The "But Why?" of Digital SovereigntyEvery time I spend my weekend researching obscure forks and implementing complex local workflows, someone asks: "But why?
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The "But Why?" of Digital Sovereignty
Every time I spend my weekend researching obscure forks and implementing complex local workflows, someone asks: "But why? The mainstream tools are so much easier."
In 2026, the path of deep research and practical implementation feels exactly like this. It might look like madness to the "colony," but I’d rather head for the mountains than stay in the comfortable enclosure of Big Tech.
What was your latest "But why?" rabbit hole?
#SelfHosted #Privacy #DigitalSovereignty #Research #Homelab #ButWhy #TechLife -
R relay@relay.an.exchange shared this topic
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The "But Why?" of Digital Sovereignty
Every time I spend my weekend researching obscure forks and implementing complex local workflows, someone asks: "But why? The mainstream tools are so much easier."
In 2026, the path of deep research and practical implementation feels exactly like this. It might look like madness to the "colony," but I’d rather head for the mountains than stay in the comfortable enclosure of Big Tech.
What was your latest "But why?" rabbit hole?
#SelfHosted #Privacy #DigitalSovereignty #Research #Homelab #ButWhy #TechLife@dannyhayes It's also easier to go take a crappy job for crappy wages from some conglomerate rather than get a few folks together and find some gov't and organisational backing to buy a business to be cooperatively owned. The payout is what matters. Sometimes a little work will get you benefits that will last a lifetime and be rewarding to boot.
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@dannyhayes It's also easier to go take a crappy job for crappy wages from some conglomerate rather than get a few folks together and find some gov't and organisational backing to buy a business to be cooperatively owned. The payout is what matters. Sometimes a little work will get you benefits that will last a lifetime and be rewarding to boot.
@Rick_d_card@mastodon.social
The reality is that many users opt for Big Tech due to a gradual loss of digital agency; their choices are often shaped by ecosystem lock-in and social pressure. While I agree that a circle of enthusiasts can build amazing things, we face a massive uphill battle. Competing with giants is nearly impossible—they either absorb innovative ideas through acquisition or leverage their scale to overshadow independent projects.
Regarding state-backed initiatives, it’s a complex issue. In some regions, we see a shift towards "enforced adoption" rather than organic growth. When a platform like the Max messenger is rolled out, it often relies on administrative resources—migrating school chats or essential public services—rather than winning users over with superior features.
I’m a proponent of technical merit. I truly appreciate domestic innovations like the SBP (Fast Payment System) or streamlined digital government services—they are technically impressive and genuinely convenient. However, when the strategy shifts from "outperforming the competition" to "restricting alternatives," it creates a friction-filled environment for the tech community.
The idea that blocking a service can fundamentally change public discourse overlooks the digital literacy of the modern user. For every technical barrier, a more resilient workaround is inevitably developed. It’s an endless cycle that emphasizes the need for a dialogue based on innovation and trust, rather than just restriction. -
R relay@relay.infosec.exchange shared this topic
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The "But Why?" of Digital Sovereignty
Every time I spend my weekend researching obscure forks and implementing complex local workflows, someone asks: "But why? The mainstream tools are so much easier."
In 2026, the path of deep research and practical implementation feels exactly like this. It might look like madness to the "colony," but I’d rather head for the mountains than stay in the comfortable enclosure of Big Tech.
What was your latest "But why?" rabbit hole?
#SelfHosted #Privacy #DigitalSovereignty #Research #Homelab #ButWhy #TechLife@dannyhayes My latest one was finding an email provider I actually want to use *, backing up my old gmail and directing everything I need to the new one. Not very technical, but the satisfaction from deleting my google account was worth it!
* above everything else, I was looking for a service provider I would trust with my ID if the EU decides that they want all emails ID verificed (it's in the Comissions Chat Control proposal iirc). I'd rather eat a mountain than hand my ID to google.
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@dannyhayes My latest one was finding an email provider I actually want to use *, backing up my old gmail and directing everything I need to the new one. Not very technical, but the satisfaction from deleting my google account was worth it!
* above everything else, I was looking for a service provider I would trust with my ID if the EU decides that they want all emails ID verificed (it's in the Comissions Chat Control proposal iirc). I'd rather eat a mountain than hand my ID to google.
@paranormal_distribution@fosstodon.org That’s a massive move, congrats on cutting the cord with Google. Which provider did you pick? I'm still tied to the Gmail for now, so I’m curious what tipped the scales for you.
