Community Tools

This guide provides recommendations for tools and platforms that can help your Distributed Chaos group thrive while maintaining privacy, accessibility, and openness.

Communication Platforms

Real-time Chat

1. Matrix/Element

   • Decentralized and open-source
   • End-to-end encryption
   • Cross-platform support
   • Federation capabilities
   • Self-hosting option

2. Signal

   • Strong encryption
   • Perfect for smaller groups
   • Simple to use
   • Mobile-first approach

3. Discord

   • Popular among tech communities
   • Rich feature set
   • Good for larger communities
   • Voice and video capabilities
   • Note: Consider privacy implications

Asynchronous Communication

1. Mastodon

   • Decentralized microblogging
   • Open-source
   • Federation capabilities
   • Good for public announcements

2. Forums

   • Discourse (recommended)
   • Self-hosted options
   • Searchable archives
   • Structured discussions

Project Collaboration

Version Control

1. Git Platforms
   • GitHub
   • GitLab (self-hosted option)
   • Codeberg (FOSS focus)

Project Management

1. Kanban Boards

   • Trello
   • GitHub Projects
   • GitLab Boards

2. Documentation

   • mdBook (what you're reading now!)
   • Wiki.js
   • GitBook

Event Organization

Meeting Planning

1. Calendar Tools

   • Nextcloud Calendar
   • Google Calendar
   • Mobilizon

2. RSVP Management

   • Meetup
   • Mobilizon
   • Simple forms (Cryptpad)

Virtual Meetings

1. Video Conferencing

   • Jitsi Meet (recommended)
   • BigBlueButton
   • Zoom (when necessary)

2. Streaming

   • OBS Studio
   • PeerTube
   • Owncast

Collaboration Tools

Real-time Collaboration

1. Code

   • VS Code Live Share
   • JupyterHub
   • Replit

2. Documents

   • Cryptpad
   • HedgeDoc
   • Etherpad

File Sharing

1. Large Files

   • IPFS
   • Nextcloud
   • Magic Wormhole

2. Code Snippets

   • GitHub Gists
   • PrivateBin
   • Paste.rs

Privacy and Security

Authentication

1. Password Management

   • Bitwarden
   • KeePassXC
   • Pass

2. 2FA

   • Aegis
   • AndOTP
   • YubiKey

Encryption

1. File Encryption
   • VeraCrypt
   • age
   • GPG

Setting Up Your Stack

1. Start small with essential tools
2. Get community feedback
3. Document your setup
4. Provide onboarding guides
5. Have backup options ready

Hosting Considerations

Self-hosting

• Pros: Control, privacy, customization
• Cons: Maintenance, cost, responsibility
• Recommended for: Larger, established groups

Cloud Services

• Pros: Easy setup, reliability
• Cons: Less control, potential costs
• Recommended for: New or smaller groups

Tool Selection Criteria

When choosing tools, consider:

1. Ease of use
2. Privacy features
3. Licensing
4. Maintenance requirements
5. Community support
6. Integration capabilities
7. Accessibility
8. Data portability

Remember: Tools should serve the community, not the other way around. Start with the minimum viable toolset and expand based on actual needs.