The_Fad's recent activity
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Comment on SpaceX’s Dragon launch ushers in a new era for Americans in space in ~space
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Comment on Official Overwatch Novel: The Hero of Numbani in ~books
The_Fad LinkI'm genuinely surprised it took them 4 years to start releasing Overwatch novels. This one is middle grade (appropriate, given the game's target age range), no further info on future projects...I'm genuinely surprised it took them 4 years to start releasing Overwatch novels. This one is middle grade (appropriate, given the game's target age range), no further info on future projects though. Would really enjoy seeing an adult heist novel starring Junkrat and Roadhog set during the Omnic War, but now that I think about it I'm not positive they were hanging out yet per the lore.
The author, Nicky Drayden, is known for a litany of short stories and a few novels, most notably, "The Prey of Gods", her debut novel released in 2017.
There's a full blown excerpt in the link, but the book summary for Hero of Numbani is below:
In the technologically advanced African city of Numbani, in the not-so-distant future, humans live in harmony with humanoid robots known as omnics. But when a terrorist tries to shatter that unity, a hero named Efi Oladele rises!
Efi has been making robots since she was little -- machines to better her community and improve people's lives. But after she witnesses Doomfist's catastrophic attack on the city's OR15 security bots, Efi feels the call to build something greater: a true guardian of Numbani.
While Doomfist sows discord between humans and omnics, Efi engineers an intelligent and compassionate robot, Orisa, named after the powerful spirits who guide her people. Orisa has a lot to learn before she's ready to defeat Doomfist, but Efi has some learning to do, too, especially when it comes to building -- and being -- a hero. With Doomfist rallying his forces, and the military powerless to stop him, can Efi mold Orisa into the hero of Numbani before it's too late?
This action-packed novel features the fan-favorite characters Efi, Orisa, Doomfist, and Lúcio in an all-new, original story straight from the minds of the Overwatch game team and critically acclaimed author Nicky Drayden!
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Official Overwatch Novel: The Hero of Numbani
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Comment on password, the typing game, is about to receive mobile support in ~creative
The_Fad Link ParentAbout:Firefox just says "Firefox Browser 68.8.1"About:Firefox just says "Firefox Browser 68.8.1"
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Comment on password, the typing game, is about to receive mobile support in ~creative
The_Fad LinkWhen clicking the link using Firefox on mobile (Galaxy S10, Android version 10) it takes me to what I assume is the desktop version, which requests for me to press the space bar. No interaction...When clicking the link using Firefox on mobile (Galaxy S10, Android version 10) it takes me to what I assume is the desktop version, which requests for me to press the space bar. No interaction possible with the page; I confirmed I didn't have the "show desktop site" option selected in firefox.
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Comment on The neoliberal era is ending. What comes next? in ~humanities
The_Fad Link ParentI guess I just don't understand why we're using 2016's definition of progressive as the benchmark for Biden, if we live in 2020 and the definition is now different. But I also don't think, even if...I guess I just don't understand why we're using 2016's definition of progressive as the benchmark for Biden, if we live in 2020 and the definition is now different.
But I also don't think, even if successfully explained to me, it'd be something I'd agree with. Which is fine.
Thanks for your time and insight.
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Comment on The neoliberal era is ending. What comes next? in ~humanities
The_Fad Link ParentCan you, our resident seemingly pro-Biden aficionado (not saying that sarcastically; mostly I encounter you when you're actively supporting Biden), explain the reasoning behind neolibs giving...Can you, our resident seemingly pro-Biden aficionado (not saying that sarcastically; mostly I encounter you when you're actively supporting Biden), explain the reasoning behind neolibs giving Biden "progressive credit", so to speak, just for undoing the things Trump has done? Even if they just revert us back to the status quo we were at before? That doesn't seem progressive, that just seems like putting us back where we were.
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Comment on What seventy-four former Biden staffers think about Tara Reade’s allegations in ~society
The_Fad Link ParentI wasn't really commenting on how it would happen, because I don't know (because I'm not a policy expert or political scientist) and am not particularly interested in the how so much as the end...I wasn't really commenting on how it would happen, because I don't know (because I'm not a policy expert or political scientist) and am not particularly interested in the how so much as the end result. Some people like the two party system, some don't. If you support it, cool, that's no skin off my nose.
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Comment on What seventy-four former Biden staffers think about Tara Reade’s allegations in ~society
The_Fad Link ParentAnything to protect the party! Or at least that how it seems to have been going for the past 20 years. Tangentially: I'm surprised there hasn't been a larger voice among independents pushing for...Anything to protect the party! Or at least that how it seems to have been going for the past 20 years.
Tangentially: I'm surprised there hasn't been a larger voice among independents pushing for the destruction of the two party system during all of this. I mean 2015-to-now is the perfect real life example of why it's horseshit and I haven't heard dick about it since the primaries in '16.
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Comment on How to be a good contributor to Tildes? in ~tildes
The_Fad LinkGenerally speaking, in my experience, I wouldn't bother commenting on something unless you*: 1) Have enough to say to generate a couple paragraphs at least, 2) Are thanking someone for a reply, or...Generally speaking, in my experience, I wouldn't bother commenting on something unless you*: 1) Have enough to say to generate a couple paragraphs at least, 2) Are thanking someone for a reply, or 3) Are prepared to source the shit out of whatever you say.
Also if someone is getting snippy I recommend just bowing out, even if they started it. I mean that's solid advice for any confrontation in polite company, I guess, but still. Tildes is no exception to the "this is the internet and I am RIGHT" rule.
As far as posting content goes, I don't think anyone minds if it's very frequent, as long as the content is varied. Plus, if you're doing something wrong, someone will just remove it or flag it and let you know how it broke the rules. No harm, no foul.
*The general "you", of course. Not the specific.
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Comment on Biden is planning an FDR-size Presidency in ~society
The_Fad Link ParentInteresting. Thanks for offering your insight.Interesting. Thanks for offering your insight.
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Comment on Biden is planning an FDR-size Presidency in ~society
The_Fad Link ParentSomething I've noticed among US Dems specifically (and to a significantly lesser degree, US Reps) is the tendency to use variants of this argument in literally every election. At the bare minimum...the time isn't right for electoral reform
Something I've noticed among US Dems specifically (and to a significantly lesser degree, US Reps) is the tendency to use variants of this argument in literally every election. At the bare minimum i've seen it used in every election I've been part of (2008 would've been the first election cycle, and I've voted in every federal since and most of my locals). It's getting to the point where I'm kind of wondering when, exactly, the time will be right for the progressive left in the Dems' eyes?
Obviously you can't speak for a party comprised of millions of people, but I'd like your opinion since you seem pretty all-in on the Dem train.
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Comment on US polling suggests Tara Reade's allegations are having a moderate effect on public opinion of Joe Biden in ~society
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Comment on US polling suggests Tara Reade's allegations are having a moderate effect on public opinion of Joe Biden in ~society
The_Fad Link ParentAll evidence in that situation, as I see it, would be that they just liked Hillary less than him. Doesn't really have anything to do with his temperment, age, or sex. But whatever helps you sleep...All evidence in that situation, as I see it, would be that they just liked Hillary less than him. Doesn't really have anything to do with his temperment, age, or sex. But whatever helps you sleep at night.
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Comment on US polling suggests Tara Reade's allegations are having a moderate effect on public opinion of Joe Biden in ~society
The_Fad Link ParentI didn't say that. Think you got it from a different comment. Electability is an immeasurable parameter that, as far as I can tell, is used by neolibs as a hand waive explanation for why Biden is...Same now, the people who'd happily vote for whatever new suit-filler the democratic party managed to unearth would vote for whatever anyway - where as those that feel disenfranchised by it will be pricklier
I didn't say that. Think you got it from a different comment.
most primary voters were concerned over electability and ability to defeat Trump
Electability is an immeasurable parameter that, as far as I can tell, is used by neolibs as a hand waive explanation for why Biden is the better choice over literally anyone more progressive rather than provide any real, meaningful rreasons. Ability to beat trump, as an extension of "electability", is an equally nonsense value.
I will just point out that Biden's platform would be the most liberal platform of any President in the last what fifty years? He is already significantly left of Obama and Hillary on a number of issues and continues to announce platforms that shift him further.
Likewise, a Warren or Sanders Presidency would also have been the most liberal platform of any President in the last fifty years.
Being left of Obama and Hillary might have been impressive in 2008, but in 2020, all it takes to be left of them is to be anti-war or against governments spying on their own citizens.
Just because Dems think Obama was God's gift to man doesn't mean every liberal in America does.
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Comment on US polling suggests Tara Reade's allegations are having a moderate effect on public opinion of Joe Biden in ~society
The_Fad Link ParentPretty sure him being a cranky old man didn't have any effect on whether or not they liked Clinton. Unless you're just using the turn of phrase here to take a dig at him. In which case, okay, whatevs.were just going in for the cranky old man aspect
Pretty sure him being a cranky old man didn't have any effect on whether or not they liked Clinton.
Unless you're just using the turn of phrase here to take a dig at him. In which case, okay, whatevs.
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Comment on US polling suggests Tara Reade's allegations are having a moderate effect on public opinion of Joe Biden in ~society
The_Fad Link ParentWhen people say the "Democratic Party", are they not referring to the party and its constituents at every level? This seems kind of nit picky, personally. The democratic party's members...This is a fallacy. The Democratic party didn't "dig up" anyone. It's not like the parliamentary system. Biden won the popular vote. It was a democratic process. The people chose him. To select someone else would be undemocratic.
When people say the "Democratic Party", are they not referring to the party and its constituents at every level? This seems kind of nit picky, personally. The democratic party's members (colloquially referred to as The Democratic Party) chose Biden, and non-dems are asking those people who chose him: "Is Biden really the best [you] could dig up?" because to liberal people outside of the democratic party he's basically a centrist at best and it doesn't make a lot of sense to choose a centrist to lead a party that paints itself as the "liberal" alternative to the rights conservatism.
Then again people aren't always rational or logical, especially in times of turmoil like this, so maybe the unconscious collective decision was driven in part by that fear.
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Comment on Why authors are so angry about the Internet Archive’s Emergency Library in ~books
The_Fad Link ParentThen I don't know what to tell you, dude. I'm not a lawyer and I'm not particularly interested in litigating the issue further. Just wanted to state my opinion.Then I don't know what to tell you, dude. I'm not a lawyer and I'm not particularly interested in litigating the issue further. Just wanted to state my opinion.
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Comment on Why authors are so angry about the Internet Archive’s Emergency Library in ~books
The_Fad Link ParentAt bare minimum Chuck Wendig's "Wanderers" is on there and was not obtained legally per Chuck Wendig himself. You're preaching to the choir, my dude.My understanding is that every book was obtained legally
At bare minimum Chuck Wendig's "Wanderers" is on there and was not obtained legally per Chuck Wendig himself.
the rest of what you said
You're preaching to the choir, my dude.
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Comment on Why authors are so angry about the Internet Archive’s Emergency Library in ~books
The_Fad (edited )LinkI watched this unfold live over a few days on Twitter as I follow a ton of professional and indie authors (SOLIDARITY). As far as I could see from my social bubble, there were two separate...I watched this unfold live over a few days on Twitter as I follow a ton of professional and indie authors (SOLIDARITY). As far as I could see from my social bubble, there were two separate arguments being had simultaneously, and the lack of acknowledgment from either side that two separate issues were at play only further fueled division.
Argument A: Books are product and creators deserve to be compensated for their work; the way the book repository works is stealing.
Argument B: Copyright laws (in the US in particular) are draconian, unenforceable for the vast majority of creatives, and often times stifle the greater creativity of a population.
Not to sound too much like an "enlightened centrist" but, as far as my opinion goes, they're both kind of right.
Creatives are producers just as much as anyone else in the work force, and they deserve compensation for their contributions to the economy. If we lived in a more socialist society (again, just talking about the US here) with less wealth inequality and class division then maybe I could understand the argument that these things should be provided free of charge as they are part of the greater culture, but that's just not reality. Full stop.
Philosophically, however, it's important to note a few things. One, as I mentioned earlier, is that current US copyright laws are fucking outrageous. Your US copyright currently lasts your entire lifetime plus 70 years. That is LUDICROUS. That means you or your representatives have the right to sue into oblivion anyone who even remotely uses your work to create something new (barring limited parody) for OVER 100 YEARS (on average). There is no reasonable argument to be made supporting this, in my mind. It's blatant corporate influence (read: primarily Disney's pursuit to protect the Mickey Mouse IP) in public policy. Additionally, there's evidence that suggests book piracy (unlike music, film, and tv show piracy) doesn't actually have a significant effect on legal sales [PDF Warning]. So the argument that you're "taking from the mouths of creatives" kind of starts to fall apart. Again, philosophically.
At the end of the day, multiple things are true:
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This book repository has books that were not legally purchased or contracted and is therefore housing illegal product, and taking that illegal product is by definition stealing. Justify it however you want, but it's a criminal act the same as pirating movies or music.
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Practically speaking, the only thing authors are really losing here is pride. They're not going to suddenly go bankrupt, they're not even going to see a dip in their sales most likely (if anything, as the paper I linked mentions iirc, it will create a small, temporary increase in sales), and their copyright is still intact. If they want to sue, they absolutely have the right, but I think that idea is unlikely to gain much traction. So crying fowl and railing against anyone who dares to read something not in the public domain (which, remember, only includes works from 70+ years ago) without coughing up their hard earned cash or literally risking their health to go to a library right now is at best a bad-look morally.
Addendum: I believe there are some books on there legally from more recent years that are not in the public domain. This is because the author or publisher has willingly put them up, which makes them effectively irrelevant to the discussion.
E - Also worth mentioning that many libraries allow ebook rentals over proprietary or 3rd party apps if you have a library card. This is an excellent option if 1) Your local library actually offers it, 2) You already have a library card, 3) They have the book(s) you want to read available on ebook at all, and 4) Those books aren't already checked out with a waiting list 3 months long (as is true with most library ebooks right now).
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Super excited that the US is back in the mix when it comes to launching astronauts into space. Rocket launches are awesome opportunities to engage the public and remind them of the value of space exploration and research (even if the rocket launch itself to the average person is probably just, "Holy shit did you see all that fire!?") and I'm glad we're going to be having more of them.
Hopefully this all parlays into an increase in public funding for NASA's research and exploration, and less of a reliance on private companies, particularly SpaceX because of the uncomfortable realities of Elon Musk.