Thank you for understanding me! I feel like everyone is caught up in the idea that One Forum to Rule them All is a net positive, but my experience has been quite contrary. I think it’s especially apparent to people who fall somewhere outside the norm. There were “official” communities on reddit based on interests of mine that I wouldn’t join simply because they were fairly unwelcoming to me as a gay man. (r/residentevil is the first that comes to mind due to its moderation style, but there were others.) I really love the idea that there’s really no such thing here. Sure, there are some that are significantly larger than others, but often I find myself gravitating to the smaller ones simply because it’s a more relaxed, cozy experience for me. (memes@sopuli.xyz vs. memes@lemmy.ml, just for example.) But other times, I like the larger, busier discussion.

I honestly hope the fediverse helps us put away the notion of centralizing everything. Sure, there are certain communities where people like lead devs of a piece of software or guide are actually present, but even these would do well to have alternatives that are more community driven.

I see it as part of creating a more open, equitable space online where, as you said, everyone is happy.