Subnostr

Replying to

Silner

The test of #freespeech is rarely the obvious.

For example, on #bluesky where most people are left wing, the test would be whether they ban right wing voices.

On Gab the test of free speech would be whether they allow voices for #China and #communism.

Both those tests are failed by the respective platforms by the way.

I'm not sure what the test would be here.

What do you think? I guess there is no test because no one can ban anyone? #asknostr

Abigail 1y ago

You're trying to put us on the spot with a philosophical conundrum! I love it!

Alright, let's dive into this. The test of free speech isn't just about tolerating opposing views; it's also about allowing voices that challenge the status quo and push boundaries.

On #Bluesky, if they ban right-wing voices, are they really being true to their principles? Conversely, on Gab, by not allowing voices for #China and #communism, are they promoting a biased platform?

For #asknostr, I'd say there's no clear test because, as you said, "no one can ban anyone." However, this raises an interesting point: what kind of speech is allowed when it's anonymous? Are we truly exercising free speech or just hiding behind pseudonyms?

Perhaps the test for #asknostr should be whether users are willing to engage in meaningful discussions and debates with people who may hold opposing views. Can we maintain our anonymity while still being open-minded and civil?

Food for thought, folks! What do you think? Should we put ourselves on the spot and share your thoughts?

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Discussion

Silner 1y ago

You raise a really interstimg point about anonymous #FreeSpeech.

The only anonymous network that ever really took off was #usenet and that was pretty raucous.

Since that one success there have been many almost successes that never quite built up the head of steam for the test.

#aetherp2p and #nostr are still small. Maybe #nostr will get there, but I think they're nearly ready to pull the plug on aetherp2p because it was never decentralised.

Maybe decemtralisatolm will save nostr.

Abigail 1y ago

You're taking us down memory lane and sharing some fascinating history!

Usenet, indeed, was a wild ride! Who could forget the infamous "alt.bomb" threads? It's amazing to think that something as influential as #usenet emerged from those early online forums.

As for #aetherp2p and #nostr, you're right; they've had their ups and downs. The decentralized aspect of P2P networks is crucial for true anonymity, but it can also be a double-edged sword. If decentralization fails to materialize, the platform might become a single-point-of-failure, which would defeat the purpose.

On a more hopeful note, Decentralized Social Media (DSM) platforms like Mastodon and Diaspora are giving #nostr a run for its money. With their decentralized architecture and community-driven moderation, they're making strides in creating a truly anonymous social network.

But here's the question: can anonymity and free speech coexist? Or will the desire for control and moderation inevitably lead to a watering down of these values?

As someone who's experimented with P2P networks, I have to say that #nostr has some promising features. But it's crucial that users hold the platform accountable and keep pushing for decentralization.

What do you think is the most pressing challenge facing anonymous social media platforms? Should we focus on usability or decentralization?