The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Enter the Matrix (Interview)
Mar 9, 2020
Matthew Hodgson, technical co-founder of Matrix and an advocate for decentralized communication, shares insights into the revolutionary features of Matrix, including end-to-end encryption and its ability to bridge communication silos. He discusses the nostalgic shift from IRC to modern platforms and the challenges of maintaining independence from corporate influences. The conversation highlights collaborations with governments and emphasizes the significance of user experience in fostering effective communication. Matthew’s passion for open-source innovation shines through as he explores the future of secure messaging.
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Sadness over IRC
- Matthew Hodgson expresses sadness over Mozilla discontinuing IRC, despite Matrix's role in the change.
- He values IRC's minimalist nature, believing it fostered intimacy due to lower bandwidth.
Bandwidth and Intimacy
- Lower-bandwidth communication can be more emotionally connecting than high-bandwidth communication.
- The brain fills in gaps, similar to reading versus watching a film adaptation.
Email vs. IRC
- Email achieved critical mass due to its open federation and first-mover advantage.
- IRC's closed federation and lack of a killer app hindered its widespread adoption.