Show HN: textlog – A quiet, text-only microblogging platform, open-source, no JS

Post by insane_dreamer » Fri, Aug 07, 2026, 7:14 PM UTC

Post by supermatt » Fri, Aug 07, 2026, 7:23 PM UTC

helterskelter wrote: post #25

supermatt wrote: post #10

The 280 char limit seems arbitrary, given you cant even keep the about page within that limit: https://textlog.cc/about If you are going to limit it to short posts, maybe the length of a short post is the length to limit it to, rather than emulating the 2xSMS of every twitter clone? Other than that, it looks really clean and neat - I just dont think being 280 chars adds anything other than resulting in people posting…

I like the idea of a shorter character limit as it nudges users to a specific mode of interaction: short thoughts/updates and not long-winded soliloquies. It's signalling that interaction with this platform doesn't demand much of your time or attention. I don't know what the about page has to do with it, but you have to draw the line somewhere. That said, I'm not a social media user besides HN I guess.

Post by stagas » Fri, Aug 07, 2026, 7:25 PM UTC

supermatt wrote: post #43

helterskelter wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I like the idea of a shorter character limit as it nudges users to a specific mode of interaction: short thoughts/updates and not long-winded soliloquies. It's signalling that interaction with this platform doesn't demand much of your time or attention. I don't know what the about page has to do with it, but you have to draw the line somewhere. That said, I'm not a social media user besides HN I guess.

For perspective: you just commented 404 chars. Your first paragraph alone was 346. My comment on the about page was that it needed more than 280 chars to communicate what the app is about - even the title + intro exceeds the limit. If it is truly believed that 280 chars is enough to communicate an idea, then the about page should follow that philosophy.

Post by stagas » Fri, Aug 07, 2026, 7:49 PM UTC

Gooblebrai wrote: post #46

childintime wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

well, you may consider rewarding known quality users with an extended limit, say double. the others can pay ;)

That's how enshittification begins. Next thing you know and there are blue badges next to profiles.

Post by cube00 » Fri, Aug 07, 2026, 8:00 PM UTC

bryanhogan wrote: post #34

I built something for a similar goal, make it easy for someone to start their blog. But instead it's a static website, clone the repo, adjust the config.ts, write the posts in markdown, host anywhere: https://starter.bryanhogan.com/