(Ep. 18) Building a Space for Us: Rudy Fraser x Black Sky Algorithms

Dr. Takeisha Carr is joined by Rudy Fraser, founder of Black Sky Algorithms, to discuss the architecture of sovereign internet communities.

Rudy details the technical and cultural differences between corporate platforms like Twitter/X and the decentralized model of Black Sky. He explains that while traditional platforms lock you in, his goal is to allow users to move their data and followers freely. He also shares how he has given the Black Sky code away for free from day one, treating it as open-source infrastructure similar to Wikipedia, while still maintaining a business.

The two discuss the vital importance of "finding a space for us" in the digital age—creating "digital third spaces" specifically designed for safety and mutual aid, ensuring that communities have a place to gather that isn't controlled by a single algorithm.

Topics Covered:

• Twitter vs. The Protocol: Why true ownership means you can take your followers with you.

• Open Source: Giving the code away for free to build community trust.

• Digital Third Spaces: Reviving the energy of Black Planet for mutual aid.

• Disruption: Building systems that ad-based models can't copy.

Quote: "Go down paths where people can't follow you."