A lot of Mastodon instance admins are either getting their first hosting bill or getting a very increased bill from extreme growth and usage. Some may be experiencing bill shock.
Please make sure your paying/supporting them!
Twitter was free because you were the product. Mastodon doesn't work this way.
Many instances list a patreon or donation links on their about page.
@xssfox oh no, I like digital ocean, and do not use cheapest node type. Cheapest it is ~4$ :) Bur it is not an advertisement. Just description and motivation for newcomers, it is not expensive, just do it! :)
@3draven cloudisland patreon is $6.80 USD a month ago you might be ripping yourself off