Hey, thanks for reading my bio. You know, you’re pretty cool. I’m glad we got to share this moment together.

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Joined 8 months ago
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Cake day: February 15th, 2024

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  • As much as I like DJI products and FPV drones in general, I can kinda see where the DoD is coming from on this one. DJI drones are particularly capable (which is part of what makes them so awesome) to the point where some are capable of being semi, if not entirely, autonomous.

    Their software is entirely closed source, and thanks to the FAAs own ruling, they are now all equipped with SIM cards and internet access. There’s absolutely a threat model to consider there.

    But banning them is the wrong approach. We can’t keep banning good tech just because we’re scared of it. There are entire domestic industries that benefit from DJI tech, and several that exist almost entirely because of it. The best approach would be to incentivize local competition. But since that takes a while… Why not just write custom firmware? We can’t best China in their manufacturing ability, but we’ve got tons of software talent. Write custom firmware, open source it, all domestic products get flashed before flying. Defence keeps a tighter leash on their airspace, and industry keeps their cheap drones. Win-win.













  • This is a really good point. Historically communities have always relied on unpaid/underpaid labor in some capacity. Even mowing your neighbors lawn once in a while could be considered a value of a few hundred dollars (fuck lawns btw) - there has always been this invisible layer of communal support that is now becoming commodified.

    Marginalized groups being fairly compensated is an objectively good thing, but the financial stress is real. As society continues to grow even more individualistic, we will probably see additional pressures mount until another fundamental shift happens. I have no idea what that will look like, but it is interesting to think about.


  • Someone feel free to jump in and audit my take:

    The Internet Archive is not a company, does not sell me anything, and is merely providing a public service.

    The service has nothing to do with my health or wellbeing. It is not marketed as being privacy forward. Hell, the whole purpose of the project is to make data publically accessable.

    Therefore, exposing email addresses… I kinda don’t care?

    Of course, it would be way better if they just used generic login numbers etc instead, but… I feel like this is the equivalent of my library card number getting leaked, and these headlines are treating it like Equifax just leaked my SSN again.




  • Most recently, I’ve made some very interesting friends through volunteering. You’re pretty much stuck with a group of people for a period of time and it gives you a perfect pretense to start conversations - and if you pick a cause you care about, you’re very likely to meet like-minded people.

    most notably, in-person friendships require much less time investment to develop than online friendships, IMO (not that online friendships aren’t just as enjoyable)

    Its truly a numbers game, though. Put yourself out there enough and eventually something will click.