Flipboard's 'social websites' are a new spin on decentralized social media
Flipboard has been one of the biggest boosters of decentralized social media . Now, the company, which is known for its social news reading app, is rolling out its latest experiment, "social websites." The project offers publishers and creators an easier path into what's often called the "open social web," which includes the fediverse, as well as other protocol-based platforms like Blueksy. The company says it could also help creators of all stripes wrest back control of their audiences from mainstream social media platforms and other "walled gardens." In practice, social websites are essentially microsites that allow creators and publishers to bring together posts from decentralized platforms and RSS feeds into a single place where people can browse blogposts, newsletters, podcast episodes alongside relevant commentary from Bluesky, Mastodon and other federated services. It's also the first web-based offshoot of Surf, Flipboard's reader app designed for the open social web. The company has already teamed up with a handful of publishers and creators who have made their own "social websites" on top of Surf. For example, Rolling Stone created a dedicated site for its political coverage , which features posts from its writers alongside news stories. Creator David Rushing created a site called " All Net " inspired by the NBA fan community on Threads. All Net features Bluesky, Threads and Mastodon posts, alongside clips from NBA podcasters and creators on YouTube. Fans can not just follow along the feeds of these social websites, but can join in the conversation around
Flipboard, the company renowned for its social news reading app, is making waves in the world of decentralized social media with its latest innovation, "social websites." This project aims to provide publishers and creators with a simpler pathway into the "open social web," encompassing the fediverse and other protocol-based platforms like Bluesky. Flipboard's vision is to help creators regain control of their audiences from mainstream social media platforms and the so-called "walled gardens."
In essence, social websites are microsites that enable creators and publishers to compile posts from decentralized platforms and RSS feeds into a unified space. Here, users can browse through blog posts, newsletters, podcast episodes, and relevant commentary from Bluesky, Mastodon, and other federated services. This initiative marks the first web-based offshoot of Surf, Flipboard's reader app specifically designed for the open social web.
Flipboard has already collaborated with several publishers and creators who have launched their own "social websites" on the Surf platform. For instance, Rolling Stone has created a dedicated site for its political coverage, showcasing posts from its writers alongside news stories. Similarly, creator David Rushing launched a site called "All Net," inspired by the NBA fan community on Threads. "All Net" features Bluesky, Threads, and Mastodon posts, alongside clips from NBA podcasters and creators on YouTube.
Not only can users follow the feeds of these social websites, but they can also engage in conversations around the posts from disparate platforms within a single, cohesive space. Mike McCue, Flipboard CEO, explained to Engadget, "The social web is really promising and really awesome, but it is kind of complex and it's hard to use. What we're trying to do is actually make it [so] in 15 minutes you can make one of these communities."
By simplifying the process of creating and managing social websites, Flipboard is making strides towards democratizing the open social web. This move not only empowers creators and publishers but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse digital landscape, free from the constraints of mainstream social media platforms.
As the project continues to evolve, Flipboard's social websites hold the potential to reshape the way people consume and engage with content online. By bridging the gap between different platforms and fostering a more unified social experience, Flipboard is paving the way for a future where creators have greater control over their audiences and the open social web becomes more accessible to everyone.
In the face of growing concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech giants, Flipboard's initiative is a beacon of hope for a more decentralized and inclusive digital ecosystem. As the company continues to innovate and expand its offerings, social websites are poised to become a cornerstone of the future of social media, offering users a more diverse, engaging, and empowering online experience.
Flipboard's commitment to the open social web and its vision for social websites are a testament to the company's dedication to fostering a more connected and democratic digital landscape. As the project gains traction and more creators and publishers join the fold, the potential for social websites to transform the way we interact online is limitless.
In conclusion, Flipboard's social websites represent a significant leap forward in the realm of decentralized social media. By providing a user-friendly platform for creators and publishers to showcase their content and engage with audiences across disparate platforms, the initiative is poised to redefine the future of social media. As the project continues to evolve, Flipboard's social websites hold the promise of a more inclusive, diverse, and empowering digital ecosystem, free from the shackles of mainstream social media platforms and the "walled gardens" they represent.
