Rip.so

What it does

Rip.so is a memorial website that catalogs and commemorates defunct internet services, software, and digital artifacts. It presents a curated list of "dead internet things" organized by category—messengers & chat, social networks, software & apps—with each entry showing the service's lifespan, a brief epitaph, and a link to a detailed obituary page. The site also features a "on this day in the graveyard" section that highlights anniversaries of notable shutdowns, a newsletter subscription for a weekly "grave digest," and a companion page for "things that survived against odds."

Who it is for

Rip.so is for internet nostalgists, digital historians, and anyone who remembers the services that shaped online culture. It appeals to users who want to revisit the era of ICQ, AIM, MySpace, and other platforms that have since shut down or faded into irrelevance. The site also serves as a reference for researchers or writers documenting the lifecycle of internet products.

Why it matters

The internet moves fast, and many services disappear without a trace. Rip.so provides a centralized memorial that preserves the memory of these platforms, offering context about why they died—whether from mismanagement, acquisition, or irrelevance. It highlights the transient nature of digital products and serves as a cultural archive for future generations.

Launch signal

Rip.so was launched as a Show HN on Hacker News, indicating an early-stage project. The site itself notes that it is "under construction," suggesting ongoing development. The companion page and newsletter subscription imply plans for regular updates and community engagement.

Brand and naming

The name "Rip.so" cleverly combines "RIP" (rest in peace) with the .so domain, evoking both mourning and a tech-savvy audience. The tagline "a graveyard for dead internet things" is memorable and sets clear expectations. The visual design uses ASCII art and a monochrome palette, reinforcing the nostalgic, somber tone.