Log (rss)

20.08.2024 // Local-first Software I

Bogotá, Colombia

I read an interesting article on local-first software. I think it perfectly summarizes the issue with cloud software and the need for more offline-friendly software.

I am happy the authors mentioned Git, as it is a prime example of successful offline-friendly collaboration. Github of course ruins it slightly by having PRs be done online.

I was a bit sad, though, that the article did not mention the dvcs fossil, which contains chat and forums built-in that auto-sync when you go online. It is also extremely easy to self-host.

In conversations about local-first, I often find email and/or activitypub to be underrated as well. Email is offline friendly, I have it synced offline. I also think you could extend it to have apps on top of it, like a todo list app. Activitypub could be used to push the envelope even further, as it is a system to stream activities. You could have those activities be signed locally and sent when you go online.

- Marc

19.08.2024 // The Comma Directory Structure

Bogotá, Colombia

Design sketches of comma.directory. 3 boxes that describe the different layouts
Fig 1. Design sketch of comma.directory layout

Comma.directory will be built over time by composing together many small log entries. Each log entry contains observations, events, and thoughts that we label.These log entries will be the building blocks for a directory of concepts, which we will categorize for easier navigation.

When entering the page of a concept through the directory, the log entries that led up to the idea would show up and and, if the idea feels more fully explored, it might also contain a summary or conclusion.

- Marc