> The biggest lesson I take is that "social networks" are not about protocols but about how we use the existing infrastructure.
It's also not about scale and breadth. Focused social networks around niches can be a breath of fresh air compared to the social behemoths. I joined a couple of more targeted social networks recently and it seems like there's a far more positive community when people have a shared interest. Fable[1] has a social network for reading and that has a generally positive and cosy vibe. Bryan Johnson's Don't Die[2] app is focused on health and longevity and it has a supportive atmosphere. You'd think that something like Reddit with its many niche subreddits would be able to replicate this. But it seems like Reddit has its own tone that permeates everywhere.
It seems like social networks that stay small and focused can maintain a fun and productive environment that degrades over time in larger networks.
> The biggest lesson I take is that "social networks" are not about protocols but about how we use the existing infrastructure.
It's also not about scale and breadth. Focused social networks around niches can be a breath of fresh air compared to the social behemoths. I joined a couple of more targeted social networks recently and it seems like there's a far more positive community when people have a shared interest. Fable[1] has a social network for reading and that has a generally positive and cosy vibe. Bryan Johnson's Don't Die[2] app is focused on health and longevity and it has a supportive atmosphere. You'd think that something like Reddit with its many niche subreddits would be able to replicate this. But it seems like Reddit has its own tone that permeates everywhere.
It seems like social networks that stay small and focused can maintain a fun and productive environment that degrades over time in larger networks.
[1] https://fable.co/
[2] https://dontdieapp.com/
> with blogs and email, we already had a decentralized social network
Yes, coupled with a good WebFeeds solution and we are practically there !
Been saying this for years. The www is already a social network.
OK, I love that. I'm going to try it out right now.