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FAQ: added QnA from @raccoon, contacts, & little editing

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Integrated questions from @raccoon (https://mastodon.social/@Raccoon).
Made a cursory editing lookover. Added some incomplete credits/contacts
at the bottom.
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upsided 2017-04-23 17:55:25 -05:00
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Using-Mastodon/FAQ.md
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@ -36,19 +36,26 @@ While Mastodon is compatible with GNU social in terms of server to server commun
Because Mastodon has been created from a blank slate, it is much simpler to have the API mirror internal structures as closely as possible, rather than build an emulation layer. Secondly, the GNU social client API is actually a half-way implementation of the legacy Twitter API - that's the reason why it works with some older Twitter client apps. However, many of those apps are not maintained anymore, the GNU social API does not actually keep up with the real Twitter API and never fully implemented all its features; at the same time, the Twitter API was never meant for a federated service and so obscures some of the functionality.
#### How is Mastodon funded?
Development of Mastodon and hosting of mastodon.social is funded through my [Patreon (also BTC/PayPal donations)](https://www.patreon.com/user?u=619786). Beyond that, I am not interested in VC funding, monetizing, advertising, or anything of that sort. I could offer setup/maintenance services on demand.
The software is free and open source and communities should host their own servers if they can, that way the costs are more or less distributed. Obviously it'd be hard for me to pay the bills if literally everyone decided to use the mastodon.social instance only.
#### What’s a “federation”?
#### This looks a lot like twitter, what’s the difference?
Mastodon is a decentralized social network with no in-line ads.
#### What is a “federation”?
It’s a group of mastodon servers that share toots with each other.
#### What’s an “instance”?
#### What is an “instance”?
It’s a server that you can have an account on. Each has its own policies, because they can be run by anyone!
#### How should I choose which instance to use?
[Many instances exist](https://instances.mastodon.xyz/list) for almost every interest. It's okay to try a couple of public ones while looking for one that feels right. Talking about your interests on a public instance like [Mastodon.Social](https://mastodon.social) may help you get invited to other instances.
To preview what an instance is saying, use [this preview tool](http://www.unmung.com/mastoview?url=mastodon.social&view=local) created by [Kevin Marks](https://mastodon.social/@kevinmarks).
#### How many people signed up for Mastodon? Can I see a chart of user counts over time?
Sure, you can follow [@mastodonusercount@social.lou.lt](https://social.lou.lt/@mastodonusercount).
@ -64,6 +71,9 @@ Try [TootyFruity](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.kevinegli.too
#### How do I get this on iPhone?
Try [Amaroq](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amaroq-for-mastodon/id1214116200). Also, Safari might be a choice.
#### Are there other mobile/desktop/cli apps?
[Yep.](Apps.md)
#### Can Tusky do ‘💇’? How about feature “🔥”? And what’s with Tusky’s “⛱”?
You can follow or contact Tusky at [@Tusky@mastodon.social](https://mastodon.social/@Tusky), or the developers [@Vavassor@mastodon.social](https://mastodon.social/@Vavassor) and [@daycode@mastodon.social](https://mastodon.social/@daycode)
@ -80,15 +90,39 @@ Click on the **globe** beneath your toot for privacy options, including DM.
#### I don’t get the local vs. federated timeline thing.
“Local” toots are from the server you signed up at. “Federated” are the all the toots your server knows about. (It's complicated, but short version is: “toots from people that you and other locals follow.”)
#### Are there instances that my instance doesn't federate with? How do I know?
Some instances are private and will not federate with your instance. Others may be blocked by your instance. You can ask the admin of your instance to find out more about federation.
#### Can I have more than one account? Can I use the same email on different instances?
Yes and yes! If you find another instance you would like to join, sign up! Note that not all instances are open to new registrations and it’s possible that someone has already taken your preferred username.
#### Can I import my followers to another instance?
Yes. This may take time depending on the instance you move to. Talk to the admin of your new instance if you have difficulties. If your new instance does not federate with the instances your followers use, you may lose them.
#### How do I prevent people from impersonating me?
Because anyone can create a username on any instance, it is impossible to prevent others from using the same username on another instance. Some people have taken to running their own single-user instance to verify themselves, or use [Keybase](https://keybase.io/).
#### How do I enable Two Factor Authentication?
If your instance supports it, the option will be in Preferences under Two-factor Authentication. [Mastodon's 2FA](2FA.md) uses both a QR code and plain-text secrets.
#### Why can't I see someone's toots?
This could occur for several reasons. A person's posts may be private. You must be a follower of a private account to see their non-public posts. Additionally, if someone has blocked you, you will no longer see their non-public posts.
#### What’s trending?
Follow the esteemed [@TrendingBot@mastodon.social](https://mastodon.social/@TrendingBot).
To find out what’s trending, follow the esteemed [@TrendingBot@mastodon.social](https://mastodon.social/@TrendingBot).
#### What’s “CW”?
“CW” stands for “Content Warning.” You can use it to hide your toot, like a spoiler.
#### How does the “Mark Image as Sensitive” feature work (“NSFW”)?
When you add a picture to your post using the camera icon, an additional toggle will appear [typically as "NSFW"]. Clicking this will hide your image behind a "Sensitive Content" warning, preventing others from seeing your images until they click on them.
#### What’s with the pineapples?
They’re tasty, and they make people smile. Just go with it.
#### I see “Awoo” a lot, what does that mean?
Try saying it out loud. It’s fun!
#### How do I delete my account?
At the moment, you will have to toot the admin of your instance for help on that one.
@ -102,11 +136,42 @@ Click on **Getting Started**, then **Extended Information**. An info page displa
#### Wow, I keep seeing offensive stuff from a particular instance, is there a way to block *all* of it?
Not without a lot of clicking, sorry. But, your instance admin can do it! Please contact her.
#### I blocked someone, why can I still see their posts?
Blocking doesn’t catch when toots are boosted.
#### Is Mastodon moderated?
Each instance handles moderation differently, and each has their own moderators. It’s okay to ask what the rules are for the instance you are on. Usually the rules are posted on the instance's about page ([like the “more” page at Mastodon.social](https://mastodon.social/about/more))
#### How do I report offensive content?
Beneath each post, you will see three dots. Clicking on those will allow you to expand a post or report the content. When reporting content, select all posts that need moderator attention.
#### How do I handle harassment?
Harassment is taken seriously by the admins and moderators of instances and should be reported through the post-reporting system which can be found via the three dots under every post or writing your admin/mod directly.
#### Do my Private Messages get to people on other instances?
They should, yes. However, because of different privacy settings and other factors, your post might not remain private under certain circumstances.
#### What does “Adjust Status Privacy” mean and how does it work?
The **globe** icon under the toot area adjusts your status privacy by changing who can see your posts. This is what happens:
| Privacy setting | Destination | Notes |
| --------------- | ----------- | ----- |
| Public | global, public timeline | Federated. People on other instances will probably see it. |
| Unlisted | local public timeline | Can be boosted and thus seen on other instances. |
| Private | only to your followers | Cannot be boosted. |
| Direct | mentioned people only | Similar to email |
#### Can I use hashtags? Should I?
Yes! Hashtags are tracked and are often fun, but some tags help people avoid triggering posts. This is especially appreciated on public posts of #POLITICS, #HEALTH, #DEPRESSION, or #LEWD OR #NSFW topics. Such posts are also what the Content Warning system was designed for.
#### How do I get verified with a “✅”?
“✅” is an emoji, *only* for lulz. There is no verification on Mastodon. You can copy and paste “✅” into your bio if you wish, you cheeky monkey.
#### Can I edit a toot?
No, sorry. But you could delete and rewrite...
No, sorry. But you could delete your toot and rewrite…
#### If I delete a post, does it get deleted everywhere?
Deleting a post will delete it from the local timeline. However, if it has already been boosted, it may still be seen and may federate.
#### How do I view my favorite toots?
Click **Getting Started**, then **Favourites**.
@ -117,6 +182,9 @@ Click **Getting Started**, then **Favourites**.
#### Can I quote a toot?
Not currently. You must manually copy and paste the text to quote it.
#### What if my instance shuts down?
Good question.
#### If my instance shuts down forever, do I lose my data?
Yes you do.
@ -140,7 +208,6 @@ There are two permalinks for toots. With inline toots, **right-click** the times
<img src="screenshots/inline_toot-timestamp_link.png" alt="Inline View Permalink" height="200"/>
<img src="screenshots/expanded_view-permalink.png" alt="Expanded View Permalink" height="200"/>
#### How do I link to my profile?
In Firefox, **right-click** on your avatar picture. Select **Copy Link Location**.
@ -168,6 +235,8 @@ By default, toots are federated (public), and will show on both timelines. You c
<img src="screenshots/getting_started-preferences.png" alt="Preferences" height="200"/>
<img src="screenshots/preferences-post_privacy.png" alt="Post Privacy" height="400"/>
#### How do I start my own instance?
See the [User Guide](../README.md), under the heading “Running Mastodon.”
#### I found a bug or have a suggestion for Mastodon.
You can file a bug or submit suggestions at [Mastodon’s Issue Tracker.](https://github.com/tootsuite/mastodon/issues)
@ -184,3 +253,6 @@ Here’s more, from hardworking individuals trying to help, too.
* [https://medium.com/tebelorg/my-first-10-days-on-mastodon-fediverse-f6f1d73db8d7](https://medium.com/tebelorg/my-first-10-days-on-mastodon-fediverse-f6f1d73db8d7)
* [https://github.com/tootsuite/documentation/blob/master/Using-Mastodon/FAQ.md](https://github.com/tootsuite/documentation/blob/master/Using-Mastodon/FAQ.md)
---
This FAQ was compiled with contributions from [@Gargron](https://mastodon.social/@Gargron), [@raccoon](https://mastodon.social/@Raccoon), [@upside](https://octodon.social/@upside), [@zacanger](https://mastodon.social/@zacanger), [@NthTensor](https://octodon.social/@NthTensor), [@ametlles](https://mastodon.social/@ametlles) and many others in the fediverse!