so, it's been about a year since this instance launched, huh? let's chat a bit about how things started, how things are going, and what i hope for in the future!
this server started initially because of the fear that aethy would shut down, an instance i've been on since... gosh, 2022? and i've had the idea of making my own instance for a good while before and after i joined, so this gave me the push to finally just do it.
so, this server was made! from the offset, i've wanted this server to be a small cozy community, one that never grew too big. it's for a few main reasons:
1. i knew i wouldn't be able to manage a server with 100+ people, and i want to be as hands-on as possible with any needed moderation work, so that i'm still connected with everyone
2. huge servers grow out of control in terms of cost, and i don't feel entirely comfortable asking the general public for donations (this server is helped paid for by @Satanist , i'm forever grateful for her contributions!)
3. i've always been of the opinion that fedi prospers most when there's a bunch of small servers, and i do think that philosophy holds true. consolidating power sucks!
of course since i made this instance, aethy then flipped and was saved from shutting down, which i am grateful for. that didn't affect how i viewed this instance much though, i still wanted a small community i could curate myself, especially seeing as how... there's a distinct lack of (trans)fem-curated spaces here. it's hard not to see why there isn't, but i still think it's important to have spaces like this that are curated by femmes!
since i made this instance, there hasn't been much drama; there was a brief scare about federation with another instance, but that has been since resolved, and i'm hopeful clearer communication will happen to prevent any issues to begin wtih. and hey, i'm not expecting this to be a purely drama-free place, that's just human nature. but it is promising that not much of note has happened directly affecting this place!
as for the future? so long as i'm still breathing, this place ain't going anywhere i don't think. i'll still happily run this instance as long as i'm able to. i'm damn proud of this instance, and i'd never want to look forward to shuttering this place down for any reason, especially because i'd be pulling the rug under so many people's feet.
so, here's to more years of possums.gay!
