@jwcph @fediverse @Coolmccool No, those concepts aren’t for everyday users. It’s for developers. For the same reason a homeowner doesn’t need to know the ins and out of architecture, an everyday user does need to know about the architecture of the Fediverse.
Nevertheless, it’s how ActivityPub works—and I will go more in depth in a future thread for those who want to know.
Nevertheless, it’s how ActivityPub works—and I will go more in depth in a future thread for those who want to know.
jwcph@helvede.net 5 days ago
@atomicpoet @fediverse @Coolmccool That's what I mean - I think you're missing the point. I don't think anyone is expecting every developer to also be able to explain the usefulness of the fediverse to casual users, but some of us do feel, I think, that there's a lack of fundamental recognition that developer explanations are beside the point as far as most regular people are concerned, which can cause the unwelcoming impression for non-devs that we hear people talk about fairly regularly.
atomicpoet@atomicpoet.org 5 days ago
@jwcph @fediverse @Coolmccool To be blunt, “it’s like email” is probably good enough for 95% of casual users in terms of an explanation for how the Fediverse works.
It’s all just email. Mastodon, Pixelfed, and Lemmy are really all just email.
But the moment you ask, “Well, actually, how does it all work? How is it possible to use Lemmy with Mastodon?”
The answer is: actors.
And maybe that is abstract, but I assure you that’s the practical reason you’re able to do it. Once you understand that the Fediverse is made up of actors/activities, a whole new world of possibilities opens up—even for regular users. It’s why you’re participating on Lemmy right now, even though it still looks like “Mastodon” to you.
Now I’m sorry that you may perceive this as “beside the point,” but people ask how it works and I’m telling you. However, if this is too abstract, remember: it’s all “email”.
jwcph@helvede.net 5 days ago
@atomicpoet @fediverse @Coolmccool That's not what people are asking - they're asking "How does it work *for me*?".
"Like email or phones" again still only explains in the abstract, that you can connect with anyone in the same way as those things. It still doesn't explain how to use it or how it solves the things people would like to solve.
People are asking for a driver's license & you're telling them how a combustion engine turns gasoline into mechanical motion.
atomicpoet@atomicpoet.org 5 days ago
@jwcph @fediverse @Coolmccool I’ve explained how to use it: you submit to a group from Mastodon by tagging. In fact, you’re using it right now. Look at one of the accounts you’re mentioning.
Did you not read the original post?