selfdistribute

Selfdistribute is a term that does not have a single, universally accepted definition. In practice, it is used as a neologism across different disciplines to describe processes that people execute themselves, without centralized mediation. Because it lacks a fixed meaning, its interpretation is highly context dependent.

In mathematics, the closest standard concept is self-distributivity. A binary operation * on a set is self-distributive if a*(b*c) = (a*b)*(a*c) for all a, b, c. Structures with this property—shelves, racks, and quandles—are studied in knot theory and related areas.

In software and content distribution, self-distribution refers to delivering software, updates, or media directly to end users by the producer, bypassing third-party distributors. Examples include direct downloads, producer-operated app stores, and self-hosted content delivery. This approach emphasizes control over licensing, pricing, and licensing terms.

In computing and networks, self-distribution can describe autonomous load distribution where a node assigns work to its own resources without a central scheduler, sometimes via self-scheduling or local load balancing algorithms.

In publishing and media, self-distribution denotes creators distributing work directly to audiences using online platforms, marketplaces, or newsletters, rather than through traditional publishers or distributors.

See also: self-distributivity, rack, quandle, direct distribution, self-publishing.