But it's not dependent on network effects, you can follow people and they can follow back even if you run your own server. You miss being in the explore tab bu

But it's not dependent on network effects, you can follow people and they can follow back even if you run your own server. You miss being in the explore tab but I don't think that's the main source of traffic, and various bots or groups that re-share toots will likely spread your account far and wide.