About Sneakernet

What is Project Sneakernet?

Sneakernet is a neighborhood-based information sharing system that helps connect people with local resources, services, and opportunities. The name comes from the old-school computing term "sneakernet" - when people physically carried information (on disks or drives) while instead of sending it through networks. Similarly, our project emphasizes person-to-person information sharing alongside digital tools.

What exactly is this website?

This website is an information portal for neighborhood resources - essentially a local community intranet. We're gathering hyperlocal information from many sources to make it easier to find what you need. The website is just one part of a larger ecosystem that includes physical information kiosks, printed materials, and community messaging groups.

There's not much on this website yet. Is it finished?

Not at all! You're seeing the very beginning stages of this project. The website is intentionally minimal right now because we're just getting started and want to build it thoughtfully with community input. We're taking a "start small and grow" approach rather than trying to launch with everything perfect from day one.

We welcome your help in shaping what information should be here and how it should be organized. This is meant to be a community-built resource that evolves based on neighborhood needs and contributions. What you see now is just the foundation for what we hope will become a valuable community tool.

Why create something like this when we already have social media?

Most social media platforms are designed to maximize profit through engagement and data collection. Their algorithms prioritize content that generates strong reactions and keeps people scrolling, not necessarily what's most helpful or accurate. These profit-driven platforms often amplify harmful content and can fragment communities as much as they connect them.

Sneakernet takes a fundamentally different approach - information is community-controlled, with no profit motive or algorithmic manipulation. This project aims to center the specific needs of our neighborhood rather than corporate interests.

Isn't this just another resource directory? We already have those.

We're not trying to replace existing resource directories! Instead, we link to excellent resources that already exist (like StartHereSTL) while filling gaps with our own crowdsourced information. Our goal is to connect existing projects and make everything accessible in one place without overwhelming people.

Who controls the information here?

The community does. We're building this as a non-hierarchical system where neighbors contribute, maintain, and verify information together. No single organization or person owns or controls what appears here.

Where is this project happening?

We're currently piloting in Dutchtown since this is where we live. We're starting here with the understanding that this is an iterative process - we're figuring things out as we go, learning what works, and adapting based on community feedback. Our hope is to develop a model that other neighborhoods could easily adapt and implement if they find it useful.

What will the physical side of Sneakernet look like?

Sneakernet will include:

• Custom information kiosks built from upcycled computer equipment

• Strategic use of existing screens and computers in community spaces

• QR codes placed where people already look for information (bulletin boards, bus stops, etc.)

• Printed materials for those who prefer non-digital formats

Why use recycled technology instead of new equipment?

We're using upcycled materials for several reasons: to prevent electronic waste, to keep costs manageable in an era of rising prices and uncertain funding, and because if something gets broken or damaged, it won't represent a major financial loss to the project. This approach also allows us to expand more easily as more neighbors get involved.

What inspired this project?

Sneakernet draws inspiration from several community information systems including:

• SF Net, which placed computer kiosks in San Francisco coffee shops in the early internet days

• Community Memory, one of the first computerized bulletin board systems

• Public library information services

• Traditional neighborhood bulletin boards and community newspapers

How will you make sure everyone can access this information?

We recognize that access varies widely among neighbors. Some may not have reliable internet or devices, while others face barriers due to language, disabilities, or comfort with technology. Our approach includes:

• Multiple formats (digital, physical kiosks, print)

• Information available in multiple languages

• Designs that consider various abilities and comfort levels with technology

• Volunteers available to help people access information in whatever way works best for them

How can local organizations be involved?

We see local organizations as the subject matter experts in their areas. Organizations can share information through Sneakernet, potentially have their own kiosks, and use this as an additional way to reach community members. We're not trying to replace any organization's communication channels, but to amplify and connect them.

How will you crowdsource information?

We've developed a help desk system that can organize microvolunteering tasks - small, manageable contributions that can be done in short time periods, often remotely. This approach allows people with limited time or specific constraints to participate meaningfully.

The help desk can help coordinate various community contributions like resource verification, translation, content creation, and maintenance tasks. It will include a knowledge base that preserves solutions to common challenges, reducing duplicate efforts and building community memory around problem-solving approaches.

We're designing this system to be respectful of people's time and abilities while making the most of our collective knowledge and skills.

How will everything in the Sneakernet ecosystem connect?

The project has four interconnected components:

1. The digital portal (this website)

2. Physical access points located throughout the community

3. Print materials for those who prefer or need non-digital formats

4. Community-controlled messaging groups for direct neighbor-to-neighbor communication

Together, these create multiple pathways to the same information, ensuring everyone can access resources in ways that work for their situation.

How can I get involved?

We're currently building the volunteer framework for this project and would love your input! We're designing a system that will create flexible "microvolunteering" opportunities that work for people with various schedules, abilities, and interests. If you'd like to help plan or implement this framework, you can join our Signal group to contribute ideas about:

• How to structure inclusive volunteer opportunities

• Ways to make participation accessible to everyone

• Systems for organizing and coordinating community contributions

• Approaches to verification and maintenance of information

• Methods for connecting people across language and technological barriers

We're looking for thoughtful perspectives to help shape this project from the ground up.