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Plain text: so that no one can own the presentation method.

Plain text: so that no one can own the distribution method.

Plain text: so that no one can own the creation method.

Plain text: so normal people can recover data even when partially corrupted.

Plain text: so you aren't forced to see jarring ads.

Plain text: so that there are no tracking pixels.

Plain text: because connecting information with hyperlinks doesn't require all of HTML or even computers.

Plain text: because it's good enough for metadata.

My future and knowledge is in YAML-fronted markdown and YAML metadata for binaries. Let's take back our data. Look out for Optik.io.



Started with a Stallman-esque rant I could get down with and then ended in a very un-Stallman-esque and opaque ad. :(


I was half expecting it to end in a plug for GOPHER.


Ok fair, this is the first time I've gotten public interest! Awesome. Please hold shortly, website incoming...

(Just for reference, I do want to build a business on open data, but not by owning your data. I would like to help people manage their data.)

EDIT: Website is live! Try https://www.optik.io until DNS catches up, if optik.io is not responding for you.


Plain text: so when Optik.io melts down immediately from an HN "hug of death" one can use high-availability services instead.


There's nothing to melt down, there is no (public) website there. I can barely get a conversation started on this topic without HN's cynicism, as you demonstrate.

But as evidenced by this and other articles, as everyone is getting fed up with the current state of data, people are coming around to the idea.


> There's nothing to melt down, there is no (public) website there

You might want to be a bit more clear in your communication. When someone links a URL/domain, you'd expect that there's something there.

I mean, why not put up a splash page on your domain, telling something about your product (what is it? Something with plain text? A Markdown-based static site generator, maybe? Who knows.), or maybe a form to subscribe to a mailing list.

Did you think people would put that domain in their bookmarks and re-visit it themselves?


Thanks for your feedback, HN does not pull any punches. I've been pitching this slowly for a while as I honed the product.

I want to help organize data using an open format. I think user control of presentation is crucial as AR and VR work further into daily life -- especially considering accessibility.

Splash page is now up, including the product description, and form to subscribe to a mailing list. Please check it out, I'd love to hear what you think!

https://www.optik.io


There's no product description whatsoever...

How do you plan to monetize plain text?


As places to hustle for your project go, HN is probably one of the gentler ones. Just build first, THEN plug.


  There's nothing to melt down
This site can’t be reached

optik.io took too long to respond. Search Google for optik io

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT


The thing about jarring ads is a great point. I have lynx installed for those times when I've been jarred by one too many. It can be refreshing to navigate the web in a console window.




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