In regard to delisting of QOTO on joinmastodon.org:

I'm not here to make a judgement on who is "in the right" here as I've been here for only around a week, and I can't know or verify the events that lead to this.

However, Eugen's lack of communication and transparency about this is highly concerning - I think the least we deserve is a public statement on the delisting - arguably a responsibility of Eugen's, considering the outsized influence that the joinmastodon.org directory has over the Fediverse, and in particular Mastodon instances.

I urge him to remember that the Fediverse is supposed to be decentralized - his actions right now suggest he is trying to move towards the opposite.

@Gargron

@Gargron

Re: joinmastodon.org instance directory

In many ways I am uncomfortable with the concept of a single person having so much unchecked influence over what is supposedly a decentralized network. I suggest we look into alternative methods of listing instances that is not so centralized and dependent on one person, while still providing some guarantees about server policy. Not an easy task by any means, but I believe it might be necessary if the Fediverse is to become truly decentralized.

What do you think? @freemo

@deadbeef

There are several alternative directories and lists.. the problem is that gargron maintains an "official" one and thus his list will represent the bulk of the traffic.

The only way you could reach a solution where alternative lists are viable is if he decides to take down his official directory entierly.

@Gargron

@freemo @Gargron

Yeah, that's true - IMO there really shouldn't be an "official" directory at all - that has the same smell of mastodon.social being considered the "official Mastodon instance". Again, not an easy problem to solve unfortunately.

@deadbeef

It is rather easy to solve really, he could shut down any official lists or instances and encourage people to migrate to alternatives... but i doubt he would do that.

@Gargron

@freemo

This is the second instance I am on and was pulled from the list on joinmastodon in a short time . The second time after an external attack and an attempt to prove some fascism or Nazism and other intolerance. Something bad is happening because every instance that has freedom of speech in the rules is attacked.

And the second time it is done without any explanation or possibility of defense. And only on the basis of notifications.

@deadbeef @Gargron