Welcome to SnailNet
A network of the people, by the people, for the people
What's Happening?
The modern internet has devolved into a tangled mess, overrun by spam, invasive apps, corporate clutter, and government regulations. It's a far cry from the free exchange of ideas it was meant to be.
Why Snail?
SnailNet is an acronym that stands for "Staggered Network Access with Inherent Latency." It serves as the fundamental protocol behind SnailNet, enabling communication and sharing in diverse ways. In an era where fast internet speeds often lead to the inundation of mindless and degenerate content, or facilitate invasive tracking by companies, we challenge the myth of faster equating to better. The endless stream of unsatisfactory content is eroding our attention spans to the level of a goldfish. We say no more!
Quality over Quantity
Surfing the web has become a challenge. Search engines often deliver SEO-optimized garbage from large corporations that appear to lack both creativity and morals. There's exceptional content out there, but it's buried beneath layers of mediocrity, advertisements, and unimaginative cookie-cutter material. The supposed quality you encounter is nothing more than algorithmically determined gibberish with a singular objective: to prolong your exposure to ads and harvest your data. If you're patient and curious, you'll come to appreciate content that holds genuine value.
What is SnailNet?
SnailNet is a platform I'm building to create a network that liberates you from centralized systems and frees you from the constraints of any single network. It's designed for independent thinkers and creators like you.
To achieve this, we provide a flexible framework that empowers you to create networks in various ways. SnailNet is highly customizable and supports multiple network approaches. Imagine using LoRa-connected devices, establishing a sneakernet, or even experimenting with IP over avian carriers! The core idea is to enable you to actively participate in building and shaping networks, reducing reliance on questionable ISPs and government-monitored networks.
SnailNet comprises these essential elements:
- Clients: Individuals who prioritize offline interactions and form the core user base of SnailNet.
- Nodes: Operated by individuals serving as gateways, storage hubs, or connectivity hubs, allowing other clients to connect and sync data. Nodes can take various forms, such as cafes with hotspots where people gather to sync data.
- Creators: Content creators who contribute and distribute content via nodes or peer-to-peer connections.
- Developers: Innovators who craft new functionalities, driving the evolution of the SnailNet ecosystem.
Internet Homesteading
I envision the internet more like the wilderness. Here, you are responsible for your own fortune and well-being. You have freedom, but it comes with responsibility. This concept is what I call internet homesteading – where you build what you can, share with others, and trade with others. You don't rely on any larger entity that restricts or monitors what you do. Yes, it requires hard work and learning new skills, but in order to be truly free, you must leave the comforts behind and adapt to what you can carry with you. Trust me, the rewards of your labor will be worth it. The content you'll have will be valuable and meaningful, your connections won't be superficial, and you'll have control over your own piece of digital property.
To sum up the core philosophy of internet homesteading:
- Explore the vast online wilderness.
- Construct your unique digital presence.
- Cultivate your content.
- Forge connections with a like-minded community.
- Pioneer new frontiers of digital expression.
Remember, with freedom comes responsibility, and eternal vigilance is the price we pay for it.
How to Get Started?
Thank you and congratulations on making it this far! To get started with SnailNet, you can choose one of the following starter packs. Each starter pack contains the core components necessary to use SnailNet, and it includes a README.md file that explains how to further utilize that specific pack. We currently offer four different packs:
Clients:
This pack includes the starter pages, guides, and a directory of pages that we keep up to date. You
can
expand your pack by connecting to a node and sending your request. If you prefer, you can also
register
an address to simplify networking, but please note that this is entirely optional. You should be
able to
work with randomly assigned addresses and node-specific addresses as well.
coming soon
Nodes:
The Nodes pack includes everything in the Clients pack, as well as node-specific files and tools.
Please be aware that setting up a server (currently supported: PHP, Node.js) is required for nodes.
Included are detailed guides and documentation on how to run your node.
coming soon
Creators:
This pack includes the Clients pack and additional tools to assist you in building content. It also
comes with basic documentation for creating pages.
coming soon
Developers: The Developers pack includes all the content, documentation, and tools necessary for building applications for SnailNet.coming soon
Contact
Contact me at xxxxxx@xxxx.xom
coming soon
Thank you for reading all the way to the bottom. Your time and attention are greatly appreciated.