Newbie tip: Mastodon doesn't show the number of favs/boosts until you click on a toot, and also you won't necessarily see the full number of favs/boosts even then, especially if you're on a newer instance whose members aren't following that many remote accounts yet (only boosts/favs/replies from followed users are shown).
My advice: just focus on the content and the connections rather than the engagement metrics. Because that's what matters anyway. 😊
@live I've found it's totally changed the way I approach social media. I used to judge a post *so* harshly before even reading it, just based on the number of retweets/likes.
Every time I think back to that, I'm reminded of the Asch conformity experiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYIh4MkcfJA
@nolan @live
Another proof here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFHRdi5fQ5A
Also FWIW if you do want to see the full number of favs/boosts, as well as any replies from folks *not* followed by someone on this instance, you can just click the date to open it in a new window. Also note that any URL can also be pasted into the search bar, and then you can fav/boost/reply.
This system has its downsides, but consider that it is excellent for silencing trolls. Essentially you have to build up credibility in the ecosystem first before people see what you write. 😊
@nolan Ah, that's helpful. I was wondering how you would respond to/interact with a toot from someone who you don't follow and aren't federated with.
@nolan I like that about this platform, because as you say it makes it more about the quality of the content. ^_^
@nolan being able to understand and rely upon a social network's tools for engagement is an important part of building good content.
Because the concept of the Great Work of Art springing fully-formed from the head of Zeus is a myth. Because "if you build it, they will come" is a dirty, disgusting lie that is ruining people.
Release early. Release often. Engagement is feedback. Feedback is necessary for adjustment. Adjustment is necessary to create great content.
@nolan please enjoy my hidden fav!!
@nolan great and useful Mastodon tips, good tusk (task)! 🐘🐘🐘
@nolan Even still my engagement is WAY higher than it EVER was on birdsite. I love it.
@nolan this is one of my favorite things about the site. don't force my brain to expect good/bad content based on a number, please and thanks!