a like button is some straight 1984 shit. it can mean "I like this thing," or "I like that you told me about this thing I dislike." when something can mean either yes or no, why have it? people either have their own personal rules, or adhere to a convention they know, or don't. why have it? what outcome is it for? what outcome does it achieve? why have it?
I found a band recently that I absolutely love: cardiacs. 80's british with oingo boingo vibes. I'm thrilled listening to them and want to share!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NVjSycDJatc
I just searched for something on #DuckDuckGo and got a “DuckAssist” at the top of the results, right below the ads (of course).
It was basically a ChatGPT like message as if I’d typed the question there.
Stop 👏 putting 👏 #AI 👏 in 👏 every 👏 fucking 👏 thing!
Between app purchases and donations to the network itself, I’ve spent more money in a year on Mastodon than I have in a lifetime on traditional, centralized algorithmic social media.
I appreciate not being the product, just the user.
If you are new to Mastodon and coming from the Twitter tide, here’s a few amazing Mastodon features that are NOT ON TWITTER. Enjoy! 🐘
1. Content Warnings CW ⚠️
It allows you to display a warning but hides the content of your post. Here’s a short guide I wrote about it: https://infosec.exchange/@Em0nM4stodon/109282181601490676
2. Slow Mode 😌
In Preferences > Appearance, you can select the option “Slow mode” to hide automatic feed updates. You will then have to click at the top of the timelines to see new posts (ex: “10 new items”).
3. Custom Emojis
When you write a post (called a toot here), you can select emojis that are custom to your server (called an instance here). In the toot field, click on the 😂 button in the upper right corner to see what’s available there. Some are really neat!
4. Mastodon is different
There is no suggestion algorithms here, no promotion, no ads. This is a community. You can be more of your true complex and unique self. Engage with others genuinely. Follow others you like no matter their followers count. Describe yourself and what interests you in your bio, you are not as limited by characters count here.
Be yourself. Leave the toxicity out, it is not valued here. Respect others. Be a kind human. Share what you love. Make friends
Great article from the Atlantic about LLMO (large language model optimization.... the next SEO coming to destroy the open web) by Bruce Schneier and Judith Donath.
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/04/generative-ai-search-llmo/678154/
Editted: corrected attribution.
GENTLE REMINDER TO ALL #TECH WORKERS
before you go hustling for new work on these internets and fediverses, if you were laid off, HEAD TO THE CLOSEST #LABOR DEPARTMENT OFFICE AND DEMAND YOUR #UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
you pay for #unemployment #benefits with each paycheck. DEMAND THAT MONEY.
here's a thread about what to do & what happens when you don't demand all your accumulated money & benefits.
https://mastodon.social/@blogdiva/111607803802146802
tell #techbros laying off people, fuck you pay me.
Good news: @oneunderscore__ and his friends bought The Onion (it was officially announced in the NYT but… as if). Ben Collins will be the CEO (seriously).
Ben announced, “We’re keeping the entire staff, bringing back The Onion News Network, and will share the wealth with staff. Basically, we’re going to let them do whatever they want.”
This is The Onion’s first article under new ownership:
Give Us $1 Or ‘The Onion’ Disappears Forever
https://www.theonion.com/give-us-1-or-the-onion-disappears-forever-1851436787
I worked for the burningman project as Department of Public Works for 16 or so years. I have been programming since I was 12 and this is my 1st forray into social media. Here's hoping federation lives up to its promises!