Blue Sky focuses on usability and inclusivity, experimenting with new ways to improve social networks.
Blue Sky utilizes elements of blockchain for data portability and immutability, while addressing moderation challenges.
Blue Sky enables data portability and federation, expanding communities and conversations.
Moderation, blockchain, and the balance between speech and reach spark differing opinions in Blue Sky network.
Deep dives
Holistic design and experimentation
Blue Sky is taking a holistic design approach, focusing on usability and value for both technical and non-technical users. They are experimenting with new ways to improve networks and make them more welcoming and inclusive.
Technical considerations
Blue Sky utilizes elements of blockchain technology, such as Merkle trees, to ensure data portability and immutability. However, it is not centralized or token-based like traditional blockchains. Technical challenges such as data deletion and moderation are being addressed.
Federation and data portability
Blue Sky provides data portability by enabling users to take their data and move it to another instance. Federation allows users to connect and communicate across different instances, expanding communities and conversations.
Challenges and differing opinions
There are differing opinions and concerns about moderation, blockchain-like elements, and the balance between speech and reach. Some users worry about the moderation practices and the potential for negative elements to join the network.
The Importance of Safe Experimentation and Humility in Social Networking
The podcast episode discusses the significance of safe experimentation and humility in the realm of social networking. It highlights the need to explore different perspectives and approaches to address the challenges of moderation and user safety. The hosts commend the Blue Sky team for their openness to experimentation and their willingness to listen to user feedback. They emphasize the complexity of these problems and the importance of acknowledging uncertainty. The discussion also touches upon the value of institutional knowledge and the merits of a decentralized approach to social networking.
The Potential Risks and Benefits of Block Lists
The podcast explores the topic of block lists in social networking platforms. It acknowledges the importance of blocking to ensure personal safety and protection from harassment. However, it also raises questions about the potential negative consequences of public block lists, as they can create echo chambers and hinder meaningful discourse. The hosts discuss the challenges of striking a balance between privacy and transparency and recognize the need for customized solutions that respect individual preferences. They highlight the role of experimentation and user feedback in refining these features.
The Nuances of Moderation and Safety in Online Spaces
The podcast delves into the complexities of moderation and safety in online spaces. It acknowledges the difficulties faced by platforms in combating harassment and ensuring user well-being. The hosts emphasize the need for comprehensive approaches that consider both technical and social aspects of moderation. They discuss the potential risks and benefits of features like search and shared block lists, recognizing the diverse needs and perspectives of users. The conversation emphasizes the importance of humility, transparency, and trust-building between platforms and their users.
Erin Kissane joins Bryan and Adam to talk the new social network "Bluesky" through the lens of her blog post "Blue Skies Over Mastodon". Long-time friends of Oxide and social-media aficionados Time Bray and Steve Klabnik also helped shed light on technical and social aspects of the net network. Blue Skies Over Mastodon (with Erin Kissane and Tim Bray)
We've been hosting a live show weekly on Mondays at 5p for about an hour, and recording them all; here is the recording from May 1st, 2023.
If we got something wrong or missed something, please file a PR! Our next show will likely be on Monday at 5p Pacific Time on our Discord server; stay tuned to our Mastodon feeds for details, or subscribe to this calendar. We'd love to have you join us, as we always love to hear from new speakers!
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