The problem to federation is that there is at least some complexity to subscribing to other communities - at least right now. I love it here, but I have to be honest, it is a bit difficult to navigate for most.

But perhaps we’re missing the point? What if we should be trying to sell the local aspect harder?

There is a demand for hyper-local networks as evidenced by Nextdoor. Couple this with an increase in people wanting to have a better digital commons - one not controlled by a single corporation.

For my instance tucson.social, I’m going to get some signs printed and do some local advertising. Pretty sure if I sneak some signs around the U of A campus, but mostly in public spaces where it’s legal and proper.

I think that the local nature of all of this makes advertising a bit more effective and locally relevant. I don’t want to sell it as a “reddit” but as another “place” that will exist whether or not reddit does (due to the non-profit or whatever other org we construct) to talk about our city.

At the same time I do this, I want to reach out to important community members to see if they might be interested in donating once I have a formal non-profit. I’d make sure to emphasize the utility such a site might have to local businesses once advertising is possible.

I have no idea if this will all work, but it’s something I’m trying to do anyways. I just believe communities should be local, and that the online representation of them is as close to a mirror of the local one as possible. I also want to foster conversations that help people grow and connect.

So maybe, one of the admins here sees this, because I’d really like to join forces in a more meaningful way and hopefully gain the ability to deliver a meaningful experience to all sorts of communities. My immediate skills are technical, and perhaps if I follow along and learn your tips along the way, I can have the best possible chance of making this happen - and constructing the blueprints for others to follow.

I’m also open to other wisdom from the beehaw community! Have you done local marketing and advertising? I could use some tips. Have you formed a non-profit before? I’d definitely like to hear from you! Are you in Tucson and want to get more deeply involved? - dm me!

The only thing I’d prefer not to hear is how difficult it is. I’m fully aware that I’ve chosen to go all in on terrible odds. I don’t really care anymore. lol

  • I saw your other post in the support section a couple hours ago and tried to find an answer I’d come across earlier, but failed.
    On that topic, if I remember correctly, Beehaw and a lot of other instances follow a three tiered block list that a group maintains, which each of the three levels containing the level before it. I couldn’t find that list again, but I expect someone will chime in before too long.

    I’ve found the mods here are quite active and helpful, albeit presumably busy as hell currently.

    If they don’t chime in soon, they might be more open to offering advice when things are less chaotic.

    I think you’ve got a neat idea, and I hope it pans out.