MastodonJan 31

We are excited to share that we are beginning work on a new onboarding experiment for #Mastodon: Default Server Recommendations.

Our intent for this experiment is to recommend the closest server geographically that is in the correct language during the sign-up flow. We will be running this experiment on our iOS and Android apps only to start.

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Show threadMastodonJan 31

(The reason we’re starting with the apps and not the web is because the necessary data to run this experiment is already provided through the app store. It is more complicated to do this right for the web, and we want to think carefully about how to do this in a way that respects privacy.)

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Show threadMastodonJan 31

The experiment will be designed to ensure that server admins remain in control: meaning they will have the power opt-in and opt-out as needed, or reduce the percentage of sign-ups flowing their way.

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Show threadMastodonJan 31

Starting now, we’re recruiting general purpose servers with open sign-ups. To be eligible, servers must:

- Run default Mastodon (for now)
- Agree to the Server Covenant
- Have existed for 1+ year
- Have shut-down & disaster plans

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Show threadMastodonJan 31

If you’re interested in participating in this experiment, please let us know by filling out this form.

(sorry it’s in Google docs)

https://forms.gle/7uRui5VnMPfEYAgq8

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Default Server Recommendations - Interest and Newsletter Sign-up

Register your interest in participating in the Default Server Recommendations program. Filling out this form is not a guarantee that your server will be selected for participation. Your data will be handled in accordance with GDPR.

Google Docs
Show threadMastodonJan 31

The Default Server Recommendations experiment is a first step in reimagining how Mastodon onboarding & server discovery work.

Our team’s intent is to work with the community to build new onboarding pathways that support the entire network.

We can’t wait to get started 💜

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Show threadOrion Ussner kidderFeb 1
@Mastodon Question: why go geographical? I personally would rather be funnelled into a server by theme.
Show threadJanne Moren
@OrionKidder @Mastodon
Language I guess. This is the default mechanism for those that don't know or care about picking a special interest server. But you probably want a server with people posting in your own language and local subjects.
Feb 1 at 2:48amWeb
Show threadOrion Ussner kidderFeb 1
@jannem @Mastodon That doesn't quite make sense, though. Lots of places on Earth speak English or Spanish, for example, and there are non-geographical populations speaking, say, Cantonese. I mean, it's not an unreasonable guess, but I suspect it's something different.
Show threadJanne MorenFeb 1
@OrionKidder @Mastodon
They said they will base the server on your location and app language setting.
Show threadJuho MäntysaloFeb 1

@OrionKidder @jannem @Mastodon

There's more to server than just understanding the language. Consider talk about politics, promotion of irl-events, or asking help with something.. these are all topics where a hobby is a secondary concern to location.

That isn't to say a hobby couldn't be a reason to pick a server, mostly that I wouldn't recommend a hobby server for a noob at fedi, even if I knew they lived for the subject.

Of course, ymmv.

Show threadhannah aubryFeb 1

@iju @OrionKidder @jannem @Mastodon well said, Juho! This matches our reasoning well.

This is just a first experiment in how we will evolve onboarding, but it will not be the only one. We are starting to look at how to evolve Server Directory too, including adding more kinds of server classifications and categories. We also want to move that to a PR-based backend so it’s more manageable to keep updated. We think this will be a good first step to help with interest-based server discovery, and we’ve got some other ideas too. More soon…