Pointers is a directory to help share links to your online presence with friends and mutuals. It is designed for private or intimate links you may not want to make visible to the world - a sort of forwarding service for the Internet, inspired by the concept of the forwarding pointer in computer science.
It was built as a response to the seeming fragility of online spaces we began to witness in November 2022. Pointers is purposefully very low-tech and simple, which will hopefully help support its longevity.
Pointers is similar to other 'link in bio' or 'landing page' services, with the following differences:
- Your links are private by default and are only visible to people you approve.
- It is free and open source.
- It has no analytics or tracking.
- It is a sort of pink color, which is nice.
How Pointers works
- Sign up for an account.
- Add the names by which you go online (publicly visible) and your links (private).
- Your friends can search for you by name and request to see your links.
- If you approve a request, your links will be visible to that user for a short period of time (1 day to a month).
- Your friends can always request to see your links again later.
FAQ
How many people are using Pointers?
Currently, 88.
Is the data encrypted?
Yes! All pointer data is stored encrypted in the database and is encrypted and decrypted on the server. This protects your pointer data from being read if the database is accessed by an attacker. Your names and bio are not encrypted, as these are public.
Where is the data stored? What is your privacy policy?
The data is stored on a server Raphael runs. He promises that he won't look at your private data. If you want to use Pointers, you are just going to have to trust him on this.
The data will never be sold or shared with third parties. If you delete your account, your data is truly gone.
What is your code of conduct?
Pointers is designed to share links, nothing more. If you use it for spam or to harass or dox others, your account will be deleted.
We are not responsible for the content of the links you share. We can't see your links, so we will get in touch and ask to see a screenshot of your account if you've been reported by another user. If you are found to be sharing something illegal or harmful, including links to illegal websites, we will delete your account.
If you see any content on Pointers that troubles you, please let Raphael know and he will deal with it!
How do I get in touch with you?
You can email Raphael at contact@pointers.website.
Would you consider making Pointers federated?
Maybe.
I don't like the pink color.
Consider userscripts. If you have a genuine accessibility concern, please do get in touch.