A server for people that try hard not to act like idiots. If you want in, read the server rules and ask me (pls@plaureano.com) or any existing user for an invite (if user registrations are closed).

Why?

There are several reasons why this server was created, primarily because of speed, reliability, and curiosity:

1> I am having fun; installing the server and exploring the technology is just something I love doing.

2> I am ensuring that I have the options instead of delegating those options to some stranger on the Internet.

Speed

First, unlike Twitter, most Mastodon instances are operated by individuals, volunteers running the server application on hardware they own (or at a cloud service they hire). While hosting a Mastodon party may sound like a fun proposition, it attracts many people to these open servers. Most users need to realize that no big company is paying the bills and putting in the work to maintain and update the software; they grew up on Facebook and Twitter, so the thought does not even cross their minds. More users mean more computer resources. Every system has its limits, and speed, or lack thereof, is the first thing you notice missing on popular servers.

I like the services I use to be fast, something significant company-backed propositions like Twitter and Facebook have no problem delivering. However, speed is not guaranteed in the Mastodon federation realm of servers, so I am hosting my server with the hardware it needs to be performant.

Reliability

Some of these servers may vanish at any moment in time. Some may grow beyond the ability to administrate the Linux platform and keep fresh backups on hand, or the owner may eventually be unable or unwilling to pay for hardware and electricity bills.

Should you join my server https://mrnet.pt? Unless you are not bothered to have your account data lost and committed to a DNS domain I own (for as long as I keep paying for it), the answer should be "no". I have no idea if I will want to keep this server for a few days or a lifetime. However, if you want to see how Mastodon works, with no pre-conceived expectations on how long you will be able to use this server of mine, just testing the waters... let me know, and I'll send you an invite.

Sounds like a precarious investment of your time in social media?

The bad news is that the same goes for every other Mastodon server out there! Unlike big-tech-based social media sites, we are talking about volunteers, private individuals footing the bills and their own time. Make of it what you want, but I needed to ensure the fate of my Mastodon account was in my hands.

If you decide to join my Mastodon instance, let me tell you that I may take it down to use the computer for a few hours for something else. See, my hardware, my electricity, no commitment to your needs. If you're okay with "it will be available to you when it's available to me" then great, have fun.

Curiosity

I am a geek. I like technology. Looking at the Mastodon server side of things is fun for me. Yes, it will be a pain to maintain over time, there will be downtime episodes, and none of that bothers me. But, quite the opposite, it looks like a great hobby for those rainy days.

I dislike Ruby on rails with a passion. The masochist in me just decided to do it.

More about the server

The server is hosted in Portugal (EU).

You can read all about the hardware, backups, security, etc, here

1. Try hard not to be an idiot... as a general rule, this is all you need to know.
2. Never insult strangers! Unless you know the person, and that is your thing as a group...You weirdos... Seriously, I am not policing anyone; block people you dislike and be "violent" with your silence. You are all guests in my system, you have no right to mistreat my other guests.
3. No illegal activities of any kind! You are getting ME in trouble by posting or linking to illegal stuff - not only will I kick your ass out of the gate, but also deliver your data to authorities. If you see something illegal, please report it to me ASAP.
4. Be mindful that I have NO COMMITMENT to keep the server running. The party will last as long as I am willing to pay for the drinks. It can end at any point in time. Sounds harsh, I know, but I have to be blunt about this...
5. You can bring people in (invite people to this server), but please make sure they behave and understand the rules. I am trusting you and your judgment... please don't let me down. If someone you invited is misbehaving let me know.
6. Mastodon provides you with moderation tools! You may mute/block users and/or entire instances; please don't expect me to provide you with a safe environment. Do it yourself; block/mute away to your heart's content.