I actually don’t mind the subscription model for content creators. I just wish Google (or any platform owner) would get a smaller cut due to a more competitive environment.

The thing is if, you couldn’t block ads on YT, I would probably get premium, there is no way I am watching their ads.

Note, I do subscribe to multiple “indie” content creators that I enjoy, but I am not watching ads on YT (or anywhere else).

The console business model of subsidized hardware and platform specific-exclusives is coming to an end.

Semiconductors costs have gone up and they will only continue to get even more expensive. At the same time, graphics are reaching a “good enough” phase, where marginal increases in fidelity require exponentially more processing power.

It also doesn’t make financial sense to not eventually release games on PC (if not have a same day multi-platform release).

I think by this point, the only option is breakup and mandatory federation with independent frontends, service providers all competing against each other. They have a monopoly.

Google would argue they don’t really have a monopoly since they compete against streaming, but that’s a malicious, pre-information age interpretation of monopoly power.

Now, now, young one. You simply lack the taste and sophistication to appreciate the depth inherent to badger badger badger.

The sharp, minimalist vector graphics of badger badger badger gave it character and pedigree. Not like the tiktok junk of today.

And you had know how to install and patch browser plugins and computers required knowledge. You had to know about the URL and share it on MSN messenger. Not like the brain dead smartphone apps used by modern teens.

I was just going to something similar.

It’s your local joint that’s not the best, but can offer a fun experience. You would only invite certain specific friends who you know would appreciate the experience.

I wouldn’t go that far, oligarchs (in the US or otherwise) are generally very intelligent, sophisticated (in the functional sense) and even hard working.

This is not meant to be some sort of justification, they are clearly corrupt, deeply dishonest and extremely malicious. That doesn’t mean they should be underestimated or one should discount their capabilities.

Apologies for calling you a sir, miss!

Well played, sir!

Good to hear at least some upside for Mastadon from the recent rise in Bluesky users.

Hopefully this trend will continue and and Mastodon can retain at least a solid percentage of those why try it.

Sounds like they feel they have enough leverage over US companies where they can keep the leading edge node “exclusive” to in-country manufacturing.

And they do have very strong leverage.

Worth reading if the semiconductor industry is one of your interests.

Paints a pretty bad picture of Gelsinger. I wonder how systematic these issues are. However the examples cited are too serious to be ignored IMO.

To implement something like this, you would need a radical change in judicial and criminal systems.

Something along the lines of any white collar crime worth more than say 10 annual local median salaries, would require a rehabilitation program (if convicted) that would start with full asset seizure (absolutely everything) and a minimum of 10 years real community service (live-in junior janitor at an Alzheimer’s outpatient institution with minimum wage and limited access to internet and smartphones). The community service could easily be extended to 20, 30 or 40 years depending the on the severity of the crime.

You would also need to get rid of various “get out of jail free” laws and make it easy to organized criminals and send them to rehabilitation programs.