@aral and peer/client/server are words that everyone interprets differently. Are 2 peers theoretically 2 servers as well? Everything on the web is a server with requests and responses.

A protocol is what makes it meaningful - a set of rules that a community adheres to.

So I'm just curious about your rational take on the current structure and the vision of the protocol itself.

@aral but Bluesky and AT is not the same. Sure Bsky is a business, but AT I think it's a genuine attempt to build a better protocol. I thought it shared a vision how you imagined it to be, you even interviewed Paul Frazee at some point. Are you guys still in touch?

In terms of protocol being used for capitalism, I don't think that's the repressibility of a protocol. It's a culture, which moves even slower that protocol chances. Small business is capitalism too, but it's not about that now:)

@aral so you need a global broadcasting and aggregation mechanism. (I've build job boards and there are more use cases like that).

Anyways, just curious on you deeper, neutral technical take on AT protocol, cons and pros. Maybe a post or next stream:)

Always thank you and happy for your diverse perspectives!

@aral P2P as I see it, is like a DM/PM (private/direct message), e.g. Signal. While not currently supported to be end-to-end encrypted in AT, I believe that's the technical goal.

But that's just one use case. Sometimes you want to broadcast public information (announcements, events, inquiries etc.) and reach as many people as possible to find the right audience. That's the good part of the internet - I can have a niche interest in my village and connect to dozens of people globally.

@aral I get your point, and I've been empathizing with many of your ideas over the years.

I'm more interested in your opinion on the AT protocol itself and whether you see potential in its design, rather than focusing on who funds and runs Bluesky.

Many other protocols (SMTP, HTTP, etc.) are used and capitalized on by VCs. A protocol is just a tool. Or do you see it differently?