I should deep dive the Mastodon code base. Was wondering how bans worked. Are bans fediverse wide? Do they perma-ban the IP or the signup email address? If bans are based on email address, would the old gmail . trick work?

It's interesting how users coming from Twitter to Mastodon want a global unique ID system. Yet no such system currently exists, only unique IDs within walled gardens. You can get a new email address, new phone number, even new Gov ID number. A good ban system isn't perfect, but it will 86 lazy trolls.

@postmodern Unique IDs are important for social profiles, as they aren't just random, interchangeable addresses or ID numbers, but a representation of a person and a node in a network of trust. Followers are not just neutral subscribers, but social capital you don't want to lose when switching servers.

Permanent, instance independent IDs add a second layer of decentralisation, as it makes changing instances much less costly.

@fxneumann also skeptical whether accumulating social capital is a good thing. If you change your email, phone number, IRC server, etc, those who wish to stay in contact do. Amassing social capital tends to encourage social hierarchies, power structures, group think, and things like fake follower/upvote bots.

@postmodern On the other hand: When there is no easy, low-transaction-cost system of switching instances only those with high social capital can do so easily.

If Justin Bieber leaves Pinterest for Ello, his fans will follow. If I do the same, I have to put in much more work to maintain my contacts – so some kind of global ID is much more important for my then for much more powerful actors.

@fxneumann your example is changing platforms, not changing instances. Not too concerned with ensuring Justin Bieber preserves his Twitter followers if he switched to Mastodon :P

More interested in perma banning trolls, recovering accounts and preventing impostors.

@postmodern Where's the difference to switching instances?

Perma bans, account recovery and preventing impostors would also be aided by global IDs. Also, a global ID increases incentives not to misbehave on one instance as this will be linked to me on other instances as well.