ICYMI, @stux did a post highlighting how Mastodon can be used as a private intranet just for you and your friends.
This is thanks to Mastodon's optional "limited federation mode" which uses allowlists instead of blocklists. This mode blocks all servers by default and only federates with servers you list. If your allowlist is blank, then it doesn't federate at all.
If you're interested in using this mode, there's more info at:
🌱 https://fedi.tips/creating-an-isolated-server
@homegrown @stux A group of teens I know are now talking about discord alternatives. Wonder about this plus Signal groups as replacement options for their use case. Seems worth exploring!
@stux @homegrown Since these threads are focused on doing the technical parts, if you dont want the bloat and clunk of running a mastodon inc instance [even with a small set of users it's still a lumpy stack], can't recommend @snikket_im more highly for a super lean stable xmpp setup in a few clicks.
Very easy to invite and onboard non-technical friends and family into the app with quite problem free omemo for snikket app users, and fine for more tech folks using other apps. Handy intuitive admin dashboard. Way less things to turn off or set on the server. You can have proper groups/circles instead of mention threads. And bonus you also have built in real-time audio and video calls built-in.
not affiliated just a long time fan and user
@homegrown @stux I have a question. Would not all the profiles and toots be readable for outsiders? I mean even if they cannot create an account and not interact from other instances, they can still read?
@homegrown @stux if Mastodon uses too many resources, take a look at @gotosocial@superseriousbusiness.org: https://docs.gotosocial.org/en/latest/configuration/instance/
Yes, less features than Mastodon, but way smaller memory and CPU requirements. Works really great!
Yup, GTS is great for small servers! 🙂
