The open source microblogging platform StatusNet has two interesting options for users.
Microblogging, for the uninitiated, is online publishing of status updates within a limited space, normally 140 characters. Think Twitter or the wall on Facebook.
StatusNet offers its software for download, which can be installed on any PHP/My SQL server. This gives the user control over branding, design and access.
I have installed the program at gorey.com.au/miniblog/.
For people who don’t have a domain or access to a server, StatusNet offers a hosted account.
So, why would anyone use either of these?
The “cloud” version doesn’t appeal to me because it simply duplicates what Twitter and others do, albeit using open source software.
However, I’m enthused by the self-hosted version, despite its current limitations. Owning the web address and controlling access is a good thing.
At the moment it’s not possible to pull Twitter updates or cross-post to Twitter and other services. That’s a must-have feature as far as I’m concerned.
When that’s available, a user will be able to run their own customised microblog and aggregate content across different services.
I can also see the potential value for businesses and organisations.
I’m restricting registration on my microblog to family members at this stage.
Visitors can “follow” my posts either by going to the site, via RSS feed or using an account with http://identi.ca or status.net.
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