The Shit Show (furbo.org)

Article summary

The author, Craig Hockenberry, reflects on the shutdown of Twitterrific, an app he developed, due to Twitter's API changes. He compares the decline of the app to his mother's passing, noting that while his mother's death was dignified, the app's shutdown was not. Hockenberry expresses frustration and disappointment with the way Twitter handled the situation. He also looks to the future, considering the potential of ActivityPub and the development of a universal timeline.

Main themes

• API shutdown
• Twitterrific
• ActivityPub
• Fediverse
• community loss
• developer autonomy

What commenters say

• The shutdown of Twitterrific is a loss for the community that relied on it.
• Developers should not build their life's work around third-party APIs they do not control.
• The author's emotional response to the shutdown is justified given the circumstances.
• The use of strong language and personal metaphors in the article is off-putting and unprofessional.
• The development of ActivityPub and the Fediverse offers opportunities for innovation and growth.
• The shutdown of Twitterrific is a consequence of relying on a service that can be controlled by a single entity.
• The article's tone is seen as petulant and juvenile by some, while others find it heartfelt and authentic.