DrChickenbeer
I'm stoked the Apple IIc got some love. That's the computer my family had when I was growing up!
@minorninth I'm seconding NaNoWriMo. It helped me write two novels, and I got my whole family into it as well. Plus there's a very robust community around it that is full of help and support.
Also, the best book on writing I ever read was oddly enough by Stephen King (it's called On Writing). It's not long, it's a very easy read and I swear I learned more from that book than I did in college.
Write an introduction post (and make sure you hashtag it #introduction). Use lots of hashtags in your posts, it will link you with other folks using the same ones. Jokey ones aren't very useful, try to keep them general.
Follow liberally (like the other commenter said, you can just unfollow if they stop being interesting, retoot generously (as there is no algorithms, retooting is the only way posts gain traction (and people will notice if you're retooting them), follow any hashtags that seem interesting.
Also, since nobody else mentioned it, always alt-text any images you shared, not only because it is courteous and expected for you to do so, but it will help you get followers, because many people won't follow people who don't use alt-text.
Oh, and the same goes with content warnings!
It's these little things that make good Mastodon members and will keep people engaged with you.
(You can watch how people who do well on the platform format their posts to validate what I've said).
Mastodon is awesome, I love it. Good luck!
PS: I almost forgot to mention your instance! Check out your local timeline to see what's going on there. If there isn't anything interesting there maybe move to a more active instance, or one that reflects your interests.
Sorry this is so long, I kept adding things.
I recently got a Kensington Expert and I'm never going back to a mouse. The trackball is huge (like a pool ball) and very comfortable to use (I use the wrist rest with it). It's not the cheapest (it's like $88 on Amazon), but it's awesome.
@CaspianXI I've always been of the opinion that if something you want doesn't exist, go and do it yourself. That's why I've modded and continued to do so-- things don't just happen on their own.
I know there are some power trippers that just like to be the boss of things, but I'm assuming most are like me, who just want a happy and functional community to exist and thrive.
He created the site as a for profit entity, but later sold it-- it became shitty after he sold it, it was pretty decent before.
@hariette I love the idea, but not so much having it in my main timeline (it can feel like "suggested content" that way). Maybe if it was segregated into a separate tab/dropdown, like new and all? I'd definitely use it then.
@Girlparts I'm running PowerDelete Suite right now and it is very bittersweet for me. 12 years of heavy participation, poof, gone like dry leaves in the breeze.
@FarLine99 I use Vyper, but I'll be honest, I don't know much about VPNs other than the basics.