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Geminispace
Sunday, 9 April 2023 02:30 amI'm fairly confident that ~eiriee's post about LEO (gemini web ring) was my first introduction to Project Gemini and the Gemini protocol (alternative to HTTP, which has a 'web' presence in Geminispace).
{Insert "It makes no damn sense. It compels me, though." gif from Knives Out.}
Occasionally, I circle back to the idea, but I definitely have not decided on carefully poking Geminispace. As with looking into alternatives to other centralized 'Big Tech' websites, I keep running into the issue that I just don't have very much to put on these smaller alternatives (whether it's a federated site or a Gemini capsule).
In the event that I ever want to circle back around with a little more intent on dipping a toe in, I'm copying over some stuff from the FAQ:
Gemini software list
(Note: Anyone who glanced at ~eiriee's post above will notice that Yesterweb also has a proxy. This clearly isn't a comprehensive list of every possible option.)
If you are looking for something in particular, Gemini has one search engine:
There are two public aggregators which attempt to make it easier to find recently-updated material in Geminispace:
Of note: Flounder has a Text Guide and Tips and Tricks, which might be helpful. (A gemlog doesn't quite use Markdown as experienced elsewhere, and there is a way to draft without posting immediately.)
{Insert "It makes no damn sense. It compels me, though." gif from Knives Out.}
Occasionally, I circle back to the idea, but I definitely have not decided on carefully poking Geminispace. As with looking into alternatives to other centralized 'Big Tech' websites, I keep running into the issue that I just don't have very much to put on these smaller alternatives (whether it's a federated site or a Gemini capsule).
In the event that I ever want to circle back around with a little more intent on dipping a toe in, I'm copying over some stuff from the FAQ:
3.1 I'm curious about Geminispace, how can I check it out?
The lowest commitment way to explore Geminispace is to use a web proxy or "portal", such as one of the following:This will allow you to use your regular web browser to explore Geminispace. If you like what you see, you might want to consider installing a dedicated Gemini client, which will typically offer a better and more complete browsing experience. You can find a list of clients (and other software) at the link below. There are even clients available for mobile platforms like Android and iOS!Gemini software list
(Note: Anyone who glanced at ~eiriee's post above will notice that Yesterweb also has a proxy. This clearly isn't a comprehensive list of every possible option.)
3.2 Okay, I've got a client, where can I find content?
For now, Geminispace is still small enough that it's feasible to use directories as a way to discover what is out there. Some of these are listed below:- The medusae.space Gemini directory has a list of capsules divided into thematic categories
- The geminispace.info search engine's list of known Gemini hosts
- A historic list of the first 50 Gemini servers
If you are looking for something in particular, Gemini has one search engine:
There are two public aggregators which attempt to make it easier to find recently-updated material in Geminispace:
3.3 How can I put some content of my own in Geminispace?
If you do not feel comfortable with the technologies needed to make use of pubnix hosting (ssh or sftp, terminal text editors, unix file permissions, etc), you can get free accounts at the services below which will allow you to maintain a capsule via a web application:- Gemlog Blue, featuring an ultralight interface with no cookies or Javascript
- Flounder, where your content will be available via Gemini and the web simultaneously
Of note: Flounder has a Text Guide and Tips and Tricks, which might be helpful. (A gemlog doesn't quite use Markdown as experienced elsewhere, and there is a way to draft without posting immediately.)
