I can’t get email working and I federation doesn’t seem to work either, but it’s up!
I created an instance for the town I live in as the main form of communication is a fb page. Once I get these issues fixed I will promote it and hopefully get people using it.
Multiple ways to skin the cat, you can use community names as well, there are also multiple lookup sites I keep a list of resources that can help you find things to sub to.
Also you need to make sure you use the link from the instance the thread is on if you use the link for any other instance it won’t work.