Month: May 2024

Categories
Non classé

Branding – 4opens collective identity and values of the network.

Branding in the #Fediverse raises considerations about how to effectively communicate the identity and values of the decentralized network while preserving its diverse and inclusive nature.

* Purpose of Branding: Branding serves different purposes for different organizations within the Fediverse. It is a way to assert control and ownership over the platform/network, but it can also be used to communicate identity and values to people and potential adopters.

* Instance Branding vs. Project Branding: Shifting the focus from project branding to instance branding give’s more control to the communities using and running the instances. This decentralized approach allows for customization and fosters inclusivity within the Fediverse.

* Impact of Strong Branding: Strong branding by developers and platforms overshadows the diversity of instances and communities within the Fediverse. It limits collaboration and customization, threatening decentralization.

* Scale of Branding: Branding is used at different scales within the Fediverse, from single instances to suppliers of federated services. While branding can facilitate onboarding and accessibility, it may also pose a threat to decentralization if single entities gain domanating influence over the network.

* Balancing Accessibility and Freedom: Visual identities play a crucial role in guiding new people to the Fediverse and communicating its values. However, a strong branding presence may inadvertently restrict the freedom of expression of instances and communities. It’s important to balance accessibility and freedom when designing branding solutions.

* Community Acceptance: New branding solutions should be organically accepted by the majority of communities within the Fediverse. The current logo’s are tolerated because they communicate an idea without imposing a single identity or viewpoint. Any new branding should aim to achieve the same balance to gain “native” community acceptance.

In conclusion, the fediverse, is “native” to balancing accessibility with the preservation of diversity and freedom of expression. Any branding solutions should be community-driven and strive to represent the collective identity and values of the network.

Categories
Non classé

Development of technology towards a more community-centric and empowering direction

Shaping technology to empower people and cater to their needs is crucial for creating a more inclusive and democratic digital environment. Moving towards building technology that prioritizes people and customization:

  1. User-Centric Design: Technology should be designed with the people in mind, focusing on usability, accessibility, and flexibility. This means involving people in the design process and incorporating their feedback to ensure that the technology meets their needs and preferences.
  2. Open Source and Open Standards: Embracing principles promotes transparency, interoperability, and peoples control. By making source code freely available and adhering to open standards, developers empower people to modify and customize the technology according to their requirements.
  3. Decentralization: Moving away from centralized platforms and embracing decentralized architectures fosters community and resilience in the digital ecosystem. Decentralized technologies empower people to have greater control over their data and interactions, reducing reliance on large corporations and promoting a more democratic online environment.
  4. Education and Empowerment: Educating people about technology and creating tools and resources to shape and customize to their needs is essential. By fostering digital literacy and empowering people to take control of their digital experiences, we can create a more informed and engaged user base.
  5. Community Engagement: Engaging with communities and fostering collaboration and co-creation leads to the development of technology that better reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of people. By building inclusive and participatory processes, developers can ensure that technology serves the interests of the community as a whole.

In the context of the #Fediverse and #openweb reboot, prioritizing these principles can help steer the development of technology towards a more community-centric and empowering direction. By stepping away from the #dotcons tech that pre-shapes people’s behaviour and embracing a more participatory and inclusive approach, we can build a digital ecosystem that truly serves the needs of people.

Categories
Non classé

Composting in tech

The #OMN (Open Media Network), composting in tech, is a process of recycling or repurposing digital resources and technologies in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner. Just as composting in agriculture involves breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich soil, composting in tech involves reusing and repurposing digital assets and technologies to create new value and reduce waste.

* Reuse of Code: Instead of reinventing the wheel, developers should reuse existing code or software components to build new applications or platforms. This approach reduces duplication of effort and promotes efficiency in software development.

* Repurposing Digital Content: With media and content creation, composting in tech involves repurposing existing digital content (such as articles, videos, or podcasts) to create new content or derivative works. This practice helps extend the lifespan of digital assets and reduce the need for constant creation of new content.

* Open Source and Collaboration: Embracing principles and collaborative development models is a form of composting in tech. By sharing code, knowledge, and resources openly, developers can collectively improve and build upon existing technologies, growing innovation and sustainability in the tech ecosystem.

* Circular Economy in Tech: Composting in tech aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where resources are used, reused, and recycled to minimize waste and maximize use. By applying this concept to digital technologies, #OMN promotes a more sustainable approach to tech development and consumption.

Overall, “composting in tech” reflects a mindset of sustainability, resourcefulness, and responsible stewardship of digital resources within the #openweb

The mess we need to compost:

* Arrogance and Ignorance: In alternative and grassroots movements, there is a recurring problem where members display arrogance and ignorance. This hinders progress and collaboration within these movements. At a time when there’s a growing need for successful examples to inspire larger, more #mainstreaming alternative and progressive movements, addressing these issues becomes particularly important.

* Capitalism as the Root Problem: The solution, involves stepping away from capitalist structures. This will require a combination of strategies, including non-violent resistance and, in some cases, revolutionary action.

* Challenge of Stupid Individualism: #Stupidindividualism refers to the pervasive influence of individualistic thinking promoted by #neoliberal ideology. This mindset undermines collective action and makes it difficult to build alternative tech and social projects that prioritize community over individual gain.

* Vertical vs. Horizontal Structures: Hierarchical thinking (“vertical”) often disrupts egalitarian structures (“horizontal”) within movements. This disruption contributes to a cycle of destruction and rebuilding, making it challenging to maintain momentum and achieve lasting change.

* Affective Direct Action My personal and familial experience with affective direct action for progressive change. This type of activism emphasizes emotional engagement and personal connection to issues. This experience underscores the cyclical nature of social and political challenges and highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues for meaningful and lasting change.

Addressing the challenges faced by alternative and grassroots movements requires collective action, strategic thinking, and a rejection of individualistic and hierarchical ideologies. It involves creating spaces where collaboration and community-driven solutions can thrive, ultimately working towards a more equitable society.

Categories
Non classé

What names to use?

The term #openweb refers to an internet ecosystem characterized by decentralized, interoperable, and community-driven platforms and protocols. It emphasizes principles of openness, inclusivity, and user control over their data and online experiences. The “openweb” contrasts with the #dotcons more centralized and proprietary nature of many mainstream internet platforms, offering an alternative vision for the future of the internet.

Meanwhile, #Fediverse refers to a specific decentralized social networking ecosystem built on interoperable protocols (#ActivityPub), allowing people on different platforms to interact and share content seamlessly. It encompasses a variety of codebases such as #Mastodon, #PeerTube, and #Pixelfed, offering alternatives to centralized social media giants like #Twitter, #YouTube, and #Instagram.

#web1.5 is a more technical term used in geeky conversations

For broader, mainstream audiences, simply using #mastodon can be sufficient, as Mastodon is one of the most well-known platforms within the Fediverse. This term may resonate more with individuals who are less familiar with the technical nuances of decentralized web architectures but are interested in exploring alternative social media platforms.

In summary, the choice of terminology depends on the context and audience. Whether you’re engaging in technical discussions with the “tribe” or introducing newcomers to decentralized internet concepts, using the appropriate term can help facilitate understanding and communication within the community.

Categories
Non classé

The limitations of #mainstreaming “history”

In the realm of activist family archiving, the clash between #mainstreaming and alternative approaches to history preservation becomes apparent. While smaller, more agile organizations embrace the concept of living history, encompassing the entirety of family narratives and experiences, larger national institutions prioritize selective pieces of history that fit within their established narratives.

For smaller organizations, history is dynamic and ever-evolving, reflecting the lived experiences and diverse perspectives of individuals and families. These organizations recognize the value of preserving the “context”of histories, from the everyday to the extraordinary, as a means of capturing the richness and complexity of human life.

On the other hand, larger national institutions tend to favour a more static and curated approach to history, focusing on specific events or narratives that align with their predetermined agendas. This approach results in the omission or marginalization of certain voices and experiences, reinforcing established power structures and perpetuating a narrow understanding of history.

The tension between these two approaches highlights the broader struggle for control over historical narratives and the importance of preserving diverse perspectives within the historical record. By embracing the concept of living history and advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices, archiving organizations can play a vital role in challenging #mainstreaming narratives and promoting a more inclusive and representative understanding of the past, and thus help to shape the future.

https://opencollective.com/campbell-archive

————————————————————

In the family archiving, we are starting to feel the limitations of #mainstreaming “history”.

The smaller, more nimble organizations will take the entire history. In this, history is something to be created, living history.

The larger, more national organizations only want the tiny parts that fill insignificant holes in their existing liberal narrative of history. In this history is establishment and fixed, This is dead history.

Categories
Non classé

People react defensively to bad news, attributing blame to others rather than confront uncomfortable truths

An exploration of the psychological barriers that hinder effective communication and action in response to urgent societal challenges. Concepts like spontaneous trait transference, which can lead people to attribute negative traits to those delivering important messages, rather than focusing on the message itself.

People often react defensively to bad news, seeking to attribute blame to others rather than confront uncomfortable truths. This tendency, rooted in our evolutionary psychology, contributes to the proliferation of conspiracy theories and the scapegoating of messengers.

The exhaustion and frustration in trying to navigate these psychological barriers while urgently addressing pressing issues like #climatechange and #openweb reboot. This leads to a sense of urgency and despair, that underscores the gravity of the challenges we face and the need for effective communication and action.

A poignant reflection on the complexities of human psychology and the daunting task of confronting societal crises in the face of widespread denial and defensiveness. Highlights the importance of resilience, compassion, and strategic communication in navigating these challenges and inspiring meaningful change.

More on this here https://www.okdoomer.io/thebadguys

Categories
Non classé

In the #openweb reboot metaphors are a strong path

The #darkweb is in our poisoned self that has fermented for the last 40 years. It’s the algorithms of manipulation, the #geekproblem unthinking pushiness of this fermentation. The #dotcons are the shiny surfaces of this mess. And the #openweb the seedlings to grow community.

We have turned our backs on this metaphor the last few years, can we now turn back before we are consumed by the #dotcons the shiny surfaces of this #mainstreaming mess

———————————————

In the metaphorical landscape of the #openweb reboot, the concept of the #darkweb represents the darker aspects of our digital existence that emerged over the past four decades. It encompasses the algorithms of manipulation that fuel online platforms, the unthinking pushiness of the #geekproblem culture, and the shiny surfaces of centralized platforms (#dotcons) that dominate our online experiences.

The #darkweb symbolizes the poisoned self that has fermented within our digital spaces, perpetuating societal division, misinformation, and exploitation. It reflects the consequences of prioritizing profit and power over community and collective well-being.

In contrast, the #openweb represents a path towards renewal and regeneration. It embodies the seedlings of community and collaboration, offering an alternative vision for how we engage with technology and each other online. The #openweb encourages decentralization, transparency, and participatory governance, fostering a digital ecosystem that prioritizes the needs and interests of people.

In our #fedivers based #web1.5 reboot, there is #mainstreaming mess pushing, a collective turning away from the #openweb metaphor, as centralized platforms continue to exert their influence and dominance. As we are attracted to be consumed by the allure of shiny surfaces and instant gratification offered by #dotcons, we risk losing sight of the values and principles that underpin this #openweb path.

The challenge now is to rekindle our commitment to the #openweb and reclaim its promise of community, empowerment, and connection. It requires a collective effort to resist the pull of centralized platforms and reassert the importance of decentralization, transparency, and inclusivity in our digital spaces.

Ultimately, the #openweb reboot metaphor serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to shape the future of the internet in a way that aligns with our values and aspirations. It calls upon us to confront the darkness of the #darkweb within ourselves and embrace the potential for renewal and transformation offered by the #openweb.

Categories
Non classé

This blog is on activertpub – subscribe

Hamish Campbell’s blog covers a range of topics related to technology, activism, social justice, and the #openweb. As an activist, Hamish provides insightful commentary and analysis on issues such as digital rights, decentralized technology, media activism, climate change, and more.

Feel free to subscribe to Hamish Campbell’s blog:

  • Thought-provoking content: Hamish’s blog offers thought-provoking insights and perspectives on contemporary issues in technology and activism. Whether it’s discussing the impact of social media on society or exploring alternatives to mainstream platforms, his posts stimulate critical thinking and inspire discussion.
  • Expertise in digital activism: With years of experience in digital activism and media production, Hamish brings a wealth of knowledge to his blog. His insights into the intersection of technology and activism provide valuable guidance for individuals and organizations looking to make a positive impact in the digital sphere.
  • Openweb advocacy: Hamish is a passionate advocate for the #openweb and #decentralized technology. His blog delves into topics such as the importance of preserving net neutrality, the dangers of centralization in online platforms, and the potential of decentralized alternatives to empower people and protect digital empowerment.
  • Diversity of topics: From technical discussions about peer-to-peer networks and the mess of blockchain technology to reflections on the state of contemporary grassroots politics and society, Hamish’s blog covers a diverse range of topics. Subscribers can expect to find engaging content that spans multiple disciplines and interests.

Overall, subscribing to Hamish Campbell’s blog provides readers with a unique opportunity to stay informed about important issues in #technology, #activism, and social justice, while also gaining valuable insights from an experienced and knowledgeable voice in the field.

@info

Categories
Non classé

The tech world is in a state of chaos and dysfunction

The tech world is in a state of chaos and dysfunction, to compost this mess it’s crucial that we reckon with the consequences of our past decisions to understand how we arrived at this point.

Over the past four decades, there has been an intertwining of #postmodernist social thinking and #neoliberal economic ideology. This marriage of #ideologies has fractured societal values and pushed down ideological divides, leading to righting polarization and dysfunction in both politics and technology.

In the realm of technology, this has translated into the proliferation of centralized platforms and the erosion of community. We’ve witnessed the rise of platforms that push profit over people’s well-being, exacerbating societal divisions and amplifying disinformation and hate speech.

As we confront existential threats like #climatechange and ecological degradation, it’s imperative that we acknowledge our role in shaping the current reality. For forty years, we’ve marched down this dark path, shaping our “human nature” through collective choices and actions.

The next four decades will be marked by hardship and suffering as we grapple with the consequences of our actions. But we must take responsibility for charting a new course forward. It’s time to reject the poisoned philosophies and dogmatic economic doctrines that have brought us to this precipice.

We must reclaim agency over our collective future and commit to a path of social healing, reconciliation, and renewal. This begins with the first step of acknowledging our complicity in creating this mess and embracing the power of collective action and solidarity.

Let’s try please not to just push mess back at this text. It’s essential not to view this social thinking as an individualistic moral judgment. The effectiveness of postmodernism and neoliberalism in achieving their goals is evident, the judgment lies in our collective choice of path.

The disintegration of social norms and the widening gap between the rich and the poor are natural outcomes of the path we’ve chosen over the last four decades. It’s not just about moral judgment; it’s about recognizing the consequences of our choices and taking steps to course correct towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable future. And away from the current “common sense” mess.

Categories
Non classé

Cyril Foster Lecture 2024: On the Declining Success of Civil Resistance

Professor Erica Chenoweth will explore the puzzling decline in the success of civil resistance movements in the past decade, even as unarmed movements have become more popular worldwide. The findings have implications for the future of nonviolent alternatives to armed struggle, as well as to the ability of pro-democratic movements to defeat authoritarian challenges.

Erica Chenoweth is the Academic Dean for Faculty Engagement and the Frank Stanton Professor of the First Amendment at Harvard Kennedy School, Faculty Dean at Pforzheimer House at Harvard College, and a Susan S. and Kenneth L. Wallach Professor at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. They study political violence and its alternatives. At Harvard, Chenoweth directs the Nonviolent Action Lab, an innovation hub that provides empirical evidence in support of movement-led political transformation.

  • Creative messy thinking
  • Structured rigid thinking

Over the last 20 years we have moved from the first creative messy at Greenham Common Peace Camp and 1990’s road protests thought to the turn of the century anti globalisation movement.

Then this started to shift with the very affective protest movement Climate Camp, with pushing in process geeks ossifying the process and direction. To a hard shift of the occupy movement, process and organising on #dotcons social media.

As this lecture illustrates, the last ten years activism of all forms has been failing, likely due to in part to this shift.

Academic thinking is a part of this, giving rigid thinking strength to push on to messy activism.

Why is academic thinking so bad and irrelevant? “Getting it done people” have no time or interest to talk to academics, they are to focus on the hard mission of “getting things done”. Who the academics and journalist end up getting their data from is way to often wannabe #fashernistas do, in this academic knolage, and the journalism that feeds it, is “manurist” and not helping, and harming a lot of time.

Ideas on how to talk about this, please.