nobody wants to use a networked computer until the network is big enough to have activity.
it's the “cold start problem”.
solve the cold start problem by making it worthwhile for people to be using their personal server in single-player mode.
once there are enough people using their personal servers as personal computers, their personal servers will have people to talk to.
so, build apps that are useful from day 1; apps that work without network effects.
digital basics & personal tools.
website builders
rss readers
text editors
budget trackers
recipe managers
notes, planners, journals, checklists
calendars
spaced repetition dojos
digital family trees
spreadsheets
voice memos
file-tree explorers
creative tools
in many cases, a social layer can be added to an app naturally once enough people are using it.
and on urbit, the social layer can be decentralized and respectful of the user.
neat.