I’m fairly new and don’t 100% understand it yet, but instances are run on servers that require money. Are we heading towards seeing ads or subscriptions to raise funds instead of relying on donations to cover overhead?

Especially with the influx of new users. Hardware upgrades are needed.

  • PsychedSy@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    But it’s sustainable if it’s non profit.

    I think this is something that’s hard to organize with our current economic system, but very much worth experimenting with.

    The neat thing is we can try any concept we can dream up and federate. People can run through funding concepts and structures and failure isn’t all that bad.

    • Delphia@vlemmy.net
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      1 year ago

      Im still wrapping my head around the concept but FOR EXAMPLE could someone create an instance that requires a subscription fee, link it to their own app (like a retooled RIF) and offer a curated and managed experience?

      Vs

      Join a free instance, use what free software you want and have to figure out the nuts and bolts yourself?

      • PsychedSy@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        1 year ago

        Each federated instance can have their own requirements for signing up, so they should be able to.

        • Delphia@vlemmy.net
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          1 year ago

          Oh then thats absolutely where I see Lemmy going if its a success. Give it 10 years and people will know their app or their managed instance and have no clue what Lemmy is.

          • PsychedSy@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            1
            ·
            1 year ago

            In the root comment or the one that started this I mentioned a downside. Fast iterating paid instances can gain from larger federated instances without returning value. There needs to be a method to share bandwidth, processor time, and/or value.

            The great bit is we’re all now part of this expirament!

    • jimbo@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      I think this is something that’s hard to organize with our current economic system, but very much worth experimenting with.

      It’s not hard at all. Tons of organizations and websites exist purely from the money collected from members and donors.