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We already have a decentralized/federated social network with millions (probably billions) of users. It's called email, and it works pretty well--though not per
by jasonhansel 7y ago
We already have a decentralized/federated social network with millions (probably billions) of users. It's called email, and it works pretty well--though not perfect, email illustrates that there's nothing intrinsically impossible about such systems.
- viraptor 7y agoMessaging systems (like emails) and social networks are not the same thing. Maybe mailing lists would be closer, but those are actually centralised.
- jasonhansel 7y agoThey're not centralized in the way Facebook is, since your mailing lists may come from a wide variety of sources running separate servers & software. Also: messaging is actually a very important part of social media companies' strategy (e.g. Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc.).
- viraptor 7y agoMessaging is an important part and most social networks contain messaging. But messaging on its own is not a social network. (no contact discovery, subscription to events, persistent connection with other users)
- jasonhansel 7y agoYes! Which is why we need other decentralized social networks that can follow email's route to success.