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diff --git a/content/blog/2021-01-04-fediverse.md b/content/blog/2021-01-04-fediverse.md deleted file mode 100644 index f2cca30..0000000 --- a/content/blog/2021-01-04-fediverse.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,106 +0,0 @@ -+++ -date = 2021-01-04 -title = "A Simple Guide to the Fediverse" -description = "Learn about the basics of the Fediverse." -+++ - -## What is the Fediverse? - -The fediverse is a federated universe of servers commonly used for -sharing content, like social media. So, instead of having to rely on a -single organization to run the server (e.g. Facebook), the fediverse is -a giant collection of servers across the world, owned by many people and -organizations. - -Take a look at this depiction of a federated network. Each server in -this photo is owned and run by different administrators/owners. -Federated networks are best explained as email servers: you have an -email account that exists on a server (e.g. Outlook), your friend has an -account on a different server (e.g. GMail), and another friend has an -account on a third server (e.g. ProtonMail). All three of you can talk -and communicate back and forth without having to be on the same server. -However, responsible email admins are there to set rules and control the -traffic going in/out of the server. - - - -The main objective of this architecture is to decentralize the control -within the internet connections. For example, if you run your own -Mastodon instance, you and your users can't be censored or impacted in -any way by authorities of another Mastodon instance. Some users have -praised these features due to recent criticism of popular social media -websites that may be over-censoring their users. - -This strategy is great for making sure control of the social web isn't -controlled by a single organization, but it also has some downsides. If -I create a Mastodon instance and get a ton of users to sign up, I can -shut the server down at any time. That means you're at risk of losing -the content you've created unless you back it up, or the server backs -it up for you. Also, depending on the software used (e.g. Mastodon, -Pixelfed, etc.), censorship may still be an issue if the server admins -decide they want to censor their users. Now, censorship isn't always a -bad thing and can even benefit the community as a whole, but you'll -want to determine which servers align with your idea of proper -censorship. - -However, these are risks that we take when we sign up for any online -platform. Whatever your reason is for trying out federated social -networks, they are part of the future of the internet. However, the -popularity of these services is still yet to be determined, especially -with the increased difficulty understanding and signing up for these -platforms. Perhaps increased regulation and litigation against current -social media sites will push more users into the fediverse. - -## Federated Alternatives to Popular Sites - -The list below is a small guide that will show you federated -alternatives to current popular websites. There are many more out there, -so go and explore: you might just find the perfect home. - -### Reddit - -- [Lemmy](https://lemmy.ml/instances) - -### Twitter/Facebook/Tumblr - -- [Mastodon](https://joinmastodon.org) -- [Diaspora](https://diasporafoundation.org) -- [Friendica](https://friendi.ca) -- [GNU Social](https://gnusocial.network) -- [Pleroma](https://pleroma.social) - -### Instagram - -- [Pixelfed](https://pixelfed.org) - -### Slack/Discord - -- [Matrix](https://element.io) - -### Youtube/Vimeo - -- [Peertube](https://joinpeertube.org) - -### Spotify/Soundcloud - -- [Funkwhale](https://funkwhale.audio) - -### Podcasting - -- [Pubcast](https://pubcast.pub) - -### Medium/Blogger - -- [WriteFreely](https://writefreely.org) - -## Get Started - -The best way to get started is to simply sign up and learn as you go. If -you're comfortable signing up through a Mastodon, Pleroma, or Friendica -server, here is [a list of themed -servers](https://fediverse.party/en/portal/servers) to choose from. If -you're looking for something else, try a web search for a federated -alternative to your favorite sites. - -Find a server that focuses on your passions and start there! |