Michael J Burgess3d ago

Mastodon’s new Collections feature could make Fediverse discovery much easier. In 4.6, users on participating servers can create shareable bundles of recommended accounts with a description and topic hashtag. Added accounts get notified and can remove themselves. Mastodon is starting with a 25-account limit and no follow-all button.

Would you use Collections?
https://blog.joinmastodon.org/2026/04/designing-collections/
#Mastodon #Fediverse #Decentralisation

Designing Collections

A new way to share and discover accounts on Mastodon

Mastodon Blog
Show threadzotheca3d ago
@beitmenotyou The best way to build a high-quality, personalized contact list in the Fediverse is through conversations and retweets with your own contacts.
In Bluesky, starter packs can be integrated into feeds and further filtered there, making them a valuable source of information. Mastodon does not offer this filtering option.
Show threadMichael J Burgess3d ago
@zotheca I get your point. Good Fediverse discovery still comes from conversation, boosts, and trusted mutuals, not just curated lists. But Collections could still serve as an entry point for newcomers who don't yet have a network. They are not a replacement for organic discovery, but they could make the first few steps much less overwhelming.
Show threadzotheca3d ago
@beitmenotyou If “good Fediverse discoveries … still come from conversations, boosts, and trusted communities [and] not just from curated lists,” why should newcomers build their connections through curated lists?
Show threadMichael J Burgess3d ago
@zotheca Because curated lists can be a starting point, not the destination. They lower the barrier for newcomers who do not yet know who to follow, then conversations, boosts, and shared interests do the real sorting over time. Collections are not a replacement for organic discovery; they are more like a map that helps people find the Room faster.
Show threadzotheca
@beitmenotyou Okay, if it helps you build connections, I'm happy for you.
Apr 9 at 10:34pmWeb
Show threadMichael J Burgess3d ago
@zotheca You're missing the point of the issue. A new account with no followers can feel empty at first, especially if the user isn't yet familiar with how Mastodon's discovery works. Collections could serve as a simple starting point, providing new users with a few relevant accounts to follow before they dive into conversations and communities.
Show threadzotheca3d ago
@beitmenotyou If joinmastodon offered people the option to sign up directly for instances that match their interests, most people wouldn't have any trouble finding like-minded contacts.
This doesn't solve any problem.