The diversity of network and UX types across the fediverse/social web that my little Friendica server sees is astounding. This is just Diaspora and ActivityPub federated content since Bluesky is integrated through a client API not AT. #fediverse #SocialWeb #ActivityPub #diaspora #Bluesky #friendica
On MeWe's launching into "the social web", ostensibly in keeping with the notion of "decentralization" and now claiming it will become the world's largest decentralized social platform. [Insert sighs and face-slaps here]
There are a few problems with both #truth and practical realities of 'federation' or decentralizing, for a big walled garden like MeWe.
Disclosure: I have several good friends and some photographers/artists I 'follow' via my small (now) "followers" (nee contacts).
I've written at length about MeWe vs. pora* vs. "other" since the time my beloved #GooglePlus was decimated by #EvilGoogle.
So some of my long-time 'circles' of Google+ refugees divided up, some "here", many to MeWe &/or Facebook. #IIWII
This is what I posted just to my own small MeWe 'followers'/friends group, sharing here for those also watching or 'being there'.
As we know, MeWe has been touting changes, and has imposed a bunch on everyone, ready or not, like it or not.
Article (PR release) about the premise:
And MeWe's own press release ("liked" by about 50%) summarizes fuzzily (wonder if Elon Musk wrote this!)
"The Social Web is a collection of apps made by developers that believe in empowering individuals to control their digital experience. Unlike the current web, where big platforms control our data and digital lives, the Social Web puts people first. It provides a transparent technology infrastructure that places people and human connection at the forefront, making it possible for people to take control of how their digital world works. "
[Link: https://support.mewe.com/hc/en-us/articles/14542689640983-What-is-the-Social-Web- ]
I most notice the change to "followers" as opposed to contacts/friends/aspects etc. But their big promotional push is on "social web" with at least two deceptions here:
1) There has never been - since the first explanations/promises - a way to "publicly" post beyond the walled garden, individual posts. And since the forced changes, some are losing some contacts &/or access to groups, or other anomalies. Just know, the 'goal' is fluff.
2) Being part of the larger, "decentralized" social graph.
Again, not happening in the way others on the Web have gone to decentralized (e.g., "Federated") sites. The MeWe version, according to their statement:
The Social Web is a collection of apps made by developers that believe in empowering individuals to control their digital experience. Unlike the current web, where big platforms control our data and digital lives, the Social Web puts people first. It provides a transparent technology infrastructure that places people and human connection at the forefront, making it possible for people to take control of how their digital world works.
Apps? I don't and will never center my online experience around "apps". Just the user interface and the 'app'/software/web page to interact with others, groups, etc. is fine. IF they were to put all the groups onto separate public-facing servers (which may be the plan), that might be good for exposure to the public, photos, art, work, etc....
BUT.. there is now way this blithe bit of promotion "puts people first" is anything but (should be) embarrassing. What does MeWe put first now in the user experience? Antelope? Bots?
Anyway, I've not opted in, as there is no "there there", for me, anyway. I'll believe it when I see it that the "walled garden" has become public-facing with proper privacy/choice controls. I'd welcome any stories/reports about the new world of "apps for everyone" as the MeWe brand of 'open web'.
Meanwhile, I stay "here" for my usual - friends/acquaintances, interesting people and content.
I do like the groups for photography and other interests though I've slacked off in my contributions (time & space).
So... this is for anyone who cares &/or is curious about "what's going on" with all the changes to interface, notices, etc. Cheers!
