We Deserve Better: A New Social Media Bill of Rights

Maybe Musk's DOGE Isn't the Nightmare I Expected

(But Let's Not Get Too Excited)

On Nostr Delete

Why Nostr’s delete is a critical aspect of the protocol that works and protects privacy.

On Nostr, extremist views and the ability to build an inclusive digital space

In light of the recent Business Insider article discussing Jack Dorsey’s funding of Nostr, it's important to address some inaccuracies and invite open discussion about the platform. While the true identity of Nostr's creator, fiatjaf, remains unknown, the core principles of Nostr emphasize decentralized control, preventing any single entity from dominating the network. This decentralized architecture contrasts sharply with traditional corporate social media platforms that often suppress diverse viewpoints, including those of leftist activists and the LGBTQ community. At Nos, we are committed to empowering users with control over their accounts and content, fostering an environment free from algorithmic manipulation and central censorship. This approach aims to protect free speech while providing user-led moderation tools to mitigate harmful content, paving the way for a more open and inclusive digital space.

A look at Project Liberty and DSNP. The Emperor has no clothes.

The Digital Standard Networking Protocol (DSNP) and its ambitious backer, Frank McCourt, have recently made headlines with plans to acquire TikTok, but a closer look reveals a troubling reality. Despite years of development and tens of millions of dollars in funding, DSNP remains shockingly underdeveloped, embodying a classic case of vaporware. While the intentions behind DSNP and Project Liberty are commendable, their execution falls woefully short, marked by minimal progress and a lack of essential features, leaving many to question how so much effort and investment could yield so little.

Why has Bluesky grown bigger than Nostr?

Bluesky and Nostr, two emerging social media platforms, are navigating different growth challenges as they attempt to reshape the digital communication landscape. Bluesky, benefiting from its Twitter spinoff status and robust initial press coverage, has managed to attract 5.5 million users by positioning itself as a user-friendly, socially responsible protocol. In contrast, Nostr, with its strong ties to the Bitcoin community and a focus on anti-censorship, appeals to a more niche market of 800k to 1.3 million users. Both platforms face unique hurdles: Bluesky with its need for more inclusive moderation policies, and Nostr with the challenge of expanding its user base beyond crypto-enthusiasts and those disenfranchised by other platforms. The future of these platforms depends on their ability to innovate and adapt to the diverse needs and expectations of today’s digital citizens.

My Experience with trolls, and choosing to silently leave a community in order to avoid them.

After getting hit by a car, I faced a choice on the Wellington Cycling Group's Facebook page: share my story and endure a barrage of negative comments from anti-bicycle trolls, or remain silent. This experience sheds light on the impact of hostile online interactions and the power of user-controlled spaces like Nostr, where I found a more welcoming environment. We need to figure out how we handle these digital challenges and the importance of creating a space for free speech AND safe online communities.

Bluesky Proposal

Bluesky has successfully built a vibrant community of 600,000 users on its initial test server, but faces challenges reconciling its vision of an open, decentralized protocol with the community's desire for a more managed social environment. This proposal suggests maintaining the existing server as a standalone entity while launching a new, open atproto network. Users could choose between the two, maintaining their identity across both platforms. By potentially transferring management of the existing server to its users and exploring various funding options, Bluesky could align with its original vision of empowering communities, while still accommodating diverse needs and upholding the open protocol.

The Fleeting Utopia: Navigating the Euphoria of New Digital Communities

This essay explores the exhilarating sensation of joining new digital communities, drawing parallels to real-world experiences and crises, and unpacks the challenges of sustaining the initial utopian fervor amidst growth. It emphasizes the critical need for designing digital spaces that prioritize community control, collective ownership, and participatory governance. The narrative then shifts to the case study of Bluesky, a digital community grappling with scalability, shifting norms, and the need for effective governance. By championing community involvement in decision-making processes and citing the Design Justice movement as a viable model, the essay underscores the importance of collaborative problem-solving in maintaining the vitality of digital spaces.

Nostr: An Open Super App

Nostr has the potential to be the open super app competing against both the centralized social media apps like twitter, instagram, facebook, tiktok, and snapchat, but also against WeChat, WhatsApp, and QQ.