I want to be clear, I have been criticizing the "Social Web" Foundation's attempt to define the social web as #ActivityPub-only, but I have much respect and gratitude for @evan 's amazing contributions to various social network protocols over the years. I just hope he'll reconsider the Foundation's definitions of "social web" and either clarify the Foundation's objectives or make it more inclusive (more than just ActivityPub).
@steve Thanks so much! It's great to hear.
@steve I'll address your two points as best I can.
First, we're trying to give every person on the planet a reasonable chance of using the social network platform of their choice.
And that only happens if those social networks are connected with open standards.
And *that* happens better, smoother and faster if there's a default first choice for the protocol.
We're putting our energy and focus into ActivityPub because it's got the best chance to be a default social networking protocol.
@steve Other protocols exist. It is fun to hack on them, and it is interesting to use them. To the extent that human beings connect freely using those protocols, they are a benefit to society.
@steve But it's not the SWF's mission to promote those other protocols, in the same way that it's not the Linux Foundation's mission to promote MacOS or the Python Software Foundation's mission to promote OCAML.
@steve If you're eager to see an entity that supports a multi-protocol approach, I suggest you talk directly to BlueSky. They are a funded startup with US$21M in the bank. They can definitely afford to be more generous with time and resources to support multi-protocol efforts than our brand new, ActivityPub-centred non-profit. I think we'd be happy to help them add more accurate information about ActivityPub on their Web site and in the materials they share with the press.
@steve Another option might be to reach out to DSNP. As far as I've read, they've raised $100M from billionnaire Frank McCourt, and they could definitely afford some resources to support multi-protocol efforts.
@steve Finally, I think nos.social raised some money, too, so they might be a great place to look for support for multi-protocol advocacy.