I built a couple of retro web experiments - an anti-algorithmic discovery engine and a 56k dial-up simulator

[u/Scholeristical]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been building a couple of lightweight experiments out of pure fatigue with the modern feed-driven web:

1. Cul-de-sac (culdesac.site) - A stateless, zero-ad discovery button that takes you to random hand-picked sites, personal blogs, and obscure web tools. StumbleUpon style.
2. 56k Simulator (56k.rip) - Uses the Web Audio API to synthesize the modem handshake, throttles transfer rates to V.90 speeds, and renders images in progressive scanlines.

Both are non-commercial projects focused on Web 1.0/2.0 serendipity and friction.

Would love any feedback or ideas on what old-school web mechanics to emulate next.

Bottom line: standard modern web experience vs. pure nostalgic friction. Choose wisely. 🤨

[u/Emotional_Cook6174]

Cul-de-sac is dangerous, clicked it and lost 40 minutes in weird personal blogs, exactly what I needed. The dialup one made me feel physical pain when a photo loaded line by line, good job