Commentary on links that caught my attention around the web.
Technology
"It’s no accident that US political operatives have been singling out Bluesky as a target for political control and retribution for months." But the result puts protocol developers and the users of their networks in opposition.
AI
AI at scale isn't scaling.
Notable links
Reporter Andy Kroll explains Vought’s rise from a congressional staffer to the man piloting everything from Trump's layoffs and agency closings to his shutdown strategy, controlling the fate of trillions of dollars and millions of federal workers.
Technology
MEP Alexandra Geese argues that Europe needs its own infrastructure, social networks, and software. Rising US authoritarianism means the clock is ticking.
Technology
Blogging was a different medium - and there's still a need for it more than ever.
Media
"[An] archipelago of high-trust communities [is] where journalists are uniquely capable of building thriving businesses."
Democracy
Many of our colleagues' communities are being directly targeted by an increasingly authoritarian, anti-immigrant regime. As managers and leaders, we have a duty of care. It starts with listening.
Media
It turns out that "we're protecting democracy and our industry is dying, please pay us money" is not a great sales pitch.
Teams
This simple, repeatable framework for building a culture of open feedback has been a part of my toolkit for over a decade.
Media
Casey Newton's annual updates are always great. This year, perhaps predictably, the biggest highlight for me is his ambitions around community. We need stronger community platforms to support newsrooms.
Culture
Has the internet led to more polarization, or is this more of a great unmasking, where people feel more comfortable to share opinions they've always held?
Startups
Useful tips on creating an unlimited PTO policy. I used to think these were more accounting hacks than real benefits - but I've changed my mind over time.