cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/3658116
or maybe some other terminology would be better? lots of people get confused when you ask them to choose an instance, sometimes I think even the word “proxy”, “host”, or “hub” is simpler
the specific terms aren’t my point, just a discussion to see if we can come up with a better name
Instance is the best name for it as instance implies replication and federation. Server isn’t incorrect but also a server doesn’t necessarily mirror content which is why I think instance is the most correct term for fediverse services. I don’t think change the vernacular for instances is going to make it easier to understand for people who aren’t technical though. I think just referring it to mastodon/lemmy/whatever is fine and then I would tell them to sign up for lemmy at lemmy.world or sh.it.just.works etc like you would tell someone to sign up for email at google or yahoo