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Mastodon's Plushie Revolution: A Heartwarming Movement to Support Open-source Social Networks

In a bold and innovative move, Mastodon, a decentralized alternative to traditional social media platforms, has launched its own merchandise line, starting with a line of adorable plushie mastodons. These cuddly toys are designed to be soft, washable, and even serve as a travel pillow, making them a must-have for any Mastodon fan. The initial launch is exclusive to the European Union, due to unforeseen delays caused by recent storms in the United States.

The idea to sell merchandise was born out of a poll conducted by Mastodon last year, which revealed that over 6,700 users would be willing to purchase merchandise if it was available. The company's initial test run of products, including mugs, tees, and PINs, sold out quickly, and the plushie is the latest addition to the merchandise line. The response has been overwhelming, with fans taking to social media to share their plushie purchases, using the hashtag #plushtodon.

Within hours of its launch, Mastodon had sold an impressive 176 plushies, generating nearly $8,000 in revenue (minus manufacturing and shipping costs). By the end of the day, the figure had topped 200. While this may not be enough to fund a single developer's salary, it's a significant step forward for the company, which primarily funds its development efforts through Patreon.

The plushie revolution is not just about generating revenue; it's also a testament to the community's enthusiasm for the platform and its commitment to supporting decentralized social networks. Mastodon fans are using their plushies as a symbol of their support for the platform, and the campaign is a heartwarming reminder of the power of community.

While it may seem unlikely that Mastodon will ever be able to topple tech giants like X and Meta's Threads, the plushie revolution is a fun and creative way to support the open social community. As Mastodon's founder and CEO, Eugen Rochko, has said, the company will continue to fund its development efforts through a combination of merchandise sales and Patreon support.

In the end, the plushie revolution is a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference in the world of open-source social networks. By supporting Mastodon and its mission, fans are helping to create a more decentralized and community-driven Internet. The plushie revolution is a symbol of the power of community and a testament to the dedication of Mastodon fans.