Show newer

I won't learn how to use Mastodon if I don't practice, and I've had a recent career change, so an #introduction seems appropriate!

I am Megan Tannock, and I am a professional #astronomer. I am a former academic turned video game programmer, currently working on the game #SpaceEngine. My role involves implementing new #physics and #chemistry in the game, and acting as an #astronomy consultant for the team!

I am Canadian and I love #dogs, #rockclimbing, #hiking, and all things #science.

One thing I have noticed so far about this migration is that it contains a lot of academics (great!) but also carries over some biases, e.g. there is a server for LGBTQ in tech, but not greater STEM, chemistry/physics seem like they're migrating more slowly so the spaces are being shaped largely without them, there aren't many dedicated spaces for industry scientists outside tech. Excited to see how this protocol grows as more join!

RT @Victorshi2020@twitter.com

Wow. @shaqbrewster@twitter.com just said on MSNBC that lines are matching — or even surpassing — presidential election year rates in Wisconsin right now. Ignore all the polls. Get out there and vote, there is still time!

🐦🔗: twitter.com/Victorshi2020/stat

I am having no trouble following people of different instances from the qoto instance. The UX is pretty good actually!

Many thanks to all the election site volunteers working hard today to make folks feel welcome and informed, especially first time voters. And specific shout-out to the volunteers at Payne Elementary School in Washington, D.C. — it was so easy and fast to vote because of them.

Seriously though, fedi was *built* by furries, trans and queer folk, disabled neurodivergent people.

This is *the reason* the culture here is what it is. Why CWs are a thing. Why image descriptions are a thing. Why privacy matters here. Why moderation tools not only exist, but are usable — and used.

If you had joined and asked yourself "wow, how come this place is so chill and kinda… nice?" — that's thanks to all the nice people from communities some people call "weird".

So #KeepFediWeird.

QT is apparently still a thing over here.

Sarah Posner  
I have to admit I miss QT! (I'll get over it.)

Democracy is not a spectator sport.
It is an organised form of structured contestation in lieu of violence. So go out there and contest.

I spoke about this a few days ago, but since there are so many new folks here: Mastodon has lists. And they're useful. You need to already be following people but you can put them into lists and then just call up that list. So, I have a list for journalists, and for tech law people. And it's super useful for me.

Unfortunately, lists are not currently public or shareable, though.

But test out the list feature to make Mastodon more useful.

By way of an , I am an industrial chemist specializing in dyes, pigments, polymers, and process development. I'm in the biz; if you have an device, chances are I've worked on the technology in the screen.

I'm here in a personal, not professional, capacity, so any content posted here is mine and should not be construed to be sponsored by my employer.

Outside of work, my hobbies include, in no particular order: , , (fiction), (everything), , (I'm a classical percussionist), learning languages, being a doting auntie, and learning to code.

Qoto Mastodon

QOTO: Question Others to Teach Ourselves
An inclusive, Academic Freedom, instance
All cultures welcome.
Hate speech and harassment strictly forbidden.