It had its high time approx. 90s to mid 00s. I very much enjoyed it.
It ticks all the boxes when it comes to #federation and freedom of interface: a number of web-based services, CLI tools like #slrn (mine), #Thunderbird and other GUI-tools.
"Today, many folks look back with fondness on the early days of computer-based messaging. Depending on age, they may wax nostalgic for #bbses#Usenet, or #webforums. All these technologies still exist, although either barely used or are full of spam. It’s hard not to think that something may have been lost.
Perhaps the future isn’t one of endless growth for all-powerful corporations but a return to smaller, more personal “third spaces” where we can feel comfortable." https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/04/first-post-a-history-of-online-public-messaging/