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.

1/6

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.)

2/6

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.

3/6

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

4/6

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

5/6

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 💜

6/6

Show threadRazvan Stanimir
@Mastodon I think you should encourage some form of server side verification. And maintain a list of servers that have robust verification.
This would allow official institutions to have their own server and announce verification.
(1/3)
Feb 11 at 6:13amMastodon for iOS
Show threadRazvan StanimirFeb 11
@Mastodon Then we would know that all accounts “@usgov.social” are official, at a glance. It would also allow collectives to be built: some journalist open colective, Hollywood celebrities etc. this would bridge the gap - users can easily understand which accounts are official (for public persons) and verification would be managed by their respective communities.
So we would have 2 server types: the ones mastodon recognised as having public interest and robust verification any the rest.
(2/3)
Show threadRazvan StanimirFeb 11
@Mastodon Some check mark identification on the profile page would be relevant. Blue checkmark for the trusted server, purple checkmark for the rest.
And yes - domain ownership verification should stay.
I think the ability to easily tell which “Taylor Swift” account is the official one is critical for wider user adoption.
(3/3)