[sophacles]

This seems to assume that the only way to use a network is the current (near)instant req/resp style networking, which is core to a lot of current protocols. One of the things a darknet would enable is a slower eventual delivery model, like email used to be. This is not ideal, but opportunistic store and forward still can move information faster and easier than no network at all. Things like freenet and freedom boxes are attempts to look at this notion.

In scenarios where the darknet is being actively attacked, people are likely going to be less concerned with instant services than any source of reliable, uncensored information. Perhaps we need to really look into ways to get information around following these methodologies and constraints as a supplement to building darknets.

[wmf]

People are only going to buy the equipment in the first place if they can check their Facebook over it. A network that's designed only for freedom fighters ends up not getting enough nodes to reach critical mass (see Freenet). People might tolerate an Internet-incompatible network if it also came with lots of free warez, though.

[v21]

Piracy is definitely the draw for this. Enough to make it practical? Maybe - it depends on how many good alternatives to piracy exist.