the fediverse

if you're tired of twitter (or you got banned from it like me) then you're probably looking for a decent replacement to meet people and discuss various topics of interest. the fediverse is currently the best replacement, but when you first get into it, it may be difficult to understand. the first thing that's different from twitter is the fact that there are multiple instances – thousands of them. they're like E-mail servers except for microblogging, in a nutshell, and they can run different software. currently, the most popular servers use Mastodon, Pleroma, or Misskey. you can look at each and see what feels best for you. Pleroma is the easiest to run, which is why a lot of instances use it, and it supports both its own layout as well as the Mastodon layout, so if you want an easy decision, you should probably go with a server running Pleroma.

with that out of the way, assuming you don't want to run your own server, you're probably wondering which of the thousands of servers you should use. well, if you're like me, you'll want a hands-off instance that simulates how twitter was before 2015. somewhere you can follow a few people and say what's on your mind, and not get banned for it. if this sounds like you, you're in luck, because this is exactly what this list of instances is for. I try to compile a list of instances with transparent moderation policies where you can follow almost anyone, anywhere in the fediverse.

to be included in the list below, the instance must:

• have a clear moderation policy
• have clear federation policies with other servers
• have a list of blocked servers, if the instance chooses to block other servers
• be receptive to the needs of Tor users and other privacy-concerned people

before you choose an instance, please make sure you would make a good fit. free speech / limited moderation does not invite spammy or annoying behaviour to any of these instances. this list is simply a starting point for you to narrow your choice. also be aware that every instance has its own posting and media limits, so be sure to double-check if you often write long posts or upload large files.

if you are an instance administrator and would like your instance to be listed, please talk to @wowaname@anime.website on fedi, or contact me via E-mail.

Pleroma

Mastodon

Misskey

Cloudflare note: Misskey seems to depend on Cloudflare assets at least for its frontend. I'm unsure whether this affects registration and use of Misskey instances for Tor users, but I doubt it affects federation at all. it's something I will have to look into further, for sure, but if anyone has any information about this then let me know.

note about limited moderation

this means that the instance enforces rules to the extents required by law and to remain a good neighbour to the rest of the fediverse. more specifically, spam and illegal content is dealt with upon being brought to the attention of the instance's moderation team. these instances may promote free-speech and -expression ideals to the extent allowed by their laws.

inversely, instances that do not practise limited moderation have additional conduct rules that you must review before creating an account. personally I believe it is healthy for instances to have their own standards defined, as long as they are defined clearly and do not impose negatively upon federation.

dishonourable mentions

the below table is not a list of instance recommendations; however, I include it because it explains why I do not currently recommend certain instances. I include contact information for these instance admins in case you wish for them to reconsider their policies. please do not use this contact information with the intent to harass these administrators; I believe it is much more productive to give constructive criticism so that these admins can improve their instances.

while some of the instances below do in fact list instance blocks, they are inconsistent with which instances they add. you may be able to follow certain users one day that are blocked the next.

also, even though you may agree with an instance's rules, be aware that instance blocks may collaterally affect users on other instances who do not violate rules. I operate firmly under the belief that individuals should be treated individually, and moderation decisions should reflect this (and transparently so).

unlike the above instance recommendation listings, I will not allow admins to opt out from being listed below. if you wish to stop being listed here, simply adopt a better approach to administration or make your instance unavailable to users. if you have changed your policies and want me to revise your listing, please contact me.

I have taken care to obfuscate E-mail addresses if they were originally in obfuscated form, for anti-spam purposes. if any contact methods don't work for whatever reason, let me know, because I have not vetted any of this information for correctness.