Replying to @lienrag@mastodon.tedomum.net
I agree the need for a signup message can be a discouragement... and at the same time, I'm aware that instances without _some_ kind of up-front vetting process generate a lot of relentless tedious banning-work for all the other mods!
Maybe one way to address this is with friendly encouragement on the sign-up page? including an explanation like "we're not trying to sit in judgement over who's cool enough, we're just trying to keep bots and spammers at bay, which you'll benefit from yourself once you're on".
And/or, the software needs the option of a provisional status, where someone's first few posts are moderated.
