*banned 4 MarkDown love* @design_RG@social.cleverlibre.org

We are getting asked about "verified accounts" quite often recently, so lets try to clear this up: There are no verified accounts on Mastodon like there are on Twitter. Some Mastodon instances have a custom emoji that looks like the verified icon on Twitter and people put that in their display name, probably because it looks fancy. It does not mean anything though.

One thing about mastodon that seems different to any other social media I’ve used is that we’re all a load of nerds saying “hey, here’s a thing I learned today and here are some resources so you can learn too”, (mostly) constructive discussion, and really long, in-depth threads about things you’ve never thought about before.

Mike's one piece of advice for new Mastodon users - dive into that Federated column and follow ANYONE and EVERYONE who looks like they've posted anything at all interesting to you. Just hammer the button. There's no penalty for mistakes. Go wild.

Later, when your Home timeline is buzzing, go in and unfollow people you decide you're not enjoying so much now.

Then do that again a few times. Then some more. Forever.

Set on the Atlantic west coast just north of Cabo da Roca in #Portugal is the little gem of a beach called Praia da Ursa. The name of the beach comes from the "Rocha da Ursa" (bear rock) one of two huge sea stacks at the northern end of the beach.

"The center-right Social Democratic Party had its worst result in over three decades." https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/07/socialists-win-portugal-rebuke-far-right-populism #portugal

● NEWS ● #portugal #pt ☞ Portugal's Lesson for the Global Left https://www.truthdig.com/articles/portugals-lesson-for-the-global-left/

“There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires.” The Buddha

ஞாயிறு போற்றுவோம்.❤️

Blue tick beside your name doesn't make you a celebrity or anything.
We don't need another Twitter here.
#StopCelebCulture

Hello Mastodon! I co-wrote a short explainer for The Hindu about this platform, what instances are, how to communicate between instances, etc.

All this is based on my initial experience with the site, with references from a few guides. Do give it a read. Here's hoping that the anti-caste community gets a separate instance soon. Will help in any way possible to build a more inclusive, egalitarian atmosphere. Jai Bhim!

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/internet/what-is-mastodon-the-new-social-media-kid-on-the-block/article29924482.ece

No matter which social network you're on, following a diverse group of people helps you taking a peek at the other side of your personal filter bubble.

You don't have to agree with everything and everyone, but please, at least try to listen to people and their opinions.

It will help you appreciate your own life, and may just make you a little wiser.

Centralised power structures are always going to be simpler to manage and use. Platforms like Facebook, Insta and twitter are designed to control your attention. So all of us are habituated to certain ways of using social media as opposed to others. Taking back the control of our attention and employing it in places that doesn't tell you where or what to look at, is going to be hard. But it's neccesary. This is going to require persistence, willingness to learn and adapt.

I’m a sucker for Italian design.

The Italian Computer: Olivetti’s ELEA 9003 Was a Study in Elegant, Ergonomic Design:

https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-history/silicon-revolution/the-italian-computer-olivettis-elea-9003-was-a-study-in-elegant-ergonomic-design

Gradient.
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