The “small web” is bigger than you might think (kevinboone.me)

Article summary

The article discusses the concept of the 'small web', referring to non-commercial, personal websites that are free from advertising and corporate tracking. The author explores the idea of creating a feed aggregator for the small web, similar to those used in the Gemini protocol, but finds that the number of active sites and updates is too large to be practical. The small web is estimated to have around 32,000 sites, with around 9,000 of them being active and producing new content regularly. The author concludes that the small web is too large and active to be aggregated on a single page, but its existence is a positive sign of a thriving non-commercial online community.

Main themes

• small web
• non-commercial internet
• Gemini protocol
• feed aggregators
• online communities
• web decentralization

What commenters say

• The small web is not just about the size of the websites, but about the mindset of people publishing content for the sake of sharing, rather than for commercial gain.
• The Gemini protocol's limitations are a deliberate design choice to prevent commercial exploitation and promote a more personal and private online experience.
• Some argue that the small web and Gemini protocol are too restrictive and limited in their functionality, and that a more flexible and extensible approach is needed.
• Others believe that the small web and Gemini protocol are a necessary reaction to the commercialization of the internet and the dominance of large corporations.
• The use of alternative protocols and search engines, such as Marginalia, can help to promote and discover non-commercial content and websites.
• The small web and Gemini protocol may be seen as a form of nostalgia for the early days of the internet, but they also represent a desire for a more decentralized and community-driven online experience.
• Some argue that the small web and Gemini protocol are not a viable alternative to the mainstream internet, and that they will always be limited in their scope and reach.
• The small web and Gemini protocol can be seen as a way to promote and preserve online diversity and creativity, by providing a platform for independent creators and publishers.