Introducing PopCann
PopCann is a process that allows anyone to send 140-character messages via e-mail without being tethered to a single service. It’s one more take on the idea of a decentralized Twitter network. Although I’ve created the first application using WordPress, the process is not application-specific. The approach is similar to many others in this space, XML is used to transfer each message, but less emphasis is placed on “instant communication” (even though this process appears to be rather quick).
Every PopCann user has a PopCann id. The id is an e-mail address. For each PopCann user, it’s best to create a new e-mail address that will be dedicated to processing PopCann messages. Any e-mail address will work with the PopCann WordPress Plugin, as long as the e-mail provider supports the POP3 protocol. PopCann has been tested using both GMail and Hotmail accounts.
I’ve created a set of instructions for installing and configuring the PopCann WordPress Plugin, “Building a Decentralized-Twitter using WordPress, E-mail, and Chewing Gum.” This plugin is meant to be used for demonstration purposes. I recommend installing the code into a test environment since it has not been rigorously tested.
Using PopCann
PopCann is based on the publish/subscribe model. If you’ve setup the PopCann WordPress Plugin, a visitor to your PopCann Homepage can subscribe to your messages (or “pops”). Each user has a homepage and you can subscribe to their pops too. The creation of the homepage is described in the installation instructions.
To subscribe, the visitor simply enters their PopCann e-mail address in the box and clicks the subscribe button. This action will add a subscription record to your WordPress system. It will also generate an e-mail to the visitor’s PopCann system so that they will have a record of the subscription.
Everytime you post an update, that update will be e-mailed to all of your subscribers.
The message will also appear on your homepage. Each of these messages is stored as a comment in the WordPress system. Basically, every message you create or receive is a comment for one WordPress page.
Each of your subscribers has his or her own PopCann Homepage. New messages are added via automatic polling of the e-mail inbox.
Once the subscriber refreshes the page, new messages will be displayed.
I will be adding details about PopCann to the wiki at PopCann.org (not available yet).
There are still a great many items to work through and I’m going to need help identifying and solving a few challenges. I hope you’ll get involved and lend a hand. I’ve identified a few concerns already and I’ll create a list on the wiki. I’m confident that we can work together and find simple solutions for these challenges.
Why Bother?
Do we really need another microblogging system? I don’t think we need hard standards at this stage. We’re still experimenting and I think it’s worth exploring various options. This process works. I’ve already used it. The only question now is how well will it work if it’s applied to a larger audience. I think that question is worth exploring.
Update:
I’ve created my own page on this blog. I need to adjust my css and I wish I’d changed the default permalinks when I first created this blog (live & learn). You can subscribe to my page & we can chat. 
swhitley (Shannon Whitley) said,
Wrote on September 27, 2009 @ 10:43 pm
Twitter Comment
I may be crazy, but that doesn’t mean a decentralized Twitter via e-mail can’t work. “Introducing PopCann” – [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
Parker said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 10:03 am
This looks awesome, Shannon.
I’m definitely looking forward to trying it out.
Josh Fraser said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 10:09 am
Neat idea. Did you consider implementing it with PubSubHubbub instead of email? I’ve spent a lot of time fighting email deliverability issues & personally wouldn’t choose to build anything on top of email if I had the choice. PuSH would also give you faster update speeds and eliminate the need for polling.
Shannon said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 11:47 am
@Parker – Shoot me an e-mail when your page is setup. I’ll definitely subscribe.
@Josh – The work that I’ve done could definitely be adapted. WordPress is a natural choice (with the ability to link replies etc.). The built-in feeds would work well with PuSH. I’m giving e-mail a try since the network already exists and it’s simple to get started.
allenmireles (Allen Mireles) said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
Twitter Comment
RT @barbfmc: RT @swhitley: Build your own “Twitter” w/ WordPress. – “Introducing PopCann” – [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
swhitley (Shannon Whitley) said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
Twitter Comment
Build your own “Twitter” w/ WordPress. A decentralized microblogging network. – “Introducing PopCann” – [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
serena (Serena Ehrlich) said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
Twitter Comment
RT @swhitleyBuild your own “Twitter” w/ WordPress. A decentralized microblogging network. – “Introducing PopCann” – [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
Igniter (Michael Lewkowitz) said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
Twitter Comment
more open #infrastructure RT @swhitley: Build your own “Twitter” w/ WordPress. “Introducing PopCann” – [link to post] #changemedium
– Posted using Chat Catcher
ChangeMedium (ChangeMedium) said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
Twitter Comment
more open #infrastructure RT @swhitley: Build your own “Twitter” w/ WordPress. “Introducing PopCann” – [link to post] via @Igniter
– Posted using Chat Catcher
mihaisecasiu (Mihai Secasiu) said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
Twitter Comment
RT: @swhitley: Build your own “Twitter” w/ WordPress. A decentralized microblogging network. – “Introducing PopCann” – [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
1gbram (Robert Klubenspies) said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
Twitter Comment
RT @mihaisecasiu: Build your own “Twitter” w/ WordPress. A decentralized microblogging network. “Introducing PopCann” – [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
serena (Serena Ehrlich) said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
Twitter Comment
@swhitley Had no idea you did Chat Catcher! Installed it on http://www.startuparmy.com/armyblog & love it. 1st t time Ive used a prgm like this
– Posted using Chat Catcher
swhitley (Shannon Whitley) said,
Wrote on September 28, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
Twitter Comment
@serena I’m really happy to hear you like it. It’s been going for a while now. Rolling out some new features pretty soon.
– Posted using Chat Catcher
ITbende » Post Topic » ITbende Podcast nr 22: Wave said,
Wrote on October 2, 2009 @ 8:58 am
[...] Green Dam Censorware uit – Alcatel Boosts Fiber Speed naar 100 Petabits in Lab – Light Peak – PopCann – KPN schiet wimax af en kiest voor lte Log in om deze aflevering te beluisteren! [...]
elizabethsosnow (Elizabeth Sosnow) said,
Wrote on October 3, 2009 @ 3:27 pm
Twitter Comment
PopCann = process that allows anyone to send 140-character messages via e-mail via @swhitley [link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
도비호 said,
Wrote on October 14, 2009 @ 6:33 pm
interesting