Part 1: The Notes I've Been Taking.
I am not happy. If you know, you know.
I am only going to pivot and say a few things that are now, more important than ever. And by saying, I'll probably just end up posting links. My wordsmithing isn't great at the moment, but I've been collecting links.
The Fediverse is a viable option. It [edit: the indie web] may be the only option.
SpaceHey will be one of the few exceptions for me going forward, because at least there's no algorithm screwing with things. I'll revisit my thoughts on [that] platform occasionally.
Web3.0, as we call it colloquially, is frankly terrible. No to generative AI, Crypto, NFTs, and so on. And did I mention algorithms already
About Mastodon, Specifically
https://fedi.garden/ can help you get up and running in Mastodon.
But with one huge caveat, I cannot stress this enough: Friends don't let friends sign up for any ol' Mastodon instance. And before you join any instance, be sure to look into them carefully. I have a handful of recommendations, if anyone is curious; these were spaces I have personally seen actually caring for their communities.
To quote Nova:
Every other app is setup to be quick, simple, and easy. But Mastodon requires, and I really mean it, requires that you investigate the server you’re looking into joining. It’s like we’re back in the 90s, and your avenue for social interaction online is internet forums, and you definitely don’t want to join a forum full of people with interests you don’t enjoy.
Regardless, keep an eye on the hashtag Fediblock and The Bad Space project to keep yourself and your communities safer. https://thebad.space/.
If you have the time, learn to build.
Or at least be aware of alternatives other than the corporate social media sites, networks, and programs. For starters:
- https://growyourown.services/about-this-site/
- https://discourse.32bit.cafe/t/resources-list-for-the-personal-web/49
- https://robertkingett.com/links/
Be in charge of your online spaces.
When searching for hosting, avoid Endurance International Group and its partners. Terrible customer service, to put it lightly. For more info and the full list: https://researchasahobby.com/full-list-eig-hosting-companies-brands/
And once again, say no to Web3.0.
There are cheap and even free options out there if you're on a tight budget. The aformentioned 32bit Cafe link has a huge list of options, and even Reddit is helpful here: https://www.reddit.com/r/webhosting/wiki/pickingahost/ .
I'm currently on NekoWeb, myself, and I've heard good things about NearlyFreeSpeech.Net and Lexi's Hosting.
And lastly...
Privacy and Surveillance
If you're starting up a service, considering hosting, or whatever else, be mindful of the Five Eyes ("FVEY") surveillance alliance. Encrypt your data (end-to-end and on your devices), use VPNs, minimize your data collected, don't be too open in public online spheres.
That's all, I guess.
Protocol One: Live.
