\hypertarget{smol-launch}{%
\section{Smol Launch}\label{smol-launch}}

\begin{verbatim}
 ┌─┐┌┬┐┌─┐┬     ┬  ┌─┐┬ ┬┬ ┬┌─┐┬ ┬
 └─┐││││ ││     │  ├─┤│ ││╲││  ├─┤
 └─┘┴ ┴└─┘└─┘   └─┘┴ ┴└─┘┴ ┴└─┘┴ ┴ 
\end{verbatim}

\href{https://brutalist.report/topic/business?limit=5\&}{Brutalist News}

\href{https://insideparadeplatz.ch/}{Insideparadeplatz}

\href{news.gmi}{My News Links}

\href{https://www.frc.sa.gov.au/community/mercury}{Quorn mercury}

\href{gemini://rawtext.club/~sloum/geminews/cnn/}{CNN rt}

\href{gemini://rawtext.club/~sloum/geminews/csm/}{CSM rt}

\href{gemini://rawtext.club/~sloum/geminews/npr/}{NPR rt}

\hypertarget{project}{%
\subsubsection{Project}\label{project}}

\href{project.gmi}{Project}

\href{gemini://gemini.circumlunar.space/software/}{}

\href{https://github.com/kr1sp1n/awesome-gemini}{}

\href{https://github.com/mk270/gemtext2latex}{}

\href{plants.gmi}{Soil-less Microgreens}

\hypertarget{the-rise-fall-and-return-of-text-based-computing}{%
\subsection{The Rise, Fall, and Return of Text-Based
Computing}\label{the-rise-fall-and-return-of-text-based-computing}}

The Rise, Fall, and Return of Text-Based Computing

The early days of personal computing were centered around text-based
interfaces like the command line terminal. Operating systems like UNIX
provided users with powerful but cryptic commands for manipulating files
and running programs. Communication was conducted on text-only platforms
like Usenet or early email protocols like UUCP. The world wide web had
not yet been invented.

This text-focused era reflected both the technical limitations and
pioneering spirit of early hackers and computer enthusiasts. Graphics
capabilities were limited, but the flexibility of the command line
interface gave users unfettered access to the operating system. A single
line of code could automate complex file management tasks. Text
communication protocols like UUCP, Telnet, and FTP allowed the first
online communities to spring up, connecting people across phone lines
and primitive network connections.

The introduction of the graphical user interface (GUI) by Apple in the
1980s signaled a radical shift toward visual computing and mouse-driven
interfaces. Microsoft Windows soon popularized the model further.
Graphics, images, and multimedia content began to dominate software and
the emerging world wide web. The average user was empowered by the
intuitive simplicity of the graphical interface.

However, the transition to visual computing has also imposed limitations
on how users can access and control their devices. GUIs hide the
complexities of the system underneath, restricting access to only what
the interface permits. The rise of mobile computing and locked-down
hardware like smartphones and tablets has further restricted user
control in favor of foolproof ease of use.

But text interfaces still have unique advantages that make them
compelling, even necessary, for certain use cases. For expert and power
users, the flexibility and automation capabilities of the command line
remain unparalleled. Interface conventions like piping allow commands to
be easily chained together to perform advanced operations not supported
by GUI software. Scripting gives users fine-grained control to customize
and automate repetitive tasks.

For communication and networking, open text-based protocols provide
alternatives to closed corporate ecosystems like social media networks
and centralized HTTP services. While less flashy and immediate than
visual interfaces, protocols like email, IRC, Usenet, and FTP allow
users to own and control their own content and connections. Protocols
like Gemini and Gopher leverage the simplicity and universality of plain
text to create open and decentralized alternatives to the web.

Importantly, text-based online communication protocols offer more
censorship resistance than centralized and graphical services. Many
regimes block access to social networks and other sites to censor
dissent. But legacy text protocols continue to function as access to
core internet infrastructure remains open. For example, Usenet remains
popular for political discussion because the governments finds the
decentralized text network impossible to fully block. Email and IRC
channels similarly persist as channels for free speech.

Text-based tools also provide more freedom, privacy, and anonymity
compared to audio/visual computing. Communicating and networking without
photos, videos, or audio recordings allows users to share ideas and
build connections without emphasis on identity and self-presentation. It
returns the focus to quality of ideas over flashy presentation.
Anonymity enables free speech without fear of repercussions.

Of course, visual interfaces also have benefits---they can be more
intuitive, immediate, and expressive. But computing doesn't have to be
an all-or-nothing choice between visual or text. The two can coexist,
each used for its strengths. Graphical interfaces help bring computing
to the mainstream, while text interfaces give experts and tinkerers
access underneath to customize their experience. Visual social networks
provide connections to the world, while text-based tools let users
control their digital identities.

Computing has always evolved via cycles of openness and control.
Mainframes gave way to personal computers. The openness of the early
internet made way for consolidation under tech giants. But open
protocols and grassroots communities persist, providing an important
counterbalance. By continuing to use and develop text-based tools
alongside modern graphical interfaces, we can keep computing open,
empowering, and accessible to all. The text interface is dead, long live
the text interface.
