Ghost, an open-source newsletter platform, is considering joining the fediverse, a network of interconnected servers. The company, structured as a nonprofit, is contemplating federating Ghost over ActivityPub, the social networking protocol powering the fediverse. The survey asks users about their usage of ActivityPub platforms like Mastodon and how they expect ActivityPub functionality to work in Ghost. Should Ghost proceed with this, it would allow writers to have federated accounts, enabling their posts to exist in the fediverse, and potentially syndicate back to Ghost as comments. This move comes amid a reshaping of the web, driven by concerns over centralized platforms and a desire for portable social networking identities.
Key Takeaways
- Ghost, an open source alternative to Substack, might join the fediverse, enabling connections with decentralized social platforms like Mastodon, Pixelfed, and PeerTube.
- Founder John O’Nolan's post implies a possible federated Ghost over ActivityPub, following user demand and potential features.
- A survey is launched to gather user input on using ActivityPub platforms and the personal benefits of federating Ghost.
- Twitter's ownership change and centralized platform drawbacks have led to a growing interest in portable social networking identities.
- The potential integration could allow Ghost writers to federate their content, gaining access to different social platforms and reader interactions.
Analysis
Ghost's potential move to join the fediverse, powered by ActivityPub, could have significant implications for decentralized social platforms and the broader online publishing landscape. If realized, this transition could impact the organizations behind Mastodon, Pixelfed, and PeerTube, as well as the individuals and communities using these platforms. The decision reflects concerns over centralized platforms and affirms a growing demand for portable social networking identities. In the short term, this shift may create new opportunities for content syndication and reader engagement. Long-term consequences may include a more diverse and interconnected online ecosystem, potentially challenging the dominance of traditional social media giants.
Did You Know?
- Fediverse: A network of interconnected servers that use a common set of protocols for communication. It allows users on one server to interact with users on other servers within the network.
- ActivityPub: A social networking protocol that enables different social platforms to communicate and share content with each other. It allows for decentralized and federated interactions between users on various platforms.
- Decentralized Platforms: Platforms that are not controlled by a single central authority or entity, allowing for more distributed and democratic control over the network.