this post was submitted on 27 Aug 2023
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News and discussions about technology

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Low-tech Magazine launched the first volume in a new series of books opening up their archive by theme.

The magazine showcases forgotten technologies and imagines a simpler way forward.

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[–] readbeanicecream@kbin.social 2 points 1 year ago

I like the ideas the site proposes in principle (a lighter, more efficient tech/internet); however, I am not sure I agree with some of the solutions, such as returning to typewriters and paper-based solutions in a general office environment. Also, I am not sure image dithering lightens a website enough. (Full disclosure: I do like the aesthetic of the site itself.)

Instead of typewriters and paper, I would say that more cli-based and tui-based solutions would be more energy efficient. As well as replacing most monitors with e-ink displays for these solutions. I do agree with the deployment of minimal, static websites. However, instead of image dithering, focus on image formats optimized for the web (such as webp). Also, include images only when helpful or relevant; not just plastering a site with stock photos. I would contend that the images and videos included on most webpages are irrelevant, anyway.

The problem here is not me and you and our websites; its corporate websites (retail, news, social media.). With all of the tracking, javascript, inline ads, popup ads, video ads, spam emails, etc that they deploy, the web has become bloated. They deploy whatever they can to get us to click. Until we, as content consumers, actively choose to avoid these sites, their behavior will never change.