13ft: Self-Host a Web Article Reader

Overview

13ft is a self-hosted web service for loading article URLs through a server you run. It aims to show content from sites that restrict access with ads or paywalls, using a Googlebot-style request and, when needed, multiple retrieval methods.

It may suit readers who want a private, personally managed alternative to hosted article-reader services. Results depend on the target website and its access controls, and the project asks users to support creators when they benefit from their work.

Key Features

• Accepts an article URL through a web interface or as part of the service URL.
• Fetches pages while presenting itself as Googlebot.
• Tries multiple bypass methods if the primary approach fails.
• Can be run with Docker Compose or as a Python application.
• Supports localization through locale files and the LOCALE environment variable.
• Can be used with a browser bookmarklet to send the current page to a 13ft instance.

Use Cases

• A technically comfortable reader wants to run an article-reading service on their own server.
• A household or small group wants to access a self-hosted instance rather than rely on a hosted intermediary.
• A reader wants to try retrieving an article when a site's ad or paywall behavior interferes with access.
• An administrator wants to experiment with a Python web service behind a reverse proxy.

Getting Started

With Docker and Docker Compose installed:

git clone https://github.com/wasi-master/13ft.git
cd 13ft
docker compose up

See the README for Python setup, configuration, and deployment details.

Considerations

• The service must be run and maintained by you. The documented options require Docker and Docker Compose, or a Python environment for direct installation.
• Retrieval is not guaranteed. Target sites can change their defenses, and the README describes fallback methods as improving compatibility rather than ensuring access.
• The technique imitates a search crawler's user agent. Check applicable laws, site terms, and the rights of publishers before using it, and consider supporting creators whose work you read.