[cmj328]

Next they’ll come for the chans, then Reddit, then FR.

[setha]

Reddit was already there since mid-2013.

Not only have they become their former competitor, Digg, Reddit has surpassed them in narrative control. Their favored communities get exemptions from rule enforcement, while they cripple, smear, or silence anyone else.

[familyop]

"Next they’ll come for the chans, then Reddit, then FR."

Yep. Here's part of the future for free speech.

https://ring.cx/

It's free and was developed by the Savoir-Faire Linux developers. It can be fully encrypted and used without centralized hosting services. Granted, it's only that way for chat, voice and video communications (including conferencing) so far, but it's something. Think of it as an alternative to Skype. Development is ongoing, of course.

It will likely lead to further development for other uses. ...also allows for VOIP with VOIP hosts through the PSTN with central servers.

IMO, eventually, much of what we do with the Net and other business will be encrypted and otherwise more secure. As it is now, multitudes of people have their most sensitive personal information routinely compromised by employers, web-based employment services, banks (sensitive info through customer service phone calls by way of unencrypted VOIP), the e-mail regime (encryption so easy while "professionals" like lawyers refuse to use it with clients), landlords with goon property managers and many more. The costs are ghastly.

[familyop]

The best alternative to web discussion boards for now, if needed, is that of encrypted e-mail through listservers. It’s easy to use and much faster than using a web board. Archives of discussions are easy to index and read.

[tbw2]

There are a very few small sites like writerbeat.com that don’t censor, but they are struggling to stay up because of few donors.
Remember to donate to FreeRepublic to keep it going.