Ok, so as i'm trying my first actual attempt at mixing... 30 minutes in, I would say either there's a problem or the interface leaves a LOT to be desired for...
0% done.. the message just keeps switching between Submitted to masternode, waiting in queue to Darksend is idle... I have no idea (i haven't really been paying attention the last couple months) if this is normal or not or if this isn't working... from a novice standpoint, it feels like it's not working?
Mixing needs partners to mix with, and because very few are doing this (remember it is a VERY new feature of Darkcoin) Darksend is mostly waiting for partners.
Either be patient and wait (I usually let it run during the night) or go over to darkcointalk.org and ask there for people to mix with you.
The 'Darksend Liquidity Providers' threads under
https://darkcointalk.org/forums/official-announcements.54/ are a good starting point to ask other users.
hmmm... ok, I guess I misunderstood the whole process from when I last was really doing anything more than just holding my DRK... so the 1k in each Masternode does not contribute to the mixing process? it's just collateral then?