The following definition of the small net is taken from smol-pub.
The Web isn't the only Internet protocol, in fact it wasn't even the first one. Gopher predates the Web and is still in use today. It's actually gaining in popularity. Gemini, a recent Internet protocol that explores the space between the Web and Gopher brings back the late 90's excitement over what Internet can be: a place where people connect. Both Gemini and Gopher share simplicity. There's no ads, JavaScript code and cookie-tracking technology. Just plain text. There's no notification, no point system, just real people. The small net is also slow. It's a place for longer-form content. It's bare: there's no bell and whistle. Only text. It's a place of substance.