When joining a server, it's really important to check that they promise a handover period if they ever shut down. If a server shuts down without warning, you will not be able to transfer your account elsewhere.
All the servers listed on fedi.garden and joinmastodon.org/servers promise at least three months warning if they ever decide to shut down, which is enough time to find another server and transfer your account. (See fedi.garden/about-this-site & joinmastodon.org/covenant)
El Duvelle
in reply to Fedi.Tips • • •thank you for sharing! How does a new server get to be listed on there?
Edit: oh I see it is explained in your 2nd link, thanks!