Meet Wander, a StumbleUpon-inspired tool for discovering the ‘small web’

In an era where AI-driven summaries and commercial content dominate online searches, a new wave of innovators is striving to reclaim the more human touch of the internet. This resurgence has birthed various projects, including Wander Console, an open-source, self-hosted web tool designed to help users discover intriguing websites recommended by a community of independent creators. Created by London-based developer Susam Pal, Wander Console was inspired by Kagi's "small web" search tool, which focuses on niche content like blogs and webcomics. However, Pal noticed that such tools often overlook a treasure trove of small websites run by indie developers and unique web projects. This realization fueled his desire to develop Wander, a platform that empowers users to share website recommendations. "Not everyone is aware of this beautiful part of the internet, filled with quirky sites where people showcase their personalities," Pal remarked. Wander draws inspiration from older concepts such as webrings and StumbleUpon, which offered random website recommendations. To get started with Wander, users need to upload two simple files to their website: an index.html file that links to the Wander console, and a wander.js file for connecting to other recommended consoles. There’s no need for server-side coding or complex databases, making it easy to host on platforms like GitHub Pages or Codeberg Pages. Once set up, website owners can add a “Wander” link, allowing visitors to dive into a world of discovery. The Wander console features a prominent “Wander” button that takes users to a random website, while the “Console” button provides insights into the setup and a list of recommended consoles, dubbed “Neighbors.” Some of these consoles offer clever and amusing recommendations. For instance, one user named Josh created a console that suggests websites made by others named Josh, while another has transformed the cursor into a whimsical creature. Customization is effortless, allowing users to modify the console's appearance with CSS or JavaScript without altering the core Wander console. This ensures that when updates are released, users can simply copy and paste to enhance their setups. Since its introduction to the Hacker News community earlier this year, Wander Console has garnered significant interest, with over 60 users now recommending more than 1,500 websites. Pal recognizes that while not everyone may seek out the small web, those with a creative spirit often yearn for the unique treasures it holds. He noted that many users nostalgically reminisce about the serendipitous nature of StumbleUpon, saying, "It’s the element of surprise — you never know what you will find when you click the button."