any new peeps out there 
WELCOME to FEDI
You're gonna like it here - I promise! I can't even stomach LOOKING at #birdsite anymore...
TIPS:
1. follow @feditips
2. use #hashtags
3. follow lots - build your network
4. boost lots - you ARE the algorithm (& likes are private)
5. search #hashtags which interest YOU
6. scan people's profiles
7. MORE TIPS
https://fedi.tips/
8. stick with it - #fediverse is WHEY better than centralized corporate garbage 
Much more tips, but..
9. use alt-text on media attachments
and.. 10. it will feel "slow" at first.
That is because it's on YOU to build up your own Timeline. You do this by following lots of people, and interacting with them. Replies, boosts. Likes are invisible to everyone except the author, so they don't DO anything else to raise the profile of that post.
11. Enjoy the ride - you'll have to invest a little more up front but it will pay off!
12. You ARE the algorithm!
so this is where I tell you to follow @lisamelton - give your timeline an immediate shot in the arm
In the #fedi, Lisa is a force for awesome. 
and follow @paul for his nightly #HashtagGames @hashtaggames - if you enjoy this kind of thing. (you do, actually)
@lisamelton @paul @hashtaggames
FEDIVERSE WINS:
no malign billionaires no ads no rage-fueled ALGORITHM
features & stability * build your OWN experience self-healing (at server & user level) ** flexibility ***
* in production since 2016 (7?) Compare to "threads" or "bsky" or "post" LOL 
** instances can defederate problem instances, users can block entire instances)
** move instances if you like, bringing followers with you. Some even import toots #firefish 
@lisamelton @paul @hashtaggames
so HANG IN, folks!
1. #fediverse is the future 
2. YOU'VE already MADE IT
3. now.. get to work
@dannotdaniel @lisamelton @hashtaggames
Thanks DanNotDaniel
@paul @lisamelton @hashtaggames you got it 
thanks for doing the games.
that really IS a big commitment
You'll notice my absence the last few days. I am on the mend and will get back soon to my regular @paul account.
Ear infection turned into sinus infection which then ended up in ER visit & surgery. At present time, can't really elevate my head more than 5 minutes without side effects.
However, I haven't forsaken 9 o'clock @hashtaggames, although it has been mentioned in dms that they seem to have taken a darker turn in the last few days.
@paul @lisamelton @hashtaggames oof - rest up & take care of yourself!
Darker turn? Well. i wasn't gonna say anything 
@paul @dannotdaniel @lisamelton Glad I could give you a chuckle!
Sounds like you’ve been through the wringer the past few days…glad you’re feeling a bit better, please get plenty of rest and take care of yourself!
Gus Posey @paul Criminy. I hope you feel better soon.
@paul @dannotdaniel @hashtaggames Yikes! Rest up, feel better and get well soon. 
️ @paul @dannotdaniel @lisamelton @hashtaggames
Oy. Sorry to hear that Paul.
Hope you mend quickly.
@paul Get well soon! That sounds awful 
@dannotdaniel @lisamelton @hashtaggames
@dannotdaniel @paul @hashtaggames Thank you for that enthusiastic recommendation! 
@dannotdaniel @feditips what do you mean by likes are invisible? I can see that you have 17 likes on this post at this moment.
@dylanbragg @feditips thanks! I mean that the likes don't change anything, with respect to who sees a post.
In Twitter I think posts getting a like triggers something that makes it more likely to show up in other people's feed.. (I could have this wrong)... and it also sends out notifications to anyone tagged that so and so liked it.
On Mastodon it's just a little thing the author sees, and if we weren't on the same server I don't think you'd see it fully either.
@dylanbragg @feditips just FYI it says 18 for me now.
I didn't look maybe 17 minutes for the server and then someone else liked it from somewhere else... ?
@dannotdaniel This is all excellent advice
@feditips
️ @dannotdaniel @feditips it's hard I can't find anything I like on here all my timeline is furry art and noone reply to my post
you can mute words
you can also change instances if you're not digging the local traffic
as for people replying, if you reply to people, follow and boost people, build your timeline / network - it does come.
takes some work though. Also, yes this is generally a very inclusive and welcoming place , but the amount of furry stuff I would expect to vary per instance.
not a furry myself but it's fine w / me. found some really great / creative folks on here - love it here
@dannotdaniel @feditips likes are private, except for the post-er, and maybe any users included in the liked item, iirc
@dannotdaniel @feditips 
You da man, Dan.
Thanks, 'dese...
@dannotdaniel @feditips You had a great toot with a grand list, Dan.
How do you like dose nuts?
PS: You made me laugh.
Speaking of tuckers nuts I assume you saw his cheezing on the mountain I did ions ago...
It was a spoof on the teste tanning he was pushing before FOX canned him
@dannotdaniel @feditips Eye had NOT seen this well-deserved cheesing of old "Tucker," previously Dan.
But many thanx, mad propz, and much love for sharing it with me today.
Big ups for whoever gets credit for the sound track, and the person who included the bow tie deserves extra credit.
The cheesing itself is worthy of a 21 chef's kiss salute.