I am not happy.

If you know, you know.

I am only going to pivot and say a few things that are now, more important than ever. And by saying, I'll probably just end up posting links. My wordsmithing isn't great at the moment, but I've been collecting links.

# The Fediverse is a viable option. It may be the only option.

* https://www.fediverse.to/
* https://jointhefediverse.net/

SpaceHey will be one of the few exceptions for me going forward, because at least there's no algorithm screwing with things. I'll revisit my thoughts on this platform occasionally. 

Web3.0, as we call it colloquially, is frankly terrible. No to generative AI, Crypto, NFTs, and so on. And did I mention algorithms already? 

* https://indieweb.org/
* https://yesterweb.org

**About Mastodon, Specifically**

https://fedi.garden/ can help you get up and running in Mastodon.

But with one huge caveat, I cannot stress this enough: Friends don't let friends sign up for any ol' Mastodon instance. And before you join any instance, be sure to look into them carefully. I have a handful of recommendations, if anyone is curious; these were spaces I have personally seen actually caring for their communities.

To quote Nova <https://nova.mkultra.monster/social%20media/2024/07/28/the-fediverse>:

> Every other app is setup to be quick, simple, and easy. But Mastodon requires, and I really mean it, requires that you investigate the server you’re looking into joining. It’s like we’re back in the 90s, and your avenue for social interaction online is internet forums, and you definitely don’t want to join a forum full of people with interests you don’t enjoy.

Regardless, keep an eye on the hashtag Fediblock and The Bad Space project to keep yourself and your communities safer. <https://thebad.space/>. 

# If you have the time, learn to build.

Or at least be aware of alternatives other than the corporate social media sites, networks, and programs. For starters:

* https://growyourown.services/about-this-site/
* https://discourse.32bit.cafe/t/resources-list-for-the-personal-web/49
* https://robertkingett.com/links/

# Be in charge of your online spaces.

When searching for hosting, avoid Endurance International Group and its partners. Terrible customer service, to put it lightly. For more info and the full list: https://researchasahobby.com/full-list-eig-hosting-companies-brands/

And once again, say no to Web3.0.

There are cheap and even free options out there if you're on a tight budget. The aformentioned 32bit Cafe link has a huge list of options, and even Reddit is helpful here: https://www.reddit.com/r/webhosting/wiki/pickingahost/ .

I'm currently on NekoWeb, myself, and I've heard good things about NearlyFreeSpeech.Net and Lexi's Hosting.

And lastly...

# Privacy and Surveillance

* https://restoreprivacy.com/
* https://ssd.eff.org/

If you're starting up a service, considering hosting, or whatever else, be mindful of the Five Eyes ("FVEY") surveillance alliance. Encrypt your data (end-to-end and on your devices), use VPNs, minimize your data collected, don't be *too* open in public.

That's all, I guess.

Protocol One: Live.


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✧*̥˚ ryha11a *̥˚✧

✧*̥˚ ryha11a *̥˚✧'s profile picture

very informative, would you say nekoweb is better than neocities? thats what im currently using for my sites


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Bias disclosure: I'm with NekoWeb because of vibes and this happened while I was still on Neocities: https://archive.ph/6cX5W

However, Nekoweb does have a few more free perks IIRC, and a little cheaper if you want some bells and whistles.

by Albi Elle; ; Report

oooh damn, i havent seen that. i will admit, i do use chatgpt for code SOMETIMES because when i try to find a very specific example online sometimes i cant get it done right LOL. ill have to see about putting my site on nekoweb bc im using free on neocities rn

by ✧*̥˚ ryha11a *̥˚✧; ; Report