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A search engine for searching books in the Z-Library index on the IPFS network

zlib.zu1k.com

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Re: A search engine for searching books in the Z-Library index on the IPFS network

#35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’ve dived deep into IPFS and built several prototypes on top of it. It ended up not being performant enough for me, and that was after heavily modifying the codebase so that it was true p2p browser & server (their webrtc transport had a lot of issues and they didn’t seem too interested in it, but my needs required it as a backbone). The security was also a concern, and the scaling had issues. Pinning millions of sma…

Honestly I think Consensys/IPFS/Libp2p is just some corporatized way to derail real P2P and decentralization. Their libraries are total garbage. Lots of complicated code that simply doesn't work. No documentation. I mean look how much IPFS and Libp2p is pumped but IT DOESN'T WORK. IPNS is a joke. All way overengineered crap that does everything but actually nothing. Look at the $$$ and pedigree behind Consensys it's…

Anything is possible, but having some limited github interactions with the core team, that seems unlikely. My impression is that they are a passionate group that hit the jackpot a bit prematurely.

Their intentions seemed good to me they just have an ungodly amount of financing while perhaps lacking a core vision & understanding of what is at stake.

Put another way, seems more like an academic building something rather than a seasoned industry pro.

In any case, I don’t want to disparage their project. I learned a lot from their code & concepts. We are all on our own roads towards brilliance, contributing to each other in all kinds of ways.

Re: A search engine for searching books in the Z-Library index on the IPFS network

#36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’ve dived deep into IPFS and built several prototypes on top of it. It ended up not being performant enough for me, and that was after heavily modifying the codebase so that it was true p2p browser & server (their webrtc transport had a lot of issues and they didn’t seem too interested in it, but my needs required it as a backbone). The security was also a concern, and the scaling had issues. Pinning millions of sma…

> my own solution that did everything I wanted Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter! (I really would appreciate any pointers to additional info on something that actually works...)

If you find something, let me know. It would save me a lot of trouble.

Until then, what I’m building unfortunately doesn’t seem to have a peer. So I will keep at it. If it gets to a point where I believe it can be useful to others, I will share it freely.

Re: A search engine for searching books in the Z-Library index on the IPFS network

#40
A question about z-lib, libgen, and regular libraries

Suppose I check an e-book out of my local library. Because Reasons, the library doesn't "own" unlimited "copies" of the book, so each "copy" can only be checked out to one patron at a time and if there are enough holds then a patron can't renew a checked out book. In short, ebooks in libraries are just like regular paper books, except to you don't have leave your house.

I had this ebook on hold for three months because it's very popular, but finally have it on my device, but I only have 3 weeks before I can no longer read it because of holds. I get about 2/3rds the way through before lock closes on the bits on my device. It's a very popular book, it will be 3 months before I can read it again.

I go online, use some service, find the exact same book, down to all but the locking bits, and download it, finish reading it a few days later, and then forget about it. I might delete it later if I need room.

Is that a crime? Have either the author or publisher lost money? On the one hand, I can say yes because if the libraries purchased more "copies", the waiting list wouldn't be so long, I might have been able to renew it and finish it. On the other hand, I wasn't going to buy the book myself, and the library has to balance budget and demand, so they probably wouldn't purchase additional "copies".

What ethical questions do authors and readers see here?

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