We heard you. #HolosDiscover has been shut down, all indexed data deleted, and the source code removed. We apologize for the misunderstanding. Our approach was built with the deepest respect for user consent, but we understand it could rightfully be seen as misusing the indexable flag that many users didn't consciously enable. This highlighted a real conversation the Fediverse needs about default settings. Thank you for the feedback.
Discussion
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@apps
From what I can see, you seem to be very aware of feedback and respectful towards user preferences, so here's my word of support. Even if your offered solutions sometimes do not persist, your heart is in the right place.
@apps
I'm really sad to see this happen. I thought it was a great project that respected users.
@apps thats why fedi will always be niche. Anytime someone tries to improve something they are met with countless opposition.
People like to forget that before Bluesky, people tried to move here.
@tragivictoria @apps I'm trying to figure out what the objections really were. That stuff people post publically to fediverse servers was indexed? i can see robotic scraping of servers being problematic for instance owners, but how much privacy can we really expect in fediverse posts? its small and niche, it feels like a safe corner of a clubhouse, but its the internet, we need to remind our users that stuff isnt confidential and even that "disappearing" posts is only really cosmetic.
@Bredroll
@tragivictoria You're right, but since the indexable flag is enabled by default on most instances, it was more opt-out than opt-in. That said, it doesn't stop real scrapers like Google from displaying posts for days even after deletion. We thought we were offering a clean solution with instant deletion via ActivityPub, but we quickly realized many users weren't aware of their own default settings. That's a conversation the Fediverse still needs to have.
I'm sad that it got shutdown before it even had a chance to work for its intended purpose.
Also keep in mind that social media discussions and comments will always have a bias towards the loud and angry voices, no one will make a post saying "You know that HolosDiscover project, I don't really mind it because they respect my settings". It is similar to the survivorship bias if you're familiar with that, your data points are incomplete.
@apps thank you for trying! As a community I feel we're going to have to figure this out eventually 😞 I hope you manage to find an alternative acceptable way to solve the problem somehow.
@apps
It's saddening that users (well, *one* user if I counted correctly) are ok with Google and OpenAI harvesting their stuff but not a thoughtfully and respectfully designed project.
@rompe
We actually received links to heated discussions about the project beyond what was visible here. It was taking a dimension we didn't anticipate. We preferred to shut it down rather than let it escalate further.
@apps
I'm sorry, that must be so frustrating for you. Take another donation as motivation for your other projects.
@apps that's unfortunate; it seemed like a cool concept. Mastodon probably should just implement a clear flag or something yeah
@apps
I'm sorry it went that way. 