@Gargron yes I think Newport linked together two different approaches to social media "alternatives"
Think trying to differentiate syndication, federation, and self hosting be too much for audience.
Though I would say many in the IndieWeb community see AP as another open protocol on the March to plurality.
IndieWeb to me is owning your content in a place you control. Bonus points for your own Domain.
Microformats and other W3c standards just enable better connections.