Getting Started

Download the latest node release from the Talesmith homepage (official builds are only published at https://www.talesmith.studio).

The software must run on PHP hosting that meets our Host requirements. On first load, use Check host on the setup screen (✓, ?, or ✗) before you create your node.

Copy the files to your hosting

The release zip contains five files:

  • node.php
  • node.js
  • talesmith.js
  • talesmith.css
  • hubs.txt (optional hub directory hints for the Connections UI)

Upload all of them to the same folder on your site—for example https://your-domain.com/social/.

Open your node in a browser

Load node.php, not the folder index alone—for example https://your-domain.com/social/node.php.

First-time setup

Choose a display name, password, and optional avatar. This creates the data/ folder beside node.php with your settings and empty feeds.

Field-by-field detail and what happens on submit: Initial setup.

Setup form

Your first connection

After setup you are signed in. On the left, open Connections (or Manage on the connections card), paste another node’s URL into the box, and click Add.

You can paste either the site URL (https://talesmith.studio/social/node.php) or the full feed URL (…/node.php?feed=json); the node adds ?feed=json automatically.

The remote node must be online. A short handshake runs between the two servers; when it completes, that node’s posts appear on your home wall (while you are signed in).

Post

Use the compose area on the home view and publish your first post.

Home wall after connecting

What next?

Talesmith has no central post database. You discover people by feed URLs, friends, or a public hub directory.

  • Settings → Connections → Hub — register with a hub (optional) for directory listing and hub plugins.
  • Stay private and only connect to feeds you trust—see Node privacy for anonymous mode, disabling inbound connections, and what visitors see on your URL.

See the FAQ. Server checks: Host requirements. Hubs (optional): Using a hub.