Ben Werdmuller helps leaders at newsrooms, non-profits, and mission-driven organizations to navigate their biggest technology challenges.
I’m soliciting prompts for discussion. This piece is a part of that series. An anonymous reader asks: Why do emails in jail cost 50 cents each? Since around 2016, US inmates in 43 state prison systems and the Federal Bureau of Prisons have been able to send electronic messages
“The reporters’ process underscores one of our central beliefs at ProPublica: Publishing a story about injustice isn’t enough if we don’t reach the people who are directly affected.” #Media [Link]
“But if more people sought truth, even when that truth is contrary to their beliefs — such as when a Republican like me destroys a Republican myth — then I think we really can save democracy in America. In fact, I think that’s the only way.” #Democracy [Link]
“For too long, journalism has had a laser focus on holding power to account, rather than widening its aperture to recognize the opportunity to build and share power in and with communities.” #Media [Link]
“Kissinger’s diplomatic conniving led to or enabled slaughters around the globe. As he blows out all those candles, let’s call the roll.” #Democracy [Link]
“A free resource that will help you develop an AI-bullshit detector.” #AI [Link]
I’m soliciting prompts for discussion. This piece is a part of that series. Hunter Walk asks, in two prompts: What's one business model you wish consumers would get more comfortable with because it would be a net-positive for media/news/society? And similarly, what's one
“But … the toxicity of plastic actually increases with recycling. Plastics have no place in a circular economy and it’s clear that the only real solution to ending plastic pollution is to massively reduce plastic production.” #Climate [Link]
“Everywhere there’s globes…and that’s what they do to brainwash… For me, if it is not a conspiracy, if it is, you know, ‘real,’ why are you pushing so hard? Everywhere I go, every store, you buy a globe, there’s globes everywhere—every movie, every TV show,
“It comes amid concerns that Verra, a Washington-based nonprofit, approved tens of millions of worthless offsets that are used by major companies for climate and biodiversity commitments.” #Climate [Link]
“Frequent social media use may be associated with distinct changes in the developing brain in the amygdala (important for emotional learning and behavior) and the prefrontal cortex (important for impulse control, emotional regulation, and moderating social behavior), and could increase sensitivity to social rewards and punishments.” #Technology [Link]
“Nearly a quarter of a million people 55 or older are estimated by the government to have been homeless in the United States during at least part of 2019, the most recent reliable federal count available.” Hopelessly broken. #Society [Link]