mirror project to Codeberg

[forrestguice]

I'm thinking of mirroring the project to Codeberg, to allow future possibility of migrating away from Github. That seems to be the direction a lot of people are moving and https://sfconservancy.org/GiveUpGitHub/ makes good arguments.

While I'm not a fan of MS, their acquisition of this platform, or what they've done with it (copilot), I also don't feel too strongly about migrating away. I like the quality of the tools provided. What I don't like is the idea of becoming dependent on non-free infrastructure (reason enough to consider alternatives). I've also noticed this project attracts many first time contributors (who then register to participate), which is a good argument for moving elsewhere.

I'm looking at Codeberg because it looks like its on a fast track to providing the features this project uses:

• version control
• issue tracker
• continuous integration
• static website
• wiki

I'm thinking of mirroring the code there, and migrating the website and wiki completely (replacing app links).

A full migration is always possible later, but also dependent on Codeberg features; niceties like moderation tools and mature CI are a must. Again, I don't feel nearly as strongly about this as others do. The goal is to reduce dependence, and to reduce the burden of an eventual migration.

[forrestguice]

• version control; https://codeberg.org/forrestguice/Suntimes.git
• static website; https://forrestguice.codeberg.page/Suntimes/
• continuous integration; TODO
• wiki; on-hold (still hosted here on GitHub)
• issue tracker; on-hold (still hosted here on GitHub)

[JonnyTech]

@forrestguice any reason why codeberg specifically? That domain is blocked in my part of the world. See issues such as https://codeberg.org/Codeberg/Community/issues/812 and similar.

I'm thinking of mirroring the code there, and migrating the website and wiki completely (replacing app links).

If the website / wiki disappear for lay users then they may not realise the reason why. Not everyone uses VPNs, Tor, proxys.

[forrestguice]

Thanks for letting me know.
I wasn't aware of this issue. ☹️

any reason why codeberg specifically?

• they aren't GitHub (and over time I've received an earful about depending on a non-free service).
• they are reputable (and the service seems reliable). The hosting is also in the EU (and I thought that most users would probably support that change).
• they welcome us to use their resources. It is free hosting for FOSS projects (and we don't have the money for self-hosting).
• it was easy (because they support our use case); the static site is served from a branch, so to publish I only need to push changes, and can keep the files needed to build the site nearby.

If the website / wiki disappear for lay users then they may not realise the reason why. Not everyone uses VPNs, Tor, proxys.

It is a mixed bag - with v0.15.13 those users are going to get a 404 for the website, privacy, donate, and "online help" links.
The issue tracker and git repository are unchanged, so requests for support or attempts to contribute shouldn't be affected. I'm not moving development anywhere (just the online resources linked by the app).

The old website and wiki re still online (and won't be removed). https://forrestguice.github.io/SuntimesWidget/ was mainly just a landing page, so I doubt anyone will miss it. I think bigger issue is that the "online help" is no longer accessible for those users.

I'm not sure what I can (or should do) about this situation 😦 (damned if you do, damned if you don't). What recourse is there when an oppressive government decides to block access (or cause itself to be blocked). I believe GitHub itself is inaccessible in many parts of the world for similar reasons. I see that there an unblock request form, but it would not surprise me if it was connected straight to /dev/null 🤷. It seems like a "Saudia Arabia / Belarus problem" (one that honestly elicits my contempt).

What alternatives exist? I try to be pragmatic, so I'm willing to consider them. To flip this around.. other than unreasonable censorship, why not Codeberg?

[JonnyTech]

Thanks for the detailed reply. My comment was really to make you aware more than anything else, lest you get complaints of unavailabiity. Alternatives are indeed scarce but mirroring content helps.

[forrestguice]

I understand. I was completely unaware. I've been reading about it this morning; https://blog.codeberg.org/how-blocklists-prevent-the-internet-to-be-decentralized-and-safe.html All I can say is what a headache!