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If you have any questions about Mastodon or the rest of the Fediverse, please feel free to ask!

This is a human being typing this, it's not a bot account. I mainly set this account up to help people directly.

Any question is fine, don't be afraid of it sounding too basic or silly 🙂

#FediTips

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Thank you very much for doing this. This service seems unique to Mastodon. I never saw that anywhere else.
in reply to Paul Förster :verified_blue:

The Fediverse is a community-owned place built and run by volunteers, I hope my accounts are in the same spirit!
This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

That’s a good way of putting it: In way, most questions are “RTFM” questions. But many people don’t work/think that way *and* it’s also comforting when there’s a human in the loop (less anonymous etc.).
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

any tips advising newish people against hashtag stuffing, spam or overt advertising?
in reply to django

Obviously spamming a bad idea, but specific rules about what exactly is spam would depend on the server.

For example some servers forbid any kind of self-promotion, even for indie artists trying to make a living by selling art. Other servers would be fine with this as long as they're not spamming other people's threads with it or using irrelevant tags etc.

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

yeah this is a case that came up recently.

Indie artists advertising into an unrelated hashtag!

in reply to django

@django

It's kind of difficult to comment without seeing the specific example in question?

in reply to django

@django Hi, I'm continuing to this thread since I'm from the opposite end: an indie (st)artist. So I followed advice "use hashtags liberally, it's how your post is found!" and now that I check specifically hashtags earlymusic partimento csound lilypond , I've "polluted / buried" those with my guitar playing videos. What is the polite and right way to go about telling of your videos but not spamming: and how to choose "spam-resilient" hashtags? Thanks for amazing work here!
in reply to A. J. Greengrove

@ajgreengrove @django

Yeah, this is a problem as people are encouraged to use hashtags as much as possible, but also told not to use too many.

My personal take is that it's okay to use lots of tags which relate to your post, but others might prefer to have a maximum number of tags.

The maximum number of tags is sort of unclear, maybe partly because it depends on what the post is about? Some posts might cover a lot more topics than others.

Sorry I can't help more! 😦

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

@django Then I believe your answer tells the truth: that there are different styles and/or contradicting schools of thought. I'll experiment what feels right. : ) Thanks again!
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

is it possible to include both a poll and an image in a post? (They seem to be mutually exclusive for me, but maybe that's something that my instance configured?)
in reply to mk30

@mk30

No, it's not possible, at least not on servers running Mastodon.

@mk30
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Can I be signed into my account on 2 different platforms (smart phone and tablet) simultaneously?
in reply to MAB

Yes! Each device gets its own access token when you log in with it.

(You can also be logged in with multiple apps on the same device, or multiple accounts on the same app.)

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Hi! Thank you for you availability. Last week I was looking for an app that can manage both Mastodon and PixelFed at the same time for free. I use @IceCubesApp for Mastodon and @impressia for PixelFed. Are we there yet? If so, please suggestions are appreciated.
in reply to Gonzalo

@Gonzalo

Pretty much all Mastodon apps let you log in with multiple accounts at once, usually using an account switching button (on the official apps this in the bottom right corner).

You can also use PixelFed accounts via Mastodon apps, although the PixelFed-only features wouldn't be accessible.

So, you should be able to log in on Ice Cubes with your PixelFed account while also be logged in with your Mastodon account?

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

thank you! Originally I thought that and I tried it, but my PixelFed instance @luzeed.org is not supported by @IceCubesApp. Do you think is it a quick fix?
in reply to Gonzalo

Hmm... 🤔

First, you could try logging in with your Pixelfed on the official Mastodon app. If that works, then the problem is with Ice Cubes.

If there's the same problem on the official Mastodon app too, then the problem may be on the Pixelfed server.

That particular Pixelfed server is running a slightly older version of the software (v0.12), maybe it needs to update to the latest release version (v0.12.4)?

EDIT: Also worth updating the apps too, just in case.

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

@luzeed.org @IceCubesApp I was not able to log in with the mastodon app. It says error 200. I will notify the owner of the instance. Thanks for helping me to find a way to fix it.
Unknown parent

Fedi.Tips 🎄

@Sonar888

I'm really sorry, I'm not sure what you're asking? 😦 Could you explain a bit more?

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Would you kindly point me to a tutorial (with examples!) for using markup on Mastodon?

All searching has gotten me is that markup is supported (sometimes), but not *which* markup.

I'm not even sure if my server supports it.

in reply to RealGene ☣️

Standard Mastodon (aka "vanilla Mastodon") will display rich text in other posts but doesn't let you create it.

Variations of Mastodon such as Glitch and some non-Mastodon Fediverse servers do let you create it, which is why you can sometimes see it on your timeline.

Your server runs standard Mastodon so it doesn't support creating it.

There's a complete guide to the situation of Mastodon and rich text / markup / markdown here:

fedi.tips/is-mastodon-compatib…

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
Unknown parent

Fedi.Tips 🎄

@Sonar888

Ah, okay, that!

I'm not sure what the trick used is, maybe you should message them directly? Sorry I can't help more.

Unknown parent

Martin
@Sonar888
I would guess a Unicode character? Don't know for sure though, there's lots.
@FediTips
in reply to Martin

@slowmart @Sonar888

Yeah it will be a trick with some kind of character I think?

However, it may cause accessibility problems if you use it a lot. It might be best to just use it in one-off posts rather than usernames?

People who use screen readers hear awful gibberish when the reader app tries to interpret unusual characters used for visual effect.

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Filtered word: nsfw

in reply to Uri

@uri

Usually server rules either ban NSFW or allow it behind a content warning.

If the unwanted content is coming from a small number of accounts I'd suggest muting or blocking them. If they're posting content that is problematic, it would be a good idea to report it by clicking ⋯ below the post.

If the unwanted content is coming from many accounts from a single server, you might want to let your server admin know as they may be able to silence or block it.

@Uri
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

i already blocked a domain. Now i can see some coming from .social ; maybe I'll end up blocking them. This will take time.
in reply to Uri

Filtered word: nsfw

in reply to Christoph Schmees

Really excellent point. If they tag it NSFW this would indeed be the best way to filter it out, yes!

I was assuming it was irresponsible posting, but yeah responsible posters of NSFW would do this!

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
Unknown parent

Fedi.Tips 🎄

@noctilua @Sonar888

Ah yeah of course, it could be that, custom emoji can be animated.

They're not always reliable when used in profile names though.

Unknown parent

⊢≪ Noctilua ≫⊣
@Sonar888
It looks like those are just custom emojis they put in their names. You should ask your admin to add it to your instance if you want that too.
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

@FediTips@social.growyourown.services is the fedi better than Bsky?
in reply to jezebelley

@jezebelley

Fedi is people, Bluesky is a corporation.

Almost all Fedi servers are owned and run by ordinary people and grassroots non-profits. Fedi servers are fully independent and anyone can start one.

Bluesky is owned by a for-profit corporation run by cryptocurrency people. Bluesky doesn't have independent servers, it has a centralised corporate infrastructure through which everything flows. It's structured to prevent servers being independent.

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Can you point me to an explainer for this part? "It's structured to prevent servers being independent."
in reply to 🌈 Kevin Bowersox 🖖

Servers on Bluesky cannot communicate with each other at all. They can only communicate with relays, and then the relays (if they feel like it) will pass it on to other servers. Relays are very expensive to run, AFAIK there is only one relay at the moment, which is owned by the Bluesky corporation.

On the Fediverse, it's much simpler: servers communicate directly with other servers and don't need to connect to any kind of relay. Fedi servers are independent.

This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to 🚎🏳️‍🌈Pollute_my_lungs

@pollute_my_lungs

The public feed, yes! Usually if you go to a server's website you can click on "🌎 Live Feeds" and it will show you the server's public feed.

Some apps also let you follow the live feeds of other servers. More info at:

fedi.tips/how-do-i-browse-the-…

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

What happens when an instance goes down temporarily, or worse--permanently?
in reply to Uncle Josh

@UncleJosh

If a server goes down, other servers will wait and retry later if they can't get a response now. When it comes back online the server will start catching up on the posts it had missed. (This is also how email servers work, by the way.)

If it's down permanently then that's a problem, but that's why it's important to join a server which promises to give lots of warning if they intend to close down. This gives time to move your account elsewhere.

More info at fedi.tips/what-if-a-server-clo…

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

strange. I searched for dhis article and it didn't come up. Thanks.
in reply to Uncle Josh

@UncleJosh

Thanks for the feedback.

I've tweaked the article a little bit to hopefully make it appear in searches for the topics you raised.

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Are there any good micro/container based instances where each user could have their own instance so we can federate at that level rather than having people host whole servers?
in reply to SpacePatriot

@spacepatriot

That sounds like you're looking for a peer-to-peer distributed network rather than a federated network?

Scuttlebutt and its spin-off project @manyver_se are based on that idea, but due to technical and privacy barriers they still need to use servers to connect people. You can find out more at manyver.se

They're not part of the Fediverse as they use a very very different protocol, but it sounds like a better match for what you're asking about?

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

@manyver_se hmmm maybe? Seems it could still be federated though. You could have servers and single user instances. A challenge would be a directory method but I guess a DNS style protocol would work since ActivityPub uses domains for ID. 🤷‍♂️
in reply to SpacePatriot

@spacepatriot

Ah okay, maybe we are talking at cross purposes? 🙂

On the Fediverse, the term "server" and "instance" mean the same thing, so a single-user instance would be the same thing as a single-user server.

At a technical level there wouldn't be any difference between a server/instance owned by one person or several people.

If you're asking about lightweight server/instance Fediverse software, something like GoToSocial is very lightweight? There's more info at gotosocial.org

in reply to SpacePatriot

@spacepatriot
I think what you're looking for is how to set up a single-user instance: an instance for one person, using a custom URL, so they are in total control of content and moderation.

If so then you're in luck. First, this isn't difficult; in fact it's very popular.

You're also in luck because I believe @feditips (using a different account) offers managed instances where an admin does all the technical stuff, letting you focus only on the content:

social.growyourown.services/@h…

in reply to Danny Boling ☮️

Just to clarify, I don't offer instances myself! 🙂 I just encourage people to create their own instances, offer advice on it and help them find places where they can do this.
This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

@spacepatriot

Oh, I'm so sorry! I hope I haven't caused any confusion. Thank you for pointing that out!

And thank you for being so dang helpful too. Your q&a posts are my favorite. I read read those top to bottom. You provide a fantastic and unique service to the whole Fediverse and I hope people show their appreciation for you!

in reply to Danny Boling ☮️

@IAmDannyBoling @spacepatriot

No no, don't worry! 🙂

And... heck, thank you so much for the really kind words! It makes it feel worthwhile if these posts and guides are useful 😊

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Any tips for advocating (from within) creating a presence for an org that has left Xitter? Org is a child-focused NFP, so moderation is an issue, but I need to convince marketroids who want Engagement.
in reply to wonkothesane

@wonkothesane

Are you wanting to set up your own server, so you have control over moderation? Here are some reasons why it's a good idea:

growyourown.services/why-growi…

There are some tips on organisations running their own server here:

fedi.tips/how-can-organisation…

There's also a more general guide to making your own server here:

growyourown.services/making-yo…

"Org is a child-focused NFP, so moderation is an issue""

Sorry if I'm misunderstanding, but I wouldn't recommend kids being on social networks?

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Oh no, we don’t want kids there!! The ideal user would be described as “Donor”.

(…and thank you!)

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Thank you so much. Is there a french Feditips ?
This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Khaled Gaiji

@kgaiji

There isn't an account as far as I know. However, the text on my site is available under creative commons and there have been a couple of French language guides published based on the text:

enthalpiste.fr/index.php/fedi-…

didiermary.fr/sommaire-du-guid…

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Hey ! I got a question regarding creating or not creating my own Peertube instance. I'm not sure if creating my own Peertube instance is the best option rather than joining an existing one. Is it easy to become visible by other instances when creating a new instance ? My goal is simply to publish series of tutorials.
in reply to Louis

@louischance

I think it would be similar in visibility whether you're starting your own or joining one. Most of your potential audience will be on non-PeerTube Fediverse platforms, especially Mastodon.

If you want to promote your PeerTube videos, it's a good idea to boost them from your existing account on piaille.fr. Most of the popular PeerTube accounts have main non-video accounts on Mastodon etc where they post about their topic as well as promoting their videos.

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

@louischance

p.s. Let me know if you do publish tutorials, I run an account at @FediVideo and a site at fedi.video which promotes nice content on PeerTube.

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

thanks yes it makes sense ! I'll get in touch with some instances or start one using Yunohost on a vps.
I understood that an instance gets federated as soon as a user from another account has interacted with some of its content (liking it for example), so I guess ultimately visibility mostly depends on sharing the content through other networks like Mastodon.
in reply to Louis

@louischance

The federation on Mastodon etc depends on people from other instances following your PeerTube account (not the channel, it has to be the account people follow to trigger federation).

So, as a first step encourage your existing followers on Mastodon to also follow your PeerTube account, and then after a few people have done this you can upload your first videos.

If you upload videos before anyone has followed your PT account, they will not be visible anywhere on Mastodon etc.

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

thanks your tips I got it now, and just read your page about this (fedi.tips/how-to-publish-video…), very clear !
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

I read my feed from oldest to newest.
I was annoyed by the "load more" feature to put my reading position at the top of the newly loaded toots.
So now I use megalodon, which works fine.
Question: why do I need to click to load more? Can't the client click fo me?
in reply to gunstick

@gunstick

If this message is at the top of the screen, it could be you're in slow mode.

You can switch this off by going to ⚙️ Preferences > UN-tick slow mode > Click Save Changes

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

well I do not have thi option. But see these which sounds like it should do the job but does not load automatically the in-between posts, only loads the new ones on top.
in reply to gunstick

@gunstick

Ahh okay, I thought you meant you were using the website. Which app are you using that you had the problem on?

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Thank you for offering to answer questions. Ours is this: we feel that mostly we see, and are seen by users of, accounts w/i the same #Mastodon instance. How can we foster interaction across instances?
in reply to Auden in Austria Digital

@AAD_OeAW

To keep instance costs low, instances only notice remote posts and accounts that have some kind of connection to your instance.

There are things you can do to increase the number of posts and accounts your instance has noticed. Some of these can be done by users, others require action by your instance admin:

fedi.tips/using-relays-to-quic…

Unknown parent

Fedi.Tips 🎄

@magitian @gunstick

Oooh wait... don't use Megalodon, it isn't maintained any more.

If you want alternatives to Moshidon, you might want Tusky, Fedilab or Tooot instead.

in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

I saw some journalists move from X to Bluesky. What is the easiest way to get there updates in my feed (using Ice Cubes), without having to join BS? One way is fine, I can live with not being able to interact with them.
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

I'm having trouble with Mobilizon. It's having trouble with basic things like logging in, and editing an existing post. Where can I get help?
in reply to Dirk

@dirk

If you can't log in, the first person to ask would be your server's admin. They should be able to advise you if there's a problem with the server?

@Dirk
in reply to Afif

@afif

Mastodon is apparently the favourite band of the lead developer - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastodon…

(I think they somewhat denied this later though.)

@Afif
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Hi, is there any way to sort/filter the trending posts on Mastodon like you can do on Lemmy? for example see the top posts for the last 6h, 12h, past day, past week etc.
in reply to Fedi.Tips 🎄

Thanks so much for being willing to answer 'RTFM' questions.
Is it okay if I cite Feditips on Threads and Bluesky? :thinkerguns: