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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modulux Jul 3, 2023

@vga256 I prefer the usenet-style hierarchical names, but then that may easily be habit rather than any better reason. Having a hierarchy presents the problem of having to choose what the top-level elements are, and who can create subnodes at each level.

As for character limit, I's say maybe 64 characters.

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vga256

@modulux the "enforce the TLD!" and big-8 cabal problem is exactly what i want to address with a different naming scheme. it was such a PITA for years getting new groups approved and argued over.

you're bang on with the character limit - @arjache suggested the git 50/72 char principle.