Democracy
Sustaining innovation has failed us. It's time to think more radically
Some innovations create a new future that serves people better. Some sustain the status quo. It's time to think more radically.
Ben Werdmuller
Ben Werdmuller helps leaders at newsrooms, non-profits, and mission-driven organizations to navigate their biggest technology challenges.
AI
AI is not a magic wand and it won’t fix your problems
Without investment in people, processes, and working conditions, AI becomes merely "a technological smoke screen for deeper institutional decline."
AI
The world is not a database
One of the most important pieces of AI commentary: "software brain" is important to understand if we want to get through this era with our humanity intact.
Notable links
Notable links: April 24, 2026
Data and electronic civil rights in wartime; building safer creativity at work.
Technology
In wartime, megascale data centers may make way for distributed architectures
"To avoid collateral damage, countries consider ditching giant server hubs for smaller, distributed ones—especially now that military and civilian data live side-by-side."
Culture
XOXO Explore is fitting showcase for a brilliant experiment
XOXO was completely wonderful. This site is a lovely showcase of why.
AI
The user-tailored newsroom
Newsrooms typically treat publishing as a one-size-fits-all broadcast. What if they tailored their work to a reader's needs and interests?
Business
It pays to reward curiosity more than looking smart
"Curiosity signals that ideas are welcome, not risky." Modeling it is a crucial part of leading a team.
Technology
Copyright and DMCA Best Practices for Fediverse Operators
For instance and community operators, "copyright’s “statutory damages” regime allows for massive, unpredictable financial liability. That’s why it’s important to limit your risk." This guide helps you to get started.
Democracy
The Technological Republic, in brief
In which a defense contractor lays its anti-democratic, pro-fascist ideology bare.
Notable links
Notable links: April 17, 2026
How AI is affecting thinking and distribution – and why relationships are still at the heart of great teams.
Democracy
Google Broke Its Promise to Me. Now ICE Has My Data.
"Google had already disclosed my data without telling me. There was no opportunity to contest it."