An important distinction is slowly being uncovered about the definition of the term "fediverse." Who is it that gets to decide what this place is? How are we being represented? These are not easy questions to answer and if we don't do a better job describing ourselves, then the job will get done for us by people who don't understand the underlying values we hold. #fediverse #meta #threads
@liaizon It looks like a stylized version of the pentagram, just simplified. It even has the same tilt.
@evan @Gargron seems @chrismessina was the first to discover it many months ago in the resources of the Android app quite awhile ago. I would assume we could just ask some of the Threads devs for more information, maybe @jessel or @wongmjane would be willing to share any information about where this icon comes from?
@liaizon @Gargron @chrismessina I mean the five-pointed star. I don't think I've seen anyone get credit for the work.
@evan @Gargron @chrismessina it was designed by @eudaimon and @drq!
@liaizon Funny enough, it was a multiple invention.
We, I and @eudaimon, independently, without knowing about each other at all, made the same logo. Mine had different chirality though, and had couple of other details like UN-esque laurel wreath (because we're federation :).
After we showed each other our results, we agreed that his version is simpler and more concise, and it will kinda be attributed to both of us.
@drq @eudaimon @evan @Gargron @chrismessina super interesting to hear some backstory! do you happen to have a link to your original version? just to keep in the vault of history
@liaizon I have it on me, somewhere. Wait, I'll try to find it.
@drq@mastodon.ml @liaizon@social.wake.st Ha, there was also this, from The Federation era. Five minute mashup by yours truly :P The idea was to represent the chaotic nature of the #fediverse.
@drq ah so cool thank you for sharing
@liaizon A lot of people think that the pentacle was chosen because of its occult or satanic connotations. And while it would be in Fediverse's rebellious spirit, this was not the case.
My idea was to illustrate the structure of the network. There must be multiple nodes (multiple servers). There must be nothing in the middle (no center). The connections can cross each other, but must never follow the same path twice. No connection must be on top of all of them.
It can't be done with two nodes, because it's just a line and in the middle of the line, there's line. It can be done with triangle, but it's boring. It can not be done with four nodes, because their connection cross in the middle.
So, five nodes it is. Thus, a pentacle.
Also, a pentacle is a classic symbol for a star. And I always wanted to associate the Fediverse with the stars and space in public consciousness.
What's plural of "a fedi node"? "a constellation".
@drq @liaizon I always assumed the goal was to represent the decentralised structure, and while I’m aware of some connection between the pentagram and the idea of magic and occult arts, they never really came to mind as the first thing when looking at the logo. And frankly I think it would make a terrible symbol for the Fediverse if that was the intent (either expressed by the authors, or actively communicated by the users); diversity and some form of neutrality are probably as descriptive of Fedi as the aforementioned rebellious spirit is. @eudaimon
@liaizon oh, look, a coin!
(the metal one is defective, lacking one node, because I suck at metal casting)
Dated 2018
been wanting to redo this project ever since.