Looks like KBin has an edge over Lemmy now in terms of monthly active users.
It's obviously a pretty silly thing, and is not in any way indicative of which project is "better" or more "long-term viable" or anything — instances of both federate with one another, and with the rest of fedi, so it's all one happy family.
That said, it's notable. KBin is a relative newcomer to the "Reddit-like fedi instance" game, and also does not have the tankie baggage.
Anyway, the more, the merrier!
KBin: https://the-federation.info/platform/184
Lemmy: https://the-federation.info/platform/73
Discussion on fedi: https://mstdn.social/@rysiek/110527049024028986
Many thanks for the links, that's great to start a dialogue. I didn't see anything particularly terrible in my read through the crash course (I might have missed something). In the FAQ I see a link to What about Stalin? Didn't he kill millions? (Revleft podcast on Stalin), which is an external podcast and I don't plan to listen to it to find out what it contains. Is there something specific which the developer wrote which you can link to?
Regardless of whether any particular developer is or isn't a "tankie", Lemmy the software and Lemmy.ml don't appear to support any ideologies. Their Code of Conduct specifically states "We are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of level of experience, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, personal appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, religion, nationality, or other similar characteristic."
Please don't think I am merely arguing or playing devil's advocate. I have only just started using Lemmy and would prefer to not waste my time on a platform that ultimately I wouldn't like to be associated with, but so far it feels a bit overblown.
Regarding lemmy.ml as an instance: Dig further into it. They do have a certain ideology.
At any rate, you asked what evidence there is that the devs are tankies. I would simply point out that they describe themselves using exactly that word. And even the official docs are laden with political commentary. Regardless of what you think of their politics, or how much politics is "too much" or outside of your overton window, I don't think it should be controversial to call them tankies.
Thanks for the links, I will go exploring. And for the record I don't think it's controversial to call someone a tankie - as stated today is the first time I've heard the word.