Frequently Asked Questions
Key answers regarding our digital archaeology methodologies, platform case studies, and citation rules.
1. What is the historical focus of Wann Stirbt StudiVZ?
We document the architectural, cultural, and sociological history of early Web 2.0 (2000–2012), focusing on regional social networks like StudiVZ/SchülerVZ, instant messaging protocols (ICQ, AIM, MSN), and the emergence of modern platform economics.
2. Are all monographs in the archive free and open access?
Yes. All platform teardowns, internet history essays, and sociolinguistic monographs are distributed freely under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0).
3. How does digital archaeology preserve abandoned platforms?
We utilize ISO 28500 standardized WARC web crawls, open-source Flash WebAssembly emulators (Ruffle), and database schema reconstructions to study defunct web systems without violating user privacy.
4. Can university researchers submit case studies?
Yes. We welcome submissions from historians, media theorists, and computer scientists examining early network topologies, online community subcultures, and protocol history.