorites (= Likes) do not amplify, they are just an appreciation for the author of a post. To amplify and share, you need to 🔁boost (= retweet). Boost often and a lot! Again, there is no algorithm to boost content for you.

10/14 No “quote tweets” possible – it takes a little getting used to. Here is why there is no quote feature: mastodon.social/@Gargron/99662…

11/14 Be respectful to Mastodon community: Use content warnings if appropriate (CW), put Alt text on pics, write an #introduction post about you (it has become quite a genre!)

12/14 To avoid awkward situations, note that DMs are not private: gizmodo.com/mastodon-how-t…

13/14 Mastodon is a decentralized non-profit network based on crowdfunding, and system admins servers have a LOT to do these days. Show appreciation and donate some money to your server admins – infos on your server. blog.joinmastodon.org/2021/08/mastod…

14/14 Should you feel lonely there at first - it may take some days, but there are many newly arrived users over at Mastodon, and the community is super helpful. Follow a lot, boost a lot, use hashtags a lot and you'll find your community. mastodon.social/@mastodonuserc…