The reason people don't run nntp servers is the same reason I don't go to Antarctica to socialize.
The reason people use github is because it it there.
> It's because "free & open protocols" weren't really the issue!
Why do VC funded startups build platforms? Because that's how you get the gate-keeping function. Protocols do not get funded because they do not let you exclude.
Chiding others for not making progress on hard problems against well-funded opponents doesn't make one look wise.
GitHub is an interesting example, because if I push code to GitHub, I still have my local source, and being an open protocol I can easily push it elsewhere as well.
There's no conflict between these things. You can run your own private/semi-private repo, mirror to github and use github for the public facing features you're mentioning. That doesn't stop your own repo from continuing to exist (whether or not it is considered canonical or not).
One of the ISPs in my home town runs a nntp server and it is very popular among locals, not even tech-savvy ones. It’s been around for at least 16 years and last time I checked it was still very active. I think the point is - nntp is still acceptable if the community is large enough.
The reason people use github is because it it there.
> It's because "free & open protocols" weren't really the issue!
Why do VC funded startups build platforms? Because that's how you get the gate-keeping function. Protocols do not get funded because they do not let you exclude.
Chiding others for not making progress on hard problems against well-funded opponents doesn't make one look wise.