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patelhiren

Mastodon Scout

by Hiren Patel · GitHub ↗ · v2.0.1
cross-platform ✓ Security Clean
2015
Downloads
5
Stars
3
Active Installs
6
Versions
Install in OpenClaw
/install mastodon-scout
Description
Read-only Mastodon skill. Outputs human-readable timeline summaries or raw JSON.
Usage Guidance
This skill appears to do exactly what it claims: a read-only Mastodon timeline/search helper implemented in a small Python script. Before installing: (1) confirm the registry metadata is updated to declare MASTODON_TOKEN (and optionally MASTODON_INSTANCE/LIMIT) so you know what will be required; (2) create a Mastodon application token with only the read scope (the SKILL.md explicitly recommends this) and keep the token secret — do not paste it into public logs or version control; (3) verify the Mastodon instance URL you provide is correct (the script will call whatever instance you pass); and (4) if you allow autonomous invocation of skills, remember this one can run with your token when invoked, so avoid granting it overly broad tokens. If you want extra assurance, inspect the included scripts/mastodon_scout.py locally before running it — it uses only stdlib network calls and only performs GET requests to standard Mastodon API endpoints.
Capability Analysis
Type: OpenClaw Skill Name: mastodon-scout Version: 2.0.1 The OpenClaw skill 'mastodon-scout' is designed for read-only interaction with the Mastodon API. The `SKILL.md` provides clear, security-conscious instructions for token setup, explicitly limiting scopes to 'read'. The `scripts/mastodon_scout.py` uses standard Python libraries, handles user input (e.g., search queries) with `urllib.parse.quote` to prevent injection, and only makes GET requests to the configured Mastodon instance. There is no evidence of data exfiltration, malicious execution, persistence mechanisms, or prompt injection attempts against the agent beyond its stated purpose of providing user guidance for authentication.
Capability Assessment
Purpose & Capability
The code and SKILL.md implement a read-only Mastodon client that fetches timelines, mentions, user posts, and search results — this matches the name and description. However, the registry metadata lists no required environment variables while the SKILL.md (and the script) require MASTODON_TOKEN (required) and optionally MASTODON_INSTANCE. That metadata mismatch should be corrected but does not indicate malicious behavior.
Instruction Scope
SKILL.md limits runtime actions to invoking the bundled Python script and (optionally) helping the user create a read-only token. The instructions do not request reading unrelated files, scanning the host, or sending data to unexpected endpoints. The script only contacts the Mastodon instance provided by the user or the default instance.
Install Mechanism
No install spec; the skill is instruction-only with a bundled Python script that uses the Python standard library. Nothing is downloaded or written to disk beyond the existing script, so install risk is low.
Credentials
The script requires a single OAuth bearer token (MASTODON_TOKEN) and optionally uses MASTODON_INSTANCE and an environment LIMIT fallback. These are proportionate to a Mastodon read-only client. Small issues: registry metadata omitted these env vars while SKILL.md declares them (and metadata inside SKILL.md also lists them). Also LIMIT is read from env but not declared in the registry metadata. These are metadata inconsistencies rather than overbroad credential requests.
Persistence & Privilege
The skill does not request persistent/always-on inclusion (always: false), does not modify other skills or system config, and does not write credentials to disk. It behaves as a normal user-invoked skill.
How to Use
  1. Make sure OpenClaw is installed (local or Docker)
  2. Run the install command in chat: /install mastodon-scout
  3. After installation, invoke the skill by name or use /mastodon-scout
  4. Provide required inputs per the skill's parameter spec and get structured output
Version History
v2.0.1
- Updated the SKILL.md metadata section for improved structure and compatibility. - No changes to commands, options, examples, error handling, or usage details. - No functional changes to the skill's capabilities or invocation. - Documentation now uses a new metadata format.
v2.0.0
**Major update: Switch from native binaries to a bundled Python script for fetching Mastodon data.** - Replaces CLI binary invocations with a Python script (`scripts/mastodon_scout.py`) using Python 3 stdlib only. - Adds support for the optional `MASTODON_INSTANCE` environment variable to select the Mastodon server. - Invocation, error handling, and output format instructions revised to match new Python script. - Installation and binary handling steps removed; agent now runs the Python script directly. - Documentation updated for new commands, options, environment variable setup, and error messages.
v1.0.5
- Updated installer URLs to use version 1.0.5 release archives for all supported platforms. - No other content or functional changes.
v1.0.4
- Updated all download/install URLs to reference version 1.0.4 binaries. - Added explicit required environment variable metadata for MASTODON_TOKEN. - Fixed binary paths in Invocation Rules and examples for consistency. - No changes to functionality or command options.
v1.0.3
- Improved install section in metadata: binaries are now placed in `{baseDir}/bin` and `targetDir` is specified for each platform. - Added support for binary discovery with `anyBins`, allowing either `{baseDir}/bin/mastodon-scout` or `mastodon-scout`. - Updated CLI command examples and invocation rules to use the `{baseDir}/bin/mastodon-scout` path. - No changes to CLI flags, authentication, or functionality.
v1.0.2
- Added detailed setup and usage instructions for the Mastodon Scout CLI, including environment variable and authentication requirements. - Clarified operating system-specific binaries and installation links for macOS (Apple Silicon & Intel), Linux, and Windows. - Documented all supported commands (home, user-tweets, mentions, search) and command-line flags. - Outlined text and JSON output modes, including explicit guidance for error handling and agent summarization/explanation behavior. - Included security notes and step-by-step instructions for obtaining and configuring a Mastodon OAuth bearer token. - Emphasized the tool’s read-only nature and improved documentation for invocation, input, and expected results.
Metadata
Slug mastodon-scout
Version 2.0.1
License
All-time Installs 3
Active Installs 3
Total Versions 6
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mastodon Scout?

Read-only Mastodon skill. Outputs human-readable timeline summaries or raw JSON. It is an AI Agent Skill for Claude Code / OpenClaw, with 2015 downloads so far.

How do I install Mastodon Scout?

Run "/install mastodon-scout" in the OpenClaw or Claude Code chat to install it in one step — no extra setup required.

Is Mastodon Scout free?

Yes, Mastodon Scout is completely free (open-source). You can download, install and use it at no cost.

Which platforms does Mastodon Scout support?

Mastodon Scout is cross-platform and runs anywhere OpenClaw / Claude Code is available (cross-platform).

Who created Mastodon Scout?

It is built and maintained by Hiren Patel (@patelhiren); the current version is v2.0.1.

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