Froswald's recent activity
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Comment on elle's homepage in ~tech
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Comment on What happened to your first car? in ~transport
Froswald Link1997 Ford Thunderbird. I got it when I was 19 and managed to get over my fear of driving (due to a car wreck I was in as a passenger.) It used to be my grandma's car until she passed, and before...1997 Ford Thunderbird. I got it when I was 19 and managed to get over my fear of driving (due to a car wreck I was in as a passenger.) It used to be my grandma's car until she passed, and before that it was the work vehicle of my mother's old boyfriend. I named her Emma, and drove her until this year when I managed to save/borrow enough to purchase a 2025 Mazda CX-50 that I fully intend to keep for the next decade if not longer. Emma still has some use and a lot of heart, but she'd need someone who really cares about that type of car and has the money/know-how to maintain it. By the time I got the Mazda, I could only drive her during the day and not on highways or interstates, because the likelihood of a breakdown was high enough to need good lighting and a place to safely pull over. Still, it wasn't easy emotionally. The car became a family heirloom and honestly, she still looks cool as hell. Speakers work well too! The A/C, not so much. Deep South summers, man.
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Comment on Turn any webpage into a 1990s GeoCities blink fest in ~tech
Froswald LinkThis is magical. I genuinely think I'll use this for browsing tech news from now on. I noticed the buttons didn't work for 'Learn More'; would it be possible to have the tool search for any links...This is magical. I genuinely think I'll use this for browsing tech news from now on. I noticed the buttons didn't work for 'Learn More'; would it be possible to have the tool search for any links that match similar naming structure in that container and make them function? Either way, absolutely lovely little tool!
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Comment on Virgin Punk: Clockwork Girl | Official trailer in ~anime
Froswald LinkI'm a very casual anime consumer (in that while I like a wide variety, I consume it glacially) so I don't know much of anything about any of the creators. That said, this looks electric. The...I'm a very casual anime consumer (in that while I like a wide variety, I consume it glacially) so I don't know much of anything about any of the creators. That said, this looks electric. The animation is immaculate, the style is vibrant and weirdly, makes me think of natural scenery despite being very science fiction. I'm reminded of the 1995 GITS movie as well as some shades of Bebop, but it doesn't come across as mimicking either of those. It's just a trailer, but the last production that had me go from zero-to-excited this quickly was probably EEAAO in live-action.
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Comment on Michael Bay will direct the ‘Skibidi Toilet’ movie in ~movies
Froswald Link ParentI don't know, I won't see it in theatres unless I'm feeling goofy that day but it might be a good movie for a 'bad movie night.' I like a lot of the now-classic SyFy originals like Big Ass Spider!...I don't know, I won't see it in theatres unless I'm feeling goofy that day but it might be a good movie for a 'bad movie night.' I like a lot of the now-classic SyFy originals like Big Ass Spider! and Pirahnaconda, so if they approach this movie with that attitude of 'we know it's gonna be dumb, but let's try anyway' then it might have some entertainment merit.
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Comment on The anxiety of losing control of your original work in a digital age in ~talk
Froswald LinkI'm still in the hobbyist sphere of writing (the most I've been published in is a few small literary journals) but I do maintain a website where sometime this year I'll put a lot of my 'fun work'...I'm still in the hobbyist sphere of writing (the most I've been published in is a few small literary journals) but I do maintain a website where sometime this year I'll put a lot of my 'fun work' and worldbuilding onto it, including short fiction. The way I see it, and this may be in part to me facing a similar dilemma and needing an answer, is that if people keep stealing your work it means it's popular. If your goal is to build an income off of writing, then that could be used as leverage in negotiations for future projects or publishing deals with subsequent works.
It's as much a coping answer as it is a perspective shift. Ideally, people wouldn't steal it at all, or at least go back if they enjoyed it and buy a copy. As for GenAI? The best I can figure is swallowing that pill of people seeing what was written, liking it, wanting more but not caring if it's just 'more or less about the same.' I'm of the belief that until some new paradigm of GenAI content attribution comes along or...something, purely creative efforts will have a loyal but diminished audience of those who also create, and those who appreciate conscious creation. Kind of like Farenheit 451's outcasts but without the censorship overtones.
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Comment on End of 10: Replace Windows 10 with Linux in ~tech
Froswald Link ParentIt's not 1:1, but for those who appreciate the Windows XP style of UI, Q4OS is a distro I quite enjoy. It can also run on very low-end hardware (I have it's Trinity iteration running on an old...It's not 1:1, but for those who appreciate the Windows XP style of UI, Q4OS is a distro I quite enjoy. It can also run on very low-end hardware (I have it's Trinity iteration running on an old Dell Latitude D620 and while I can't do much more than web brows/text work, it does work.)
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Comment on Spotify down? No, your Spotify mod was just blocked—here's why it won't work anymore. in ~tech
Froswald Link ParentI briefly used Spotify back in 2019, but I've been largely ride-or-die for local media. I've got MP3s from 2005, they're backed up several ways, and as long as a solar flare doesn't hit us or...I briefly used Spotify back in 2019, but I've been largely ride-or-die for local media. I've got MP3s from 2005, they're backed up several ways, and as long as a solar flare doesn't hit us or whatever could cause a global EMP I'll be listening to them until I die. The only way I'd ever change is if a streaming service let you locally download the raw files, and not restricted/secure files.
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Comment on Global Capslock key in ~comp
Froswald LinkWhAT A DELIGHTFUL LITTLE TOOL. I ENJOY SOFTWAre toYS LIke ThiS; it MAKeS ME FEEL LIKE IT'S IN THE SAME VEIN AS YTMND, MYSPACE PAGES OR GEOCITIES PAGES. IT'S NOT PROGRAMMING, BUT IT STILL HAS THAT...WhAT A DELIGHTFUL LITTLE TOOL. I ENJOY SOFTWAre toYS LIke ThiS; it MAKeS ME FEEL LIKE IT'S IN THE SAME VEIN AS YTMND, MYSPACE PAGES OR GEOCITIES PAGES. IT'S NOT PROGRAMMING, BUT IT STILL HAS THAT SAME SPIRIT OF CREATIO--hEY CAN WE TURN OFF THE CAPSLOCK IT SEEMS LIKE I'M JUST SHOUTING NOW. I KNOW CAPS LoCK IS CruISE CONTroL FOR COoL BUT SOmeTIMEs IT'S pOSSIBLE TO BE TOO COOL GUYS
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Comment on What video game mods do you play, or have played in the past? in ~games
Froswald (edited )LinkMy all-time favorite mod is for original Mount&Blade. It's a total conversion called Solid&Shade, developed by N0ught. If it's classic gothic literature, it's probably referenced in this mod....My all-time favorite mod is for original Mount&Blade. It's a total conversion called Solid&Shade, developed by N0ught. If it's classic gothic literature, it's probably referenced in this mod. Greek mythology and general folklore, as well. The premise is that it's the same base setting, but much more dire. The seas are stilling, the crops are failing--the land is dying, frankly. Undead are roaming the countryside, and the source of it all is a forgotten village with a dark secret.
The fun part is you can either fight these dark forces or join them. There's not much in the way of a narrative, but there's plenty of roleplay opportunities and genuine horror expression. The graphics are quite dated by modern standards, but it doesn't detract from immersion at all IMO. I also think the game's structure makes for a genuinely haunting experience. Plus, if you're a fan of necromancy like me there are few games that let you have a genuine army of undead to unleash as you see fit.
On the polar opposite, my favorite behind-the-scenes gameplay enhancement mod I've ever played is Advanced Tactics for Dragon Age: Origins. It adds so many conditional options for the in-game tactics system (basically player-editable if/then NPC companion AI. If you're familiar with FFXII Gambits, it's a similar system) that you can set your companions up to never need human input, even on harder difficulties. I'm one of the weird ones that adores DA:O's gameplay wholesale, so a mod like this is a dream come true for me.
I'd also recommend the SSSSiyan trainer for Devil May Cry 5, as it allows you to modify so many elements of the gameplay. Combat speed, animation speed, damage values, even gravity, enemy spawns and movesets can be adjusted via options within it. It's not a true mod in that sense, but you can have an entirely different experience each session if you so choose.
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Comment on What game intended for multiplayer did you enjoy playing solo? in ~games
Froswald Link ParentV Rising is very grindy solo, but I found the gameplay loop fantastic. Especially the bosses; I loved having to figure out how to approach some almost like I was playing Diablo 3 early on. I also...V Rising is very grindy solo, but I found the gameplay loop fantastic. Especially the bosses; I loved having to figure out how to approach some almost like I was playing Diablo 3 early on. I also dig the vampire aesthetic so that definitely pushed me towards liking it, but the bosses were a lot of fun to figure out. Especially the winery one!
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Comment on What game intended for multiplayer did you enjoy playing solo? in ~games
Froswald Link ParentI've only done Sith Inquisitor (my fave) and Imperial Agent, but agreed. They've really made it be a serviceable single-player RPG; it won't hold up in depth compared to a proper ground-up solo...I've only done Sith Inquisitor (my fave) and Imperial Agent, but agreed. They've really made it be a serviceable single-player RPG; it won't hold up in depth compared to a proper ground-up solo experience, but that's just mechanics. The story's there and I personally enjoy the fact that if I do want to hook up with other players, I don't have to play another game for that. In a sense, that to me is what an MMO is all about--a game that offers a world you can engage with in the company of other players if you so choose, but even if you go solo, they're still around.
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Comment on What game intended for multiplayer did you enjoy playing solo? in ~games
Froswald LinkMass Effect 3's multiplayer is this to a tee for me. To clarify: I think it's even better with multiple players, but the playerbase has (mostly) dried up. A lot of the time I just wanted to play,...Mass Effect 3's multiplayer is this to a tee for me. To clarify: I think it's even better with multiple players, but the playerbase has (mostly) dried up. A lot of the time I just wanted to play, so I eased in on the easiest difficulty and took it slow.
ME3MP is essentially a squad-based horde mode, with ten total waves and one 'extraction' wave. Solo turns it into a survival mode, and with the games' offering of classes you have a lot of different approaches. An invisibility cloak sniper who runs across the map to keep herding enemies into kill zones? A powerful biotic (wizard) who can take on entire groups with the right ambush, but if done wrong is one of the squishest classes? Or my favorite, a nigh-unstoppable juggernaut who kills slowly, but can walk through hellfire and keep standing (as long as you keep your shields and buffs up.)
I still fire it up from time to time. I wish the remaster EA put out had MP; that game mode deserves a bigger resurgence than it got. I genuinely think if it was standalone it'd have an evergreen playerbase, but a Geth Spitfire toting Geth Juggernaut never gets old solo.
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Comment on What's a song that you initially didn't enjoy, but it grew on you over time and is now a favorite? in ~music
Froswald Link ParentHer and Flavor Flav are similar in that regard from what I can tell: talented musicians (Flav's a multi-instrumentalist) who drifted to a musical style that's very much not the traditional sounds...Her and Flavor Flav are similar in that regard from what I can tell: talented musicians (Flav's a multi-instrumentalist) who drifted to a musical style that's very much not the traditional sounds they likely started their music journey on. I suppose that's why Lady Gaga's acoustic tracks work so well--she understands the fundamentals so well she can afford to be experimental and successful. Also, enthusiastically is a word!
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Comment on What's a song that you initially didn't enjoy, but it grew on you over time and is now a favorite? in ~music
Froswald LinkTurn Down For What I'm not a fan of whatever genre it is typically, but the music video helped me actually sit through the whole song. It's loud, abrasive and at times just an -apparent-...I'm not a fan of whatever genre it is typically, but the music video helped me actually sit through the whole song. It's loud, abrasive and at times just an -apparent- mess...but it works together. It's the same feeling I get when listening to early jungle--spastic clashes of sound that when put together, really jives.
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Comment on How would you rate adulthood? in ~life
Froswald Link ParentI have difficulty relating to kids when I do speak with them. I know it's all in my own head, but I end up so stiffly awkward trying to talk that I either start stuttering/mumbling or default to...I have difficulty relating to kids when I do speak with them. I know it's all in my own head, but I end up so stiffly awkward trying to talk that I either start stuttering/mumbling or default to my 'work personality' and talk to them about the weather.
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Comment on How would you rate adulthood? in ~life
Froswald Link ParentI'm much the same way, although in a masochistic way I enjoyed the all-nighters I pulled in my major's building. Technically only grad students were allowed access after-hours but I stayed around...I'm much the same way, although in a masochistic way I enjoyed the all-nighters I pulled in my major's building. Technically only grad students were allowed access after-hours but I stayed around until they locked up, kept quiet and was nose-deep in my computer so no one batted an eye. I've been missing the feeling of everyone around you trying to better themself in some way (be it academically, socially or simple connections); it's a great environment for someone like me who tends to adopt my surroundings. Though I'll take more than subsistence income and the freedom to engage in loose pseudo-academia on my own time any day.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tv
Froswald LinkOverall: The West Wing In more recent years the high-minded ideals being listened to sting more than I care to admit, but even when all the political themes are stripped away, it has rapier wit,...Overall: The West Wing
- In more recent years the high-minded ideals being listened to sting more than I care to admit, but even when all the political themes are stripped away, it has rapier wit, charming characters and an earnestness that's a genuine balm for me. I rewatch it around once a year.
Honorable Mentions:
- Red Dwarf: My absolute favorite style of comedy. Silly in circumstance, with absurd characters who act as seriously as their various dysfunctions allow them. Plus, there's a few dramatic episodes that felt right at home.
- Spaced: I feel like I'm pigeonholing myself putting two British sitcoms up here, but I can't not mention it. Only 14 episodes, but the raw creativity and wonderful absurdism of circumstance coupled with Edgar Wright's cinematography make it endlessly rewatchable. Also, stellar soundtrack.
- Parks and Recreation: You know, just read my previous two entries for my reasons why. It seems like I love characters who are the dysfunctional mirrors of normal archetypes.
Black Books, Father Ted, and House MD are up there as well. I'm sticking just to live-action; if I included other mediums then Fullmetal Alchemist 2003 and Ed, Edd n' Eddy would be strong contenders.
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Comment on Any real AI recommendations from the community? in ~tech
Froswald Link ParentEver since I found out that it's possible to run local AI models, I've been hooked. I mostly do image generation for personal/experimental purposes, but I've started branching out into text-based...Ever since I found out that it's possible to run local AI models, I've been hooked. I mostly do image generation for personal/experimental purposes, but I've started branching out into text-based tasks as well as using it to sort of 'trial and error' learn my way into Python. It's a significant factor as to why I bought a (for me) beefy GPU for my recent PC build. Right now I'm interested in seeing if I can get a voice-based assistant running, like Cortana except entirely local (and realistically, slower/poorer sounding.) I really enjoyed having access to both Cortana and Alexa when I was still naive to how much data was being stored and parsed for advertising purposes, so if I could at least get a rudimentary assistant, that itch would finally be re-scratched.
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Comment on The queer fantasy of playersexuality in ~games
Froswald Link ParentFYI: Spoilers for DAII in case of very patient gamers I think tone's important when making this call; it's one thing to enjoy discussing matters of great interest but little importance, but it's...FYI: Spoilers for DAII in case of very patient gamers
I think tone's important when making this call; it's one thing to enjoy discussing matters of great interest but little importance, but it's something else to become genuinely bothered by said unimportant matters. This article feels more like an exploration of the topic as opposed to an articulate rant.
With that said, since I love talking about matters of great interest but little importance: I personally consider concerns about playersexuality a meta issue that should be ignored for immersion's sake. Each playthrough is its own universe. They're not linked, meta knowledge isn't held in-universe (unless it's written in, such as Starfield's multiverse mechanic). In Dragon Age II, you won't know anything about Anders starting off--you referring to the version of Hawke being played. When I replay DA:O, I know full well that going to Redcliffe first will result in certain outcomes that could be prevented if I went to the Circle Tower first. But my characters don't know that.
The same goes for sexuality. I as Hawke have no idea Anders even exists when I'm fending off Darkspawn in Lothering, let alone his sexuality. In that playthrough-universe he might be gay, straight or bisexual. Hell, if not for his dialogue having a portion where he initiates flirting, he could even be asexual.
If anything, I genuinely believe that an inability to ignore metaknowledge is what's a persistent problem with RPGs, specifically their players, than playersexuality. With that said, I do acknowledge it can water down dialogue since you won't know the gender of the character's romantic interested. Personally, I'm somewhat against playersexuality, but it's hardly a strong viewpoint. I'm more against unwarranted flirting unless it's done in an appropriate moment, i.e. not after my character's mother was just hacked apart and sewn into a Frankenstein's monster-bride.
No other links to share, but I absolutely adore her page. It's so unashamedly personal that the things that'd normally irk me like 'u' instead of 'you' or the kaomojis (a term I didn't know until I read her about) instead make the whole page more endearing.
I also love her links section for having so many unique and at least to me, interesting sites. Personal sites, aggregate lists--and on her 3D homepage, the dial-a-site toy was genuinely fun to test random numbers on. It may never be dominant again, but pages like hers and those she links to help keep this home-y side of the internet alive.