I have had designs on this for years now. the short version:
- end to end encrypted by default, using known standards, with future-proofing in the protocol
- a distributed network for packet transport and storage, in-boxes, text and voice channels, that won't die if a single data center blows one day
- eventually works with other social network goodies like art galleries and comic hosting, comments systems, and so on
- sustainability and service over profit
- owned by those who work on it (co-op model)
- loudly transparent about what we need, as we need it
so why haven't I made it already? because I need enough money to breathe while building it, and preferably enough resources and help that I won't be alone in running it when it's done.
right now, I don't have that. I can't even help out with rent where I'm staying, yet; I've just been trying to be able to exist in a new city after driving more than 2000 miles to get here. I'll be trying to take a new job soon, since my background in research and databases and programming should be in demand around here, but then I'll need to find time to work on this, too...
I don't fully know how to solve this yet. maybe putting up a web page that gets into what this is, and gives news updates when we hit new steps with it? something Kickstarter shaped to get the ball rolling at first?
