Ghost, a newsletter platform and Substack rival, recently made significant progress in its move to become a federated service within the open social network of interconnected servers known as the fediverse. The company successfully federated its own newsletter, making it the first federated Ghost instance on the internet. Users can now follow the newsletter through their preferred federated app at @index@activitypub.ghost.org. However, Ghost acknowledges that there may be some bugs and issues as it continues to work on integrating the platform with ActivityPub, the protocol that powers Mastodon and other federated apps.
The company sees this milestone as a major achievement because it means they are now interacting with the wider fediverse, not just local implementations and tests. By federating its newsletter, Ghost is offering readers more choices in how they subscribe. In addition to email and web subscriptions, readers can now track the newsletter using RSS or ActivityPub-powered apps like Mastodon. Ghost plans to develop a way for sites with paid subscribers to manage access via ActivityPub in the future.
The move towards ActivityPub integration is becoming more common in the media business as writers and publishers look for alternatives to closed platforms like Substack. With reduced traffic from sources like Google and Facebook, writers are exploring new avenues to reach their audience. Additionally, AI technology that summarizes their work poses a threat, leading some publishers to seek out ActivityPub integration. Several sites, including The Verge, MacRumors, and MacStories, have already adopted a feature that adds reporters’ bylines to news articles when they appear in the fediverse.
Ghost itself has attracted high-profile users who were dissatisfied with Substack’s moderation policies. Casey Newton, formerly of The Verge, left Substack due to moderation concerns and migrated to Ghost instead. Another popular newsletter, Garbage Day, also made the switch. Notable Ghost-powered publishers include 404 Media, Buffer, Kickstarter, David Sirota’s The Lever, and Tangle.
Overall, Ghost’s move towards federation and ActivityPub integration signifies a shift towards more open and inclusive platforms in the newsletter and publishing industry. By embracing the fediverse, Ghost is providing readers with more options for accessing their content while also attracting users who value a more moderated and responsible online environment. As ActivityPub integration becomes more common, it will likely reshape the media landscape and offer writers and publishers new ways to connect with their audience.
