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The internet was built on the promise of connection and collaboration, a vast space where information could flow freely and communities could thrive. However, the rise of social media platforms has introduced a new layer of complexity. While these platforms connect us in new ways, they also create walled gardens, where users are trapped within the confines of a single service. This fragmentation makes it difficult to follow friends and family who use different platforms, limits the spread of ideas, and concentrates power in the hands of a few corporations.

In this context, the concept of an open social web emerges. Imagine a social media landscape where users are not restricted to one platform. They can freely move their data and connections between different services, just like sending an email from Gmail to a Yahoo address. This is the vision that A New Social, a newly formed non-profit organization, is working towards.

A New Social: Mission and Goals

Founded by Ryan Barrett (creator of Bridgy Fed) and Anuj Ahooja (engineering leader and writer), A New Social aims to bridge the gaps between different social media platforms. Their mission statement is clear:

• "We believe that a healthy ecosystem competes on innovative features, not critical mass. The social web should be centered around people, not platforms, and artificial walls should not deny them the relationships they’ve built online."

• Their focus lies in supporting the open social web, a network of interconnected platforms built on open protocols like ActivityPub and ATProto. These protocols allow platforms to communicate with each other, enabling users to follow friends and engage in conversations regardless of the platform they use.

A New Social plans to achieve its goals by:

• Advocating for Users: The organization will act as a voice for users, pushing platforms to adopt open standards and prioritize user interests.

• Collaboration with Developers: A New Social will work closely with developers to build tools and services that facilitate cross-platform communication and community building.

• Supporting Existing Projects: They plan to integrate existing solutions like Bridgy Fed, which allows users to share content between Bluesky and ActivityPub platforms.

• Building a Strong Foundation: The initial stages involve recruiting a Board of Directors, identifying key projects, and fostering collaboration among developers in the open social web space.

The Importance of Open Protocols

A New Social believes that open protocols are the key to a truly open social web. Unlike closed protocols used by major platforms, open protocols are freely available for anyone to use and build upon. This fosters innovation and competition, leading to a diverse and dynamic social media landscape.

Here's why open protocols are crucial:

• User Control: Users own their data and can choose where to host it. This empowers them to switch platforms without losing their connections or content.

• Platform Interoperability: Open protocols allow platforms to communicate with each other, breaking down silos and enabling a more connected social web.

• Innovation and Competition: Open protocols encourage developers to build new features and services, fostering a healthy and competitive social media ecosystem.

Bridgy Fed: A Case Study in Cross-Platform Communication

A New Social's first project is Bridgy Fed, a brainchild of co-founder Ryan Barrett. Bridgy Fed acts as a bridge between Bluesky and ActivityPub-based platforms like Mastodon. Users can leverage Bridgy Fed to share their content across these platforms, ensuring their posts reach a wider audience.

This exemplifies the power of open protocols. Bridgy Fed is a simple tool built on top of open standards, yet it solves a major pain point for users who want to connect across different social media ecosystems.

Challenges and Opportunities

The path towards an open social web is not without its challenges. Here are some key considerations:

• Sustainability of Open Source Projects: Many open-source projects, like Anuj Ahooja's previous project sub.club, struggle to secure long-term funding. A New Social needs to address this by building a sustainable funding model and fostering a strong community around these projects.

• Platform Cooperation: While A New Social is already in talks with major players like Bluesky, Flipboard, Mastodon, and Meta, convincing established platforms to fully embrace open protocols can be difficult. A New Social needs to demonstrate the benefits of interoperability for both users and platforms.

• User Education: Many users are accustomed to the convenience of single platforms. A New Social needs to educate users about the benefits of the open social web and empower them to navigate this new landscape.

Despite these challenges, A New Social presents a unique opportunity for the future of social media. By promoting user-centricity, open standards, and collaboration, they can help build a more open, connected, and innovative social web.

The Road Ahead: Building a Decentralized Social Future

A New Social's vision for the future is ambitious yet achievable. By fostering collaboration between platforms, developers, and users, they aim to create a thriving open social web. Here are some key steps to realize this vision:

Platform Integration:

• Encouraging platforms to adopt open protocols like ActivityPub and ATProto.

• Facilitating seamless interoperability between different social networks.

• Supporting the development of tools and services that bridge the gaps between platforms.

Developer Empowerment:

• Providing resources and support for developers building on open protocols.

• Organizing hackathons and workshops to foster innovation.

• Creating a vibrant community of developers working towards a decentralized future.

User Education and Advocacy:

• Raising awareness about the benefits of the open social web.

• Providing clear instructions and tutorials for users to migrate between platforms.

• Advocating for user privacy and data ownership.

Building a Sustainable Ecosystem:

• Exploring sustainable funding models for open-source projects.

• Establishing partnerships with like-minded organizations and corporations.

• Fostering a strong community of users and developers who are committed to the open social web.

The Impact of an Open Social Web

The potential impact of an open social web is far-reaching:

• Increased User Choice: Users can choose from a variety of platforms without being locked into a single ecosystem.

• Reduced Platform Power: A more decentralized social web can limit the power of a few dominant platforms.

• Enhanced Privacy: Users can have more control over their data and how it is used.

• Fostered Innovation: Open protocols encourage innovation and the development of new features and services.

• Strengthened Communities: Users can connect with people from diverse backgrounds and interests, regardless of the platform they use.

Conclusion

A New Social is a beacon of hope in a world dominated by centralized social media platforms. By focusing on user empowerment, open protocols, and collaboration, they are working to build a more equitable and decentralized social future. While the road ahead may be challenging, the potential rewards are immense. By supporting A New Social and the broader open social web movement, we can collectively shape the future of online communication.