@FediTips @hollie I don't mind if the default instance for new users rotates every day to spread new users across the network, but all I'm asking is please don't scare away non-techy people with unnecessary friction.

@FediTips @hollie Mastodon.social users will find another instance if it ever vanishes. If users enjoy using it, they'll be motivated to find a new home in the event that it does disappear.

@FediTips @hollie The point of Mastodon for me is that it's a nonprofit social medium, safe from the perverse incentives of Big Tech.

I think what you're getting at is that Mastodon means different things to different people. The most diehard tech geeks will be most excited about the federation part. I mostly want a noncommercial Twitter-like service that actually brings me joy.

@FediTips @hollie If mastodon.social ever vanishes, a new primary instance will organically take its place.

I don't mind people using custom instances, I'm just saying let's not overcomplicate social media for mortals. I like that the Fediverse is a very welcoming place for transgender autistic/ADHD software developers, and I tick some of those boxes myself. But sometimes I yearn for more diversity, and forcing people to think about instances at signup is a deterrent for everyone else.

@hollie @FediTips I'd like Mastodon to be a place where not just techy people feel at home. Forcing people to learn about instances before they join scares away non-techy folks. It's an unintentional form of gate keeping that harms our cultural diversity.