Topic: Rss Reader

The discontinuation of Google Reader is cited as an example of tech giants forcing users into controlled social media environments rather than open protocols. Modern browsers like Safari and DuckDuckGo are criticized for obfuscating the URL bar to prioritize search products over direct web navigation. This shift is viewed as a defensive move to keep users within proprietary app ecosystems.

The hosts debate the implications of repealing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides liability protection for internet platforms. While some argue its removal would destroy the internet, the hosts suggest a return to decentralized blogs and RSS feeds would be a viable alternative to censored social media networks. They recount how Google killed the independent feed ecosystem by shutting down Google Reader in favor of centralized "feeds."

The hosts discuss the history of Google Reader and Google's attempt to kill RSS in favor of centralized control. They explore decentralized alternatives like Mastodon and the new Nostr protocol (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays), which is being supported by Jack Dorsey. Curry notes that Nostr is still in early development but has potential for a "value-for-value" financial model.

Google has a long history of failed social media attempts, including Orkut, Buzz, and Google Plus. Orkut was notably successful in Brazil before being shut down, while Google Plus failed to gain traction against Facebook. The hosts suggest that Google could regain public favor and damage its competitors by bringing back Google Reader and fully supporting RSS, which would empower independent bloggers and podcasters.

The relationship between advertising and free speech is examined, with the assertion that advertising acts as a default form of censorship. The discussion contrasts open protocols like RSS with centralized platforms, noting that Google Reader was discontinued because the company could not control the underlying protocol. Listeners are encouraged to move away from centralized services to maintain digital freedom.

The hosts complain about the removal of RSS feeds from the redesigned White House website, making it difficult to track official updates. They discover that Donald Trump appears to have stopped recording the traditional weekly presidential address in early 2017. They speculate that he prefers Twitter because the media used his recorded addresses against him.

The hosts argue that tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter are actively trying to kill RSS feeds to maintain control over user data and advertising. They discuss the "RSS is dead" media narrative and how they have moved their own social networking primarily to email, using hashtags in subject lines to organize information.