Seven39 is a new social media app designed to combat endless scrolling and promote more present, real-life interactions. It's only active for a 3-hour window each evening, from 7pm to 10pm local time. This limited availability encourages users to engage more intentionally during that specific timeframe and then disconnect to focus on other activities. The app aims to foster a sense of community and shared experience by having everyone online simultaneously within their respective time zones.
A developer has created Threadsky, a Reddit-style client for the decentralized social media platform Bluesky. It organizes Bluesky content into threaded conversations similar to Reddit, offering features like nested replies, upvote/downvote buttons, and customizable feeds. The project is still in its early stages of development and the creator is actively seeking feedback and ideas for improvement. The aim is to provide a more familiar and organized browsing experience for Bluesky users, leveraging a popular forum structure.
HN commenters generally expressed interest in Threadsky, the Bluesky client showcased. Several appreciated the familiar Reddit-like interface and suggested improvements like keyboard navigation, infinite scrolling, and better integration with Bluesky's features like muting and blocking. Some questioned the longevity of Bluesky itself and the need for another client, while others encouraged the developer to add features like custom feeds and threaded replies. A few commenters shared alternative Bluesky clients they preferred, highlighting the emerging ecosystem around the platform. Overall, the reception was positive, with commenters offering constructive feedback and expressing curiosity about the project's future development.
The original poster is seeking alternatives to Facebook for organizing local communities, specifically for sharing information, coordinating events, and facilitating discussions among neighbors. They desire a platform that prioritizes privacy, avoids algorithms and advertising, and offers robust moderation tools to prevent spam and maintain a positive environment. They're open to existing solutions or ideas for building a new platform, and prefer something accessible on both desktop and mobile.
HN users discuss alternatives to Facebook for organizing local communities. Several suggest platforms like Nextdoor, Discord, Slack, and Groups.io, highlighting their varying strengths for different community types. Some emphasize the importance of a dedicated website and email list, while others advocate for simpler solutions like a shared calendar or even a WhatsApp group for smaller, close-knit communities. The desire for a decentralized or federated platform also comes up, with Mastodon and Fediverse instances mentioned as possibilities, although concerns about their complexity and discoverability are raised. Several commenters express frustration with existing options, citing issues like privacy concerns, algorithmic feeds, and the general "toxicity" of larger platforms. A recurring theme is the importance of clear communication, moderation, and a defined purpose for the community, regardless of the chosen platform.
Paul Graham's 2009 post argues that Twitter's significance stems not from its seeming triviality, but from its unique blend of messaging and public broadcast. It's a new kind of medium, distinct from email or IM, offering a low-friction way to share thoughts and information publicly. This public nature fosters a sense of ambient awareness, keeping users connected to a wider circle than traditional communication methods. Its brevity and immediacy contribute to a feeling of being "present," allowing participation in real-time events and fostering a sense of shared experience. While seemingly inconsequential updates create this presence, they also pave the way for sharing genuinely valuable information within the established network.
HN commenters discuss Paul Graham's 2009 essay on Twitter's significance. Several highlight the prescience of his observations about its future potential, particularly regarding real-time news and conversation. Some contrast Twitter's early simplicity with its current complexity, lamenting feature bloat and the rise of performative posting. Others note how Graham correctly predicted the platform's role as a powerful distribution channel, even envisioning its use for customer support. A few express skepticism about its long-term value, echoing early criticisms about the triviality of its content. Overall, the comments reflect a mix of admiration for Graham's foresight and a wistful look back at a simpler era of social media.
Summary of Comments ( 320 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43328095
HN users generally reacted with skepticism and confusion towards Seven39. Many questioned the limited 3-hour window, finding it restrictive and impractical for building a genuine community. Some speculated it was a gimmick, while others wondered about its purpose or target demographic. The feasibility of scaling with such a limited timeframe was also a concern. Several commenters pointed out that the inherent scarcity might artificially inflate engagement initially, but ultimately wouldn't be sustainable. There was also a discussion about alternatives like Discord or group chats for achieving similar goals without the time constraints.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: Seven39, a social media app that is only open for 3 hours every evening" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters expressing interest in the concept and others raising concerns or offering alternative perspectives.
Several users were intrigued by the idea of a social media platform with limited availability. Some saw it as a potential solution to the addictive nature of constant connectivity, allowing for a more intentional and focused engagement with online social interaction. They liked the idea of carving out specific time for social media rather than letting it bleed into all hours of the day.
One commenter suggested the app could be beneficial for shift workers or people in different time zones, who could connect during their specific "evenings" regardless of the actual local time. This highlighted the potential for flexible scheduling based on user needs.
However, some skepticism arose regarding the practical implementation and potential limitations. One user questioned the feasibility of building a community within such a restricted timeframe, pointing out the difficulty of coordinating with friends and family who might not be available during the same 3-hour window. Another commenter wondered about the potential for "FOMO" (fear of missing out) if interesting discussions or events occurred outside the designated hours.
The technical aspects of the app also drew attention. One user questioned the architecture and scaling capabilities, specifically regarding the handling of large volumes of users connecting simultaneously during the limited timeframe.
A few commenters drew parallels to existing platforms and communication methods. Some suggested that the functionality could be replicated using existing messaging apps with scheduled notifications or by simply setting personal limits on social media usage. Others compared it to the early days of internet chat rooms or bulletin board systems (BBSs), where users would connect during specific times.
Finally, there was a discussion about the choice of the 3-hour window. Some suggested alternative timeframes or a more dynamic approach, allowing users to customize their preferred connection hours. Others questioned the rigidity of the 3-hour limit and whether it would ultimately be a barrier to adoption.
In summary, the comments reflect a mixed reaction to the Seven39 concept. While many appreciated the potential benefits of limited availability and intentional social interaction, concerns were raised about practical limitations, technical challenges, and alternative solutions. The discussion highlighted the complexities of designing social media platforms that balance connectivity with mindful usage.