Ben Werdmuller helps leaders at newsrooms, non-profits, and mission-driven organizations to navigate their biggest technology challenges.
I am not looking for a new Head of Engineering position right now. I’ve been approached both directly and by a number of executive recruiters, and I’m flattered, but I’m not considering opening a process with any new companies. If you’re looking for an advisor or
“North Korean cyber-attacks have stolen millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency to fund the country's missile programmes, a UN report briefed to media says.” Oops? [Link]
I don’t think the web could happen again. A public-minded developer, operating in a public service research institution, built an open knowledge-base with no eye on profit or even productizing it. Because of its openness and simplicity, it spread to other like-minded researchers, and then beyond. It wasn’t
“Now, documents viewed by Rest of World shed light on the reputation management industry, revealing how Eliminalia and companies like it may use spurious copyright claims and fake legal notices to remove and obscure articles linking clients to allegations of tax avoidance, corruption, and drug trafficking. The Elephant case may
Like Wordle but for countries. “Every day, there is a new Mystery Country. Your goal is to guess the mystery country using the fewest number of guesses. Each incorrect guess will appear on the globe with a colour indicating how close it is to the Mystery Country.” Good fun, but
My friends at Shady Pines Radio are running a fundraiser to cover their costs for 2022. It’s been really fun watching Callie and Brian build this station. When they moved to Portland a few years ago, they converted the basement of their house into a recording studio; as well
“Last week, a Mississippi mayor tried to strong-arm a local library into banning some books. The result was swift, and in retrospect, entirely predictable: A group of furries got on Twitter to do something about it.” Lovely! [Link]
““The use of personal data in advertising is already tightly regulated by existing legislation,” [IAB Europe Director] Mroczkowski said, apparently referencing the GDPR, which regulates data privacy in the EU generally. He further noted that the new rules “risk undermining” existing law and “the entire ad-supported digital economy.”” Let’s
“The first thing you need to know about Boris Johnson is he’s a liar.” This is brilliant: Jonathan Pie explains Johnson to the New York Times in video. Easily the best thing the Opinion page has ever done. [Link]
“According to the report from the National Women’s Law Center, 17 states allow the permanent, surgical sterilization of children with disabilities. The report is written in plain language, designed to be understood by at least some of the people impacted most by these laws.” [Link]
“From the start, online businesses have presented themselves as making culture, even as they really aimed to build financial value. Now, at last, the wealth seeking is printed on the tin.” [Link]
I’m posting Fairness Fridays: a new social justice organization each week. I donate to each featured organization. If you feel so inclined, please join me. This week I’m donating to HealthRIGHT 360. Based in San Francisco, HealthRIGHT 360 provides “integrated medical, dental, behavioral health outpatient and residential treatment,