WEIRD is a decentralized and encrypted platform for building and hosting websites. It prioritizes user autonomy and data ownership by allowing users to control their content and identity without relying on centralized servers or third-party providers. Websites are built using simple markdown and HTML, and can be accessed via a unique .weird domain. The project emphasizes privacy and security, using end-to-end encryption and distributed storage to protect user data from surveillance and censorship. It aims to be a resilient and accessible alternative to the traditional web.
The dataset linked lists every active .gov domain name, providing a comprehensive view of US federal, state, local, and tribal government online presence. Each entry includes the domain name itself, the organization's name, city, state, and relevant contact information including email and phone number. This data offers a valuable resource for researchers, journalists, and the public seeking to understand and interact with government entities online.
Hacker News users discussed the potential usefulness and limitations of the linked .gov domain list. Some highlighted its value for security research, identifying potential phishing targets, and understanding government agency organization. Others pointed out the incompleteness of the list, noting the absence of many subdomains and the inclusion of defunct domains. The discussion also touched on the challenges of maintaining such a list, with suggestions for improving its accuracy and completeness through crowdsourcing or automated updates. Some users expressed interest in using the data for various projects, including DNS analysis and website monitoring. A few comments focused on the technical aspects of the data format and its potential integration with other tools.
Summary of Comments ( 9 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43691891
Hacker News users discussed the privacy implications of WEIRD, questioning its reliance on a single server and the potential for data leaks or misuse. Some expressed skepticism about its practicality and long-term viability, particularly regarding scaling and maintenance. Others were interested in the technical details, inquiring about the specific technologies used and the possibility of self-hosting. The novel approach to web browsing was acknowledged, but concerns about censorship resistance and the centralized nature of the platform dominated the conversation. Several commenters compared WEIRD to other decentralized platforms and explored alternative approaches to achieving similar goals. There was also a discussion about the project's name and its potential to hinder wider adoption.
The Hacker News post titled "WEIRD – a way to be on the web" linking to a.weird.one has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the project.
Several commenters express interest in the underlying technology and architecture behind WEIRD. One user asks for clarification on whether it's a peer-to-peer system and how it handles updates, prompting a response from the creator (seemingly the author of the linked article) explaining that it utilizes WebRTC for peer-to-peer communication and a central server for coordination and update propagation, but emphasizing the goal of eventual decentralization. There's further technical discussion regarding the use of CRDTs for conflict-free data replication, and the challenges associated with implementing them efficiently. Someone raises a concern about the potential for a central point of failure despite the peer-to-peer aspects.
Another thread of discussion focuses on the user experience and philosophy behind WEIRD. Some commenters praise the unique approach to web browsing and content creation, appreciating its minimalist design and focus on individual expression. Others express skepticism about its practicality and long-term viability, questioning whether it offers enough functionality to attract a wider audience. The creator clarifies it is intended to be simple and more focused on a different model of web interactions.
The comment section also touches upon the project's open-source nature, with inquiries about licensing and community involvement. The creator confirms it's open source and encourages contributions.
There's a brief discussion regarding the choice of the name "WEIRD," with one commenter suggesting it might not be the most appealing or descriptive moniker. Another thread examines the project's privacy implications, particularly regarding the use of WebRTC.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of curiosity, enthusiasm, and skepticism towards WEIRD. The technical details and the project's unconventional approach spark interest, while concerns about scalability, practicality, and the long-term vision remain. The comments offer a valuable insight into the initial reactions and questions surrounding this project.