It might be worth noting that the platform is stable, but still growing. Expect little quirks; we’re dealing with a big influx of new users.
For example, I joined during the first big wave of signups and the servers were having trouble keeping up with the sudden spike in activity (10 to 1000x+ new posts/users/instances). I would sometimes see federated content, sometimes not. After 12 hours and a massive effort by the devs, everything became MUCH more stable.
There will be bugs, but they are actively being squashed at breakneck speed.
For example, one that I encounter regularly is leaving a thread open in a background tab too long (on Firefox) eventually stops syncing with the server. When I eventually get to that tab, the data is old and attempting to interact (click arrows, reply, subscribe, etc.) send me to an error page. The fix? Refresh the page if was open more that 30 minutes ago. It’s a minor bug that will eventually be fixed, so give it time.
I also wanted to throw some advice out there, in case it’s useful…
If they’re ever confused, there are plenty of support communities/magazines. First, check if others have posted about the same problem. If they haven’t, feel free to ask. The NoStupidQuestions community hosts a ton of simple Fediverse-related questions posted by users, and it has some of the highest engagement on the platform. I know the reluctance of posting may have been ground into you by Reddit, but (a) this isn’t Reddit, and (b) we’re all new here.
There is a slight learning curve, so canoodle around a bit to get a feel for this new Reddit-esque multiverse. Read a few FAQs, skim the support communities, follow a few rabbit holes.
Here’s what I suspect is a semi-normal new user experience (because it was mine :) ):
-
To start, you’ll want to register an account, so you do. You’ll click a few stories, try to comment, and find you’re not logged in and can’t log in. You’ll notice you’re not on the original server. Do you have to register a million accounts? That makes no sense! The answer is no.
-
Next, you’ll want to understand why. That post you clicked took you to another instance (think of them as servers). So, how do you post a comment on another instance? Ah, from your home instance. So, did it matter where I registered? Yes and no, but mostly no.
-
- Keep going down the account rabbit hole and you’ll read about the pros and cons of running your own instance, how federation/defederation works, and other instance-related topics,
-
- Or, hop back out and proceed to comment on the post you read. Wait. My comment has no votes. The path forks again.
-
-
- Is there something like Reddit’s karma system? Down the voting/rep rabbit hole!
-
-
-
- Is it considered bad form to vote for my own comment/post? (There’s no consensus right now, so don’t worry.) Down the Lemmy/Kbin etiquette rabbit hole!
-
You’ll eventually go back to hit on those forks in the path you didn’t take. Follow whichever path suits you best and expand from there.
deleted by creator
-
Fuck @spez
Does anyone know why I’m unable to submit a new post to this sub? I’ve tried both from the wefwef safari and chrome web apps and it keeps timing out.
I’ve been here a few days now and realize @ruud is an incredible powerhouse. Give this man a crown.
I am very happy to have found my way here.
Just deleted my original 10+ year old account on Reddit. Fuck them to hell.
only been here like 20 minutes and already seen the exact same kind of toxicity as on Reddit.
i’m a little concerned.
deleted by creator
i mean, the internet is the internet. people are toxic on youtube, twitter, mastodon , reddit, discord, random forums… i just had to vent a little.
edit: you may perhaps want to look at how i am being called a fascist for pointing out transphobic beliefs within the last hour, on this community.
Just migrated from Reddit and figuring out how to navigate my way around. Is there a way to search within communities and post comments? I’ve been using Voyager and also downloaded Memmy and can’t seem to figure that one out
Removed by mod
Here’s hoping we can make reddit the new digg
Can a mod plz review why my most recent comment on this community was removed? I thought it was a respectful and cogent comment. I want to abide by the community guidelines and avoid future comment removals. Thanks and sorry for whatever triggered the most recent removal!
deleted by creator
Thnx for the reply. I will watch my wording moving forward. I am a bit surprised as I am a leftie myself and didn’t consider referring to my fellow lefties as “the Left” was inflammatory. But no worries, thnx again!
Nice :)
deleted by creator
Agreed!
Thank you :)
Signed up just now. I’ve already had an account over on Mastodon for over a year, but thought I should make a new account for forum-based instances like Kbin and Lemmy.
Only time will learn but gents and galls and everyone in between let us keep this from becoming as toxic as Reddit :D
I really like it here. It’s kinda sad that basically every company that owns a major social media platform is turning it into garbage, let’s just hope the same doesn’t happen to the fediverse.