On Reddit I mostly consumed discussions. Either by lurking or reading old threads. So my engagement on Reddit was minimal.

But Lemmy this is different. I like it a lot here but I feel like I need to engage a bit myself to create the great discussions I used to simply observe on Reddit.

So my question is:

  • What are your advice on how to properly start discussions and keep them going?
  • Do I have to respond to every comment? Or is a simple upvote enough to thank them if I have no further questions?
  • Can I reply after a day or two if I am too busy to reply immediatly?
  • What is considered low effort?
  • Are cross-posts appreciated or considered rude?
  • General Lemmy-etiquette
  • And anything else you might consider helpful for a rookie or you want to see more often in posts.

Thanks a lot in advance everyone!

  • Truscape@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    11·
    18 hours ago

    • Find a niche that you have insight in that might interest the virtual crowd, such as pointing out small details in art or photos that a layperson might miss that may be part of your interests, such as identifying unique machinery or mentioning what a potential “easter egg” might be referencing. In my experience those comments usually lead to interested people asking for more about the detail or sharing their own interests in the subject. Alternatively, you can also just provide a funny quip or some background knowledge on some random post you found. That works too.

    • Not really, but usually when you just upvote someone they tend to not realize you were the upvoter (although people do appreciate upvotes). Replying thanks usually isn’t problematic, and can brighten someone’s day.

    • Probably? Unless the post has a lot of activity over several days you probably won’t get any engagement other than upvotes/downvotes tho.

    • AI slop, reposts from other websites with visible watermarks or are compressed to high hell, copying a post from one community and posting it to another (just link the post instead).

    • See above, but if it’s in a relevant community, it’s appreciated more often than not :)

    • It’s the internet, and we’re not your parents. That being said, just realize someone may be confused rather than engaging in bad faith with you over a topic, and try to avoid feeding the trolls (just report them or block them when visible). On top of that, usually there is a human on the other end, and we do have a wide range of worldviews here - if you seem to be in a place that doesn’t seem like a friendly place to chat, might be a sign to just leave that community and find an appropriate alternative. (But do try to report obvious bots, AI slop, and people who take things a bit too far).

    • If you are a rookie realize that people will judge you for a young account age, since you could be seen as a bot. Nothing personal. Lurk more, and post when you got something prepared to say :)

    • theorangeninja@sopuli.xyzOPEnglish
      2·
      15 hours ago

      I think I have some niche interests but I am mostly getting started so I don’t have too much insight. Maybe some early findings or noob questions but I think most users will not enjoy that.

      Confusion being the reason more often than trying to be mean is a good heads up for rookies like me. Don’t take it too personal, it’s supposed to be fun after all!

      And don’t feed the trolls, a classic but often neglected technique from ancient internet times.

      • Truscape@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        2·
        14 hours ago

        A early lesson I had is if you’re trying to make a point on a contentious topic, cite evidence or the flame war will not end (and your confused co-participant will become defensive) XD

        • theorangeninja@sopuli.xyzOPEnglish
          2·
          14 hours ago

          Well it is always good to link a source but sometimes you just don’t have time or remember where you read it.

    • MagicShel@lemmy.zipEnglish
      4·
      18 hours ago

      if you seem to be in a place that doesn’t seem like a friendly place to chat, might be a sign to just leave that community and find an appropriate alternative.

      This is a really good point. There are places for nuanced discussion of AI, for example, but most of Lemmy hates it. Understand that some stuff isn’t going to be received well in certain places regardless of quality or intent.

      If you are a rookie realize that people will judge you for a young account age, since you could be seen as a bot.

      Good point. I am wary of accounts that pop into existence and start focusing heavily on a particular agenda. They might be genuine or they might not, but it’s a clear sign for me that I don’t want to engage because they are looking for a pulpit, not a conversation.