The Bluesky Questions, Part 2

15 minute read Published: 2024-11-26

In Part 1, we discussed the broad debate around the nature of Bluesky as it relates to openness, independence, and safety. But here's the thing: only dorks like me (and I guess you, if you read it) care about those aspects of social media. We may think, or wish, users cared more, but that isn't the state of play. Those Big Ideas are not the primary concern for social media users. They just want an enjoyable, informative experience surrounded by people they like.

The Bluesky Questions, Part 1

9 minute read Published: 2024-11-24

What is the value of a social network? What is the value of a decentralized social network? And why is it that for some, the only acceptable and moral kind of technology is the kind nobody can own?

Run, Hide, Fight

6 minute read Published: 2024-11-06

I'm just a teacher. I'm no political expert; I have no special understanding of voter motivations, policy implications, procedural levers, or anything else you want an expert on right now. I'm just a teacher, but I've taught in the mad era of normalized school shootings.

Seems to me, there's an armed madman in the building.

My Shell Setup

3 minute read Published: 2024-10-02

If you've seen any of my videos, you know that I have a somewhat...nontraditional shell setup. I thought I might take a moment to explain why I set it up the way I did, and how.

Cardboard-Covered Wagons

2 minute read Published: 2024-09-30

When I was about nine, I saw the way-underrated movie "Explorers," starring a very young Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix (!) for the first time. The movie involves creating a spaceship out of a very hacked-together Apple computer and a Tilt-A-Whirl.