Drew Me to Gemini

As an initial thing to write for this capsule, it seemed appropriate to do something that explains why I even became interested in doing something in the Gemini space. The protocol came to my attention not that long ago when people like Chris Were, Hex DSL, and their friend Drew were enthusing about it on their YouTube channels.

They brought up a lot of good points about it: the simple, text-only look to it, things like images are opened in image viewers at the users discretion, links are very simple, and very obvious. The bloat that has become so prevalent on the Web is nowhere to be seen here. Its just text. No javascript, no pre-loading mountains of data that you dont even read. No auto-playing videos, or mountains of images I dont care about. Certainly no god awful comments section. Its a very stripped down experience, even more so than, say, a web site dedicated to basic HTML.

The problem with an HTML site, at least for me, is that you never know what to expect when following links. It could be smooth sailing for a while, going from one old-timey site to the next, then blammo, suddenly theres a javascript-laden monstrosity assaulting visitors with a bevy of hipsters sipping coffee. The beauty of Gemini is that the protocol prevents this. Its intended to stay simple, and not be built upon, risking becoming like a second version of the web. No matter where I go in Gemini space, I can be confident that things are going to stay decidedly text-centric.

Then there is the very anti-corporate nature of the realm (can we call it a realm? Id really like that). The Web has become a place for making money in most cases, and as much of it as possible. It seems like no matter where one goes there, sites are loaded up with ads (assuming youre not using a blocker), subscription models, or some other avenue of generating revenue. As big companies migrated there, they polluted it with consumerism, getting people to spend spend spend.

If its not that, its social media, creating absolutely unsavory environments that have largely turned into a giant sewer. Of course, many of those places are run by large corporations as well. Basically, these massive multinationals have ruined much of the web.

The good thing about Gemini is that its an environment where it would be very difficult for a corporation to flourish. Capsules cant scale up the way large web sites do. They just arent designed to rake in millions of dollars per year. Even if they could, the effort necessary would likely be more than what these businesses are willing to put in. On top of this, what percentage of the people who visit the web would want to see a stripped down version in text only? The majority of people want their glossy picture books. If all they wanted was text, Lynx would be the worlds browser of choice, but that clearly is not the reality (alas).

That isnt to say that I think Gemini will be forever devoid of commerce. If someone wants to put a small text advert on their capsule, thats fine. I wont knock them for that. If they want to put a link to a LibrePay or some such, go for it. However, whether anything becomes of those will be determined by the quality of what is written on their capsule, full stop. Capsules will likely be small scale affairs for people to do personal passion projects more than anything. Theyll be the people who like to sell some handmade candles in their spare time, not the next Amazon.

But Gemini capsules becoming moneymaking ventures isnt something Im thinking about. These places are turning into a fun world to explore. Back in the 90s, when the internet was new, fresh, and mysterious, it was fun to just wander around and see what was there. It was a time when directories ruled the roost, and Id hop from site to site, seeing what people had to say about stuff. If I really wanted to have some fun, Id explore web rings (really miss those).

At some point, the web became inundated with self-proclaimed busy people who had stuff to do, so needed specific answers at a moments notice. As this mentality became more prominent, web sites accommodated them, and at the same time search engines got better and better. It became less about poking around and seeing whats out there, and more about laser-focused delivery of content. Yes, that is absolutely useful, and I dont want that going away, but I miss the wanderlust of old, and Gemini space scratches that itch for me.

This ability to let myself be swept up by the currents of curiosity, and see where I wind up has been enjoyable. So has the simplified presentation. Its a quieter place where I can find purer, more thought out writing relatively unscathed by mindless hot takes. The signal to noise ration is so much better here compared to the Web. Its comfortable, and I could see it being a delightful alternative for thoughtful individuals as time goes on. I sincerely doubt it will ever become popular. The mainstream likes all the bells and whistles the Web has to offer, but for those who would like something simple with a bit of peace and quiet, Gemini could become quite the cozy refuge.

(Eleven/Three/Twenty-One)