Michael SappirApr 26, 2017
instance idea:
birdsite.io
has 140 char limit, faves are called likes and look like a heart, accent colors are light blue, but it's still Mastodon and federates and hence is superior to the original
Show threadMeroviusApr 26, 2017
@abgd Obligatory "I disagree that Mastodon is inherently superior to Twitter". Centralization has technical advantages that can't just be ignored for political/idiological/philosophical (not meant as a pejorative) reasons.
Show threadMichael Sappir
@Merovius I disagree with the basic premise that social networks are a field where purely technical considerations are a major factor in what solution is better. The goal isn't just to build a robust network mechanism, but to connect people in a beneficial way.
Apr 26, 2017 at 9:46amWeb
Show threadMeroviusApr 26, 2017
@abgd Ahm. But without technology, social networks do not exist and there are no users. Technological considerations are hugely important; if the site is slow or down, timelines are out of order, you can't actually talk to 98% of the network, there is friction in obvious workflows because of the SOP… your social network is useless. It's *because* people are the central consideration, that you need to take technical issues into account.
Show threadMeroviusApr 26, 2017
@abgd When I say "Centralization has technical advantages", I mean "making a compelling and useful product that connects people in a meaningful way is infinitely more difficult, if not impossible, with a federated system". It has advantages to achieve what should be the ultimate goal.
Show threadMichael SappirApr 26, 2017
@Merovius I didn't say you can ignore technology, that would be absurd. I worded myself very carefully: *purely* technological considerations aren't a major factor in judging solutions.
Anyway, obviously centralization is an easier solution for social networks, but it's become pretty clear it has massive drawbacks and even raises human rights issues...
Show threadMeroviusApr 26, 2017
@abgd Well, in the same vein, I worded myself carefully when I said "Obligatory", "inherently" and "can't just be ignored" ;) You also said it's not "a major factor"; and I strongly disagree with that, obviously. It's a very major factor; and one that is currently largely ignored by people hyping mastodon. Your original toot is an example of that; saying that being "superior" to twitter is as simple as having a 140 character limit.