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The user couldn't be expected to use FTP, a command line interface, a file system, or any other technologies beyond the browser because doing so would severely

The user couldn't be expected to use FTP, a command line interface, a file system, or any other technologies beyond the browser because doing so would severely limit its accessibility. User interactions had to be limited to filling out web forms and clicking on things. The financial and time burden of using the tool to both set up and maintain a homestead needed to be minimized as much as possible. If we eliminate these barriers, we will end up with the type of user that is prevalent on Facebook, Twitter et al thus pointless. Something that comes without effort will not be appreciated at its true value. I think there has to be a reasonable barrier of entry as to keep these kind of people who are not really interested in bringing anything of value, as they have proven time and time again. The barrier of entry, in all fairness is low even as described above so as the word goes, how low you can go?

apatters 7y ago
This is basically what www.sdf.org is, right? A community where you have to somewhat know your way around the command line to get around. And it's awesome. But by definition communities like this will probably never dominate the market.
CM30 7y ago
Is this necessarily a bad thing? Is there anything wrong with the Facebook/Twitter/whatever social media crowd moving to the indieweb and running their own sites or what not? Should those who aren't technical/determined enough be screwed over by large corporations operating walled gardens? Having interesting things to say doesn't necessarily correlate with being willing to overcome barriers to entry, and I feel independent blogs and sites by non technical users could bring all kinds of new perspectives you might not hear otherwise.
wmf 7y ago
The Internet is for everyone. If someone just wants to post lame jokes or keep up with their grandkids, so be it. If anything, the IndieWeb/Fediverse keeps such people from "burdening" the community because there isn't one big community.

apatters 7y ago

This is basically what www.sdf.org is, right? A community where you have to somewhat know your way around the command line to get around. And it's awesome. But by definition communities like this will probably never dominate the market.

CM30 7y ago

Is this necessarily a bad thing? Is there anything wrong with the Facebook/Twitter/whatever social media crowd moving to the indieweb and running their own sites or what not? Should those who aren't technical/determined enough be screwed over by large corporations operating walled gardens? Having interesting things to say doesn't necessarily correlate with being willing to overcome barriers to entry, and I feel independent blogs and sites by non technical users could bring all kinds of new perspectives you might not hear otherwise.

wmf 7y ago

The Internet is for everyone. If someone just wants to post lame jokes or keep up with their grandkids, so be it. If anything, the IndieWeb/Fediverse keeps such people from "burdening" the community because there isn't one big community.