this post was submitted on 23 Jun 2023
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Technology
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The biggest issue is who pays for the server infrastructure at scale.
We just need Wikipedia style funding. If the server publishes their costs and fundraises, then people can support it directly. Instead of the stick and carrot of subscriptions or the rat race of ads, just be open and honest about server needs. If the users aren't able to raise funds, then cut back to what's affordable. Users will either deal with the reduced server capacity or they'll need to pay up to continue enjoying it. This doesn't need to be a free ride, but I trust the community will rally for a good service.
A lot of server owners do this already. The instance I'm on for example does this and also disclosed that they would donate any "proceeds" to the development of Lemmy. So they are only paying for upkeep costs.