Recently I heard someone say "It sucks that there's only really one social media site left", by which they meant BlueSky.

A few days ago, I read a long thread from a very capable and intelligent retro-game romhacker and do-it-yourself indie tech enthusiast about how nothing can replace Discord, and thus all attempts to do so will fail. Their thesis was, effectively, "Don't even try, just fold".

And I am shouting from the rooftops: There are better ways. We can resist centralization. We can design with redundancy in mind. We can build and maintain something that serves our needs, rather than something that serves us to corporations and governments.

BUT IT WILL REQUIRE WORK

IT WILL REQUIRE INITIAL DISCOMFORT

The idea that the alternatives are not easy, not glossy, not a one-stop-shop for everything - The idea that some of the burden of maintenance and moderation were put on a corporate ledger as a loss leader, and that anything without that for free is inferior...

THIS ATTITUDE HAS TO GO.

There will be nothing perfect, but there will be options. They will not be the same, but they will be both functional and empowering.

On this journey, the paved road you used to take now has a toll, and the cops can pull you out of your car and beat you for any reason. Yes, carving a dirt path forward is less appealing. It takes work. It's bumpy. It's dirty. But it can get you there safely, and you can build it with friends to make it more uniquely yours than the manicured asphalt could ever be.

It will not be free. It will cost sweat and effort.

But we *have to fucking try*.

Do not give up before you try, just because the corporate interests have captured your notion of perfect.

Resistance requires WORK!!