What about a #Mastodon temporary residence?
An instance that hosts people interested in mastodon, introduces them around and empowers them to either find an instance they might enjoy or make their own?
You get 6mos. on the instance and after that you spread your wings migrating with all your new friends to an instance of your own.
This would help spread the idea of decentralization and to an extent, self-hosting.
A #fediverse MMORG intro-village, you get to walk around, talk to friendly people, (and bots,) but you don't meet any of the trolls and dragons, roaming in the dark...
The first instance I joined was not a success. It's a bit hit or miss, if you're lucky you meet nice (like-minded) people, if not then you either move or start again.
Not very user-friendly, but not easy to solve.
@qwxlea @sikkdays intro.town is available for registration.