Interstellar Media Distribution - Revision history

Seeker of Dragons at 03:25, 15 November 2025

2025-11-15T03:25:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:25, 14 November 2025
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	High-bandwidth radio and laser-based communications allow such networks to extend to multiple planets within the same star system. However, speed-of-light delay (~1-10 seconds within planetary orbits, minutes to hours between planets) means that live interaction is not generally possible. While streaming and multiplayer video games do not function, an approximation of planetary internet can be maintained (although frequently only a subset of content will be automatically synchronized unless requested by a local user).		High-bandwidth radio and laser-based communications allow such networks to extend to multiple planets within the same star system. However, speed-of-light delay (~1-10 seconds within planetary orbits, minutes to hours between planets) means that live interaction is not generally possible. While streaming and multiplayer video games do not function, an approximation of planetary internet can be maintained (although frequently only a subset of content will be automatically synchronized unless requested by a local user).

	At interstellar scales, this system becomes totally ~~inflatable~~. While under ideal conditions systems close enough for direct [[Starsong Communication\|starsong]] communication can experience latency as low as 15 minutes planet-to-planet, such conditions are rare, and latencies of hours or days are far more common. In addition, the low bandwidth of starsong networks means that only high-value content such as news bulletins is regularly transmitted automatically. Bulk data transit by starship is far cheaper per byte, but in those cases latency of weeks is not uncommon. Therefore, the user-facing internets of Elyrion have tremendous diversity across space, both in the content they provide and the way they are accessed. The dynamics of synchronization across star systems depends strongly on distance and media type, as well as the attitudes of local governments.		At interstellar scales, this system becomes totally infeasible. While under ideal conditions systems close enough for direct [[Starsong Communication\|starsong]] communication can experience latency as low as 15 minutes planet-to-planet, such conditions are rare, and latencies of hours or days are far more common. In addition, the low bandwidth of starsong networks means that only high-value content such as news bulletins is regularly transmitted automatically. Bulk data transit by starship is far cheaper per byte, but in those cases latency of weeks is not uncommon. Therefore, the user-facing internets of Elyrion have tremendous diversity across space, both in the content they provide and the way they are accessed. The dynamics of synchronization across star systems depends strongly on distance and media type, as well as the attitudes of local governments.

	Paying for ultra-long range communication is generally difficult, as coordinating payments at interchanges is challenging where cooperation agreements between networks to finance forwarded messages are not in place. In many cases, the longest-range transmissions require chartering a starship to complete the entire journey; while long-distance runners do exist in such markets, their availability is hinly unpredictable and the cost generally quite high.		Paying for ultra-long range communication is generally difficult, as coordinating payments at interchanges is challenging where cooperation agreements between networks to finance forwarded messages are not in place. In many cases, the longest-range transmissions require chartering a starship to complete the entire journey; while long-distance runners do exist in such markets, their availability is hinly unpredictable and the cost generally quite high.

Seeker of Dragons at 03:25, 15 November 2025

2025-11-15T03:25:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:25, 14 November 2025
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	=== Packet Ships ===		=== Packet Ships ===
	Where Starsong communication is not available, where the message in question is too large, or where speed is not of the essence, it is common for messages to be simply be stored in boxes full of hard drives, loaded onto ships, and sent in the same manner as physical parcels. A high fraction of commercial interstellar shipping capacity is devoted to transporting these packets; ships ~~devoted to this sort~~ of ~~operation~~ are ~~called~~ packet ships. Almost every interstellar voyage will carry some fare-paying data in either hard drives permanently installed aboard the vessel or in standardized containers, typically a meter or so per side. On major ley-lines, bulkers typically dominate this market, as they are optimized for cost per ton, and their frequent stops make them able to serve wide arrays of destinations at the cost of delivery time. As volumes go down or urgency goes up, costs tend to rise and smaller (but faster and more direct) ships come to predominate. Packet shipping is the only reliable method for ultra-high value, ultra-long range shipping, as there is functionally no way other than chartering a ship to ensure that a message can be relayed across the dozens of national borders and network interchanges that such a journey requires.		Where Starsong communication is not available, where the message in question is too large, or where speed is not of the essence, it is common for messages to be simply be stored in boxes full of hard drives, loaded onto ships, and sent in the same manner as physical parcels. A high fraction of commercial interstellar shipping capacity is devoted to transporting these packets; ships whose principal revenue source is the transports of packets are known as packet ships. Almost every interstellar voyage will carry some fare-paying data in either hard drives permanently installed aboard the vessel or in standardized containers, typically a meter or so per side. On major ley-lines, bulkers typically dominate this market, as they are optimized for cost per ton, and their frequent stops make them able to serve wide arrays of destinations at the cost of delivery time. As volumes go down or urgency goes up, costs tend to rise and smaller (but faster and more direct) ships come to predominate. Packet shipping is the only reliable method for ultra-high value, ultra-long range shipping, as there is functionally no way other than chartering a ship to ensure that a message can be relayed across the dozens of national borders and network interchanges that such a journey requires.

	=== Data Porters ===		=== Data Porters ===
	In some rare intersections of data value, size, and routing, there exists a niche for data porters, individuals hired to transport data amongst their luggage while traveling on commercial passenger transports. Such individuals are frequently used where discretion is key. They are typically slower than chartered ships, but are able to travel far more anonymously, as their identities appear only in carrier manifests, rather than the often-public logs of starport facilities or risk the attention of those who monitor space traffic. Their fees vary widely, but are typically second only to chartering a ship.		In some rare intersections of data value, size, and routing, there exists a niche for data porters, individuals hired to transport data amongst their luggage while traveling on commercial passenger transports. Such individuals are frequently used where discretion is key. They are typically slower than chartered ships, but are able to travel far more anonymously, as their identities appear only in carrier manifests, rather than the often-public logs of starport facilities or risk the attention of those who monitor space traffic. Their fees vary widely, but are typically second only to chartering a ship.

Seeker of Dragons at 21:47, 6 November 2025

2025-11-06T21:47:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 6 November 2025
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	=== Data Porters ===		=== Data Porters ===
	In some rare intersections of data value, size, and routing, there exists a niche for data porters, individuals hired to transport data amongst their luggage while traveling on commercial passenger transports. Such individuals are frequently used where discretion is key. They are typically slower than chartered ships, but are able to travel far more anonymously, as their identities appear only in carrier manifests, rather than the often-public logs of starport facilities or risk the attention of ~~security officials and their scanners~~.		In some rare intersections of data value, size, and routing, there exists a niche for data porters, individuals hired to transport data amongst their luggage while traveling on commercial passenger transports. Such individuals are frequently used where discretion is key. They are typically slower than chartered ships, but are able to travel far more anonymously, as their identities appear only in carrier manifests, rather than the often-public logs of starport facilities or risk the attention of those who monitor space traffic. Their fees vary widely, but are typically second only to chartering a ship.

Seeker of Dragons at 21:45, 6 November 2025

2025-11-06T21:45:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:45, 6 November 2025
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	In addition to the distribution of media, interstellar data distributors will typically make available "indexes" of data available in systems served by them or by associated providers, and will distribute these widely and cheaply. These indexes typically contain extensive lists of websites, software, and content with brief descriptions; users can then pay a fee for the data to be shipped. Index distribution is often handled by interstellar publishers, most ships carry some net indexes between systems automatically. This "mail-order" system is often the only way to gain access to all but the most seminal content from distant worlds, and often takes months for request completion.		In addition to the distribution of media, interstellar data distributors will typically make available "indexes" of data available in systems served by them or by associated providers, and will distribute these widely and cheaply. These indexes typically contain extensive lists of websites, software, and content with brief descriptions; users can then pay a fee for the data to be shipped. Index distribution is often handled by interstellar publishers, most ships carry some net indexes between systems automatically. This "mail-order" system is often the only way to gain access to all but the most seminal content from distant worlds, and often takes months for request completion.

	On remote stations, even in systems with planetary internets, low local cache capacity makes bulk synchronization impractical. On such stations, index distribution is the only form of net access available, though fulfillment ~~times~~ can be ~~fast~~.		On remote stations, even in systems with planetary internets, low local cache capacity makes bulk synchronization impractical. On such stations, index distribution is the only form of net access available, though fulfillment can be accomplished through direct uplink.

	== Transmission Methods ==		== Transmission Methods ==

Seeker of Dragons at 21:44, 6 November 2025

2025-11-06T21:44:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 6 November 2025
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	=== Packet Ships ===		=== Packet Ships ===
	Where Starsong communication is not available, where the message in question is too large, or where speed is not of the essence, it is common for messages to be simply be stored in boxes full of hard drives, loaded onto ships, and sent in the same manner as physical parcels. A high fraction of commercial interstellar shipping capacity is devoted to transporting these packets; ships devoted to this sort of operation are called packet ships. Almost every interstellar voyage will carry some fare-paying data in either hard drives permanently installed aboard the vessel or in standardized containers, typically a meter or so per side. On major ley-lines, bulkers typically dominate this market, as they are optimized for cost per ton, and their frequent stops make them able to serve wide arrays of destinations at the cost of delivery time. As volumes go down or urgency goes up, costs tend to rise and smaller (but faster and more direct) ships come to predominate. Packet shipping is the only reliable method for ultra-high value, ultra-long range shipping, as there is functionally no way other than chartering a ship to ensure that a message can be relayed across the dozens of national borders and network interchanges that such a journey requires.		Where Starsong communication is not available, where the message in question is too large, or where speed is not of the essence, it is common for messages to be simply be stored in boxes full of hard drives, loaded onto ships, and sent in the same manner as physical parcels. A high fraction of commercial interstellar shipping capacity is devoted to transporting these packets; ships devoted to this sort of operation are called packet ships. Almost every interstellar voyage will carry some fare-paying data in either hard drives permanently installed aboard the vessel or in standardized containers, typically a meter or so per side. On major ley-lines, bulkers typically dominate this market, as they are optimized for cost per ton, and their frequent stops make them able to serve wide arrays of destinations at the cost of delivery time. As volumes go down or urgency goes up, costs tend to rise and smaller (but faster and more direct) ships come to predominate. Packet shipping is the only reliable method for ultra-high value, ultra-long range shipping, as there is functionally no way other than chartering a ship to ensure that a message can be relayed across the dozens of national borders and network interchanges that such a journey requires.

			=== Data Porters ===
			In some rare intersections of data value, size, and routing, there exists a niche for data porters, individuals hired to transport data amongst their luggage while traveling on commercial passenger transports. Such individuals are frequently used where discretion is key. They are typically slower than chartered ships, but are able to travel far more anonymously, as their identities appear only in carrier manifests, rather than the often-public logs of starport facilities or risk the attention of security officials and their scanners.

Seeker of Dragons at 20:47, 5 November 2025

2025-11-05T20:47:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:47, 5 November 2025
Line 3:		Line 3:
	High-bandwidth radio and laser-based communications allow such networks to extend to multiple planets within the same star system. However, speed-of-light delay (~1-10 seconds within planetary orbits, minutes to hours between planets) means that live interaction is not generally possible. While streaming and multiplayer video games do not function, an approximation of planetary internet can be maintained (although frequently only a subset of content will be automatically synchronized unless requested by a local user).		High-bandwidth radio and laser-based communications allow such networks to extend to multiple planets within the same star system. However, speed-of-light delay (~1-10 seconds within planetary orbits, minutes to hours between planets) means that live interaction is not generally possible. While streaming and multiplayer video games do not function, an approximation of planetary internet can be maintained (although frequently only a subset of content will be automatically synchronized unless requested by a local user).

	At interstellar scales, this system becomes totally inflatable. While under ideal conditions systems close enough for direct starsong communication can experience latency as low as 15 minutes planet-to-planet, such conditions are rare, and latencies of hours or days are far more common. In addition, the low bandwidth of starsong networks means that only high-value content such as news bulletins is regularly transmitted automatically. Bulk data transit by starship is far cheaper per byte, but in those cases latency of weeks is not uncommon. Therefore, the user-facing internets of Elyrion have tremendous diversity across space, both in the content they provide and the way they are accessed. The dynamics of synchronization across star systems depends strongly on distance and media type, as well as the attitudes of local governments.		At interstellar scales, this system becomes totally inflatable. While under ideal conditions systems close enough for direct [[Starsong Communication\|starsong]] communication can experience latency as low as 15 minutes planet-to-planet, such conditions are rare, and latencies of hours or days are far more common. In addition, the low bandwidth of starsong networks means that only high-value content such as news bulletins is regularly transmitted automatically. Bulk data transit by starship is far cheaper per byte, but in those cases latency of weeks is not uncommon. Therefore, the user-facing internets of Elyrion have tremendous diversity across space, both in the content they provide and the way they are accessed. The dynamics of synchronization across star systems depends strongly on distance and media type, as well as the attitudes of local governments.

	== Conventional Media ==		Paying for ultra-long range communication is generally difficult, as coordinating payments at interchanges is challenging where cooperation agreements between networks to finance forwarded messages are not in place. In many cases, the longest-range transmissions require chartering a starship to complete the entire journey; while long-distance runners do exist in such markets, their availability is hinly unpredictable and the cost generally quite high.

			== Distribution Paradigms ==

			=== Conventional Media ===
	Conventional media refers content created by a business targeted for individual consumption, such as movies, tv shows, video games, and books. While bulk data transport has fairly high upfront costs, media companies are frequently happy to distribute their wares as widely as possible. In general, only the largest companies deal with interstellar distribution directly; most studios contract with dedicated interstellar distributing companies who arrange the actual data transport aboard ships, and either buy the rights to a work out-of-system outright, or charge an upfront fee before distributing revenue to the creators at regular intervals.		Conventional media refers content created by a business targeted for individual consumption, such as movies, tv shows, video games, and books. While bulk data transport has fairly high upfront costs, media companies are frequently happy to distribute their wares as widely as possible. In general, only the largest companies deal with interstellar distribution directly; most studios contract with dedicated interstellar distributing companies who arrange the actual data transport aboard ships, and either buy the rights to a work out-of-system outright, or charge an upfront fee before distributing revenue to the creators at regular intervals.

	These interstellar publishers tend not to deal with smaller creators at all unless they have proven their success in their local system, although in regions where barriers to shipping are low, this bar is relatively easy to clear. Low-data media types, such as books, music albums, and 2d video games, are generally easier to have distributed than more data-intensive ones.		These interstellar publishers tend not to deal with smaller creators at all unless they have proven their success in their local system, although in regions where barriers to shipping are low, this bar is relatively easy to clear. Low-data media types, such as books, music albums, and 2d video games, are generally easier to have distributed than more data-intensive ones.

	== User-centered Media ==		=== User-centered Media ===
	Forum posts, blog articles, captioned selfies, the hijinks of exotic pets, and similar content produced by individuals and hosted by corporate platforms is rarely transmitted between star systems on a regular basis. "Meme traders," who skim the local nets for the most popular content and transport it to nearby systems with similar online cultures and suitable monetization schemes exist, but rarely operate at significant scale. The most common way for this "casual internet" to be transmitted between systems is aboard the data caches of starships on other business. Independent ships, aether survey vessels, and transports with local entertainment systems represent the bulk of such transmission, and for closely-linked systems, this can result in substantial synchronization of popular accounts, forums, and zines. The personal devices of interstellar passengers play a lesser, but non-negligible role in this process.		Forum posts, blog articles, captioned selfies, the hijinks of exotic pets, and similar content produced by individuals and hosted by corporate platforms is rarely transmitted between star systems on a regular basis. "Meme traders," who skim the local nets for the most popular content and transport it to nearby systems with similar online cultures and suitable monetization schemes exist, but rarely operate at significant scale. The most common way for this "casual internet" to be transmitted between systems is aboard the data caches of starships on other business. Independent ships, aether survey vessels, and transports with local entertainment systems represent the bulk of such transmission, and for closely-linked systems, this can result in substantial synchronization of popular accounts, forums, and zines. The personal devices of interstellar passengers play a lesser, but non-negligible role in this process.

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	Independent transmission of this sort also frequently produces net celebrities and memes which spread far and wide across the galaxy purely on their innate virality; the original creators, often anonymous and without monetary interest, rarely discover their creation's notoriety.		Independent transmission of this sort also frequently produces net celebrities and memes which spread far and wide across the galaxy purely on their innate virality; the original creators, often anonymous and without monetary interest, rarely discover their creation's notoriety.

	== Technical Materials ==		=== Technical Materials ===
	Content such as scientific and medical journals, textbooks, and technical software and help forums are frequently synchronized across regions by providers who charge subscriptions for access, typically in addition to any regular fees from the original content provider. In some cases, universities or corporations will pay for the distribution of a work, typically in an effort to boost uptake of a new technology or service. Academic consortium often negotiate special rates for the distribution of scientific writing and software.		Content such as scientific and medical journals, textbooks, and technical software and help forums are frequently synchronized across regions by providers who charge subscriptions for access, typically in addition to any regular fees from the original content provider. In some cases, universities or corporations will pay for the distribution of a work, typically in an effort to boost uptake of a new technology or service. Academic consortium often negotiate special rates for the distribution of scientific writing and software.

	== Index Distribution ==		=== Index Distribution ===
	In addition to the distribution of media, interstellar data distributors will typically make available "indexes" of data available in systems served by them or by associated providers, and will distribute these widely and cheaply. These indexes typically contain extensive lists of websites, software, and content with brief descriptions; users can then pay a fee for the data to be shipped. Index distribution is often handled by interstellar publishers, most ships carry some net indexes between systems automatically. This "mail-order" system is often the only way to gain access to all but the most seminal content from distant worlds, and often takes months for request completion.		In addition to the distribution of media, interstellar data distributors will typically make available "indexes" of data available in systems served by them or by associated providers, and will distribute these widely and cheaply. These indexes typically contain extensive lists of websites, software, and content with brief descriptions; users can then pay a fee for the data to be shipped. Index distribution is often handled by interstellar publishers, most ships carry some net indexes between systems automatically. This "mail-order" system is often the only way to gain access to all but the most seminal content from distant worlds, and often takes months for request completion.

	On remote stations, even in systems with planetary internets, low local cache capacity makes bulk synchronization impractical. On such stations, index distribution is the only form of net access available, though fulfillment times can be fast.		On remote stations, even in systems with planetary internets, low local cache capacity makes bulk synchronization impractical. On such stations, index distribution is the only form of net access available, though fulfillment times can be fast.

			== Transmission Methods ==

			=== Starsong Communication ===
			(Main article: [[Starsong Communication]])

			Low filesize, high-value material is transmitted by Starsong networks wherever possible. Although generally expensive, it is extraordinarily fast; effective speeds of hundreds of light-years per day are possible on the most efficient networks, although most messages travel much more slowly than the theoretical maximum. Text messages over Starsong are generally affordable for most people in connected systems, though they are not sent particularly frequently. In regions with lower-bandwidth systems, Starsong communication can sometimes be reserved exclusively for government, military, or corporate use.

			=== Packet Ships ===
			Where Starsong communication is not available, where the message in question is too large, or where speed is not of the essence, it is common for messages to be simply be stored in boxes full of hard drives, loaded onto ships, and sent in the same manner as physical parcels. A high fraction of commercial interstellar shipping capacity is devoted to transporting these packets; ships devoted to this sort of operation are called packet ships. Almost every interstellar voyage will carry some fare-paying data in either hard drives permanently installed aboard the vessel or in standardized containers, typically a meter or so per side. On major ley-lines, bulkers typically dominate this market, as they are optimized for cost per ton, and their frequent stops make them able to serve wide arrays of destinations at the cost of delivery time. As volumes go down or urgency goes up, costs tend to rise and smaller (but faster and more direct) ships come to predominate. Packet shipping is the only reliable method for ultra-high value, ultra-long range shipping, as there is functionally no way other than chartering a ship to ensure that a message can be relayed across the dozens of national borders and network interchanges that such a journey requires.

Seeker of Dragons at 18:10, 1 November 2025

2025-11-01T18:10:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:10, 1 November 2025
Line 22:		Line 22:
	== Index Distribution ==		== Index Distribution ==
	In addition to the distribution of media, interstellar data distributors will typically make available "indexes" of data available in systems served by them or by associated providers, and will distribute these widely and cheaply. These indexes typically contain extensive lists of websites, software, and content with brief descriptions; users can then pay a fee for the data to be shipped. Index distribution is often handled by interstellar publishers, most ships carry some net indexes between systems automatically. This "mail-order" system is often the only way to gain access to all but the most seminal content from distant worlds, and often takes months for request completion.		In addition to the distribution of media, interstellar data distributors will typically make available "indexes" of data available in systems served by them or by associated providers, and will distribute these widely and cheaply. These indexes typically contain extensive lists of websites, software, and content with brief descriptions; users can then pay a fee for the data to be shipped. Index distribution is often handled by interstellar publishers, most ships carry some net indexes between systems automatically. This "mail-order" system is often the only way to gain access to all but the most seminal content from distant worlds, and often takes months for request completion.

			On remote stations, even in systems with planetary internets, low local cache capacity makes bulk synchronization impractical. On such stations, index distribution is the only form of net access available, though fulfillment times can be fast.

Seeker of Dragons at 04:53, 1 November 2025

2025-11-01T04:53:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:53, 31 October 2025
Line 12:		Line 12:
	== User-centered Media ==		== User-centered Media ==
	Forum posts, blog articles, captioned selfies, the hijinks of exotic pets, and similar content produced by individuals and hosted by corporate platforms is rarely transmitted between star systems on a regular basis. "Meme traders," who skim the local nets for the most popular content and transport it to nearby systems with similar online cultures and suitable monetization schemes exist, but rarely operate at significant scale. The most common way for this "casual internet" to be transmitted between systems is aboard the data caches of starships on other business. Independent ships, aether survey vessels, and transports with local entertainment systems represent the bulk of such transmission, and for closely-linked systems, this can result in substantial synchronization of popular accounts, forums, and zines. The personal devices of interstellar passengers play a lesser, but non-negligible role in this process.		Forum posts, blog articles, captioned selfies, the hijinks of exotic pets, and similar content produced by individuals and hosted by corporate platforms is rarely transmitted between star systems on a regular basis. "Meme traders," who skim the local nets for the most popular content and transport it to nearby systems with similar online cultures and suitable monetization schemes exist, but rarely operate at significant scale. The most common way for this "casual internet" to be transmitted between systems is aboard the data caches of starships on other business. Independent ships, aether survey vessels, and transports with local entertainment systems represent the bulk of such transmission, and for closely-linked systems, this can result in substantial synchronization of popular accounts, forums, and zines. The personal devices of interstellar passengers play a lesser, but non-negligible role in this process.

			Often, when an independent content creator becomes popular enough, their work will be spread by this means between systems. If it takes off in its new digital culture, and the local net permits appropriate monetization, the creator may be able to leverage their success into a contract for regular transport of their work. This mechanism produces new interstellar mini-celebrities with regularity, although for those not already supporting themselves through their work, it is rare for this sort of breakout to translate into long-term profitability or success.

			Independent transmission of this sort also frequently produces net celebrities and memes which spread far and wide across the galaxy purely on their innate virality; the original creators, often anonymous and without monetary interest, rarely discover their creation's notoriety.

	== Technical Materials ==		== Technical Materials ==

Seeker of Dragons: Created page with "On most colonized planets of Elyrion, internets made up of ground-based cables and satellite constellations allow for communications between any connected devices with latency less than 100 milliseconds. The combination of fast internet and cheap cloud storage means that diverse media environments involving both companies and individuals producing various kinds of content, which can often be shared and engaged with live. Movies can be streamed, newspapers read, forum pos..."

2025-11-01T04:47:57Z

Created page with "On most colonized planets of Elyrion, internets made up of ground-based cables and satellite constellations allow for communications between any connected devices with latency less than 100 milliseconds. The combination of fast internet and cheap cloud storage means that diverse media environments involving both companies and individuals producing various kinds of content, which can often be shared and engaged with live. Movies can be streamed, newspapers read, forum pos..."

New page

On most colonized planets of Elyrion, internets made up of ground-based cables and satellite constellations allow for communications between any connected devices with latency less than 100 milliseconds. The combination of fast internet and cheap cloud storage means that diverse media environments involving both companies and individuals producing various kinds of content, which can often be shared and engaged with live. Movies can be streamed, newspapers read, forum posts debated, and selfies sent viral with very little effort.

High-bandwidth radio and laser-based communications allow such networks to extend to multiple planets within the same star system. However, speed-of-light delay (~1-10 seconds within planetary orbits, minutes to hours between planets) means that live interaction is not generally possible. While streaming and multiplayer video games do not function, an approximation of planetary internet can be maintained (although frequently only a subset of content will be automatically synchronized unless requested by a local user).

At interstellar scales, this system becomes totally inflatable. While under ideal conditions systems close enough for direct starsong communication can experience latency as low as 15 minutes planet-to-planet, such conditions are rare, and latencies of hours or days are far more common. In addition, the low bandwidth of starsong networks means that only high-value content such as news bulletins is regularly transmitted automatically. Bulk data transit by starship is far cheaper per byte, but in those cases latency of weeks is not uncommon. Therefore, the user-facing internets of Elyrion have tremendous diversity across space, both in the content they provide and the way they are accessed. The dynamics of synchronization across star systems depends strongly on distance and media type, as well as the attitudes of local governments.

== Conventional Media ==
Conventional media refers content created by a business targeted for individual consumption, such as movies, tv shows, video games, and books. While bulk data transport has fairly high upfront costs, media companies are frequently happy to distribute their wares as widely as possible. In general, only the largest companies deal with interstellar distribution directly; most studios contract with dedicated interstellar distributing companies who arrange the actual data transport aboard ships, and either buy the rights to a work out-of-system outright, or charge an upfront fee before distributing revenue to the creators at regular intervals.

These interstellar publishers tend not to deal with smaller creators at all unless they have proven their success in their local system, although in regions where barriers to shipping are low, this bar is relatively easy to clear. Low-data media types, such as books, music albums, and 2d video games, are generally easier to have distributed than more data-intensive ones.

== User-centered Media ==
Forum posts, blog articles, captioned selfies, the hijinks of exotic pets, and similar content produced by individuals and hosted by corporate platforms is rarely transmitted between star systems on a regular basis. "Meme traders," who skim the local nets for the most popular content and transport it to nearby systems with similar online cultures and suitable monetization schemes exist, but rarely operate at significant scale. The most common way for this "casual internet" to be transmitted between systems is aboard the data caches of starships on other business. Independent ships, aether survey vessels, and transports with local entertainment systems represent the bulk of such transmission, and for closely-linked systems, this can result in substantial synchronization of popular accounts, forums, and zines. The personal devices of interstellar passengers play a lesser, but non-negligible role in this process.

== Technical Materials ==
Content such as scientific and medical journals, textbooks, and technical software and help forums are frequently synchronized across regions by providers who charge subscriptions for access, typically in addition to any regular fees from the original content provider. In some cases, universities or corporations will pay for the distribution of a work, typically in an effort to boost uptake of a new technology or service. Academic consortium often negotiate special rates for the distribution of scientific writing and software.

== Index Distribution ==
In addition to the distribution of media, interstellar data distributors will typically make available "indexes" of data available in systems served by them or by associated providers, and will distribute these widely and cheaply. These indexes typically contain extensive lists of websites, software, and content with brief descriptions; users can then pay a fee for the data to be shipped. Index distribution is often handled by interstellar publishers, most ships carry some net indexes between systems automatically. This "mail-order" system is often the only way to gain access to all but the most seminal content from distant worlds, and often takes months for request completion.