When utilizing the "support Lemmy" drop-down menu of a specific instance, it directs users to the Lemmy project home page (https://join-lemmy.org). Is this considered to “cover all the bases” where support is needed?
I'm curious to hear from longstanding Lemmy users and admins if they have any input.
In the event that Lemmy attracts a significant number of users, I want to identify individuals or instances that may require assistance but lack a clear avenue for financial support.
For example, I have no doubt, third-party app developers may offer tip jars or subscriptions, alternative means of support. But there may be some contributors who could use support to carry the load of all of us users.
Thanks for your thoughts.
"support Lemmy" only covers the project itself. If you want to support the people hosting your instance, you have to contact them. Individual instances may have links for donating in their sidebars.
As you're on lemmy.ml, an instance hosted by the Lemmy developers, I guess in your specific case using the linked page would be the right way to support your instance.
This is something I think a lot of people trip up on. This community is hosted there but the user isn't on that instane - so they would not be supported the instance they actually on... Unless I've missed something?
Yeah, OP is on lemmy.world. It doesn't help that some apps hide the instance by default, so you don't get any idea of who's local to you or to the post.
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.