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2020-07-06T13:00:00Z-7:00:00

SUP BRO

xxr here. This is my first addition to gemspace (ironically using HTTP, but I'll get a server up soon). I've spent the last few days exploring the gemini creations of others, and I figure it would make sense to dive in on my own.

How I'm exploring gemspace

So far I'm using the Qt-based GUI browser Kristall[0] on my desktop machines. I love it so much, I've even contributed a bit to it so far[1] with some more ideas in mind!

[0] https://kristall.random-projects.net/

[1] Add focus on URL bar when new tab opens

There doesn't seem to be a native iOS client for gemini yet, but for the time being I'm using an HTTP-based proxy site[2] for viewing gemini content on my phone. I feel that gemini is delightfully well-suited to mobile browsing particularly because you're loading one object at a time as opposed to cramming scripts, images, stylesheets, auto-playing video, etc. into a browser on a device that already has a small amount of RAM and battery life. I feel that the text/gemini type is especially where it shines for mobile: even in this past decade of "responsive design" the best thing for a small vertical screen is to let the device render simply formatted text how it chooses. With all that in mind, I think I'll take a stab at an iOS browser for it. The protocol is small and simple by design, so I don't think the task would be too daunting (famous last words).

[2] https://portal.mozz.us/gemini/mozz.us/

What I've been exploring

Mostly I've been keeping an eye on the aggregators[3][4] to see what other folks have been creating for gemini. One thing in particular I've been enjoying is VI.RS's continuing series[5] on user sovereignty, decentralization, and privacy.

[3] CAPCOM Geminispace aggregator

[4] Spacewalk

[5] User Sovereignty, Decentralization, and Privacy