Rudy's Theory of Revolution

Eclecticisms Conversations Series: Episode 001

About the Guest:

In this episode, I'm joined by Rudy Fraser - Founder of Blacksky, self-taught technologist, mutual-aid organizer & fellow at Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society . We explore Rudy's unique perspective on open networks & protocols as the foundation of community sovereignty - including his thoughts on collective intelligence, State surveillance & violence, the legacy of Black anarchism in America, the relationship between values and technical architecture, the role of capital in revolution & more.

Full Audio & Episode

"A quick way to produce something valuable is to just do things that are harder or scarier to your peers."

Table of Contents

Timestamped Conversation Guide

Further Reading & Resources

Episode Glossary

More from Rudy & Blacksky

"Why are you building for a community if you don't yourself have community? Having people who will yell at you if something breaks is just very important."

Episode Chapters:

Intro (0:00)

Part I: The Genesis Story (1:04)

Part II: Community Infrastructure (7:04)

Part III: Developing a Political Praxis (14:34)

Part IV: Black Anarchism & Web3 (18:47)

Part V: Intro to Blacksky (25:17)

Part VI: Sovereignty vs. Ecosystem (35:42)

Part VII: Advice for Building on AT Protocol (46:00)

Part VIII: Looking to the Future (51:24)

Part IX: Onboarding & Existing Challenges (55:38)

Part X: 2026 Goals & Aspirations (1:01:52)

Part XI: Works that Rewired Rudy’s Worldview (1:02:40)

Outro (1:06:00)

"No one's really offering intimacy on AT Protocol right now. Everyone's just like, 'What is centralized big platform? Let's create decentralized big platform.' And that's not meeting the moment."

"Blacksky is trying to create digital third spaces... where your community has complete say and control over it."

About Eclecticisms

Eclecticisms is my personal blog where I opine on a wide range of topics including technology, philosophy, art & creativity, religion & more. It is produced & maintained entirely by me ( @eclecticcapital.bsky.social ) and lives between Substack and Leaflet. A like / follow / subscribe is always appreciated if you enjoy the content!

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musings of a dispassionate observer. Click to read Eclecticisms, by natalie marie, a Substack publication. Launched 4 years ago.