Why The IndieWeb Is So Appealing To Certain People

In the vast expanse of the digital world, where conglomerates often dominate the internet landscape, the IndieWeb emerges as a breath of fresh air for many. This grassroots movement advocates for a more personal, decentralized web where individuals have control over their content and identity. The appeal of the IndieWeb can be attributed to several key factors, which resonate strongly with a specific demographic.

1. Autonomy and Ownership
In an era where large platforms dictate terms and conditions, the IndieWeb offers a sense of autonomy. Users aren’t merely contributors; they are owners of their digital presence. This control appeals to those who are disillusioned with the idea of their content being monetized or manipulated by third parties. It attracts bloggers, artists, and writers who value the integrity of their work and wish to maintain ownership over it.

2. Privacy and Security
With growing concerns about privacy, the IndieWeb’s emphasis on personal data control is increasingly relevant. Users on the IndieWeb often host their websites, giving them control over their data. This aspect is particularly appealing to privacy-conscious individuals who are wary of how big tech companies handle personal information.

3. Community and Collaboration
The IndieWeb is not just a technical framework; it’s a community. This sense of belonging and mutual support is a significant draw. The community is built on principles of inclusivity and cooperation, offering a space for like-minded individuals to connect, share ideas, and collaborate. This environment is highly appealing to those who feel marginalized or unsupported in mainstream online spaces.

4. Innovation and Creativity
The IndieWeb encourages experimentation and creativity. Unlike standardized platforms, it allows for unique and diverse web experiences. This freedom is particularly appealing to developers, designers, and creative thinkers who are eager to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what the web can be.

5. Resistance to Centralization
For those concerned about the centralization of the web, the IndieWeb represents a form of digital resistance. It’s a counter-narrative to the monopolistic tendencies of the internet, appealing to activists, academics, and others who advocate for a more equitable digital landscape.

6. Longevity and Sustainability
The IndieWeb focuses on long-term sustainability. In contrast to platforms that come and go, the principles of the IndieWeb are designed to endure. This appeals to those who are looking for a stable and lasting digital presence, free from the whims of corporate agendas.

7. Personal Expression
Finally, the IndieWeb is a canvas for personal expression. It allows individuals to design their online presence according to their tastes and preferences, which is a stark contrast to the uniformity of major social networks. This aspect attracts those who value individuality and wish to express themselves uniquely.

The IndieWeb is more than just a set of technologies; it’s a philosophy and a community that offers a different vision of what the internet can be. Its appeal lies in its ability to provide autonomy, privacy, community, creativity, resistance to centralization, sustainability, and personal expression. For those who find these values resonant, the IndieWeb is not just appealing; it’s a necessary refuge in the digital age.

2022 Obituary For John Smith, John Williams, Paul Johnson – The Open Web Honors Their Lives

The john smith obituary 2022 can now be read for those that wish to honor his life.

In the age of the internet, the Open Web has become a pivotal platform for honoring and preserving the memories of those who have passed away. The concept of obituaries has been profoundly transformed by digital technologies, leading to new and meaningful ways to commemorate lives. This article explores how the Open Web honors obituaries, making them more accessible, interactive, and lasting.

There is also a john williams obituary 2022 if you knew him.

It is sad that so many have passed on like paul johnson obituary 2022 but we will always be keeping these people in our memories.

1. Accessibility and Reach
Traditionally, obituaries were published in local newspapers, limiting their reach. The Open Web changes this by providing a global platform. Now, obituaries can be shared worldwide, reaching friends, family, and even strangers across continents. This accessibility ensures that the memory of the deceased is not confined to a geographical location but is available to a global audience, providing comfort and connection to a broader community.

2. Interactive Memorials
The Open Web allows for interactive memorials. Websites and social media platforms enable users to share stories, photos, and videos, creating a rich, multimedia tribute. This interactivity fosters a sense of community, as people come together to share memories and offer condolences. It transforms the obituary from a static text to a dynamic, collaborative space for mourning and celebration.

3. Permanence and Archiving
Digital obituaries on the Open Web offer a sense of permanence. Unlike paper obituaries that may yellow and fade with time, digital memorials remain intact. Many websites archive obituaries, ensuring they can be revisited and shared for years to come. This archival feature provides a lasting legacy for future generations to learn about their ancestors.

4. Personalization
The Open Web offers unparalleled opportunities for personalization. Families can design online memorials that reflect the unique life of their loved one, incorporating elements such as their favorite music, poems, or artwork. This personalization makes each obituary a special homage to the individual, highlighting their unique life journey.

5. Community Support and Grieving
Online obituaries provide a platform for community support. They offer a space for collective grieving, where people can share their grief and find solace in others’ messages of sympathy and support. This aspect of the Open Web can be particularly comforting for those who may not be able to attend funerals or memorial services in person.

6. Bridging Generations
The Open Web bridges generations through digital obituaries. Younger family members who are more tech-savvy can contribute to creating online memorials, incorporating modern technologies and social media. This creates a space where different generations can come together to remember and honor their loved ones.

7. Educational Value
Finally, digital obituaries on the Open Web have educational value. They serve as historical records, providing insights into the lives of individuals from various backgrounds and eras. This educational aspect ensures that the stories and experiences of the deceased continue to enrich and inform future generations.

The Open Web has revolutionized how we honor and remember those who have passed away. It has transformed obituaries into accessible, interactive, personalized, and lasting tributes. By doing so, the Open Web ensures that the memories of our loved ones continue to live on, bridging distances, generations, and time. In this digital age, the obituary is no longer just a farewell; it’s a celebration of life, preserved forever in the digital realm.

An Introduction to the IndieWeb

Embrace True Digital Ownership with IndieWeb Imagine a space where your digital identity is entirely your own – whether it’s blogging, cultivating a personal brand, showcasing a resume, indulging in hobbies, keeping a diary, compiling a digital scrapbook, sharing snapshots, or connecting with loved ones and colleagues. The cornerstone of such endeavors is establishing an online presence that truly represents you.

In today’s digital landscape, the challenge lies in choosing the right platform. From Twitter’s brief updates and bookmarks, Instagram, Snapchat, Flickr, and YouTube’s visual stories, to Facebook’s familial connections, LinkedIn’s professional narratives, and Swarm’s location-based sharing – the choices are overwhelming. Can one realistically engage on all these platforms? More importantly, do these platforms genuinely reflect who you are?

Each platform caters to different audiences, complicating online communication. Some prefer Twitter, others Facebook. Privacy-conscious grandparents might stick to Instagram for family photos, while others might equate Facebook with the internet itself. Teenagers often seek platforms unknown to their parents. This fragmentation creates barriers in digital communication. Wouldn’t it be more efficient to have a singular, personal website to connect universally?

The purpose of the IndieWeb movement is to make sure that you are in control.

Consider the telephone network as an analogy. What if communication was limited to users within the same service provider? This scenario mirrors the modern internet’s evolution, dominated by large, profit-driven corporations like Facebook/Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.

Is there a more comprehensive solution than these segmented social media platforms, each with restrictive terms of service and limited creative control?

A rising collective on the web believes in a more democratic, decentralized internet. This collective effort, known as the IndieWeb, strives to revolutionize how we interact online.

IndieWeb’s Mission The IndieWeb movement aims to empower individuals with true ownership of their digital content, fostering deeper connections with their community. By securing a personal domain and creating a personal website, the IndieWeb champions several key benefits:

Autonomy and Liberty IndieWeb encourages the freedom to express and share content in any form without surveillance. Your website, under a domain like, becomes a permanent, reliable beacon in the digital world.

Creativity and Boundary-Free Expression IndieWeb advocates for unrestricted expression. Whether it’s text, images, audio, or video, you define the rules. Control over comments and safeguarding against online negativity are in your hands.

Identity Preservation Mainstream social media platforms, with complex terms of service designed more for their protection than yours, often lead to unexpected account suspensions, identity misappropriations, and content loss. IndieWeb emphasizes maintaining a distinct identity, separate from the branding of social networks.

Personalized User Experience IndieWeb supports customization of your site’s design and functionality, reflecting your unique identity rather than a corporation’s standardized view. Own your data and innovate without waiting for a social platform’s approval.

Content Ownership Your digital creations should belong to you, not a corporation. IndieWeb ensures your content remains under your control, safe from the uncertainties of corporate platforms.

Stability and Content Preservation Social media’s transient nature means platforms can vanish, taking your data with them. IndieWeb offers a more stable and reliable alternative, safeguarding against content loss.

Enhanced Sense of Ownership Contributors to the IndieWeb often find their content more thoughtful and meaningful when posted on their own site, fostering a sense of responsibility and enhancing online civility.

User-Centric Approach Having your website means directing traffic as a recognizable individual, not as an anonymous user from a social platform. Edit or delete content at will, manage your audience, control advertising, and avoid external monetization of your content.

Improved Connectivity IndieWeb allows content to reach multiple platforms, centralizing replies and interactions on your site for cohesive conversations.

Joining the IndieWeb To participate in the IndieWeb:

Secure Your Domain Owning a domain is easier and more affordable than ever. Choose a domain that represents you and connect it to the internet with various hosting options. Your domain is the key to establishing a permanent online presence.

Control Your Data With your website, choose a content management system (CMS) that suits your needs, from simple platforms like Tumblr to more sophisticated ones like WordPress. Your website can evolve from a basic page to a complex, multimedia-rich site.

Further Steps The IndieWeb community fosters open standards like Webmentions, allowing cross-communication between different websites, much like universal telephone communication. This community-driven approach encourages innovation and personalized solutions.

Guiding Philosophy The IndieWeb movement values diversity over a one-size-fits-all approach, emphasizing user experience and prioritizing people over projects. It champions a collaborative, inclusive community, documented through a combination of chat and wiki, focusing on practical solutions and shared learning.

Join the Community The IndieWeb welcomes everyone, regardless of expertise. Participate in IndieWebCamps, Homebrew Website Club meetups, or online chats to integrate into the community, share ideas, and build your unique space on the web.

Why we should all care about Open Web

In a world where conformism often dictates our actions, advocating for the open web might not seem immediately rewarding. However, embracing the open web is crucial for several reasons, which go beyond immediate gratification or resolving personal challenges.

  1. Open Web as a Gateway to Innovation The concept of an open web is synonymous with the availability of open data, a critical driver of innovation and new possibilities.

Consider the example of a groundbreaking algorithm that deciphers semantic links between textual elements autonomously, a significant milestone in AI development. This algorithm’s existence owes much to open-access resources like Wikipedia, which regularly releases its data, enabling researchers globally to refine and apply such algorithms, uncovering intricate relationships between various entities.

Prior to this, a notable university project pursued similar objectives but relied heavily on manual input, proving less efficient and conclusive. Imagine the potential advancements if more data were freely available on the web. Instances of using open web data to visualize complex social relationships already hint at the untapped potential in various fields.

  1. Open Web for Data Permanence It might seem far-fetched to consider the disappearance of major social media platforms, but history shows otherwise. Several once-prominent platforms have vanished or declined, reminding us of the volatility of such entities.

In contrast, consider platforms like WordPress. Even in the hypothetical scenario of their parent company’s downfall, these platforms would likely persist, thanks to the open web’s nature. Various companies and alternatives continuously innovate in this space, facilitated by the ease of data transfer and independence.

  1. Open Web for Data Autonomy A common critique of certain major platforms is the lack of control users have over their data, from difficulties in searching feeds to the challenges in permanently deleting old content. This issue, coupled with algorithm-driven content curation, can narrow users’ perspectives.

Are most of the open web tools out there flawless? No they are not.

While the open web tools of today may not be flawless or widely adopted, they represent a step towards greater user control and autonomy. Simple actions like adding specific links to personal websites or employing microformats can be initial steps towards embracing the open web. For those more experienced, contributing to the development of better tools is invaluable.

The journey towards a more open web is ongoing. By understanding its significance and actively participating in its evolution, we can contribute to a richer, more innovative, and user-empowered internet.

IndieWebifying my website: part 1, the why & how

The digital landscape has evolved dramatically, with a significant shift from individual web presences to centralized platforms. However, there’s a growing movement towards reclaiming personal online space: IndieWeb. In this first part of “IndieWebifying My Website,” I delve into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of this transformative journey.

Why IndieWeb?

  1. Ownership of Content: One of the primary motivations for IndieWeb is content ownership. On social platforms, your content essentially belongs to the platform. IndieWeb allows you to own your data, ensuring that what you create remains yours.
  2. Personal Identity: Your website becomes a digital extension of your identity. Unlike social media profiles shaped by platform constraints, an IndieWeb site offers complete control over how you present yourself online. I love writing about Open Web technologies here on AltPlatform because it’s my passion.
  3. Interoperability and Connectivity: IndieWeb principles promote not just independence but also interconnectivity. Your website can interact with other web services and IndieWeb sites, creating a network of personalized, interconnected digital spaces.
  4. Longevity and Archival: Platforms come and go, but your website can endure. IndieWebifying your site ensures that your digital presence and legacy can be preserved over time.

How to IndieWebify Your Website?

  1. Choosing a Domain and Hosting: Your journey starts with selecting a unique domain name and a reliable hosting service. This is where you’ll build your independent digital home.
  2. Setting Up a CMS: Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Drupal, or custom solutions can be used to build and manage your website. Some CMSs have IndieWeb plugins or extensions for easier integration.
  3. Implementing IndieWeb Principles: This involves incorporating elements like microformats (which help in structuring your content for better understanding and interaction with other websites) and webmentions (a method for websites to communicate).
  4. Creating Content: Start posting content on your site. It could be anything from blog posts, photos, or general updates. The key is that you own and control this content fully.
  5. Interacting with Other IndieWeb Sites: Use webmentions to link and interact with other IndieWeb-friendly sites. This builds a network, connecting your content with a wider community.
  6. Iterative Development: IndieWebifying is not a one-time task. It involves continually improving and updating your website, experimenting with new IndieWeb tools and techniques.
  7. Joining the IndieWeb Community: Engaging with the IndieWeb community through forums, meetups, and online discussions can provide invaluable support and insights.

IndieWebifying a website is more than just a technical endeavor; it’s a commitment to digital autonomy and a personalized online presence. It’s about creating a space that truly represents you, while also being part of a larger, interconnected web community. This journey might seem daunting at first, but the rewards of owning your digital footprint are immeasurable. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share my experiences and challenges in this ongoing journey of IndieWebification.

Feed reader revolution: it’s time to embrace open & disrupt social media

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, a new era is dawning – the era of the Feed Reader Revolution. This shift marks a significant departure from the traditional social media paradigm, steering us towards a more open, user-centric approach. It’s time we embrace this change and disrupt the status quo of social media as we know it.

1. The Rise of Closed Social Media Platforms

For years, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have dominated the way we consume digital content. These platforms, while successful, are closed ecosystems. They control what we see through complex algorithms, often prioritizing content that benefits their business models over what might be most relevant or beneficial to the user.

2. The Limitations of Current Social Media

The primary limitation of these platforms is the lack of control users have over their feeds. Content is curated based on engagement metrics, advertising agendas, and opaque algorithmic decisions. This often leads to a homogenization of content, where diverse voices and alternative perspectives are drowned out.

3. What is a Feed Reader?

A feed reader, also known as an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) aggregator, is a tool that allows users to curate their own content feeds from various websites and blogs. Unlike traditional social media, feed readers put control back into the hands of the users. They can choose exactly which sources to follow, ensuring a more personalized and relevant content experience. We love this a lot for various reasons.

4. The Advantages of Feed Readers

The advantages of using feed readers are manifold. Firstly, they offer an ad-free experience, focusing solely on content. Secondly, they provide an unfiltered view of content, free from algorithmic manipulation. This empowers users to break free from the echo chambers often created by social media algorithms.

5. Embracing Openness and Disruption

The Feed Reader Revolution is all about embracing openness. Open source feed readers, in particular, offer transparency in how they operate, unlike the black-box algorithms of traditional social media. They represent a disruptive force in the digital world, challenging the centralized control of content dissemination.

6. The Future of Content Consumption

As we move forward, the adoption of feed readers could significantly alter the landscape of content consumption. It promotes a more democratic and user-driven approach to information sharing. This could lead to a more informed and diverse public discourse, as users are exposed to a wider range of viewpoints.

7. The Role of the Community

The success of this revolution hinges on the community. By choosing feed readers, users are not just opting for a different tool, but are also advocating for a shift in how digital content is controlled and distributed. This movement towards open, user-controlled platforms could be the key to democratizing information in the digital age.

The Feed Reader Revolution is more than just a technological shift; it’s a cultural one. It challenges the norms set by traditional social media and opens the door to a more open, inclusive, and user-centric digital world. As we embrace this change, we not only disrupt the status quo but also pave the way for a more democratic and diverse digital future.

Introducing AltPlatform & our manifesto for the Open Web

Here at AltPlatform, we love to help people learn about technologies.

What does the term “Boundless Web” signify? Our focus is to delve into open source initiatives (like this blog powered by WordPress.org) and embrace open standards, such as RSS. The essence of “open” for us is a Web without confines, a space where exploration transcends proprietary enclosures like Facebook and Twitter. In these spaces, your data isn’t really yours, your news feeds are managed by others, and strict regulations govern your online behavior.

This vision led us to create a new blog instead of opting for a Facebook Page or a Medium account. We envision this as a collaborative blog space, aiming to craft engaging, insightful articles that extensively link to various sources. We aspire to maintain a comprehensive archive of our writings, which platforms like Facebook or Medium don’t support. We’re enthusiastic about disseminating our content across the Web through RSS, and we might even bring back the concept of trackbacks.

A key ambition for our initiative is to rekindle the spirit of innovation and community that was prominent on the Web around ten years ago. Reflecting on 2006-07, the era of ‘Web 2.0’ was thriving. Emerging “social software” like Flickr, YouTube, and Facebook were revolutionizing how we contributed to the Web. It was an era marked by creative freedom, where sharing photos and videos became effortless, and platforms like Facebook and Twitter, starting in 2007, were enabling new forms of digital expression. These platforms, while commercial in nature, significantly enhanced the Web’s vibrancy and interactivity. It seemed to be a mutually beneficial scenario: businesses flourished, and users gained a new medium for creativity and connection.

Why is the Boundless Web essential today?

Regrettably, the past decade has seen a decline in this open, experimental ethos. The internet landscape is now dominated by Walled Gardens, under the control of a handful of corporations: Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. The New York Times aptly named them “the frightful five”. The dominance of the Web by a mere five companies is alarming and runs counter to Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s original vision for the Web, which he envisioned as a universally accessible platform fostering information sharing and collaboration without geographical or cultural barriers.

The cultural impact of these Walled Gardens is also troubling. Many have expressed dissatisfaction with Twitter’s stagnation in innovation and Facebook’s subtle manipulations, such as inadequate archival and search functions. Moreover, today’s social media landscape tends to promote individualism over collective action. This shift in focus might partly explain why movements like Occupy struggled to convey a unified, impactful message.

However, our goal isn’t to oppose these established platforms. We appreciate Facebook for keeping us connected with family and non-tech-savvy friends, and Twitter for its everyday interactions. Recognizing that these platforms are internet hotspots, we accept their role in the digital ecosystem.

Our approach

At our core, we aim to explore and promote alternative Web technologies that foster collaboration and social interaction beyond what the Big Five offer. For instance, consider the potential of an open version of Twitter, unrestricted and more vibrant than its current closed, corporate version.

The Boundless Web also holds promise in emerging sectors like blockchain, VR/AR, and AI. These possibilities were highlighted in the intro.

Our approach involves experimenting with and advocating for novel, open web technologies. Through discovery, discussion, and support, we might just uncover the next big digital phenomenon, much like Twitter’s rise in 2007.

Who are we addressing? Our content is crafted for entrepreneurs, developers, and early adopters eager to explore alternatives to the conventional Walled Gardens.