Diaspora

Diaspora is an open source alternative to Facebook, seeking to challenge the centralised nature of the network that has come to dominate social media. 

Earlier this year, four NYU students Daniel Grippi, Ilya Zhitomirskiy, Maxwell Salzberg, and Raphael Sofaer decided to create a social network that would put users in control of their data. Their idea is that the free distribution of software, and the open availability of the code, will empower users to set up their own servers and create their own networks. Why give up the means of production says Diaspora, when the means of production are out there for everyone to use? 

Does the internet need another social networking site? After all, we have the usual thing here. Users can share messages and photos, update their status, and inform their circle of friends about each and every aspect of their lives.

Diaspora makes use of neologisms to differentiate itself from its most notable rival. Instead of groups, users create 'aspects'. But this is an ambiguous word, which, with its suggestion of part rather than whole, makes you feel that something is missing.

Perhaps Diaspora is just one for the committed geeks out there. Or maybe it has a real chance of destabilising the dominance of Mark Zuckerberg's creation. Only you and your friends will decide. 

30 November 2010