I suspected that “Support Lemmy” only supported the project. Judging by another comment, That seems like the best place to put a dollar at this point in time. That way, platform itself can improve and become more robust for all the instances. But it’s good to know that if a smaller instance is doing something I find particularly valuable, I should consider also donating support if it’s an option.

Lastly, I hope admins and members incurring the costs will talk to their communities when they need support. Although most discussions make it seem like those individuals are more than willing to host their servers as their contribution in support of decentralized social networks. I just want to consider all ways community members like myself can support projects like this, so they never feel they need to surrender to outside influences for financial gain. It may not be possible to predict or stop the future, if that were to happen. But if supporting the fediverse from the inside out has clear pathways now, It will be easier.

I would most likely do it like the host of your instance too. My experience in nonprofit over the last 15 years is that if you give people a clear path to give to something that provides value for them and a community, you just need a clear path to support. The costs you’ll incur doing something you believe in are accepted, and money received is just a bonus. But without an option no one can help, and they rarely ask “how can I pay for what your giving away” like I did in this post.

5. I am more active here than I was on Reddit (=me).

Now I need the Chad meme with both Chads saying; “Linux” to each other, instead of “yes”.

Thanks for the hard work!!