Hacker and free speech advocate Retro Guy has passed away.
I have been away from the Internet for at least a couple months. I came to quickly check my feeds and I am sad to have found report of the passing away of a very cool hacker, Thom Miller, known by the handle, Retro Guy. According to his wife Kaylen Miller, Thom died about two weeks ago from pancreatic cancer. He had a years-long struggle with cancer and multiple therapies and surgeries. During all the time of his illness he continued to hack away providing network access and software updates absolutely free to his user base. He was a strong believer in the value of open and decentralized communication for all. His software is simple and awesome, and useful for censorship-resistant communication. (https://gitlab.com/rslight-public/rocksolid-light)
Thom, known as Retro Guy, created the Rocksolid Light NNTP forums and server software. He served the hacker community as a free speech advocate and provider of free speech communication networking. He refused to censor opinions that he found offensive or stupid on the principle of the golden rule. He endured a lot of annoyances to provide service for many. Thom maintained the software for years giving web-based NNTP access to countless users. Thom was always helpful and patient with users needing assistance, even when he was feeling ill and suffering. He pushed through his pain to serve others with something he believed was a necessary tool and blessing for the general public.
I am sad to learn of Thom's passing. He will be missed and remembered. I will remember him by continuing to run his software.
More:
https://news.novabbs.org/rocksolid/article-flat.php?id=1024&group=rocksolid.nodes.help#1024
More:
https://news.novabbs.org/rocksolid/article-flat.php?id=560&group=rocksolid.nodes.announce#560
More:
https://news.novabbs.org/rocksolid/article-flat.php?id=561&group=rocksolid.nodes.announce#561
More:
https://www.novabbs.com/interests/article-flat.php?id=25410&group=alt.obituaries
#obituary #rocksolidlight #usenet #nntp #freespeech #cancer #condolences #networknews #retroguy #novabbs #bbs
#nntp
Now all I need is a newsreader for android, but I guess that'll be too much to ask and I'll end up installing a web-based reader and using that on my phone.
I'm really loving Geminispace, much much more enjoyable than the world wide web.
Next, I plan to get back into usenet. Set up an NNTP server and all that. Curious what that is like after all these decades.
Any good upstream NNTP servers people can recommend? Going to start with eternal-september.org/ I think.
@epilys @thedarktangent I finally got my #usenet #nntp TUI client to be usable. https://crates.io/crates/usenet_reborn had to get before that the libs usable to be able to get the client working as I wanted took me around 2-3 years for the lib and 6months to 1 yea for the client https://crates.io/crates/rek2_nntp/1.0.5 @hispagatos @2600 #2600Madrid #programming #rust #rustlang
@rek2
#UsenetReborn https://sr.ht/~rek2/Usenet_Reborn/ pronto lanzaremos la versión beta1. Estoy emocionado de haber estado trabajando en esto durante un par de años, primero tuve que escribir la biblioteca #NNTP para hacer lo que necesitaba https://crates.io/crates/rek2_nntp y cuando eso estuvo mayormente bien, comencé a #RTFM sobre #RUST TUIs y comencé a jugar con #ratatui en mi tiempo libre entre mi trabajo de #hacking #ofensivo #seguridad Gracias a la gente de #matrix y #usenet por el control de calidad.
Improved threads logic and drawing now icons show on subjects and some more fixes! on #UsenetReborn https://sr.ht/~rek2/Usenet_Reborn/ soon will be releasing beta1 I am excited I been working on this for a couple years, first I had to write the #NNTP lib to do what I needed it https://crates.io/crates/rek2_nntp and when that was mostly ok then I started to #RTFM about #RUST TUIs and started to play with #ratatui on my free time in between my #hacking #offensive #security job Thanks to #matrix and #usenet folks 4 QA.
Yesterday I work most of the day in implementing #newsgroups #articles #threading support on #UsenetReborn updated the main branch and the image, let me know what you think.
- https://sr.ht/~rek2/Usenet_Reborn
#usenet #nntp #rust #programming #tui #decentralization #happyHacking #Hispagatos
Warning: I'm not a developer just a #hacker that works in #infosec and #unix systems that loves to learn as much as I can of everything. So patches with actual good code is welcome #happyHacking
Toot anterior de @rek2
"Usenet Reborn" cliente TUI para Usenet y NNTP en lenguaje Rust, ¡fase alfa!
- https://sr.ht/~rek2/Usenet_Reborn/
Ahora que tengo la versión 1.0.1 publicada para mi biblioteca #NNTP llamada "rek2_nntp" (https://crates.io/crates/rek2_nntp), he logrado que el cliente "Usenet Reborn" esté listo para usar, nuevo cliente #usenet en formato #TUI usando bibliotecas #ratatui #rust. No soy experto en Rust, ¡los parches son bienvenidos para ambos proyectos! #hackers #culturahacker #descentralización
"Usenet Reborn" is an Usenet and NNTP TUI client in Rust language, in alpha stage!
- https://sr.ht/~rek2/Usenet_Reborn/
Now that I have a 1.0.1 released for my #NNTP library called "rek2_nntp" https://crates.io/crates/rek2_nntp was able to go ahead and get "Usenet Reborn" client in a usable stage a brand new #usenet client in #TUI format using the #ratatui #rust #libs not a rust expert so patches are WELLCOME to both projects! #hackers #hackerculture #decentralization
The main issue is of course that even though we like the idea of having an #nntp forum, actually checking it becomes sporadic because there's nothing there most of the time
Today I cobbled together a weird construction where I managed to sent updates on our local newsnet (nntp) forum to rss and then have the feed announced as new posts on our IRC server.
And I feel like all this must have been solved before and easier but it's not like you can find this stuff doing a search anymore.
**Released rek2_nntp 1.0** a #usenet #nntp #rust library
I still need to polish some things this next month on a 1.0.1
- https://crates.io/crates/rek2_nntp
- https://git.sr.ht/~rek2/rek2_nntp
Hope someone will find it useful, I did got on my older versions still in alpha a bunch of downloads from crates.io I started this because I am also writing a #TUI usenet client and after that I hope to write something for android (this is harder for
me)
#happyHacking #Hacking #hispagatos
Patches welcome using git email
ReK2
@wargreen : Une expérimentation de réseau #nntp pour #interhack, ça te tente ?
@tth@pleroma.interhacker.space
Une republication d'usenet avec un délai variable. La version par défaut publie les messages d'il y a 30 ans, et certaines versions ont un délai de 40, voire 45 ans. Ca me rend tout nostalgique. https://olduse.net/ #nntp #usenet #histoire #art #informatique #internet
Illuminant - A NNTP-based Fediverse Server
This is cool.
It is a Fediverse server you can use with a newsreader client like Thunderbird.
Demo: https://illuminant.asjo.org/
Profile: https://illuminant.asjo.org/user/asjo
Source: https://koldfront.dk/git/illuminant/
#NNTP #Illuminant #Fediverse #Software #Usenet #CoolCode
@infostorm@a.gup.pe @usenet@a.gup.pe @usenet@lemmy.ml
This is cool.
It is a Fediverse server you can use with a newsreader client like Thunderbird.
Demo: https://illuminant.asjo.org/
Profile: https://illuminant.asjo.org/user/asjo
Source: https://koldfront.dk/git/illuminant/
#NNTP #Illuminant #Fediverse #Software #Usenet #CoolCode
@infostorm@a.gup.pe @usenet@a.gup.pe @usenet@lemmy.ml
NEWSCARD: Decentralized, Encrypted Paste Bin via Usenet Newsgroups
NEWSCARD Publish and fetch permanent named records via Network News
Newscard creates a decentralized, encrypted, named record paste bin.
[git repo] https://codeberg.org/OCTADE/newscard (use most recent version only)
With a single command, name the card, snarf the file and encrypt it.
With another command, push the encrypted file to the public network.
With another short command, snarf a file from the network.
Only users knowing the name [key] of the record will be able to decrypt it.
If a strong passphrase is used to name the file, it will be very secure.
This is useful for quickly snarfing, encrypting, and publishing a text file:
$~: card enc [passphrase] [file]
$~: card put [passphrase]
It is useful for retrieving a text file with just a key:
$~: card get [passphrase]
$~: card show [passphrase]
If and when you want the general public to access the record just share the keyword.
Newscard uses nine (9) (NINE) layers of encryption with OpenSSL chacha20 cipher.
Newscard generates 9 each of: cipher keys, salts, key iteration parameters.
It would be nice if something like this were added to the ActivityPub protocol, such that keyword[@]host.url would do the same thing. Then secret text records could be stored securely for later retrieval or revelation.
#NewsCard #Pastebin #Usenet #NNTP #NetworkNews #Encryption #Cryptography #Messaging #Anonymity #Protocols #OpenSource #FreeSoftware #BlackHackJack #Censorship #Retro #InfoSec #Ciphers #Codes #FOSS
@infostorm@a.gup.pe @crypto@a.gup.pe @infosec@a.gup.pe
NEWSCARD Publish and fetch permanent named records via Network News
Newscard creates a decentralized, encrypted, named record paste bin.
[git repo] https://codeberg.org/OCTADE/newscard (use most recent version only)
With a single command, name the card, snarf the file and encrypt it.
With another command, push the encrypted file to the public network.
With another short command, snarf a file from the network.
Only users knowing the name [key] of the record will be able to decrypt it.
If a strong passphrase is used to name the file, it will be very secure.
This is useful for quickly snarfing, encrypting, and publishing a text file:
$~: card enc [passphrase] [file]
$~: card put [passphrase]
It is useful for retrieving a text file with just a key:
$~: card get [passphrase]
$~: card show [passphrase]
If and when you want the general public to access the record just share the keyword.
Newscard uses nine (9) (NINE) layers of encryption with OpenSSL chacha20 cipher.
Newscard generates 9 each of: cipher keys, salts, key iteration parameters.
It would be nice if something like this were added to the ActivityPub protocol, such that keyword[@]host.url would do the same thing. Then secret text records could be stored securely for later retrieval or revelation.
#NewsCard #Pastebin #Usenet #NNTP #NetworkNews #Encryption #Cryptography #Messaging #Anonymity #Protocols #OpenSource #FreeSoftware #BlackHackJack #Censorship #Retro #InfoSec #Ciphers #Codes #FOSS
@infostorm@a.gup.pe @crypto@a.gup.pe @infosec@a.gup.pe
@usenet@lemmy.world
Behold! The net cop gives expensive advice! You are basically requiring that I pay for yet another ERC20 cryptocurrency token just to send text messages.
From the Autonomi site:
Newscard has several selling points:
0. It's not for sale. Try that with Autonomi, Maidsafe, and a thousand others.
1. It is free, unlike your suggested cryptocurrency pump.
2. My solution is simple and elegant - naming small text files for retrieval.
3. Newscard uses existing infrastructure already in operation for decades.
4. Many mature client softwares and terminal emulators already exist for the task.
5. Newscard doesn't require investment or payment.
6. Newscard doesn't have an integrated, useless payment system.
7. Newscard is ANONYMOUS and uses The Onion Network by default.
8. Users won't lose their money when using Newscard.
And my Newscard solution doesn't require taking zillions of dollars from people who will likely never see a return on their token investment. Storage token sale schemes are a dime a dozen. I can't believe you think I have the credulity to swallow such a scheme.
For almost two decades running countless crews have claimed that they will, 'decentralize the Internet' if you give them your money.
Newsflash: The Internet already is decentralized. Decentralization is a basic part of the design of the Internet. It already routes around damage and censorship by default. Why do I need to pay for a crypto token for something that already exists? Decentralized Usenet has been in continuous operation for decades. I'm already using the 'decentralized Internet' for the Newscard protocol. I've been using the 'decentralized Internet' since forever! It doesn't need to be decentralized by crypto pump schemes. The Internet is already decentralized.
So we already have a decentralized Internet where data storage is abundant and cheap. And these token pumpers want to set themselves up as gatekeepers so we have to pay them to get the tokens to store our data. That is not decentralization. That is the essence of a centralized monetary gatekeeper!
You accused me of misusing Usenet. Yet I am only doing what people have done with Usenet for decades--posting encrypted messages. I'm not misusing Usenet. You're misusing my patience for cryptocurrency dumps and re-hashed token sales strategies.
#CryptoCurrency #Tokens #Decentralization #Usenet #NNTP #Internet #Censorship #Blockchain
Behold! The net cop gives expensive advice! You are basically requiring that I pay for yet another ERC20 cryptocurrency token just to send text messages.
From the Autonomi site:
"WHEN SOMEONE (A PERSON OR A COLLECTIVE) UPLOADS DATA THEY PAY A FEE TO DO SO."
"+1 Million tokens on offer for early contributors."MaidSafe is credited as having invented the ICO. I wouldn't touch it or any of its descendant projects with a ten-foot pole.
"MaidSafe are the team behind Autonomi ..."Didn't you learn from Maidsafe+Mastercoin ICO and ten thousand other ICOs already? The purpose of digital 'tokens' is to separate gullible people from their dollars or euros or yuan or rubles, providing in return something they could already have for free or so cheap it's nearly free. It appears that the people behind Maidsafe are also behind the crypto token you are suggesting, for merely posting text files. Get outta here!
Newscard has several selling points:
0. It's not for sale. Try that with Autonomi, Maidsafe, and a thousand others.
1. It is free, unlike your suggested cryptocurrency pump.
2. My solution is simple and elegant - naming small text files for retrieval.
3. Newscard uses existing infrastructure already in operation for decades.
4. Many mature client softwares and terminal emulators already exist for the task.
5. Newscard doesn't require investment or payment.
6. Newscard doesn't have an integrated, useless payment system.
7. Newscard is ANONYMOUS and uses The Onion Network by default.
8. Users won't lose their money when using Newscard.
And my Newscard solution doesn't require taking zillions of dollars from people who will likely never see a return on their token investment. Storage token sale schemes are a dime a dozen. I can't believe you think I have the credulity to swallow such a scheme.
For almost two decades running countless crews have claimed that they will, 'decentralize the Internet' if you give them your money.
Newsflash: The Internet already is decentralized. Decentralization is a basic part of the design of the Internet. It already routes around damage and censorship by default. Why do I need to pay for a crypto token for something that already exists? Decentralized Usenet has been in continuous operation for decades. I'm already using the 'decentralized Internet' for the Newscard protocol. I've been using the 'decentralized Internet' since forever! It doesn't need to be decentralized by crypto pump schemes. The Internet is already decentralized.
So we already have a decentralized Internet where data storage is abundant and cheap. And these token pumpers want to set themselves up as gatekeepers so we have to pay them to get the tokens to store our data. That is not decentralization. That is the essence of a centralized monetary gatekeeper!
You accused me of misusing Usenet. Yet I am only doing what people have done with Usenet for decades--posting encrypted messages. I'm not misusing Usenet. You're misusing my patience for cryptocurrency dumps and re-hashed token sales strategies.
#CryptoCurrency #Tokens #Decentralization #Usenet #NNTP #Internet #Censorship #Blockchain
NEWSCARD: Decentralized, Encrypted Paste Bin via Usenet Newsgroups
NEWSCARD Publish and fetch permanent named records via Network News
Newscard creates a decentralized, encrypted, named record paste bin.
[git repo] https://codeberg.org/OCTADE/newscard (use most recent version only)
With a single command, name the card, snarf the file and encrypt it.
With another command, push the encrypted file to the public network.
With another short command, snarf a file from the network.
Only users knowing the name [key] of the record will be able to decrypt it.
If a strong passphrase is used to name the file, it will be very secure.
This is useful for quickly snarfing, encrypting, and publishing a text file:
$~: card enc [passphrase] [file]
$~: card put [passphrase]
It is useful for retrieving a text file with just a key:
$~: card get [passphrase]
$~: card show [passphrase]
If and when you want the general public to access the record just share the keyword.
Newscard uses nine (9) (NINE) layers of encryption with OpenSSL chacha20 cipher.
Newscard generates 9 each of: cipher keys, salts, key iteration parameters.
It would be nice if something like this were added to the ActivityPub protocol, such that keyword[@]host.url would do the same thing. Then secret text records could be stored securely for later retrieval or revelation.
#NewsCard #Pastebin #Usenet #NNTP #NetworkNews #Encryption #Cryptography #Messaging #Anonymity #Protocols #OpenSource #FreeSoftware #BlackHackJack #Censorship #Retro #InfoSec #Ciphers #Codes #FOSS
@infostorm@a.gup.pe @usenet@lemmy.world @crypto@a.gup.pe @infosec@a.gup.pe
NEWSCARD Publish and fetch permanent named records via Network News
Newscard creates a decentralized, encrypted, named record paste bin.
[git repo] https://codeberg.org/OCTADE/newscard (use most recent version only)
With a single command, name the card, snarf the file and encrypt it.
With another command, push the encrypted file to the public network.
With another short command, snarf a file from the network.
Only users knowing the name [key] of the record will be able to decrypt it.
If a strong passphrase is used to name the file, it will be very secure.
This is useful for quickly snarfing, encrypting, and publishing a text file:
$~: card enc [passphrase] [file]
$~: card put [passphrase]
It is useful for retrieving a text file with just a key:
$~: card get [passphrase]
$~: card show [passphrase]
If and when you want the general public to access the record just share the keyword.
Newscard uses nine (9) (NINE) layers of encryption with OpenSSL chacha20 cipher.
Newscard generates 9 each of: cipher keys, salts, key iteration parameters.
It would be nice if something like this were added to the ActivityPub protocol, such that keyword[@]host.url would do the same thing. Then secret text records could be stored securely for later retrieval or revelation.
#NewsCard #Pastebin #Usenet #NNTP #NetworkNews #Encryption #Cryptography #Messaging #Anonymity #Protocols #OpenSource #FreeSoftware #BlackHackJack #Censorship #Retro #InfoSec #Ciphers #Codes #FOSS
@infostorm@a.gup.pe @usenet@lemmy.world @crypto@a.gup.pe @infosec@a.gup.pe
@Toxic_Flange There is one attempt at mapping Usenet servers at http://top1000.anthologeek.net/ - not a geographical map though.
#usenet #nntp
Client Info
Server: https://mastodon.social
Version: 2025.04
Repository: https://github.com/cyevgeniy/lmst