Diaspora or, technically, Diaspora* is an open-source-based social network of social networks. Each pod is run by an individual on his or her own server. These are all joined together in what s called the Fediverse. Unlike Twitter, there s no central site, organization, or even software. You simply hunt down a diaspora pod that suits you, join it, and off you go. 

In my case, I belong to Glass Wings, which tends to have people involved in technology and art. Unfortunately, it s not admitting new users at this time. Can t find one that suits you? Then start your own pod with your own interests and rules. 

Regardless of the platform, you won t see advertisements or algorithms that decide what messages you ll see. Instead, it consists of multiple, small cozy communities of like-minded people.

Once you ve joined, you can connect and follow people on other pods. Finding them on the Fediverse, however, can be difficult. You must have that person s specific ID to track them down. 

The interface, which to some may be more like than Twitter, can also be difficult to navigate. For example, you can t edit messages once they ve been posted -- not that you can do that on Twitter either. 

Like most social networks, when you get right down to it, the real value you get from it is from the people you follow and befriend on it. For me, Diaspora has an agreeable mix of like-minded folks, so I m willing to put up with the interface.