@zeccano Hello and welcome to Qoto.
Were you readign that post you wanted to reply at another instance, another browser tab?
If so, it can be responded to there -- but that server has to confirm that you are a legit, registered user somewhere. To avoid spam.
So it pops up a window to ask for your home instance, and once it's confirmed, you can reply there.
You can also do it from here -- use the search box and input a user name or some text that is unique to that post. Once found, you can reply immediately.
@design_RG Hi, this works thanks
@design_RG Ill go read a bit....thanks
@zeccano You are welcome. Take your time, there's a lot of new things, but it's fun and worth it.
Only been here for a few weeks, and really enjoy it.
@zeccano Wonderful!! 😺
Have you seen the nice guide to mastodon ?
https://lifehacker.com/a-beginner-s-guide-to-mastodon-1828503235