Eugen Rochko

Eugen Rochko, Founder and CEO of Mastodon, explores the platform's unique position as a decentralized alternative to Twitter. He shares insights on user empowerment through server selection and the challenges of scaling such an open-source network. The conversation dives into the balance of governance, the realities of funding, and the complexities of community engagement. Rochko discusses the risks of venture capital and the necessity of transparent moderation policies, while hinting at upcoming features that could enhance user experience.

Eugen Rochko, CEO of Mastodon, a decentralized social networking platform, discusses the implications of Meta's recent content moderation changes. He emphasizes the importance of transitioning to a non-profit model to enhance community involvement. Rochko advocates for protocols over platforms to foster healthier online discourse. The conversation also delves into the challenges of user transition from mainstream platforms and highlights the need for interoperability among decentralized social media networks, including emerging alternatives like Pixelfed.

Mastodon's founder and CEO, Eugen Rochko, discusses Mastodon's epic year and the growth of the Fediverse. They explore the arrival of Meta and the benefits of Threads joining the Fediverse. They also discuss the adoption of Blue Sky and the future of open social networks. The chapter covers the rise and fall of XMPP, the importance of innovating user experiences, and funding in the Fediverse. They recognize Mastodon's achievements and express gratitude for a powerful online platform.

Join Eugen Rochko, the founder of Mastodon, a pioneer in decentralized social media, and David Pierce, Verge editor-at-large, as they dissect the changing landscape of online communication. They explore how ActivityPub technology could redefine social media interactions and the competition Mastodon faces from upcoming platforms like Meta's Threads. The discussion touches on community governance, the tension between venture capital and open-source values, and the unique challenges of content moderation in decentralized networks.

Host Manoush Zomorodi discusses decentralization with Eugen Rochko of Mastodon and Justin Hunter of Graphite docs, exploring the potential benefits and challenges. They also touch on the concept of building a decentralized internet, the role of decentralization in news organizations, and the vision of MadeSafe in creating a safer internet. The podcast emphasizes the need to re-decentralize the web and overcome cultural barriers for a user payment model.