The project started well, #Socialhub originated as a grassroots space specifically designed to maintain the integrity of the #activertypub native reboot. Initially stemming from #activertypub affinity group itself.
What motivated this native path? The emergence of the current #openweb reboot was more serendipitous than deliberate. Amidst the #WC3 proceedings, the absence of the typical mainstream participants allowed our alternative cohort to drive and solidify the definition through “native” technological pathway, an uncommon yet advantageous route for our community to follow.
From this positive start, Socialhub grew a genuine and thriving community. The pinnacle of this community’s strength was during the outreach efforts to the EU from within the Fediverse. However, recent years have brought challenges; the influx of individuals without any “native” #openweb experience has led to a divergence from our initial focus, primarily due to the significant impact of Twitter immigrants and the organic expansion of the Fediverse. This is both good and bad, yes, we have moved a long way from where we started, and have to make the best of this more messy community.
Over the last few years we have had a (strong dogmatic) shift to the tech side of activertypub working and away from the social side. This shifting of balance is undermining the working #openweb reboot. We have had a reduction of the core crew, and an influx of the tech focused new members, this is likely a mirror of the rebooting of the #WC3 process and the two have had a rocky balancing act of responsibility.
“To use the forum, you must agree to these terms with Petites Singularités, the company that runs the forum.” This bad process has become more visible and the owner has a point of view and agenda, we now find that this is actually not a space for/by “community” in the sense it was originally sold… shifting from “serendipitous to deliberate” the solution to this shift/issue is likely not easy and involves democracy in some form.
Grassroots are always messy, that’s how you can judge if It’s grassroots or not 🙂
Discover more from Hamish Campbell
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
