Why so many first posts are pet photos (and why I'm glad)

While going through the year's numbers for the end-of-year update, I noticed something I had half suspected: when new members post for the first time, a surprising number of them post a photo of their pet. Cats, dogs, a rabbit called Admiral, one very patient tortoise. Not a hello, not a question, just the animal.

At first I took that as a sign our welcome flow wasn't working. Now I think it's the opposite. A pet photo is the easiest thing in the world to share with strangers. It says something about you without asking you to explain yourself, and it is almost impossible to reply to it unkindly.

What happens next is the interesting bit

Pet photos get replies fast, usually from other pet owners, and those replies turn into conversations. A good share of the people whose first post was their dog went on to join a space, comment on someone else's post or turn up at a meetup within a month. A cat asleep on a keyboard turns out to be a very good on-ramp.

Much of the credit goes to Mice and Cats, the pets space Jane Okafor runs. It is one of the warmest corners of the network, and she and the regulars make a point of welcoming every newcomer who wanders in with a photo.

So, a small change

From the new year, the welcome message will suggest a photo of your pet, your desk or your view as an easy first post. If you have been lurking and don't know where to start, consider this your invitation. And yes, I will be posting my own cat.