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I think the key is data interoperability and open protocols. Ideally peer-based but I know federation is much more popular and that can work also. But it's no

by ilaksh 3y ago

I think the key is data interoperability and open protocols. Ideally peer-based but I know federation is much more popular and that can work also. But it's not just the fact that they leverage open software to build their closed systems, it's the large networks and marketplaces they have. The only way to compete with that is through decentralized systems. Which (despite the connotation of the name), are the best approaches for creating large scale, open, holistic networks. Moving to decentralized protocols also means it is harder to dominate with one piece of software. Ideally the protocols are in some kind of protocol registry so they can evolve freely. But on some level I believe that some entity like a government needs to mandate this. Although I know there are many people who are philosophically against governments or practically against them due to their track record of being generally awful. But at some level you may have to force people to cooperate in some basic technical way in order to avoid the technopolies.

kazinator 3y ago
Closed stuff can always be built on open formats and protocols. E.g. TCP/IP is open; that doesn't make the Internet and Web open. Open formats and protocols can serve as monopoly-enabling catalysts.
- drewcoo 3y ago
  > Closed stuff can always be built on open formats and protocols. Could copyleft protocols be a thing?
  - kazinator 3y ago
    Copyleft implies copyright so while that could perhaps be a thing it doesn't sound like a good thing. We don't need copyrighted protocols and APIs.
  - dartos 3y ago
    Placing restrictions on protocol implementors is a sure way to prevent that protocol from being implemented
drivebyadvice 3y ago
I think decentralized networks essentially provide another opportunity for businesses. Look at email, or web browsers and how centralized they are now. Make an app for a decentralized protocol, add some polish and maybe give something away with it which is cheap at scale (storage, bandwidth) as the loss leader and establish dominance.
throwawaaarrgh 3y ago
A protocol cannot stop a monopoly.
ksec 3y ago
>data interoperability and open protocols. We just need to mandate the basic / baseline technology. External File System that is supported everywhere ( ExFAT ? ), PDF, Word, Excel / Spreadsheet, Archive Files, Photo/ Graphics, Audio and Video. Unfortunately I dont it will ever happen. One being goverement doesn't think like that. Two even if they do they dont know which one to pick. And three since they cant pick anyone they will decide to make their own....... Right now I really wish we could create something on top of the soon patent free AAC-LC and H.264 Video Codec.
brbrodude 3y ago
To me just like driving there should be a policy that mandates people respect & act in a way that both you & everyone can move freely and comfortably, lightly, this would be an actual order. We need something like alien philosophy/religion and let us be ruled by it, or, like, everybody just start acting japanese.

by ilaksh 3y ago

kazinator 3y ago

Closed stuff can always be built on open formats and protocols. E.g. TCP/IP is open; that doesn't make the Internet and Web open. Open formats and protocols can serve as monopoly-enabling catalysts.

drewcoo 3y ago
> Closed stuff can always be built on open formats and protocols. Could copyleft protocols be a thing?
- kazinator 3y ago
  Copyleft implies copyright so while that could perhaps be a thing it doesn't sound like a good thing. We don't need copyrighted protocols and APIs.
- dartos 3y ago
  Placing restrictions on protocol implementors is a sure way to prevent that protocol from being implemented

drivebyadvice 3y ago

I think decentralized networks essentially provide another opportunity for businesses. Look at email, or web browsers and how centralized they are now. Make an app for a decentralized protocol, add some polish and maybe give something away with it which is cheap at scale (storage, bandwidth) as the loss leader and establish dominance.

throwawaaarrgh 3y ago

A protocol cannot stop a monopoly.

ksec 3y ago

>data interoperability and open protocols. We just need to mandate the basic / baseline technology. External File System that is supported everywhere ( ExFAT ? ), PDF, Word, Excel / Spreadsheet, Archive Files, Photo/ Graphics, Audio and Video. Unfortunately I dont it will ever happen. One being goverement doesn't think like that. Two even if they do they dont know which one to pick. And three since they cant pick anyone they will decide to make their own....... Right now I really wish we could create something on top of the soon patent free AAC-LC and H.264 Video Codec.

brbrodude 3y ago

To me just like driving there should be a policy that mandates people respect & act in a way that both you & everyone can move freely and comfortably, lightly, this would be an actual order. We need something like alien philosophy/religion and let us be ruled by it, or, like, everybody just start acting japanese.