Because they can?
Because they want to learn?
Because they haven't found an instance they liked?
Because they want to create an instance for some specific interest and existing instances aren't the right fit?
Because they want a private instance for their family/friends?
Because they want to use it a bit like a client, deciding which instances they interface with?
Because virtually every instance is simply someone hosting their own and letting random strangers use it.also
because they want to be in charge instead of being at the mercy of someone else?
like I just got a 3-day ban from some instance or community because something I said made the owner mad, and I imagine if I ran my own instance and community I wouldn't have been banned 😄
Why would anyone dm a ttrpg or start a club????
Not sure why all the comments are condescending. I'm trying to learn more about it since I might do the same.
I guess you could consider it condescending but you did not ask like how but why. Why ride a bike. Why own a dog. why get out of bed. Why questions are something that really is up to the individual.
I must admit that the way your question is worded did initially make me think you were implying that doing so was crazy.
However it definitely can also be read the way I think you intended. And since this is ELI5, the answers could probably be a bit kinder tbh.
FWIW, I would maybe change your question to read "What are some good reasons a person might want to..." :-)
Random ideas off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are more:
- they believe in the platform and know they have the skills to help it grow
- they're tech enthusiasts and it's basically hobby time
- general curiosity about how it all works from the admin side, some people love to learn new stuff
- spotted a gap in the market for an instance around a particular theme
- they want a solo / friends and family only instance to avoid defederation issues and generally curate the feed
- they want control over their own data and experience
- they happen to own the most perfect domain name and just need something to do with it
