JdeB Mastodon Users Manual ;
after a short time out I put my ducks back in a row again.

* MY BEHAVIOUR
I mostly read my 'Home' page. That means I only read what those whom I follow 'toot'
I devotedly read the comments on my 'toots' or mentionings of my name in the 'Notifications'.
When on a quest I use the 'Explore' function, mostly on #s and sometimes for @s.
I, almost, never switch to the 'Live feeds'. Too chaotic and rarely interesting for my taste.

* MY 'TOOTS'
1st of all I toot on a few main topics. Primarily about #Climate or #Politics, you won't see toots about my breakfast.
On the first line you will see #s that serve as a title or indication of the topic. Sometimes a certain combination serves to indicate a broader series of topics. There would be more topics on that combination.
I use the # to make a subject better searchable in the explore section. Others can find my toots inbetween others on the same subject.
I use the @ to give, or ask, special attention from another Mastodon user. And in reactions, of course.
I cannot say enough: I welcome any reaction on my toots ! Although I prefer them to be of the constructive, positive kind. You absolutely don't have to agree with me, but be civil about it. But you don't have to be overly polite: I'm not made out of sugar. ###
I save my toots, and the reactions there upon, on a non-Mastodon archive for personal use. Mastodon addresses will be kept.

*BOOSTING
On Mastodon, boosting a toot serves as a promotion, republishing of that toot. It storngly suggests that you agree and want to 'spread the word'.

* FAVORITE
On Mastodon, favoring is like a compliment: This time it will only be seen by the other user.

*FOLLOW FOLLOWING
I follow, as a standard, those who follow me, that boosted or favored my toots.
And I follow users that sparkled my interest or topics
I try to send a private message, the moment a user follows me, welcoming and inviting them to comment on my toots and read my, pinned, mission statement.
It sometimes happens that I follow someone that did not.

* PRIVATE MENTIONS
I'm not a very private person, on this platform. I'm well aware of the content of my toots, and welcome any disagreement or comment in the open. I can take it.
When I do use a private mention it is out of respect for the recipient. Who can decide for themselves to boost it in the open.

* I ABHOR
Users that promote violence, racism, discrimination or degrading toots. Those will certainly be blocked and/or reported. But in the near two years on this platform that has not been necessary yet.