Germany: ING Bank to introduce Wero this month
Bezahldienst: Bezahlen in Echtzeit: ING führt Paypal-Konkurrent Wero ein
Frankfurt/Main - Der noch junge europäische Paypal-Konkurrent Wero bekommt weitere Unterstützung: Europas größte Direktbank ING will den BezahldienstSTERN.de
"I support it only if it's open source" should be a more common viewpoint
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‘Jewish Jihad’ Has Seized Control of Israel
cross-posted from: lemmy.ml/post/34601111
reprinted with an introduction by World-Outlook
August 11, 2025
“I read and translate testimonies of people who walk 7 kilometers each way in order lug a sack of flour weighing 30 kilos in this horrific heat. How can we even imagine that? The extreme heat is also playing a part.“It’s terribly frightening because every time, you feel as if you’ve crossed another threshold from which it’s already impossible to return. For example, the erasure of #Gaza — there is no way back from that. What that means is, that even if the last soldier returns to Israel today and the Gaza Strip is opened to the world, we’re in a situation in which there is no way to exist in Gaza.”
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And what everyone else means is the 1940s is still about 50 years too late...
It's started in the late 19th century, that means like the 1890s.
This has all the appearance of blogspam, they'te just regurgitating a legitimate news site.
If you can link to the orginal, that's allowed, this is not.
"The following was the lead article in the Israeli daily Haaretz on August 7, 2025"
‘Jewish Jihad’ Has Seized Control of Israel
cross-posted from: lemmy.ml/post/34601111
reprinted with an introduction by World-Outlook
August 11, 2025
“I read and translate testimonies of people who walk 7 kilometers each way in order lug a sack of flour weighing 30 kilos in this horrific heat. How can we even imagine that? The extreme heat is also playing a part.“It’s terribly frightening because every time, you feel as if you’ve crossed another threshold from which it’s already impossible to return. For example, the erasure of #Gaza — there is no way back from that. What that means is, that even if the last soldier returns to Israel today and the Gaza Strip is opened to the world, we’re in a situation in which there is no way to exist in Gaza.”
‘Jewish Jihad’ Has Seized Control of Israel
reprinted with an introduction by World-Outlook
August 11, 2025
“I read and translate testimonies of people who walk 7 kilometers each way in order lug a sack of flour weighing 30 kilos in this horrific heat. How can we even imagine that? The extreme heat is also playing a part.“It’s terribly frightening because every time, you feel as if you’ve crossed another threshold from which it’s already impossible to return. For example, the erasure of #Gaza — there is no way back from that. What that means is, that even if the last soldier returns to Israel today and the Gaza Strip is opened to the world, we’re in a situation in which there is no way to exist in Gaza.”
‘Jewish Jihad’ Has Seized Control of Israel - World-Outlook
This was the lead article in the Israeli daily Haaretz on August 7, 2025. In an expansive interview this essay reports, Assaf David, provides a glimpse of the destructive impact on Israeli society today from Israel’s ongoing slaughter of Palestinians…world-outlook.com (World-Outlook)
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How language is hiding the real internet from you
How language is hiding the real internet from you
Most of the internet is out of your reach, but the barrier isn't just algorithms. In another language, the same platforms turn into to whole other worlds.Ryan McGrady (BBC)
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Dutch Signal Group
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SMplayer...jitter? Slightly choppy framerate
Hi guys!
So...I have a beefy AMD PC, CPU AMD 7700, GPU 7800XT 16GB, 32GB RAM. Maybe not top of the line, but definitely capable of playing about any kind of video. Well...not with SMPlayer! I get a slightly choppy playback. Like, if the movie being played is 24.97FPS, it feels to be playing at...23FPS? It's hard to tell as there's no obvious proof of what I'm saying. It's usually ok on normal dialog scenes, but super noticeable when the the camera pans around. It can be very distracting.
But VLC on default settings plays the same file consistently better, no noticeable jitter. This applies to about any 1080p/4K file. Also not crazy bandwidth nor anything, a bit under 2GB for 1h worth of video on most TV shows.
SMPlayer uses video output driver - GPU, and in Performance, hardware decoding is set to Auto. I've toyed with several of these settings (vdpau, vulkan, wayland-copy...about anything available in the lists), to no avail. I have checked both with mplayer or mpv as multimedia engine (by default it's specified as 'other' and then the /usr/bin/mpv). Either option has differences, but still get the same...choppy playback. Any idea of what could be wrong? I have no clue on how to troubleshoot this.
I'm using NobaraLinux (Fedora 42, KDE plasma edition).
EDIT: It seems to be refresh rate. The videos are 24, or 24.97FPS, and that doesn't convert well to 60Hz. If depending on the video file I change the output to the TV to 24Hz or 50Hz (I don't have 25 nor 40Hz) then the playback seems perfectly smooth. My follow-up question would be, how can I do this automatically from SMPlayer? Is there a way it either adjusts the screen refresh rate, or interpolates the playback FPS to account for the existing refresh rate?
Israeli controlled UN will add Hamas to blacklist of groups that commit sexual violence as weapon of war without any evidence
There are a few companies on the UN blacklist. But these falsified rape allegations of which the UN and Israel have no evidence are primarily so that countries can smear smear Hamas and prevent organizations such as UNRWA from working with the government of Gaza to help Palestinians.
The UN is directly committing genocide with this designation
Free select screenshot tool for Pop
Hi all. New to Linux, just installed Pop yesterday. I'm trying to find a screenshot tool which allows freeform selection, something which was built into Windows via snipping tool. I've tried Flameshot, Shutter, and a half dozen other programs but either I'm blind or none of them have this functionality.
Can anyone recommend a program that does that? Thanks!
Edit:
Clarification: I want to be able to draw a shape, say a circle instead of a rectangle, and have the screenshot only be of what I've circled. Snipping Tool in Windows had this functionality, you could select that instead of a rectangle or square it would be freeform. I wanted to know if there was any Linux equivalent, because I haven't been able to find one on my own.
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Attic Insulation Installers: What You Need to Know for a More Comfortable Home
If you’ve ever stepped into your attic and felt like you were walking into a furnace—or a freezer, depending on the season—you’re not alone. In a climate like Scottsdale’s, where temperatures often soar above 100°F in summer, your attic plays a huge role in determining your home's comfort and energy efficiency. That’s where professional attic insulation installers come in. Whether you're building a new home, upgrading an older one, or just looking to cut down those soaring energy bills, installing or updating your attic insulation is one of the smartest investments you can make.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about attic insulation installation, from why it matters to how to choose the right installer in the Scottsdale area.
Why Is Attic Insulation So Important?
Attic insulation acts as a thermal barrier between your home and the outside environment. In the intense Arizona heat, proper insulation prevents the sun’s radiant heat from penetrating your living spaces. During the cooler months, it works in reverse—keeping the heat inside where it belongs.
Here’s how attic insulation benefits your home:
Lower energy bills – By reducing the amount of heat entering in summer and escaping in winter, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
Improved indoor comfort – No more drastic temperature swings between rooms or floors.
Extended HVAC lifespan – Less strain on your heating and cooling systems means fewer repairs and a longer operational life.
Environmental benefits – Reduced energy use means a smaller carbon footprint.
Types of Attic Insulation
Before diving into the installation process, it’s helpful to understand the types of attic insulation available:
- Blown-In (Loose-Fill) Insulation
This is one of the most common types for attics. It’s made of fiberglass or cellulose and is ideal for irregular or hard-to-reach areas. It's fast to install and great for topping off existing insulation. - Batt (Roll) Insulation
Typically made from fiberglass, batt insulation comes in pre-cut panels. It works well in attics with standard joist spacing and few obstructions. - Spray Foam Insulation
This option offers superior thermal performance and air sealing but tends to be more expensive. It's especially useful if your attic is prone to air leaks or moisture problems.
Why Hire Professional Attic Insulation Installers?
You might be tempted to tackle attic insulation as a DIY project, but here’s why working with professionals—like our team at Scottsdale Attic Insulation—makes a big difference:
- Accurate Assessment
A certified installer will assess your current insulation, check for air leaks, and identify moisture issues before recommending a tailored solution. - Proper Installation
Even the best insulation materials won’t perform well if they’re improperly installed. Professionals ensure coverage is consistent and complete, avoiding gaps that reduce effectiveness. - Safety First
Working in an attic can be dangerous. Trained installers have the equipment and experience to avoid injury, electrical hazards, and exposure to insulation materials. - Building Code Compliance
Insulation requirements vary by region. A licensed installer ensures your home meets Scottsdale’s building and energy codes, which is especially important if you plan to sell your home in the future.
What to Expect During the Installation Process
At Scottsdale Attic Insulation, we make the process as smooth and transparent as possible. Here’s what typically happens:
Inspection & Evaluation – We start with a thorough inspection of your attic to evaluate current insulation levels, ventilation, and potential problem areas.
Custom Recommendations – Based on your home’s specific needs, we recommend the best insulation type and R-value (thermal resistance).
Prepping the Space – We seal any air leaks, repair damage, and ensure the attic is clean and safe for installation.
Insulation Installation – Whether it’s blown-in fiberglass or spray foam, our team installs your new insulation with precision and care.
Final Inspection – After installation, we double-check everything to ensure maximum performance and customer satisfaction.
Questions to Ask Your Attic Insulation Installer
Choosing the right contractor matters. Here are a few questions to ask before hiring someone:
Are you licensed and insured?
What type of insulation do you recommend for my home, and why?
How long will the installation take?
What R-value do you suggest?
Do you offer any warranties or guarantees?
Why Choose Scottsdale Attic Insulation?
We’re a local team that understands the unique challenges of insulating homes in the Sonoran Desert climate. Our focus is on high-quality materials, expert installation, and honest service. When you work with us, you're not just improving your home's comfort—you’re investing in long-term energy savings and peace of mind.
Ready to Make Your Home More Efficient?
If you’ve been noticing higher utility bills, hot or cold spots in your home, or if it’s just been a while since your attic insulation was evaluated, now’s the perfect time to schedule an inspection. At Scottsdale Attic Insulation, we’re here to help with friendly, professional service every step of the way.
5-Star Attic Insulation Installers in Scottsdale | Expert Service
Need top attic insulation installers in Scottsdale? Our expert team offers efficient, cost-effective insulation solutions to enhance energy savings and comfort.https://scottsdaleatticinsulation.com
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Blown In Insulation: Everything You Need to Know for a More Comfortable Home
If you’re a homeowner in Scottsdale or the surrounding areas, you probably already know how critical proper insulation is to maintaining comfort and reducing energy bills. But if your attic insulation is outdated, compressed, or simply insufficient for our intense Arizona climate, your home could be losing a lot of energy—and money. One of the best solutions to upgrade your home's energy efficiency is blown in insulation.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about blown in insulation, from how it works and what materials are used, to its many benefits and why it's such a smart investment for Scottsdale homes.
What Is Blown In Insulation?
Blown in insulation—also known as loose-fill insulation—is a type of insulation made from small particles of material that are blown into place using specialized equipment. This allows the insulation to fill cavities and cover irregular spaces more completely than traditional batts or rolls.
There are two main types commonly used in attics:
Cellulose – Made from recycled paper products treated with fire retardants.
Fiberglass – Made from spun glass fibers and also treated for fire safety.
Both types are highly effective at creating a thermal barrier that helps keep indoor temperatures stable all year round.
How Is It Installed?
The process is quick, clean, and minimally invasive—making it a favorite among homeowners and insulation pros alike.
Assessment: A professional will inspect your attic to determine how much insulation is needed and identify any issues like leaks, pests, or inadequate ventilation.
Preparation: If existing insulation is damaged or needs to be removed, that step comes first.
Installation: A blowing machine is used to distribute the loose-fill material evenly across the attic floor, filling every nook and cranny.
Finishing Touches: The insulation is leveled to a consistent depth to ensure optimal performance.
For most standard-size homes, the entire process can often be completed in just a few hours.
Why Scottsdale Homes Need Blown In Insulation
Arizona’s climate poses unique challenges—especially the extreme summer heat. Blown in insulation can significantly improve your home’s ability to withstand these temperatures. Here’s how:
Improved Energy Efficiency: A well-insulated attic can lower your cooling bills by up to 20%. Blown in insulation helps create a strong thermal barrier that keeps your AC from working overtime.
Year-Round Comfort: While summers get all the attention, Scottsdale can also see chilly desert nights in the winter. Blown in insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures in all seasons.
Moisture and Mold Resistance: When properly installed, blown in insulation can also help reduce the risk of moisture buildup—especially with cellulose, which is treated to resist mold and pests.
Environmentally Friendly: Cellulose is made from recycled materials, and fiberglass has a relatively low environmental footprint. Both options contribute to greener living.
The Benefits of Blown In Over Other Insulation Types
You might be wondering how blown in insulation compares to traditional batt or spray foam insulation. Here's a quick breakdown:
Feature Blown In Insulation Batt Insulation Spray Foam
Coverage Excellent – fills gaps completely Good – may leave gaps Excellent
Installation Speed Fast Moderate Slower
Cost Affordable Affordable Higher
Sound Dampening Great Moderate Good
Best Use Attics, retrofits Walls, new construction Sealing air leaks
For many Scottsdale homeowners, blown in insulation offers the best combination of performance, affordability, and ease of installation—especially for upgrading attics.
How Long Does It Last?
When professionally installed and maintained, blown in insulation can last 20 to 30 years or more. It doesn't settle as quickly as many people assume, especially modern fiberglass versions, and remains effective for decades. Regular inspections can help ensure it maintains its depth and effectiveness over time.
When Should You Consider Upgrading?
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it might be time to upgrade your attic insulation:
High energy bills, especially in summer
Uneven indoor temperatures
Drafts or hot spots in the home
Old or damaged insulation
Preparing to sell your home and want to improve energy ratings
Upgrading to blown in insulation is not only practical but also one of the most cost-effective ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency and resale value.
Why Work With Scottsdale Attic Insulation?
At Scottsdale Attic Insulation, we specialize in helping local homeowners stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and save money all year round. Our experienced technicians use high-quality materials and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your blown in insulation is installed perfectly the first time.
We understand the unique needs of homes in the Scottsdale area and take pride in providing honest, friendly service with results you can feel.
Final Thoughts
Blown in insulation is a simple yet powerful upgrade that offers immediate and long-term benefits for homeowners in Scottsdale. Whether you’re dealing with rising energy costs, uneven temperatures, or just want to make your home more eco-friendly, blown in insulation is a smart, effective solution.
Ready to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency? Contact Scottsdale Attic Insulation today for a free consultation and find out how blown in insulation can make a big difference in your home.
Top Blown In Insulation in Scottsdale | Save 30% on Bills
Professional Blown In Insulation in Scottsdale for better energy efficiency and comfort. Trusted installers delivering quality service. Call 602-483-4042!https://scottsdaleatticinsulation.com
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Billy Bragg - Tooth & Nail (2013)
Come già in parte è avvenuto con Mr. Love and Justice, anche in Tooth and Nai, Billy Bragg abbandona il suo "essere" cantautore militante politico e sociale in favore di un suono e quindi di un risultato molto più riflessivo e intimo... Leggi e ascolta...
Billionaire Elon Musk is threatening to sue Apple and escalating his feud with Sam Altman
Elon Musk threatens Apple with lawsuit over OpenAI, sparking Sam Altman feud
Billionaire accuses Apple of ‘unequivocal antitrust violation’ over app rankings, prompting testy responseBlake Montgomery (The Guardian)
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Exclusive: US embeds trackers in AI chip shipments to catch diversions to China, sources say
SINGAPORE/NEW YORK, Aug 13 (Reuters) - U.S. authorities have secretly placed location tracking devices in targeted shipments of advanced chips they see as being at high risk of illegal diversion to China, according to two people with direct knowledge of the previously unreported law enforcement tactic.
The measures aim to detect AI chips being diverted to destinations which are under U.S. export restrictions, and apply only to select shipments under investigation, the people said.
Five other people actively involved in the AI server supply chain say they are aware of the use of the trackers in shipments of servers from manufacturers such as Dell and Super Micro, which include chips from Nvidia and AMD
Those people said the trackers are typically hidden in the packaging of the server shipments. They did not know which parties were involved in installing them and where along the shipping route they were put in.
Exclusive: US embeds trackers in AI chip shipments to catch diversions to China, sources say
SINGAPORE/NEW YORK, Aug 13 (Reuters) - U.S. authorities have secretly placed location tracking devices in targeted shipments of advanced chips they see as being at high risk of illegal diversion to China, according to two people with direct knowledge of the previously unreported law enforcement tactic.
The measures aim to detect AI chips being diverted to destinations which are under U.S. export restrictions, and apply only to select shipments under investigation, the people said.
Five other people actively involved in the AI server supply chain say they are aware of the use of the trackers in shipments of servers from manufacturers such as Dell and Super Micro, which include chips from Nvidia and AMD
Those people said the trackers are typically hidden in the packaging of the server shipments. They did not know which parties were involved in installing them and where along the shipping route they were put in.
Exclusive: US embeds trackers in AI chip shipments to catch diversions to China, sources say
SINGAPORE/NEW YORK, Aug 13 (Reuters) - U.S. authorities have secretly placed location tracking devices in targeted shipments of advanced chips they see as being at high risk of illegal diversion to China, according to two people with direct knowledge of the previously unreported law enforcement tactic.
The measures aim to detect AI chips being diverted to destinations which are under U.S. export restrictions, and apply only to select shipments under investigation, the people said.
Five other people actively involved in the AI server supply chain say they are aware of the use of the trackers in shipments of servers from manufacturers such as Dell and Super Micro, which include chips from Nvidia and AMD
Those people said the trackers are typically hidden in the packaging of the server shipments. They did not know which parties were involved in installing them and where along the shipping route they were put in.
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Meet Mark Chen and Jakub Pachocki. The two people shaping the future of OpenAI’s research
The two people shaping the future of OpenAI’s research
An exclusive conversation with Mark Chen and Jakub Pachocki, OpenAI’s twin heads of research, about the path toward more capable reasoning models—and superalignment.Will Douglas Heaven (MIT Technology Review)
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Facial recognition vans to be rolled out across police forces in England
Under the plans, 10 live facial recognition (LFR) vans will be used by seven forces across England to help identify "sex offenders or people wanted for the most serious crimes", according to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
The tech, which has been trialled in London and south Wales, will be subject to strict rules, the Home Office said, but human rights groups have warned it is "dangerous and discriminatory".
Amnesty International UK said the plans should be "immediately scrapped", with facial recognition proven to be "discriminatory against communities of colour".
Facial recognition vans to be rolled out across police forces in England
Ten live facial recognition vans will be deployed - but human rights groups argue the tech is "dangerous and discriminatory".Sky News
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Facial recognition vans to be rolled out across police forces in England
Under the plans, 10 live facial recognition (LFR) vans will be used by seven forces across England to help identify "sex offenders or people wanted for the most serious crimes", according to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
The tech, which has been trialled in London and south Wales, will be subject to strict rules, the Home Office said, but human rights groups have warned it is "dangerous and discriminatory".
Amnesty International UK said the plans should be "immediately scrapped", with facial recognition proven to be "discriminatory against communities of colour".
Facial recognition vans to be rolled out across police forces in England
Ten live facial recognition vans will be deployed - but human rights groups argue the tech is "dangerous and discriminatory".Sky News
Facial recognition vans to be rolled out across police forces in England
Under the plans, 10 live facial recognition (LFR) vans will be used by seven forces across England to help identify "sex offenders or people wanted for the most serious crimes", according to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
The tech, which has been trialled in London and south Wales, will be subject to strict rules, the Home Office said, but human rights groups have warned it is "dangerous and discriminatory".
Amnesty International UK said the plans should be "immediately scrapped", with facial recognition proven to be "discriminatory against communities of colour".
Facial recognition vans to be rolled out across police forces in England
Ten live facial recognition vans will be deployed - but human rights groups argue the tech is "dangerous and discriminatory".Sky News
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Online Safety Act - shutdowns and site blocks
Online Safety Act - shutdowns and site blocks
Report incorrectly blocked sites on UK ISP and mobile networks.Report mobile and Internet Service Providers blocking sites
Now you see me, now you don’t: how subtle ‘sponsored content’ on social media tricks us into viewing ads
Now you see me, now you don’t: how subtle ‘sponsored content’ on social media tricks us into viewing ads
Scientists find that people mostly avoid social media ads when they see them, but many ads blend in seamlessly.Angharad Brewer Gillham (Frontiers | Science news)
Fake Clinics Quietly Edit Their Websites After Being Called Out on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Claims
Fake Clinics Quietly Edit Their Websites After Being Called Out on HIPAA Claims
In a promising sign that public pressure works, several crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs, also known as “fake clinics”) have quietly scrubbed misleading language about privacy protections from their websites.Electronic Frontier Foundation
UK Government urges citizens to delete old emails and pictures as data centres require vast amounts of water to cool their systems
National Drought Group meets to address “nationally significant” water shortfall
Five areas remain in drought with six more in prolonged dry weatherEnvironment Agency (GOV.UK)
Temperature records broken as extreme heat grips parts of Europe
Extreme heat is breaking temperature records across Europe, early measurements suggest, and driving bigger and stronger wildfires.
In south-west France, records were broken on Monday in Angoulême, Bergerac, Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion and Saint-Girons. Météo France said the “often remarkable, even unprecedented, maximum temperatures” in the region were 12C above the norm for the last few decades.
In Croatia, air temperature records were set in Šibenik, at 39.5C, and Dubrovnik, at 38.9C, while large forest fires raged along its coasts and ripped through neighbouring countries in the Balkans.
Beyond Europe, dozens of temperature records were broken across Canada, and record-breaking heat above 50C in Iraq was blamed for a nationwide blackout.
Temperature records broken as extreme heat grips parts of Europe
Unprecedented temperatures causing difficulties in south-west France, Croatia, Italy and Spain with wildfire destruction across Europe up 87%Ajit Niranjan (The Guardian)
Interlock Ransomware Group Leaks 43GB of Data in City of St. Paul Cyberattack
Interlock Ransomware Group Leaks 43GB of Data in City of St. Paul Cyberattack
St. Paul hit by Interlock ransomware attack, 43GB of data leaked, city refuses ransom, launches Operation Secure St. Paul with FBI and National Guard.Deeba Ahmed (Hack Read)
Endymion_Mallorn
in reply to pdqcp • • •Leon
in reply to Endymion_Mallorn • • •I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Things don’t have to be realistic to be aspirational. It’s a bigger problem when people give up because improvement isn’t realistic or deemed necessary by comparison to some other factor.
Saw it a lot here. People would be all “sure our healthcare isn’t great but at least we’re not like the U.S.” as the rightwingers bit by bit enshittified the entire system.
A utopia is what we should aim for. What’s the point of anything less?
Zorque
in reply to Leon • • •There's a difference between being realistic and being pessimistic. The latter expects any attempt to fail, while the former seeks an attainable path to a goal.
One can not attain that utopian vision without setting realistic goals. Setting your eyes on the end game without ever focusing on the path to get there is dooming yourself to failure.
HarkMahlberg
in reply to pdqcp • • •ClownsInSpace2
in reply to HarkMahlberg • • •ThrowawayPermanente
in reply to ClownsInSpace2 • • •tabular
in reply to pdqcp • • •Open source can refer to MIT licensed code/projects where it can be taken, modified and redistributed as proprietary software without giving back. You can't contribute without wondering if you're doing work for a mega corp.
I would be temped to argue that doesn't go far enough. If copyleft wasn't circumvented by AI I'd argue for that.
Badabinski
in reply to tabular • • •MudMan
in reply to pdqcp • • •Heh. It's a very software-centric view. Open source trivializes things that can run as software on readily available hardware, but if there's a linear relationship between cost of hardware/manufacture and results you aren't solving much of the gatekeeping. There's plenty of open source availability for a lot of stuff, from email to LLMs, that nobody self-hosts. The problem isn't the underlying reproduction rights.
I will say this, I don't care about what the author or anybody else "supports". If we should have learned something from the last decade or two is that "support" means jack shit.
I care about regulation. And just like I think education, transportation, medical patents, health care and other key resources should be fundamentally public by law, the same is true of other technologies.
piefood
in reply to MudMan • • •As someone that self-hosts those things, both professionally and personally, I'm gonna have to disagree. I wish more did, but there are plenty of self-hosters out there, they just don't get headlines.
MudMan
in reply to piefood • • •I self host those, too.
I am nobody in the scale of this conversation.
I think there's a business opportunity in simplifying self hosting into a commodity (have your people call my people, we'll talk), but nobody is taking advantage of it other than, say, Synology, and they are still way too complicated and mostly only concerned with selling you hard drives.
Apple and Google aren't going to invent the iNAS or the Servoor until they can find a path to datamining and revenue in those that beats hosting things themselves, and that time is probably never. So while everybody uses Gmail and Facetime and ChatGPT nobody selfhosts.
LainTrain
in reply to pdqcp • • •I agree.
Even more broadly, politically - copyleft in general is very unpopular with people, even amongst leftists and self-identified communists who you'd think would be all about that since y'know, good of the commons and the fact that communist states literally didn't give a fuck about copyright and the literature seeing it transparently as another government method of enforcing corporate power, especially apparent today when it comes to pharmaceuticals snd the fact that capitalism needs this intellectual property monopoly as an added incentive for R&D is an issue with capitalism's broken incentive structures, not cost in and of itself or science/technology.
Few people seem to understand the power of intellectual property, and various critics of corporate technology either omit mentioning or openly defend intellectual property, despite corporations having monopolies being the reason enshittification is such a phenomenon in the first place.
It seems like a lot of arguments about the role of technology in society instead boil down to more-stuffism vs. less-stuffism, usually based on emotionally charged preference for modern aesthetics or how much they believe the noble savage/appeal to nature fallacies.
When it comes to AI for instance, anyone reasonable can see that if it's open sourced for everyone to use then it's just a simple common good like a public library, use it (responsibly) and there's no issue.
Closed source private models in use by corporations suck up the environment (which belongs to everyone) and use the capital they steal from wage workers who actually produce the things they sell to give themselves leverage over said consumers/workers and other corporations, and this is not fair to the 99%.
Picture a world where AI is good enough to where it actually provides value to use it in a good chunk of jobs, and the best AI is corporate and closed source, and they just enshittified it and jacked up the prices, but if you want to get a job, you better know how to use it well. It would mean that corpo has an enormous power over your life now and you got little choice but to pony up, and they can raise prices whenever they want and snowball that capital into more and more.
I think the reason in this instance is that a lot of artists are bourgeoisie themselves and they understand that. They may be progressive as a personality trait/gimmick/style and talk about "empathy" but they understand the material reality of things.
They had the opportunities and the room for failure necessary to go into such a high risk field, and their ultimate form of commercial success is essentially using that privilege to create intellectual property they could make money from, hence the "concerns" over "style theft" and moralist fearmongering over vaguely defined concepts like "soulless", which is usually as arbitrary as "white" for racists (not implying equivalence here).
I find generally that a lot of the anti-AI viewpoints are simple self-serving veils of bourgeoisie who's capital is threatened, no different from the culture war fearmongering about vaping, a dying grasp of the tobacco companies of old threatened by shenzen gadget slop factories.
The material reality is that digital goods are effectively infinite, copying an image isn't a crime nevermind copying a style or some such, it is transparently absurd to imply otherwise.
Other
in reply to LainTrain • • •I generally agree with the first part of your post but I feel you have a weird hang up on artists. Most artist didn't go to school for art, most artists are simply self taught.
The bare minimum cost of being an artist is a pencil and paper. And although their way of combating it with appeals to copyright is regressive. It comes from a place of desperation because at the end of the day they are laborers. And I've come to find that many tech people tend to diminish artists as laborers.
themeatbridge
in reply to pdqcp • • •"I only eat food that's free."
I fully support open source software, but it's not feasible under the current economic system to expect everyone to exclusively contribute to open source projects.
Semperverus
in reply to themeatbridge • • •You are allowed to charge money for open source.
Its the recipe that makes the food you're eating that would need to be publicly available and free to redistribute.
Sckharshantallas
in reply to Semperverus • • •hperrin
in reply to Sckharshantallas • • •NukeNPave
in reply to Sckharshantallas • • •themeatbridge
in reply to Semperverus • • •chunkystyles
in reply to themeatbridge • • •CriticalMiss
in reply to Semperverus • • •Alex
in reply to CriticalMiss • • •hperrin
in reply to Semperverus • • •Yep, you sure are. You also can’t stop someone from forking it and giving it away for free. See: Red Hat Enterprise Linux and AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, etc.
Money in open source is one of the biggest hurdles to it becoming the norm. IMHO, governments should fund more open source projects and fund them at higher levels. We have art grants because art improves society, and we should have an equal or higher amount of open source grants because open source improves society too.
sibachian
in reply to hperrin • • •many governments are currently trying to tear down art grants aren't they tho?
the majority keep voting for the people trying to break everything and get shocked when it breaks.
Jean-luc Peak-hard
in reply to themeatbridge • • •sibachian
in reply to Jean-luc Peak-hard • • •i stopped paying for cryptpad when they stopped building their own software and started peddling the utter garbage that is onlyoffice.
i asked them a few years ago if they are planning to build something new and they just said why build when there are things like onlyoffice already available.
sigh.
Novaling
in reply to Jean-luc Peak-hard • • •He never said paying for open source projects is impossible, obviously we have the ability pay. It's the expecting EVERYONE to drop money on every FOSS project that's infeasible. That shit ads up.
It's the same issue that PeerTube has, people making free content with no ads, but they aren't guaranteed payment. I'm not about to pay $5 per month on Patreon for every creator that I like, cause that's just not sustainable.
Phoenixz
in reply to themeatbridge • • •I don't mind paying for software.
I want free as in freedom, not free as in beer. Though a free beer might not be the worst thing in the world
themeatbridge
in reply to Phoenixz • • •Sure, and I recognize that it's not a great metaphor. But I'm thinking about it from the developer side. Open Source software is not motivated by profits, and profit motivates a lot of developers. Some of the best software projects were actualized by a few committed individuals who were passionate about the purpose. But then you have Microsoft which tries to tie bonuses to lines of code, and ends up with bloated garbage because peoples is peoples.
Open source is good, in the same way free lunches for school children are good. The benefits are innumerable. But it's not feasible to expect every developer to commit to open source projects when their efforts might not be rewarded.
HubertManne
in reply to pdqcp • • •Cris
in reply to pdqcp • • •How the world "should" respond to the thing we care about is an actively counter-productive thing to get hung up on.
Its much important how they do respond to it, and how we can reach those who don't connect with it
(And that doesn't just lecturing people and trying to brow beat them into caring about it, which seems like the default approach for a lot of foss folks 🥲 thats the opposite or reaching people, that's alienating them)
like this
rash likes this.
hperrin
in reply to pdqcp • • •I’m an open source developer who’s put thousands of hours of work into my open source projects.
I get wanting to use open source software. I want to use open source software. I want to write open source software. I do write open source software. But please understand that I only do that because I enjoy it. I also need to pay the bills, and there’s not much money in writing open source software.
If you value an open source project, especially if it’s just a small development team that doesn’t sell anything, please donate to them.
Right now, I run an email service, port87.com/, and it is technically closed source. But it’s built on my open source projects, Svelte Material UI, Nymph.js, and Nephele. Probably about 70% of the code that makes up Port87 is open source, and if you use Port87, you’re helping me continue to develop those open source projects. So even if you don’t donate to open source projects, there are other ways to contribute. Support companies who support open source projects.
Port87
port87.comFrezik
in reply to hperrin • • •This sort of thing can't really be done in capitalism at all. Open Source (as it was advanced by Eric S. Raymond and the Mozilla Project back in the late 90s) was always stuck in a capitalist way of thinking.
In a society where everyone has their basic needs met and people are expected to contribute what they can, writing FOSS can be your contribution.
lustrum
in reply to hperrin • • •The early mobile phone apps conditioned people to expect things free.
I donate to any project, open or closed source if it's worth it.