Why YSK: This is a new platform and it seems many new users are missing out on key Lemmy features.
If you are accessing Lemmy via web browser these are probably obvious to you, but many apps obfuscate this info or have it hidden in a menu and aren't immediately obvious.
- Sidebars
Many users are using various Lemmy app clients to access content, you should be aware that every community has a side bar, and it can be accessed in various ways depending on what app you are on.
PLEASE read sidebars and acquaint yourselves with community rules!
- Messages
In your notifications area, where ever that may be on the app you are using, there is a tab for Messages. I have noticed several apps do not tell you that you have a message.
BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR MESSAGES as this is most likely the way in which a moderator will contact you in case of issues with rules.
Any message sent in any platform can be read by the admins of that service unless the service has implemented encryption in a way that the message can only be viewed by the sender and recipient.
As an alternative to Lemmy DMs folks should consider putting their matrix chat in their profile. I believe it is available as a fillable form in settings on most instances.
Also if you're a poster, the built in cross-posting feature is one of the most important when it comes to community building. It will show links to other communities and their discussion for the same post. I have also heard but have not been able to confirm that this will combine them in the main feed. If that is the case I am not sure how it chooses which post to show.