Live data from Hacker News

GNU MediaGoblin – A decentralized alternative to Flickr, YouTube, SoundCloud

mediagoblin.org

71–72 of 72 posts

Re: GNU MediaGoblin – A decentralized alternative to Flickr, YouTube, SoundCloud

#71
post #60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I can't travel back in time. Left the TARDIS in a different century again. Linus announcing his kernel was in a time when there were no open Unix-like operating systems to use. The GNU kernel was years away from release, but all the tools were there to make an operating system out of the tools, if there were just a free kernel too. (The only other kernels available were not available to the general public for free) I…

The project is not about being a gallery and video player. We already got those as you say. Rather, the projects scope is to create a federated gallery and video player, where each installed instance is connected with each other. That has so far not been reached yet, which is why this software hasn't reached their 1.0 goal yet.

How does "federation" benefit anyone? Is it something you can explain to a layman that they will say "wow, I want that!" Is it even a problem people are even asking to be solved via products?

It's also curious if this was the whole point of the project, why wasn't that done first?

Re: GNU MediaGoblin – A decentralized alternative to Flickr, YouTube, SoundCloud

#72
post #60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The project is not about being a gallery and video player. We already got those as you say. Rather, the projects scope is to create a federated gallery and video player, where each installed instance is connected with each other. That has so far not been reached yet, which is why this software hasn't reached their 1.0 goal yet.

How does "federation" benefit anyone? Is it something you can explain to a layman that they will say "wow, I want that!" Is it even a problem people are even asking to be solved via products? It's also curious if this was the whole point of the project, why wasn't that done first?

> How does "federation" benefit anyone.

Improved Privacy. Only the author will have information regarding who visit, how many times, and for how long is-

Future proofing. Youtube and flickr will only exist as long those services are profitable. People who thinks they own their media, can only hope that it will stay online for as long as possible.

Improved API/features. Media hosting companies will limit features to match their business model. With federated services, there is no such limit.

Secure API. Media hosting companies will remove features if competitors are using the API in a threatening style. with federated services, there is no central company that can feel threatened.

> why wasn't that done first?

Just being federal, but with no meaningful usages, it would not be useful. I don't know if there is a technical reason why it couldn't be done at the same time.

Post reply on HN