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Escaping from the Mainstream Internet and Leaving the Web Behind
I began my May 14th article by relating that an online acquaintance had removed her blog from her website. A short time after removing her blog, she took down her entire website and with it her public email address and my only means of contacting her directly. She correctly assessed that I was worried about her, and responded two days after I published my article. I first discovered her response in an article that she had posted in her tiny corner of an alternative network that is essentially unknown to mainstream Internet denizens. Curiously, although three different online website status checkers confirmed that her website is down, her article later found its way onto my RSS feed reader. She said she had decided to take a break from rude responses to her online activities to focus on solutions to other problems in her life. That sounds healthy to me. Though I will miss her blog, I hope she finds the respite she needs.
The Gradual Exodus from the Mainstream Internet
I should first define my terms. I will use the term "regular Internet" to distinguish it from alternative networks that technically are called Internet overlay networks, some of which are commonly labeled as "dark networks". Most people currently refer to the regular Internet as "the web", but the meaning of that term has changed over the years. Originally, the web consisted of only those Internet sites whose URL's began with "www". Now, to most people, the web means the entire Internet. I am using the phrase "mainstream Internet" to refer to the best known, high-traffic websites on the regular Internet, especially giant social media websites like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit.
Some are now deciding to take a break from the mainstream Internet, or at least spend less time there. Many of them are finding alternatives to mainstream social media and corporate websites in general. A few are going even further by distancing themselves even from the regular Internet and gravitating toward friendlier, slower-paced networks like Gopher and Gemini. Some say Internet users have become dumber and meaner since the 1990's. Others want a break from social media that is intentionally designed to be addictive. Some find the Internet as a whole too distracting. Many are annoyed by the rampant commercialism that has supplanted what was originally a network created to facilitate the transfer of useful information and promote the growth of knowledge. Many have grown tired of being tracked and spied on. A few want to regain the ability to speak freely that has recently been taken from them by corporate and government policies that limit the types of content that can be posted on social media. I do not think users becoming disenchanted with large parts of the Internet is a new trend, nor do I see a mass migration occuring any time soon. But, given the increasingly unsavory aspects of mainstream social media, I believe the disechantment is now particularly pronounced.
As the regular Internet becomes more centralized, the creation of alternative networks with more users being drawn to them has the opposite effect. Thus, the Internet is becoming both more centralized and less centralized at the same time. This provides opportunities for those who are aware and wish to take advantage of them. At the same time, those who are oblivious become ever more corralled into the golden-walled gardens provided by Facebook, Google, and other giant corporations. Perhaps this is inevitable with a technology like the Internet that provides a limitless frontier through a potentially endless number of communications protocols and network addresses. Perhaps, the Internet has become the new frontier that 60 years ago we thought space would be--at least, until someone invents warp drive.
Creation of a Different Kind of Site
In the 1970's, retailers discovered that unruly teenagers could be driven from their stores without also alienating customers they wanted to keep. One method they used was playing classical music. Opinionated teenagers thought classical music was "old people's music" and showed their disapproval by abandoning establishments that played it--to the delight of owners. Another practice was putting up soft pink lighting, especially in restrooms. Supposedly, this made teenagers' acne more pronounced, thereby causing them to feel uncomfortable and to want to leave.
Social media giants like Facebook, Youtube, Tik Tok, and Pinterest believe that, like moths to a flame, the vast majority of mainstream Internet users are attracted to flashy, slick websites awash with well-manicured images, animations, and videos. For this reason, a few individuals have intentionally created non-commercial sites that have none of these. They want their sites to be less appealing to the less intelligent, the rude, and those who criticize anyone displaying the slightest shred of individuality or original thought. Many who have created sites on alternative networks also want to prevent the arrival of commercial enterprises that attract users who advertising companies see as easy marks. Other website creators just want simple, efficient websites. They are not as concerned with who shows up.
Those who choose to filter out undesirables generally take one or more of three approaches. Some create text-only sites that those drawn to inane glitz see as old-fashioned and, therefore, uninteresting. A few website owners see some level of user unfriendliness as desirable. They want "normies" with short attention spans not to bother learning how to use their sites. The last approach these website creators take is to isolate themselves from the mainstream crowd by moving to alternative networks that can be accessed only via the installation of esoteric software.
Many existing users of alternative networks actively discourage those who want to make them more appealing to mainstream Internet users. One ZeroNet user said, "ZeroNet being 'underground' and not used by the masses is probably a good thing. The learning, and psychological (as you mentioned) curves keep out the riff-raff and basic idiots. Conversations here see[m] to be much more intelligent." Another remarked, "I said ages ago that trying to make ZeroNet more mainstream was a horrible idea, and this is why. You don't invite someone into your house and 'be nice' when they shit on your floor. They either start being of quality or get bullied out. It's really the only way to maintain any sort of quality."
Personally, given the difficulty of attracting users to any new network or site, I don't see a need for actively discouraging newcomers who are seen as less desirable. I believe that providing a platform that encourages free speech is more important than shielding yourself from anyone who might disagree with you or be rude to you. And, I think that problem usually takes care of itself. But, who am I to criticize anyone for wanting to create a platform for people with whom they enjoy interacting? I can understand the point of view of those who worry that a site they have grown to love will eventually become just another haven for angry Nazis and child pornography peddlers. Regardless, to those who may be intrigued by alternative networks, I say give them a try. You have as much right to be there as anyone.
The approach I have taken with the Cheapskate's Guide is to design a simple, efficient website. All are welcome to read whatever they like (provided they don't violate the policy on robots) and comment as they wish. The Cheapskate's Guide forum is open to everyone. The only comments or forum posts that I have ever removed are those that were completely irrelevant or unintelligible. Generally, writing as diplomatically as I am capable of (although I often fail) seems to reduce rudeness from readers, despite many having opinions that diverge from my own. I don't mind disagreement. Contrary comments from knowledgeable individuals are usually enlightening.