I admit I don't understand social media. I never have. I feel I'm a participant in an ongoing experiment along with everyone else who partakes, no matter the platform.
For those who've been on #mastodon for years, I want to acknowledge that I, along with many others in the Twitter exodus, have abruptly entered your digital world. I am sure that brings forth many feelings and concerns.
While I would like to call Mastodon my new social home, I know I'm still a guest in a digital world forged by those who invested in it long before my arrival. I appreciate any suggestions or advice from the community on how I can better fit in to the customs and expectations that have made Mastodon a welcoming "federation".
I don't know how long I'll be here, but I'm excited to interact with the Mastodon community during my stay. It is my hope we can find a collective balance that allows for wide reach, small community feel, and personal control/choice.
@paulkaiser - We are all in it together!
@DoctorRinny Welcome!
Just find a group of like minded individuals and form a community.
Luckily I fell into a STEM heavy group quickly. The key is to find a group you are comfortable with.
Relax and try to enjoy yourself. Peertube instances aren't rare and there is more to discover than that.
@DoctorRinny My algorithm is I hopped to an island that I feel pretty good about but if it turns out to be a turtle I hop again.
For what it's worth the fedi was designed for this day. Small communities that want to be more isolationist can wall themselves off from the bulk or the fedi, while people who choose to engage can join(/run, maybe) their own that are open to the world.
I'm extremely glad the nerds thought ahead about social media infra and the risks of centralisation and built an escape hatch ahead of time.
@DoctorRinny I'm right behind you 😀