openSNS
Bluesky takes the velvet rope down 🦋
Bluesky has opened up and requires no waitlist now, so if you were searching for a Twitter alternative, then here you go:
[simpleblogcard url="bsky.social/about/blo…"]
Once registered, find me here:
[simpleblogcard url="bsky.app/profile/s…"]
For reference:
| Feature | Bluesky | ActivityPub/Mastodon | Other SNS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decentralization | Yes | Yes | No |
| Open-Source | Yes | Yes | No |
| Account Portability | Yes (ATProto was designed with this in mind.) | Yes (but it varies with the app/site you're working with | No |
| Moderation | community based | community based | Centralized |
| Focus | Text, photo (video on roadmap) | Various | Varies |
| Customization | High | Very high | None |
| Access | Just made public | Most instances public but some are not. | Public |
[simpleblogcard url="[techcrunch.com/2024/02/0...](https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/06/bluesky-is-now-open-for-anyone-to-join/)"]
[simpleblogcard url="[www.engadget.com/bluesky-i...](https://www.engadget.com/bluesky-is-ditching-its-waitlist-and-opening-to-everyone-140026198.html)"]
[simpleblogcard url="mashable.com/article/b…"]
My take:
It's basically what Twitter was supposed to become before Elon Musk bought the place and turned it into a festering cesspool. And while I'm more of an ActivityPub/Mastodon/Indieweb enthusiast, there's no reason not to have a Bluesky account since the two will talk to each other in the very near future thanks to folks like @snarfed.org@snarfed.org and Brid.gy.
Besides all that, it's so new, you can still smell the wet paint and fresh drywall over there, so you can move in and create your own space quite easily now... and if it gets enshittified, then no love lost, right? Whatcha got to lose?
Federating the fediverse: BlueSky alpha version
ICYMI:
There’s a way for you to crosspost to BlueSky from your own #indieweb enabled website thanks to Joel’s (@joel@otter.garden) additions to Bridgy (created by Ryan (@snarfed.org@snarfed.org).
Also, I’m actually doing it right now and have been for about a week or so. So you’ll notice likes/reposts and comments coming from over there on my site and can interact from there, as I craft my one-man SNS outpost on the innanetz.
Details on how to do it here: Bridgy Bluesky setup
Vergecast: Musings on POSSE, SNS and Indieweb vs ActivityPub
My whole presence in the #fediverse is predicated on POSSE (and PESO) principles along with federated posting and SNS. I'm a semi-active part of the Indieweb community where this grassroots methodology sprang forth. It's one of "build your own website and have others comment on it -- that's the network right there" simplicity.
Just like email is still the most universal messaging app, websites are still the least silo'd SNS app. It seems as if my cause to get back to basics has been taken up by a lot more than I thought lately, so much so, that today a very popular podcast topic was all about this very thing and features just about everyone I've personally tapped at some point for guidance in my own #indieweb journey.
In summary, the article and accompanying podcast talk about:
- POSSE: A way of posting on your own website and syndicating to other platforms. It gives you more control and reach over your content.
- Challenges: POSSE requires technical skills, time, and tools to manage cross-posting and engagement. It also raises questions about platform norms and audience preferences.
- Solutions: Tools like Micro.blog, Bridgy, and WordPress can help with POSSE. A two- or three-step publishing process can allow customization for each platform.
- Future: POSSE is part of a more open and decentralized social web. It might lead to new tools for reading, moderating, organizing, and algorithmizing posts.
The Vergecast
The poster’s guide to the new internet
Updates
- I goofed the title… It’s ActivityPub not Activity
Web. I don’t know why I keep subconsciously making that mistake. - I’d be remiss if I didn’t link to Tantek’s beautifully crafted summary of his own thoughts about the interview and a deeper reflection/explanation of the subjects therein; Also his site is one of the oldest and comprehensive POSSE/PESO efforts ever seen and should be used as an example. Visit it at ttk.me t5TZ1
- The Indieweb.org site is the perfect place to get all this information about crafting your own effort in this space if you want to give it a go. Visit indieweb.org/start and if you get stuck, you can chat with other enthusiasts and advocates like me thru IRC/Slack/Discord as well.