Mastodawn

vga256 Jul 3, 2023

as some of you know, i'm writing a decentralized #foss reddit-like, not- #usenet server/web client called #tomo.

i'm at the stage where i need to make some decisions about how discussion groups are organized on the network, and i'd like your thoughts.

an open question for #fidoNet, #usenet and #reddit users of yore:

1. do you prefer nntp's hierarchical tree-style format for groups, e.g. alt.binaries.warez.ibm.pc.old, or reddit's flat organization of /r/mysubreddit? how about fidonet-style?

2. what's a reasonable character limit on group names? e.g. reddit enforces a 21 character limit on subreddit titles.

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Kilroy_Was_Here Jul 3, 2023

@vga256

I always found the Usenet style easier and faster to navigate than the Reddit style.

IMO it's also more informative, tells you more about what the group is. With the Reddit style, something can be named differently from the group's purpose (or more often than not, be given a joke name that refers to some long-lost inside joke).

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vga256 Jul 3, 2023

@kilroy_was_here great point. they tend to be very descriptive and prescriptive.

i wonder if limiting the number of branches in the hierarchy would be of value?

i never liked massive ones like
rec.computer.games.ultima.dragons for instances - people inevitably would tire and give them acronyms like RCGUD, which was awful for visitors

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Kilroy_Was_Here Jul 3, 2023

@vga256

I think you're setting yourself up for moderation hell by trying to limit them, people will just try to get around them.

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vga256

@kilroy_was_here it's hard to get around a hardcoded character limit :)

someone else mentioned a 72 character limit for the total hierarchy name, including the group name. i thought that was an interesting choice.