Unveiling Wander: A StumbleUpon-Inspired Tool for Discovering the ‘Small Web’

With AI-generated summaries and branded content dominating online searches, people are devising ways to bring back a more personal touch to the internet, resulting in innovations like “small web” search engines and decentralized social networks.

A key development in this area is Wander Console, an open-source, self-hosted web console that enables users to explore fascinating sites and webpages endorsed by a community of indie website creators.

Susam Pal, the developer from London behind this initiative, was inspired to create this small, decentralized tool after discovering Kagi’s “small web” search engine, which restricts searches to particular types of content, such as blogs, webcomics, and YouTube channels.

However, this methodology often misses out on niche websites run by indie creators like Pal, along with smaller projects, mini applications, and games. This realization led him to create Wander, enabling users to curate website suggestions.

“Not everyone is aware of this delightful segment of the internet, filled with unique sites where people showcase their individuality,” he remarked.

Wander takes cues from older concepts like webrings, which used to connect independent websites and blogs, as well as website discovery platforms like StumbleUpon that offered random site suggestions with a simple click of the “Stumble!” button. It also integrates features similar to blogrolls, allowing site owners to recommend other websites.

To set up Wander, you need to upload two files to your website: an index.html linking to the Wander console, and a wander.js (a plain JavaScript file) to connect to other recommended Wander consoles. No server-side code or database is required, and the console can even be hosted on GitHub Pages or Codeberg Pages, according to Pal.

Once uploaded, you can include a “Wander” link on your site, encouraging visitors to embark on the exploration journey. (For instance, you can check out Pal’s demo of the Wander Console.)

The console features a “Wander” button that loads a random site, while the “Console” button provides information about that user’s Wander setup, including suggestions for other endorsed Wander consoles, referred to as “Neighbors.”

Many of these Wander consoles showcase creativity and humor. For instance, one console created by a user named Josh curates websites from others named Josh. Another customizes the cursor into a whimsical creature, while yet another guides users through myriad pages on Neocities, a platform aiming to rekindle the spirit of creativity on the web, reminiscent of Geocities. Many consoles have also tailored their color schemes for consistency with their original sites or to evoke nostalgia.

Pal stressed that personalizing the console using CSS or JavaScript is simple and does not interfere with the core functionality of Wander Console. This allows users to easily update to newer versions by simply copying and pasting the necessary portions when Wander releases updates.

Pal initially introduced the project to the Hacker News community earlier this spring and later shared it on Reddit and other platforms, receiving enthusiastic feedback and support. Since then, over 60 users have embraced Wander, together recommending more than 1,500 websites.

“Not everyone is inclined to explore the small web—some individuals view the internet purely as a utility, which is absolutely fine. However, those with a creative inclination may wish to delve into the small web,” Pal commented.

He pointed out that many internet users seem to miss StumbleUpon, often recalling it with nostalgia. “It’s the element of surprise—clicking the button could lead to delightful surprises,” he added.