There have been very very bad experiences with Daniel Mikay, the former (?) lead dev of GrapheneOS.
GrapheneOS is an awesome project. It doesnt suit everyone, as it only focuses on security, doesnt add many LineageOS features, ships no Appstore preinstalled and pretty much promotes hunting down your APKs from Git* releases, doesnt work with microG, …
But its a really valuable piece of software, extremely critical for the opensource community, as its really the only degoogled and secure Android there is.
Now I am close to ditching it… again… as I am pissed off by “the community”, or more these/this weird anonymous people/individual identifying as “GrapheneOS” on their self-controlled Matrix server.
Background
Not wanna cry here, but giving the scenery:
I went into their room and discussed a bit. Points where pretty much:
- Android is a deviation of Linux with its own Kernel and way different release numbers
- it sucks being dependend on a big Corp for their Android Desktop, as there simply is on Custom ROM creating a different one
- Linux is awesome, as it is so free. Android immutable model could totally work with more customizability like desktops, and still be secure.
What happened? I got perma-banned for “doubling down on spreading misinformation”.
Prior I went into a Private chat with this “GrapheneOS” person, and asked what exactly where the points where I spreaded misinformation. They said “Android is Linux. You have no idea what you are talking about but think you do. You cant spread misinformation in our community anymore.”
After these messages and still no explanations, they left the private chat and blocked be from rejoining.
Wow. This is what a self-run server can also look like it seems.
Well, I guess I will be switching to Calyx or DivestOS soon, if I have no community to discuss in.
I would be happy if some critical voices could join the server and do some constructive discussions. Right now its a forced echo chamber.
PS: If that was you Daniel, please just take a pause. You did some great work but personally you act extremely toxic. This is not how to talk to people.
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I wouldn’t engage with them personally. I use grapheneOS. I would use their matrix for support only, but we already know the community is a little… errrr… defensive. Definitely not the place to debate stuff like this, and those folk involved are pretty bright anyway.
“Android immutable model could totally work with more customizability like desktops, and still be secure” - I read this, and don’t know enough, but I’m wondering if this is a selling point of a rival of theirs. I think they’re very precise and ardent on secure. Some of their rivals allow more flexibility, and less secure, so it could have been a conversation they’ve had millions of times with people trolling them. Obviously, they’re quite sensitive, and react way beyond the pale, but good policy is don’t troll folk that may need mental health help.
The fact you know Daniel, and the history, and went in their to debate is really quite questionable. “I wonder what would happen if I take this box of matches into this room full of flammable material”. It’s weird you’re asking people to go in and debate with them. Why are you advocating this? It’s like you’re wanting to troll them, and while there is often not excusing some of the actions on that project, what is your goal? Subtle trolling is a thing.
Either way, use what software you want. Their matrix is run by them, and they define the rules of how they operate. It isn’t a public entity, it’s a private club.