Gemini, Gophers, and Fingers. Oh My! Alternative Internets Beyond HTTPS
Finger from 1971, Gopher from 1991, and Gemini from 2019. These protocols offer decentralized, terminal-based alternatives to the modern web. The small web's is in a renaissance. On the solarpunk philosophy of intentional technology, and how these protocols meet you where you are, whether you're on a machine from 2005 or just tired of Chrome's monoculture.
AI Summary
The article discusses three alternative internet protocols—Finger (1971), Gopher (1991), and Gemini (2019)—that offer decentralized, terminal-based alternatives to the modern web browser-based internet. It critiques the dominance of Chrome and Chromium-based browsers, which control over 80% of desktop browsing, and argues for exploring different ways to interface with the internet that don't rely on traditional websites or corporate platforms. The author frames these alternative protocols as part of a broader "small web renaissance" aligned with solarpunk philosophy, offering solutions for users on older machines or those seeking to escape browser monoculture.