cross-posted from: https://feddit.org/post/24735701
See also:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemini_(protocol)
It is similar to the old gopher: text files, links, and images form a hypertext optimized for reading. Text is formatted like Markdown - but even simpler.
Clients display text, like an eBook, or images / media.
Servers can run on a PC or Raspberry Pi which needs half a Watt of power. No FAANG companies needed. No expert knowledge needed - not more difficult than running a file sharing client.
I think it is the right thing for defense of democracy and sharing your voice in the digital realm.
First of all, they were developed around the same time; second, no one said that a protocol should remain unchanged for 35 years. And lastly, the people in “what’s wrong with these people” are the people pretending gopher is any good today, and a reasonable alternative to the web, which factually isn’t the case as apparently it did remain unchanged for 35 years. And if it didn’t remain unchanged but did not add certificates, it would just make things look even worse.
it’s been unchanged because http got more popular.
there is a vocal part of the indieweb that does not want encrypted communication because it increases the system requirements, and because it disincentivises sending sending any sensitive information. i don’t really agree with that assessment but i do think there is something to not sending stuff you don’t need.