AT Protocol: The Narrative and Vision 🔮

[technoY2K]

So, I've been exploring Bluesky and the technical aspects of the protocol for approx the last month. I think I finally "get it". I'm starting to see the benefits it can provide to society beyond just social media. I see a landscape where things like reviews, governance, forums and much more exist up in the atmosphere. Wanted to start a discussion where we can collect and gather thoughts, posts, blogs, regarding the "why". I think its important to understand everything from a tech standpoint, but the ethos is what moves ppl. I’ll start by sharing a few things on my mind to get them out and onto "paper" 📝

1. I think one thing that doesn't get sold or highlighted enough is that atproto opens up the flow of information. While most attention has naturally focused on microblogging due to Bluesky, I believe the real benefit lies in enabling truly free information. The control and flow of information has been significant throughout human civilization (think institutions, religion). A really good book re this topic is the book "Nexus" by Yuval Noah Harari.
2. I think we need to create a narrative behind Users own their data and can take it anywhere they want to go. Technically we all understand that and why its important, but what does that mean to the average user? Why should they care? It’s like when products bombard you with specs that don’t really translate into meaningful value. Let me illustrate what I mean by using specs for an SUV.

This shiny brand new SUV 🚙 has 80 cubic feet of cargo space and achieves 50 MPG ...Ok, what does that mean?

Basically this SUV cargo space is roomy and is fuel efficient per gallon ⛽️.

Even better

This SUV can haul a lot of thing when you go on a trip, and travel many miles on each tank of gas.

That's all I have atm. I'll keep coming back when I have things to add.