localfirst.fm Special episode: Apps vs Files with Gordon Brander, Peter van Hardenberg & Jess Martin.
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Dec 31, 2024 In this lively discussion, Gordon Brander, a tech innovator, and Peter van Hardenberg, a software expert, join host Jess Martin to debate apps versus files. They explore the complexities of data ownership and the collaboration benefits of apps. The trio dives into historical perspectives and innovative solutions, including decentralized tools like Subconscious. They also tackle the future of file management, security challenges, and the importance of user control in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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Places vs. Things
- Files are things you possess, offering control but limiting collaboration.
- Google Docs, as places, enable collaboration but raise control and privacy concerns.
Files, Ownership, and Interoperability
- Files reside in user-controlled file systems, offering a sense of ownership and longevity, unlike SaaS tools.
- File systems, despite flaws, allow opening data in multiple apps, fostering interoperability.
File Format Wars and Openness
- EU legislation attempted to force Microsoft to open its Office suite file formats, demonstrating the tension between open files and true openness.
- Simply having a file doesn't guarantee ownership, as demonstrated by past file format wars.