The main reasons I still haven’t closed Mine is that there are a couple niche groups I follow, local places that post daily status updates about things like ice fishing conditions that only exist there, and marketplace. I hate how Facebook hollowed out Craigslist.

As long as the fediverse has a barrier to entry for most people of mandating choosing a server first, it will never become the mainstream choice.

You can honestly go many ways. I’d recommend Wizard of Earthsea or Left Hand of Darkness depending on if you want fantasy or Sci-Fi. The Word for World is Forest is also great. Her short stories like Those Who Walk Away From Omelas are quick and thought provoking too.