IMO, Lemmy would gain far more users if you were able to create a user account without having to be approved by a server first.
If communities want to remain invite only that’s fine. But I really, really think you guys should decouple account creation from the requirement of being approved by a server. It’s a barrier to entry that imo will prevent many users from registering.
Edit: If not global auto-approving of user account creation, I think what would be a more reasonable request is an indicator of whether a server auto-approves account creation or whether it is invite only.
When you go to sign up there is a note that says you must fill an application and be approved.
Check the “Open Signups” column at this website to find out which servers are auto-approve and which are not.
I’m sorry but I think doing things this way will help combat account spam and bots, especially early on.
I’m saying there should be an box/non-clickable banner on this page on the opposite side of the box from the join button which indicates whether a server has open registration or not. Just a simple visual tag, nothing complex.