I’ve been around the Internet since the BBS days and I can’t think of a single time where a de-centralized platform has out competed a centralized platform with “normal” users.
I’m right there with you. I’d love to see the dream of the decentralized media return, but it’s long-dead. The “Normal” user doesn’t give a fuck about the benefits and even the moderate barrier to entry over some centralized platform is enough to keep them away.
Tech-minded people seem to often forget that even the most simplistic choices like “Choose an instance” is a big deal for people. The platform that’s the most familiar, and easiest to use is going to be the one that wins, and, right now, that looks like it’s Bluesky.
I’m right there with you. I’d love to see the dream of the decentralized media return, but it’s long-dead. The “Normal” user doesn’t give a fuck about the benefits and even the moderate barrier to entry over some centralized platform is enough to keep them away.
Tech-minded people seem to often forget that even the most simplistic choices like “Choose an instance” is a big deal for people. The platform that’s the most familiar, and easiest to use is going to be the one that wins, and, right now, that looks like it’s Bluesky.