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Hello and welcome all new users! 
Most of you joined a #Mastodon instance(server) and by that you automatically joined the #Fediverse 
(Federated Universe) this is the network of all instances so we can communicate from different places!
If you want to know more about the server you are on be sure to checkout the 'about' page. This also includes the rules specific to your instance!
For example, ours can be found here: https://mstdn.social/about
@stux@mstdn.socialTo get started I recommend following and checking out the toots of @feditips and @FediFollows
For some more in-depth information about how #Mastodon works be sure to checkout the docs 
https://docs.joinmastodon.org
Wanna go all the way? Setup your own server with Mastodon for FREE!
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon
There are also a lot of websites with information and staticstics about each instance within the #Fediverse.
We want to be transparant, no fake numbers, no bullshit!
Here are some websites about the Fediverse you should checkout:
https://fedidb.org
https://the-federation.info
https://fediverse.observer
https://fediverse.space
#Mastodon is kinda the open source alternative for #Twitter but there's more!
For almost all 'mainstream' (social) platform there are FOSS (free open source software) alternatives you can host yourself!
Here are some you should checkout:
Pixelfed (Insta alt): https://pixelfed.org
PeerTube (YT alt): https://joinpeertube.org
Matrix (Chat): https://matrix.org/docs/projects/server/synapse
Pleroma: https://pleroma.social
Misskey: https://join.misskey.page/en-US
WriteFreely : https://writefreely.org
One of the things you will (NOT) find in #Mastodon are advertisements or tracking software!
Most servers are run by a small group of people or even single admins who pay the server costs, media storage, and mail delivery from their own money and with the support of the users on the #Fediverse
We will NEVER sell data, show ads or have 'premium' features. Everyone is the same 'level'
Please checkout your server admins profile to see how you can help
The difference between instances is often not the software or how it looks but the rules that are set, the people who run it and something things like; language or 'theme'!
For example, mstdn.social is a 'general' instance where all languages are allowed but there are many more instances with other sets of 'rules'!
You can find the one best fitting for you here: https://joinmastodon.org/servers
Another (big) difference with #Twitter (and many other mainstream social platforms) is that on the #Fediverse it's not a numbers game.
In short: constantly showing the number of boosts, favourites, replies, etc is having an effect on the mind.
We do not care about numbers but rather the content of a post / user 
Quality over quanity!
Below you find an example of the web interface, on the timeline it does NOT show the counts but only on the post itself.
Most of us do not like so-called 'spam accounts'.
Many instances within the #Fediverse have rules about automated bot accounts, for example; on mstdn.social we only allow news / media bots that post 'unlisted' meaning not on the 'Public' timelines that bother every user.
Unlike #Twitter, we keep an close eye on spam accounts and remove them so we keep the community for humans!
If you do wanna post something but not to the world please checkout the screenshot below for the options we offer!
Next to the 'default' single column layout in #Mastodon there is also an 'advanced web interface' with multi column you can build yourself!
Go to settings and check the "Enable advanced web interface"
On mstdn.social you can find the setting here: https://mstdn.social/settings/preferences/appearance
@stux not implying that matrix is on the fediverse 
@shitpostalotl Truee! 
@stux I used the advanced web interface a while ago, but then realized I didn't really like it... just the same with TweetDeck. xD
@stux after I set up my account through my browser, I learned about the app. But the app wouldn’t accept the login I created and asked me to choose another server. Now I have two accounts. Not seeing instructions on how to merge without losing followers. Suggestions?
@stux@mstdn.social actually, admins of misskey and calckey can optionally show users hand-picked ads, but in Calckey users can entirely opt out of them
@thatonecalculator True! But those are not really used as 'ads' I think? (sold)
@stux@mstdn.social Most don't use them as real ads, but I've seen sponsored Misskey instances (see misskeyio and sushiski) that actually give spots to advertisers/sponsors. On my instance I use them on occasion to announce fun events or showcase user art :)
One of the coolest things about #Mastodon is the ability to join a server without having to worry about hosting, or host our own!
I'm still having difficulty reaching out on the #Fediverse as well as finding peeps, on this humble little bitfudge node, but I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience since joining a few months ago. 
@stux Yes, true. As a server admin you pay, and do not earn.
However, the base is the software itself, for that, donate:
https://www.patreon.com/mastodon
Thank you!
@stux preach 
