Mika Hiltunen on Nostr: npub1cmgqv…wrzd2 This got me thinking. Let's play devil's advocate 😈 What if one ...
npub1cmgqvz7xr07euwkum3mjghjqcu4d3k2fcyf6g4uwwe5ggnd6fetq0wrzd2 (npub1cmg…rzd2) This got me thinking. Let's play devil's advocate 😈
What if one day there was an instance run by a company. To use the instance, you'd have to pay a small monthly fee. In return, you'd get a modern interface with an exceptional UX, a well-designed mobile app, great recommendation algorithms and customised features that are only available on that one instance. They might even have a free version available, but then they would show some sponsored posts in the feed. They provide high quality support and make it really easy for companies, cities and associations to start their Fediverse journey. They could even add features that are not directly related to Fediverse, like ways to organise events and communicate with participants. With all these features it would attract people and become the biggest instance dominating the Fediverse. It could become a bit like what Gmail is for email.
Now, I'm not saying that's a viable business model. I was just thinking about the idea that the Fediverse cannot be bought. That may be true, but would it still be possible to dominate it with money and business practices? People are so eager to give up their personal information for "free" services, as long as it makes their lives fun and "better". Hell, some people even see big corporate services as a good and attractive thing.
Google and Microsoft can't really buy email, but they've managed to dominate it pretty well with Gmail and Outlook. I just wonder what makes Fediverse immune to money and (bad) business practices? 🤔 Some instances are already blocking Threads because admins are afraid of what Meta can do. I know it's always possible to host your own instance, but most people can't and don't want to.
None of this is to say that I want Fediverse to be dominated by big corporations. I really don't 😄
What if one day there was an instance run by a company. To use the instance, you'd have to pay a small monthly fee. In return, you'd get a modern interface with an exceptional UX, a well-designed mobile app, great recommendation algorithms and customised features that are only available on that one instance. They might even have a free version available, but then they would show some sponsored posts in the feed. They provide high quality support and make it really easy for companies, cities and associations to start their Fediverse journey. They could even add features that are not directly related to Fediverse, like ways to organise events and communicate with participants. With all these features it would attract people and become the biggest instance dominating the Fediverse. It could become a bit like what Gmail is for email.
Now, I'm not saying that's a viable business model. I was just thinking about the idea that the Fediverse cannot be bought. That may be true, but would it still be possible to dominate it with money and business practices? People are so eager to give up their personal information for "free" services, as long as it makes their lives fun and "better". Hell, some people even see big corporate services as a good and attractive thing.
Google and Microsoft can't really buy email, but they've managed to dominate it pretty well with Gmail and Outlook. I just wonder what makes Fediverse immune to money and (bad) business practices? 🤔 Some instances are already blocking Threads because admins are afraid of what Meta can do. I know it's always possible to host your own instance, but most people can't and don't want to.
None of this is to say that I want Fediverse to be dominated by big corporations. I really don't 😄