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The enduring 'small web'

Hacker News •
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The 'small web,' also known as the 'indie' or 'slow' web, represents the non-corporate, original internet of the 90s and early 2000s, characterized by personal blogs and independently created websites.

Despite the rise of large corporations and algorithms, this human-made web persists. Resources like Indieweb.org and the Personal Web resources list at 32bit.cafe offer comprehensive guides and links to maintain personal sites. Browsers like Vivaldi and TOR, along with VPNs like Proton's, can enhance the experience.

The movement emphasizes a return to simplicity, readability, and human connection, mirroring the 'punk rock style' and 'folk technology' ethos that predates profit-driven internet models. Decentralized services like the fediverse, including Mastodon and Lemmy, also play a role, fostering grassroots communities and discoverability through personal blogs and interconnected sites.

Tools like RSS readers (e.g., Feedly) remain crucial for keeping up with favorite blogs and sites, while alternative protocols like Gemini and Gopher offer different ways to engage with the web. The 'small web' continues to thrive as a testament to the enduring appeal of personal expression online.