Taking the plunge into the latest online realm? This primer is for you…
So, either by choice or by force (meaning Twitter or Facebook has given you the boot), you have decided to join Gab. Welcome to the party; trust me when I say this free-speech driven network is unlike anything you’ve been a part of before.
Mixing in new innovations with elements which echo Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit (along with, oddly enough, a curious vibe from the old MySpace), this ad-free, community-supported network is both familiar and unique. It can, however, take a little time to get used to, both culturally and technically.
While I am useless explaining the technical stuff (a handy slide-driven presentation is available for those specifics), I AM able to help with the cultural aspects; as such, I decided to draw up this little list for new Gabbers. Based on a post I dropped a few months ago, this list is expanded with detailed explanations and additional suggestions.
Please note this is derived entirely from my own experiences. I am not directly or indirectly affiliated with the brass at Gab (to be honest, I doubt they even know my name), nor do I get any special treatment for posting this.
I’m doing this list because I believe in what Gab is trying to do, and want as many people as possible to enjoy their time there. Enjoyment means growth, growth means viability, and viability means I have a stable online home for years to come.
So, without further adieu: My EZ tips for happy Gabbing…
Be interesting…
I am astonished when one comes on Gab, posts nothing but links to other’s work (with no commentary), then gets upset when no one interacts with them. Avoid this by mixing it up; links (with your thoughts for context) are fine, but also post original content, personal thoughts/pics, and your favorite memes. Be you, but be an interesting you, and people will respond.
Be civil…
Just because a network supports free speech doesn’t mean you should act like a douchebag. You CAN act like one, of course (no one will stop you), but folks will quickly tire of your shtick and ignore you. Acting with civility toward others — even those with whom you disagree — will earn you respect within the community, which will make your time much more rewarding.
Be articulate…
This is NOT Twitter. Do you understand what I am saying here? Gab gives you 300 characters with which to work (and 3,000 if you go Pro — see below); I find that to be more than enough for one to make their point and STILL use a semblance of proper English (or, as is the case with our Deutsche friends on Gab, proper German).
Be engaging…
For most people this goes without saying — why join a social network if you’re not going to reply to others in the community? However, there will be those who had thousands of followers on Twitter (while interacting only within their own, insulated circle), who will not naturally understand this; if you want the community to be interested in you, you have to invest the same in it.
Up-Vote generously…
Giving support to other Gabber’s for their posts literally costs you nothing but the extra 0.0007 seconds it takes to click on the ‘Up’ arrow, so use this feature often. It not only shows you are invested in the community, but it gets you noticed as well, which will drive people to your page; this will translate into people following you, along with up-votes, quotes, and reposts for your posts.
‘Quote’ and ‘Repost’ what you REALLY like…
While up-voting on, and replying to, others is standard practice, if you see a post that really catches your attention take the time to bring it to the attention of your followers. Do this by either quoting it (if you have something valuable to add to it), or by reposting it directly; people will GREATLY appreciate it.
Follow people judiciously…
I know some on Gab will disagree, but you do not have to follow everyone who follows you; by the same token, following very few is also a faux-pas. Find those who are interesting, engage with you, or support your posts, and follow them. Sometimes I take days — or weeks — before following someone; just make sure they will enhance your Gab experience, and you’ll be good.
Choose intellect over feelings…
This may shock you (especially if you’re coming from the ‘safe space’ confines of Twitter), but most don’t give a crap about how you feel. Tell people what you think, however, and they will listen; they may still disagree, but at least they’ll listen. That is a major plus about Gab, so understand it in advance.
Develop a thick skin…
Despite what the Legacy Media Complex has fed you, Gab does NOT support extreme right-wingers. However, it DOES support free speech, which means that you WILL see speech which offends you, including the worst ethnic slurs and memes imaginable. Even the most benign Gabbers — myself included — may offend you at some point, thus a thick skin is valuable. And…
Learn how to use the ‘Mute’ option…
Yes, ‘mean’ trolls are prevalent on Gab, and some days ridiculously so. The reason why? — they literally have no where else to go. As more people of diverse thought start to use Gab those people will slip into the background; until that day, however, the ‘Mute’ option (via either keyword or user) gives you the ability to keep what/who you find objectionable out of your feed.
Follow the rules…
While it does not coddle its users (trusting that, as an adult, you will use the tools provided to control your own feed), believe it or not there ARE rules on Gab. However, while most network’s read like a dystopian novel, Gab’s rules are very basic and easy to understand. To be honest, if you cannot follow what Gab has laid out? You probably have no place in polite society, online or not.
Eventually consider going ‘Pro’…
While the free site is feature-rich, going ‘Pro’ takes the user experience up a notch. Doing so unlocks special features, including verification (if using your legal name), expanded character-limits and video sizes, plus others. ‘Pro’ members keep the site free of advertiser-influence (always a plus), so once you’ve taken the test drive going ‘Pro’ is — in my opinion — the only way to go.
Give it time…
As I mentioned above, it can take to time get used to a new social network; while a UI can be learned via repetition, the cultural aspects can be more challenging. However, I think if you employ what I have discussed above you’ll be including yourself as part of the #GabFam (a popular hashtag there) before you know it. Just relax, be patient, and most importantly… have fun!
That’s pretty much the it. If you have any questions, you will find most of the users who have been Gabbers for a while are more than willing to help; just ask. And — if you take an inkling to do so — you can also reach out to / follow me there. I’m at gab.ai/StoneSovryn, and I’ll be happy to help if I can.
I hope to see you on Gab, where you can #SpeakFreely…
[NOTE: Edited on 03/10/2018 to update ‘Pro’ features]
