Mastodon for Dummies

by Chris Minnick

Ready to escape the drama of existing social media platforms and try something new and awesome in the world of social media? In Mastodon For Dummies, experienced tech trainers Chris Minnick and Mike McCallister show you exactly how to use Mastodon, the hot decentralized social media offering on the web and destination for thousands of social media migrants. Learn how to sign up for the service on your choice of server and get familiar with the rules of what's sure to become your new favorite app. You'll discover how to connect with other people, attract your own followers, and make yourself right at home in the Mastodon community.

In the book, you'll easy-to-follow instructions on how to choose the Mastodon server that suits you best; instructions for establishing new connections on a new social platform and learning the rules of the road; tips for conducting business on Mastodon and making a home for your home-based business or brand on the social media service; and step-by-step guides on launching your very own server.

Mastodon For Dummies is a must-listen if you're ready to leave old social platforms in the rearview and try something new.

Audible Audio

Published June 27, 2023

About the author

Chris Minnick is a prolific published author of both fiction and non-fiction.

In his non-fiction writing, Minnick specializes in finding unique and engaging ways to incorporate stories and fun into teaching beginners and kids highly technical skills such as computer programming.

In his fiction writing, his style might be best described as absurdist bizarro fictional history. He published his first novel, Pickled Punk, in 2019. His second novel, Music For Losers, will be released in 2023.

In addition to his writing, Chris is an enthusiastic amateur at something new every day.

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let this book help you break free of the trash heap that is the bird site. An excellent introduction to Mastodon. If you've spent a lot of time on the bird site or similar, much of the book will feel rudimentary. Don't be fooled. There are just enough differences that having a book like this at hand could save you some pain. The biggest barrier to entry for Mastodon is just getting an account and getting started. This books walks you through getting started in detail. It also introduces Mastodon lingo and a little history of the platform (toot!). There's a chapter specifically for businesses exploring Mastodon and another on running your own instance. Even if you never do so, reading about setting up a server yourself will give you a sense of what it takes to keep one up and running.

[Dinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty new book about Mastodon.
The content is kinda...mediocre? Pretty much for dummies.
If you want get more information about Mastodon.
Dont forget go to Github and search "awesome mastodon".
Treasure is waiting for you.

[Arnel Šarić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for total Mastodon beginners; it explains in full detail (but not boringly) what Mastodon is and how it differs, technically and ideologically, from Twitter.

The four stars rating is given from precisely that perspective. Me being an intermediate user, I could only rate it two stars.

[Federico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple manual walking through all the essential concepts and steps in the Mastodon and fediverse experience. Understandably it has a strong focus on the people coming from Twitter. I would have a few nitpicks here and there but nothing major.

[Craig Beyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a very clear, in-depth description of and how to use Mastodon? This is it and an excellent beginning for new users to Mastodon.

[PRJ Greenwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This little handbook tells you nothing that Mastodon's own help files and FAQs don't, but if you need a separate how-to at hand, I guess this could be it.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been using Mastodon for awhile so when I saw Mastodon for dummies I wanted to read it. One thing I like about the book is that its a quick read.

One thing that surprised me is that I can set up my own Mastodon instance. And I can even do it on my own server if I wanted or on someone else's server.

Chapter 8 and chapter 9 were two of my favorite chapters. Chapter 9 talks about tools for mastodon that run on ios, android, and a desktop. And chapter 9 talks about other feediverse platforms for videos, music, link sharing, books. I had never head the word feediverse before reading Mastodon for dummies.

Mastodon for dummies talks about finding a server to setting up an account, writing posts, using hash tags, finding people for follow, writing your profile, following hashtags, blocking users and servers, filtering content, mastodon for your business.

I found mastodon for dummies to be easy to read and packed with useful information. Now all I have to do is put what I learned to use.

[Joel Asa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is only one author’s bio mentioned?