NLnet has awarded grants totaling €675,000 to eleven open-source projects focused on reclaiming the public internet. These projects aim to develop and improve decentralized, privacy-respecting alternatives to centralized platforms and services. The funded initiatives cover areas like peer-to-peer communication, distributed social networking, censorship-resistant content distribution, and decentralized identity management, all contributing to a more democratic and resilient online experience. The grants are part of NLnet's Commons Fund, which supports initiatives that foster open standards, protocols, and infrastructure.
Eric Raymond's "The Cathedral and the Bazaar" contrasts two different software development models. The "Cathedral" model, exemplified by traditional proprietary software, is characterized by closed development, with releases occurring infrequently and source code kept private. The "Bazaar" model, inspired by the development of Linux, emphasizes open source, with frequent releases, public access to source code, and a large number of developers contributing. Raymond argues that the Bazaar model, by leveraging the collective intelligence of a diverse group of developers, leads to faster development, higher quality software, and better responsiveness to user needs. He highlights 19 lessons learned from his experience managing the Fetchmail project, demonstrating how decentralized, open development can be surprisingly effective.
HN commenters largely discuss the essay's historical impact and continued relevance. Some highlight how its insights, though seemingly obvious now, were revolutionary at the time, changing the landscape of software development and popularizing open-source methodologies. Others debate the nuances of the "cathedral" versus "bazaar" model, pointing out examples where the lines blur or where a hybrid approach is more effective. Several commenters reflect on their personal experiences with open source, echoing the essay's observations about the power of peer review and decentralized development. A few critique the essay for oversimplifying complex development processes or for being less applicable in certain domains. Finally, some commenters suggest related readings and resources for further exploration of the topic.
The blog post "An early social un-network" details the creation and demise of a hyperlocal, anonymous social network called "Dodgeball" in the early 2000s. Unlike friend-based platforms like Friendster, Dodgeball centered around broadcasting one's location via SMS to nearby users, fostering spontaneous real-world interactions. Its simple design and focus on proximity aimed to connect people in the same physical space, facilitating serendipitous meetings and shared experiences. However, its reliance on SMS proved costly and cumbersome, while its anonymity attracted unwanted attention and hindered the formation of meaningful connections. Despite its innovative approach to social networking, Dodgeball ultimately failed to gain widespread traction and was eventually acquired and shut down.
Hacker News users discussed the impracticality of the "social un-network" described in the linked article, particularly its reliance on physical proximity and limitations on content sharing. Some found the idea nostalgic and reminiscent of earlier, smaller online communities like Usenet or BBSs. Others expressed concerns about scalability and the potential for abuse and harassment without robust moderation tools. Several commenters questioned the overall utility of such a system, arguing that existing social networks already address the desire for smaller, more focused communities through features like groups or subreddits. The lack of searchability and portability of conversations was also a recurring criticism. While some appreciated the author's intention to foster deeper connections, the general consensus was that the proposed system was too restrictive and ultimately unworkable in its current form.
Martin Kleppmann created a simple static website called "Is Decentralization for Me?" as a quick way to explore the pros and cons of decentralized technologies. Unexpectedly, the page sparked significant online discussion and community engagement, leading to translations, revisions, and active debate about the nuanced topic. The experience highlighted the power of a clear, concise, and accessible resource in fostering organic community growth around complex subjects, even without interactive features or a dedicated platform. The project's evolution demonstrates the potential of static websites to be more than just informational; they can serve as catalysts for collective learning and collaboration.
Hacker News users generally praised the author's simple approach to web development, contrasting it with the complexities of modern JavaScript frameworks. Several commenters shared their own experiences with similar "back to basics" setups, appreciating the speed, control, and reduced overhead. Some discussed the benefits of static site generators and pre-rendering for performance. The potential drawbacks of this approach, such as limited interactivity, were also acknowledged. A few users highlighted the importance of considering the actual needs of a project before adopting complex tools. The overall sentiment leaned towards appreciating the refreshing simplicity and effectiveness of a well-executed static site.
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.
Summary of Comments ( 177 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43769482
Hacker News commenters generally expressed support for NLnet's funding of open-source internet infrastructure projects. Several highlighted the importance of decentralization and moving away from reliance on large corporations. Some questioned the viability or impact of certain projects, particularly Matrix, while others championed its potential. A few commenters discussed the challenges of funding and sustaining open-source projects long-term, suggesting alternative funding mechanisms and emphasizing the need for community involvement. There was also a thread discussing the definition of "public internet" and whether these projects genuinely contribute to it.
The Hacker News post "Open Source Projects Receive Funding to Reclaim the Public Internet" (linking to an NLnet foundation grants announcement) generated several comments discussing the funded projects and the overall initiative.
Several commenters expressed enthusiasm for specific projects. One commenter highlighted the "Public money, public code" approach being taken by the Guix project, praising its commitment to software freedom and transparency. They further emphasized the importance of reproducible builds in ensuring the integrity and verifiability of software. Another user expressed excitement about the funding awarded to Qubes OS, citing its unique security model based on virtualization. They saw this as a crucial step towards strengthening online privacy and security. Another commenter, seemingly familiar with Qubes, added that the funding is particularly relevant given the recent surge in sophisticated malware attacks.
There was a discussion around the significance of funding open-source infrastructure projects. A commenter emphasized the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of such projects in underpinning the internet. They pointed out how these projects often operate with limited resources and how such funding can significantly impact their sustainability and development. This sentiment was echoed by another user who lamented the historical underfunding of public infrastructure in the digital realm, expressing hope that initiatives like NLnet's would pave the way for a more robust and publicly owned internet infrastructure.
One commenter focused on the legal aspects of open source, drawing attention to the importance of licenses and emphasizing their role in guaranteeing software freedoms. They expressed concern that without proper licensing, the positive impact of such funding could be diminished.
Several users engaged in a discussion about the technical merits of different projects. One thread discussed the complexities of decentralized systems and their potential to address issues of censorship and control. Another thread debated the advantages and disadvantages of particular software development methodologies.
Finally, some commenters broadened the discussion to the larger philosophical implications of a "public internet." They discussed the ongoing tension between centralized platforms and decentralized alternatives, and the importance of initiatives like this in promoting a more open and democratic internet. They viewed funding for open-source projects as a crucial step towards reclaiming the internet as a public good, rather than a space dominated by corporate interests.