Ben Werdmuller

Category: Software development

  • You can’t empower users by targeting ads

    Scott Hanselman has a great take on platforms and ownership on the web: Why doesn’t someone make a free or cheap social network for the people? Why can’t I control my content? Why can’t I export everything I’ve written? […] All these questions are asked about social networks we don’t control and of companies who […]

  • Bootstrapping Elgg

    In my twenties, as part of a two-person team, I co-founded and bootstrapped a social networking platform that would end up being used by organizations like Oxfam, the World Bank, the Australian government, the United Nations and NASA. We did this with a budget of $0; I don’t remember ever buying advertising, and for the […]

  • Grassroutes: how three students helped save the Internet

    Like many of you, I blacked out my site for the protests against SOPA and PIPA. These are bad laws that describe themselves as being anti-piracy but will hinder business, destroy jobs, undermine the working of the Internet, and – to add insult to injury – won’t stop piracy. Khan Academy has a great overview; […]

  • Identity is the operating system

    I’ve got a phone number: +1 (312) 488-9373. Feel free to call or text it. If I’m walking around, you’ll get me on my Samsung Galaxy S II. If I’m in transit (but not driving), you’ll probably get me on my iPad. If I’m at my desk, I’ll answer and take the whole call through […]