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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vga256 Jul 3, 2023

by asking this question i've just realized that i've made a generational error:

those born < 1990, and who grew up with hierarchies like card catalogues, the dewey decimal system, MS-DOS, Usenet, and use nested folders for their data.

those born > 1990, who grew up with Google, and have a ~/My Documents/ folder with 19000 files.

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Martin Be Jul 3, 2023

@vga256 One more option: those who are using own brain vs. those who only brainlessly clicks/taps - Gugle, fuckbook, shitter generations.
The first ones can easily adapt to any choice you make. The second ones.. they will only whine, complain and cry, regardless of the option chosen. 🙃

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BogusMeatFactory

@MartinBe @vga256 Deep breaths.

The real reason deals for more with classification bias. If someone is looking for a topic, they are going to now have to navigate the bias of those in charge of the hierarchy. People classify things extraordinarily differently especially when it comes to hobbies and interests so for a lot of folks, they do not want to navigate a twisted web of logic that applies almost strictly to programmers.

TLDR: Hierarchy = programmers
Flat organization = Everyone else.

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vga256 Jul 3, 2023

@Bogusmeatfactory @MartinBe partly, yes. programmers do love data structures.

but ask yourself how enjoyable it is to find a recipe in that 10,000 document folder.

i think the solution in the end will probably involve strong search capabilities.

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BogusMeatFactory Jul 3, 2023

@vga256 @MartinBe oh absolutely. Having strong search capabilities is just a great accessibility tool. There is no wrong choice in the end. I'll be happy with whatever is decided!