A cop on the mailing list could mean: A: They are a costumer

Is it you Sif? Sif I've finally found you!

If you are on the usa or Canada, you can use jmp.chat as an alternative. It provides a phone number via the xmpp protocol. It might be possible to set up on your own server as well, have a look here:

https://jmp.chat/faq

I use conversations on android as well. I think it's the best app for android. You can ask in the conversations support channel for help, there are very knowledgeable people around:

xmpp:[email protected]?join

Snikket is easy to host in a docker container. You would have your own internet messenger for friends and family. Snikket is based on the xmpp protocol thats been around for 20 years, is tried and tested and very lightweight and does take very few resources on your server. things like Nintendo's messenger and WhatsApp are xmpp based).

Thanks, I did not realise that. So this app is for Mac to Mac communication only. If seems for briar you need to run a server still or messages will get lost between mobile users. How does this new app solve that problem? On mobile phones disconnects will happen regularly as network coverage changes and different network towers connect and disconnect when you are on the move. You might as well spin up your own xmpp server at that point, as that protocol is tried and tested for over 20 years and very lightweight and battery friendly as well...

There is already a really good foss app that does exactly that, it's called briar and is as secure and private as it gets. The downside with p2p communication apps being, that they eat your phones battery for breakfast. Still a good option for activists or journalists I think. It's a good way to get around the "server in the middle" problem. Still more convenient to run your own (xmpp) server at home imho...