The addictive nature of Twitter
“Pretending Twitter is the answer to gaining respect for and engagement with my work is an addict’s excuse that removes responsibility from myself.” #Technology [Link]
Latest
Tech Policy
From the Kapor Center: “We have developed a framework for systemic change that outlines a set of nine core technology policy areas that call for expanded access to technology pathways, increased tech accountability and worker protections, and greater investment in infrastructure and innovation.” #Technology [Link]
NewsGuild-CWA strongly condemns judge and Starbucks for seeking messages between reporters and workers
“These union-busting tactics must end, and journalists’ communications with sources must be protected. Starbucks has already committed over 200 violations of the National Labor Relations Act.” #Labor [Link]
Study on Harvard finds 43 percent of white students are legacy, athletes, related to donors or staff
“43 percent of white students admitted to Harvard University were recruited athletes, legacy students, children of faculty and staff, or on the dean’s interest list — applicants whose parents or relatives have donated to Harvard. That number drops dramatically for black, Latino and Asian American students, according to the study,
MeToo
Reading, watching, playing, using: October, 2022
This is my monthly roundup of the books, articles, and streaming media I found interesting. Here's my list for October, 2022. Books Fiction My Sister, the Serial Killer, by Oyinkan Braithwaite. Smartly pointed satire loosely disguised as a thriller. Witty and dark as hell. I loved it. Chivalry,
The myth of the good venture startup is dead
One thing that might be over is the conflation of venture-funded technology companies with organizations in the public interest. There was a time when companies like Twitter could be confused with public squares or other public works. Now, with the possible exception of Medium, I don’t think there’s
Elon's debt
Lots has been written about whether Elon Musk can sustain Twitter based on the amount he’s saddled it with. In the New York Times: The $44 billion acquisition was the largest leveraged buyout of a technology company in history. To do the deal, Mr. Musk, the world’s richest
The blog is back
I’m really heartened to see old-school blogging have a mini-resurgence. I’ve got no idea if it’ll stick, but for now, my feed reader is aglow with posts that run the gamut from quick thoughts to long-form essays, often illustrated with personal photographs. More of this, please. Much
How ‘A League of Their Own’ and Anne Rice Are Making the Internet Rethink the Rules of Fanfiction
An interesting piece about the evolution of fanfiction, the separation between fanfic and original creators, and how the two might dovetail back together. #Culture [Link]
Biden admin investing $65 billion in broadband access
“The federal government is investing $65 billion in expanding broadband, and two-thirds of that money will be directed toward programs that encourage better hiring and retention practices for women and people of color, who have been severely underrepresented in the field.” #Technology [Link]
Twitter to start charging $20 per month for verification
“Employees working on the project were told on Sunday that they need to meet a deadline of November 7th to launch the feature or they will be fired.” Way to build a supportive culture! #Technology [Link]
James Bennet and the rewriting of 2020
“Desperate to undo the social movement that threatened their place atop the social hierarchy, the right and its handmaidens in the squeamish center have fought obsessively to recast the protest summer as the aborted dawn of a new, terrifying tyranny — of “cancel culture,” anti-racism, and the most feared of them