VCP 4 - Building a central hub to help you share your thoughts and ideas (with: Manton Reece)
Apr 18, 2024
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Creator of Micro.blog, Manton Reece, discusses the journey behind building a platform for IndieWeb principles. Topics include ActivityPub, AT protocol, and using a central hub for sharing thoughts and ideas across social media networks.
Prioritize owning your content by starting on your blog before sharing on social media.
Utilize cross-posting to enhance connectivity across networks and platforms.
Emphasize the significance of exporting and preserving data to document personal experiences.
Deep dives
Background and Evolution of Micro.blog
Manton provides a detailed background of his journey before micro.blog, highlighting his Mac development roots in the late '90s and mid-'90s. He transitioned from Mac development to product development within the Apple ecosystem, engaging in iPhone development. Frustrations with big social networks eventually led him to focus more on blogging and creating micro.blog as a fusion of a blogging platform and social network.
Influence and Scope of Micro.blog
The significance of blogging in Manton's life is emphasized, showcasing the diverse content he covers, including tech topics, art, animation, and personal interests. His blog represents a substantial portion of his life, although not a complete reflection. Manton's progression from software like Radio User Land to WordPress and eventually micro.blog underscores his commitment to the blogging platform.
Importance of Exporting Data and Memories
Reflecting on personal experiences with blogging platforms like Radio User Land and WordPress, Manton stresses the value of exporting and preserving data. He emphasizes the sentimentality tied to revisiting old posts and memories as individuals grow older, highlighting the importance of documenting and archiving personal experiences.
Balancing Progress and Reflection in Development
Manton discusses the iterative nature of product development, citing the evolution of micro.blog features like cross-posting. While acknowledging initial reservations about cross-posting, he emphasizes its practical benefits in enhancing connectivity across different networks and platforms, underlining the value of responding to user needs and feedback.
Approach to Sustainable Growth and Slow Business
Manton's approach to sustainable business growth is centered on the concept of 'slow biz', focusing on gradual progress, user satisfaction, and fair pricing. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to user feedback while maintaining a sense of passion and commitment to long-term development and improvement.
Manton Reece, the creator of Micro.blog, talks about the journey that led him to build a platform that enables users to apply the IndieWeb principle of first posting on their own blog, and then strategically cross-posting or sharing links on social media. Obviously, topics such as ActivityPub, the AT protocol, and the Fediverse in general were also discussed. I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed producing this episode.