this post was submitted on 05 May 2025
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Fediverse
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The bang (!) version originated from Laconica later renamed to StatusNet and later became GNUsocial. It was the very first and original Fediverse software, way back in 2008. It was always meant for groups.
Mastodon® software is planning on adding groups too, and they probably will use bang (!) as well. Besides, it's the only logical reason.
The sharp/pound/hashtag (#) is for hashtags ever since hashtags were invented. While the atsam (@) is for user accounts that has been around since the 90s (afaik).
What looks like an "email" is called WebFinger. It is actually a webstandard (see: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebFinger ). Aside from email addresses and OpenID, the first social network [software] that used it was Laconica/StatusNet/GNUsocial in 2008 (the birth of the Fediverse).
Since Threadiverse software like Lemmy, Kbin, and Mbin were built for the Fediverse network, they're following the standards and established practices, instead of reinventing the wheel. If they were joining the Matrix network, they no doubt would follow the standards and practices in the Matrix network.
That's the answer to "why".
#Laconica #StatusNet #GNUsocial #Fediverse #Mastodon #WebFinger #Threadiverse #Lemmy #Kbin #Mbin