Vadim_Kovalskiy's recent activity
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Comment on Vivaldi 7.0 has been released in ~tech
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Comment on What Is A Secure Note-Taking App? in ~comp
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkI like using Cryptee. It is simple, clean, and easy to use. I liked Standard Notes back in the day, but I didn’t like how limiting the features were without a subscription. Cryptee lets me save...I like using Cryptee. It is simple, clean, and easy to use. I liked Standard Notes back in the day, but I didn’t like how limiting the features were without a subscription. Cryptee lets me save photos, write essays, and take notes easily with their Progressive Web App. If I am not mistaken, they are an Estonian based company. So do with that as you will and good luck finding a secure note-taking app!
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Comment on Polyamory: If there are any poly folks here, I would love to hear your stories! in ~life
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentGreat question! So ENM means Ethical Non-Monogamy. Ethical Non-Monogamy is described as: "An openly non-monogamous relationship is one where partners agree that they want to be together and are...Great question! So ENM means Ethical Non-Monogamy.
Ethical Non-Monogamy is described as:
"An openly non-monogamous relationship is one where partners agree that they want to be together and are open and honest about the fact that they have other partners. For this reason, it is also sometimes referred to as ethical non-monogamy."The "ENM scene" is often used as a synonym to polyamory. ENM imo focuses more on relationship building, honesty, trust, consent, and looking at each relationship as its own unique web of social development vice a traditional exclusive polyamorous or monogamous relationship. Many of these labels are hard to find solid definitions on as many ENM/Polymarous labels are still being agreed upon and defined in a social setting. I use ENM mainly from the book The Ethical Slut which tries to codify and define many of these terms. From my own anecdotal evidence, people in the "ENM scene" are also involved in the kink scene. Thus, when I mean the "ENM scene" it is really practicing ENM while in a kink dungeon/scene setting. Hope this clears things up or at least gives you a bit to discover and digest in the world of ENM/Polyamory!
Sources:
The Ethical Slut, Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ethical_SlutNon-Monogamous-Relationships
https://www.brook.org.uk/your-life/non-monogamous-relationships/ -
Comment on Polyamory: If there are any poly folks here, I would love to hear your stories! in ~life
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkHow visible is your lifestyle to others in your life (personal, professional, etc)? Personally, I tend to project myself as a raging polyamorous bisexual. I too did not know there was a term for...How visible is your lifestyle to others in your life (personal, professional, etc)?
Personally, I tend to project myself as a raging polyamorous bisexual. I too did not know there was a term for what ethical non-monogamy or polyamory is until the last few years, but have been at it for 8 years. I tend to only be out to other people in the kink, LGBT+, or ENM scenes just cause I dislike explaining to people who are curious (in the sense of wanting a short story, examples, and otherwise are interested enough to hear it in conversation, but not do their own research) or arguing with people who are judgemental. Professionally, I don't tell a sole and project as a boring cishet monogamous person as my workplace is not so open to ideals outside of the "traditional" family.Have you found love recently?
Been happily married for 4 years now. Recently ended up in a D/s dynamic with a new friend and have been loving every second of it! Additionally, have a room mate now where my nesting partner (spouse) and I have regular fun with. Room mate has it strictly platonic with me, but romantic with spouse.What do serious relationships look like for you? Is marriage on the table, or is it contrary to polyamory?
A serious relationship looks like having strong feelings towards someone, showing them a great deal of care and respect, and treating them with a priority above close friends or your best friend. My other bar for people who do still have parents (and have a good relationship with them) is if you introduce a new partner to your parents and they know you are polyamorous, then it is a serious relationship (cause imo I am not going to introduce a partner to family unless I really enjoy said partner). Being a person who is married, but polyamorous, I found the married portion is just a formality in the eyes of the government. Our relationship has a higher level of permanence due to marriage (which also eases my anxieties slightly of being left for whatever reason my brain decides that day), but it does not necessarily mean it is any more serious than a relationship with other partners.Thanks for sharing your own experiences and opening up this conversation to all!
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Comment on America’s therapy boom in ~health.mental
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentMany therapists work in the public sector for government entities. The government tends to deem mental health professionals in a pay-scale which is cost effective for the government, but is...Many therapists work in the public sector for government entities. The government tends to deem mental health professionals in a pay-scale which is cost effective for the government, but is incongruous to degree requirements and prices charged for patients. In order to raise prices, there would need to be legislation signed off or have the gears of bureaucracy change slowly over time generally speaking.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentHere is a lovely link detailing all the ways you can donate and support! https://docs.tildes.net/donateHere is a lovely link detailing all the ways you can donate and support!
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Comment on Do you spend more time creating a Tildes reply than on other platforms? in ~tildes
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentYou have to start somewhere! The first post / comment is always the most difficult. I can relate to the social anxiety of things and trying to avoid the urge to simply lurk through the posts /...You have to start somewhere! The first post / comment is always the most difficult. I can relate to the social anxiety of things and trying to avoid the urge to simply lurk through the posts / comments of the site. I find it challenging to come up with such great original posts / topics compared to other users who can crank out critically thought out, quality posts on a daily basis.
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Comment on What are you all drinking tonight? in ~food
Vadim_Kovalskiy (edited )LinkAn adventure to American brandy: I decided to try something new tonight. I have a €1,000 shipment of scotch whisky on the way (I don't have a drinking problem and I certainly don't condone the...An adventure to American brandy:
I decided to try something new tonight. I have a €1,000 shipment of scotch whisky on the way (I don't have a drinking problem and I certainly don't condone the drinking of alcohol) and in the meantime, was given a near empty bottle of E&J Grand Blue VSOP Superior Reserve Brandy.
I tried cognac (a type of brandy from the region of Cognac, France), and found the spirit to taste like rubber, phenolic-forward, and candied ash. It was one of the worst experiences I have ever had save grappa (it was a gag gift given at Christmas and gag I did when it went down). I expected the same when I popped the cork on the brandy this evening. I was shocked to find the brandy I had today was a pleasure. Notes of toasted marshmallow, white chocolate, nougat, cola, vanilla cream, maple, sherry. Palate and finish detailing Vanilla syrup, candy, sweetened fruit, thicker, maple, sherry, candied fruits, and a lingering tingling sensation. I found the spirit to be smooth and enjoyable. This is a spirit I would have for dessert or as a wonderful nightcap given the sweet fruity notes. I decided to take some time to research into the company and about fell out of my chair when I saw the price of the brandy at €15 a bottle and distilled in the USA. Down the rabbit hole I went. Researching about the differences and delicacies between Brandy, Cognac, and Armagnac. What an interesting tale to tell and I am glad to learn/be interested in brandy rather than scotch whisky in general. I am going to be looking for an XO or VSOP bottle of some form or another of brandy the next time I place and order for spirits. Cheers, to those who got this far in the read!
Side rant about Scotch whisky:
I was not expecting such a great experience from brandy, but it leaves me considering an adventure into brandy rather than spending my hard-earned coin on scotch whisky. The shipment incoming may very well be my last from Scotland, but I can't say I will miss it (I have had a wonderful time with scotch whisky by trying over 150 bottles and visiting dozens of distilleries in Scotland. I love the country but have found it increasingly difficult to visit with current global economic constraints). The price tag seems to just keep climbing and the scotch whisky I used to come to enjoy is lessened as of late due to the incongruent price tag.
Review:
E&J's Grand Blue VSOP Superior Reserve Brandy: 77/100
Owner: E&J Distilleries
Region: Modesto, California, USA
Nose: Toasted marshmallow, white chocolate, nougat, cola, vanilla cream, maple, sherry
Palate: Vanilla syrup, candy, sweetened fruit, thicker, maple, sherry
Finish: Fresh cola, tingling sensation, sherry, licorice, candy, candied fruits
Note: Aged at a minimum of 2 years in oak casks, 40% ABV, NAS, maybe a wee drop of e150a caramel added for color, a beverage I would drink for dessertGrading:
98 – 100 (A+) = Booze Nirvana
This is the promised land where every sense is satisfied and, unless it’s a perfect 100, you have to search and nit-pick for what’s wrong instead of what’s right about this whiskey because it’s so on point.93 – 97 (A) = Exceptional – Superior in every way
These are the best of the best and within spitting distance of Nirvana. They embody everything that category is about and then elevate it to another level. These are ones I HIGHLY recommend.90 – 92 (A-) = Excellent – want to buy a case
Whiskeys that hit this rating are extra awesome. They’re delicious and complex Daily Drinkers and even though they are not quite best-in-class, they’re among my favorite whiskeys and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone at any time.87 – 89 (B+) = Great – always want to have a bottle
These are whiskeys that as soon as you taste them you say “I want to own a bottle” and if you already own the bottle you just smile because it’s yours. It’s not a record breaker by any means, just a good solid delicious whiskey.83 – 86 (B) = Good – not a “must”, but a nice-to-have
The majority of my baselines are found here. This range is where the “daily drinker” status starts to emerge and where I find whiskies that’re good to drink but may rotate in and out of my collection. They’re not something you’d miss when it’s out, but good enough to give a moment’s consideration when at the liquor store.80 – 82 (B-) = Not-too-bad – no major flaws, worth tasting
This is the stuff I’d recommend you try at the bar or at a friend’s house before buying a bottle. There’s nothing really wrong with it, it’s just not… quite… there.77 – 79 (C+) = Average – not good, not bad, just is
There might be some minor flaws, all-in-all it’s not offensive, but it might be boring. There’s just nothing at all noteworthy about this whiskey. Would recommend to starters.73 – 76 (C) = Below average – drinkable, but better as a mixer / party booze
It’s not like you or I actually WANT to drink this stuff, but sometimes you’re at a wedding or a shitty bar and it just happens to be there and a beer just doesn’t sound great so you grin and bear a glass or, when possible, ask for it in a cocktail. If the bartender sucks you might even take a bit of solace in the knowledge that they didn’t ruin a good whiskey with their terrible cocktail.70 – 72 (C-) = Not good – nearly undrinkable, wonder why the hell they made it
When I drink this stuff I wonder if the Master Distiller is actually proud of what they’ve put out or if it’s something they just shove out to make a quick buck. I then wonder about the person who habitually buy it and wonder what admirable qualities they find in it that I can’t.60 – 69 (D) = The only thing this should be used for is making Jungle Juice, and even then, Seriously, I start to wonder if it’s even safe for human consumption at this point. It’s just plain vile.
59 – 0 (F) = Horrifically flawed – the worst
This is when I call the FFA/FDA because I’m pretty damn sure it’s not safe to drink this swill. -
Comment on Reddit communities are switching to NSFW to create some friction and rob Reddit of ad revenue in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentIt is getting worse and I believe we will see things deteriorate more before the 30th. The 30th will most likely result in a small drop of users to the service and another wave of outrage in...It is getting worse and I believe we will see things deteriorate more before the 30th. The 30th will most likely result in a small drop of users to the service and another wave of outrage in threads about how people have to use the official app.
Credit to @Wes from the Reddit Megathread:
"The admins are now nuking entire mod teams for malicious compliance. /r/InterestingAsFuck, /r/MildlyInteresting, and /r/ShittyLifeProTips have had their entire mod teams removed, and suspended for 7 days.
It seems they're currently targeting subs that have switched to NSFW and allowed pornography, but things are now escalating dramatically."
Edit: Changed "from another post" to direct link of thread.
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Comment on Estonia legalizes same-sex marriage in ~lgbt
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkIt is heart-warming to see a former Soviet state turn the page on history and progress society to a more equal, more diverse, and more welcoming environment. Kudos to Estonia and I hope they keep...It is heart-warming to see a former Soviet state turn the page on history and progress society to a more equal, more diverse, and more welcoming environment. Kudos to Estonia and I hope they keep it up with great legislature! The more I look into what they do, the more I see hope in the minor European nation. Sure, they are a bit flawed, but as are many democracies across the globe. Hope they can nudge the other Baltic states to follow suite!
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Comment on What do you think of Warhammer 40k 10th edition so far? in ~games.tabletop
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkI think 10th edition has had a good launch. Personally, I found 9th too bloated with plenty of "gotchas" and "oh I have this fancy faction specific thing" which leads to an elongated rules lawyer...I think 10th edition has had a good launch. Personally, I found 9th too bloated with plenty of "gotchas" and "oh I have this fancy faction specific thing" which leads to an elongated rules lawyer discussion each turn. I have been playing since 7th and found 10th to be streamlined, simplified, and much more welcoming to those getting into the hobby. Surely GW will be adding in new things and most likely some unneeded bloat as the edition ages, but I love the lean set as is. Another pet-peeve of mine was the ludicrous number of stratagems which felt like they should just be special abilities. I always trimmed out half or more of my factions' stratagems for games (Hear, hear for the Space Wolves clan and long live the Golden Boys!). My last point to complain about 9th was how I required at a minimum 2 full single-spaced pages of content for my "one pager" in order to play a game effectively. I love that I can have a true "one-pager" in 10th and terms/vocabulary stretches across factions (I am looking at you Heroic Intervention).
Moving onto what armies I have been running. I have only gotten one game in with the Adeptus Custodes (My poor bikes god nerfed to all hell) and had an enjoyable time against an Orkz player. The game flowed well, didn't have lengthy turns, and left me feeling satisfied and powerful. The Custodes have some serious fight first opportunities and I really felt like they were an elite army on the battlefield. I was cleaving down Orkz in droves and taking on the hordes of hell for the Glory of the Emperor! I like how characters can join units and I was able to integrate my Blade Champion in with the Custodian Guard. Felt like he was leading a team of warriors he has known for millennia. The new battle shock mechanic was probably the most difficult thing for me to wrap my head around and get into the habit of. The Custodes actually have to worry about the mechanic vs the morale mechanic in 9th. I ultimately lost the game (the opposing player is just overall better than me and more dedicated at the game than I) but was left feeling happy. I enjoyed every second of the game and am glad we are going back to the basics and away from the endless books of rules to reference each turn.
Looking forward to the FW datasheets and to see what the new reference cards look like. Additionally, curious to try out some Space Wolves to see how they have changed.
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Comment on Bags and backpacks! What do you look for, what do you use? in ~life.style
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkCall me a minimalist. Call me "moto" or "tacticool" (yes those two are counter-intuitive to one another, but let me explain). I am very picky with my bags. I tried 14 bags out over the course of...Call me a minimalist. Call me "moto" or "tacticool" (yes those two are counter-intuitive to one another, but let me explain). I am very picky with my bags. I tried 14 bags out over the course of 14 months before I was happy (I don't have a problem or obsession over bags). From the GO Ruck GR2, to the North Face Router, to the Maxpedition Falcon 2, to the Jansport canvas backpack, a pack from Tom Bihn, and everything in between. I am a fan of a one bag for everything. Work, school, vacation, leisure? One bag please (okay maybe two if I am wanting to have a shoulder bag).
I prefer bags with little to no internal organization. A solid admin pouch on the front and maybe one or two pockets inside is all I ever need. I prefer the versatility of more space over organization pouch clutter. Usually this leads me to lean towards military style packs. There are exceptions as I loved the North Face Router, but it had one to many separators to be "the perfect pack" for me. If it was one large pouch versus two, I would have adored it. I tend to pack a bunch of odd items (lighter, notepad, multi-tool, swiss army knife, mints, etc.), a couple of laptops, chargers, and a folder or two for paperwork in my bags. If I can get away with it and the pack is large enough, I throw my gym gear in there too. I also prefer a pack where I can fit my hydroflask (A taller 32oz nalgene like bottle) on the side for convenience.
TAD Gear FAST Pack EDC
Today, I utilize the Triple Aught Design Fast Pack EDC. This pack is overpriced due to the "Made in the USA" sticker and 1000D cordura, but I have owned it for several years (Certainly did not buy the pack because it was my favorite pack from my favorite video game, Arma 3). The admin pouch is good enough for me. The transportation tail is useless to me, but the space it has to offer is sufficient. I could fit three laptops, my odd items, a folder, and workout gear in it (albeit the pack will be stuffed full). I will probably end up selling this pack and go back to the Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Pack (I love Mystery Ranch's tri-zip design) or pick up something Finnish like the milsurp packs from Varusteleka.
NutSac Jones 15
Sometimes I like something that doesn't scream military, is smaller, and more minimalist. When I want to feel like Indiana Jones and just bring the essentials to work, I use the Jones 15. Probably one of the highest quality leather bags I have ever owned. Once again, price is very high due to the American manufacturing, but the product is superb. Very simple bag with a few dividers in the bag, but it can fit my Macbook Pro, Dell XPS 13, and all my gear reasonably well. The Jones 15 is certainly a buy it for life item. I hope it lasts me for many decades to come. I always get compliments in the office when I bring this bag. The bag develops a lovely patina with time and I am certain over time the bag will only look better.
I don't think you could go wrong with something like GO Ruck as others have suggested. It is a rock solid pack that I owned for many years before buying the TAD Fastpack EDC. Many of the North Face products are really nice for something versatile, reasonably priced, and has potential to last many years. Best of luck on your search for a new daily bag!
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Comment on What are you currently reading? in ~books
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentSo I have heard! A friend of mine recommended the book and I have been meaning to read it for well over a year now (I have way to many books in my backlog). Looking forward to it!So I have heard! A friend of mine recommended the book and I have been meaning to read it for well over a year now (I have way to many books in my backlog). Looking forward to it!
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Comment on What are you currently reading? in ~books
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentI am looking forward to giving it a go! I really do like the theme and world of Dune based off the film. Really seems like it has some depth I could sink my teeth in given how long the series is.I am looking forward to giving it a go! I really do like the theme and world of Dune based off the film. Really seems like it has some depth I could sink my teeth in given how long the series is.
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Comment on What are you currently reading? in ~books
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkI have been chewing through some books this month (I am on vacation for the next week and am on the war path). This week I finished reading: The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. - A...I have been chewing through some books this month (I am on vacation for the next week and am on the war path).
This week I finished reading:
- The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. - A very dry, but informative book backed with plenty of research regarding the effects of trauma and how the brain responds to trauma.
- Compass Rose, Anna Burke - A fantastic queer pirate novel. I was pleasantly surprised with how vibrant and interesting the lore of this universe is. A grim dark pollution ridden world which has been thrown into a sea faring dystopia. The tension is brutal between two characters and I felt so immersed reading this one.
- Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, Isaacson - First time reading Isaacson. I must say, I thoroughly enjoy how he is able to interlace historical reference with Franklin's autobiography. He made it an interesting read and left me craving to read more in regard to colonial era politics, science, statesmanship, welfare, and culture. Franklin truly was an exceptional person for his time.
Books I am reading:
- Good Economics for Hard Times, Abhijit Banerjee & Esther Duflo - Thought this was going to be an economics book. It relates back to economics often, but dives into how politics and economics are intertwined. The book is backed with research and hard figures of economic impacts and models across the world with an emphasis on the impact populist and far-right movements have had on the economy. About halfway through and seems to be worth a read.
- Documents of Revolution (Includes the U.S. Articles of Confederation, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Federalist Papers, and Anti-Federalist Papers). - I have always wanted to read the Anti-Federalist papers and see what a "small government" model may have looked in the U.S. The rest of the book is review just to kick the rust off in my mind.
Books on my backlog:
- American Succession, F.H. Buckley
- No Bad Parts, Richard Schwartz
- Politics is for power, Eitan Hersh
- The Poppy War, R.F. Kuang
- Assassin’s Apprentice, Robin Hobb
- Dune, Frank Herbert (This one is going to be a grind, but I think it will be worth it. I enjoyed the movie. Glad to see it on your list! How was it?).
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Comment on What whisky/whiskey have you been enjoying, and what's your opinion on them? in ~food
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentYikes. I do not envy you for paying the Canadian price on product. I am not sure how much of a markup it is, but if it is like anything else I know about prices in Canada, then it is not a...Yikes. I do not envy you for paying the Canadian price on product. I am not sure how much of a markup it is, but if it is like anything else I know about prices in Canada, then it is not a pleasurable experience.
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Comment on YouTube orders ‘Invidious’ privacy software to shut down in seven days in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentHarvesting and selling data to third parties after paying the premium fee is a dirtbag move. Unfortunately, Google has always had this business model and is addicted to it like crack. I can’t ever...Harvesting and selling data to third parties after paying the premium fee is a dirtbag move. Unfortunately, Google has always had this business model and is addicted to it like crack. I can’t ever see the board allowing for Google to move away from a ad-centric, data harvesting, thir party sellout model to something more akin to a Apple (who as far as I know, scrapes data, but hordes it to themselves). I still hold out hope they will figure it out and I still refuse to make a Google account out of principle. Time will tell what happens as the universe unfolds itself in this new era of the internet.
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Comment on What whisky/whiskey have you been enjoying, and what's your opinion on them? in ~food
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentThe nothing crazy has become significantly more expensive. I can’t blame you for moving to bourbon in the USA due to the price-tag. Scotch whisky has move up in value over the last years. Those...The nothing crazy has become significantly more expensive. I can’t blame you for moving to bourbon in the USA due to the price-tag. Scotch whisky has move up in value over the last years. Those who live in the USA may be better off enjoying an American whiskey over Scotch whisky these days for a best “value”.
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Comment on YouTube orders ‘Invidious’ privacy software to shut down in seven days in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentI don’t think it is an unpopular opinion. I am slowly coming around to seeing the “premium” model of having to pay for a product if you would like it ad free. Youtube is a prime example. One of...I don’t think it is an unpopular opinion. I am slowly coming around to seeing the “premium” model of having to pay for a product if you would like it ad free. Youtube is a prime example. One of the largest databases of content our civilization has to offer.
I think many of us who grew up with the development and explosion of the internet were spoiled with simply turning on a ad-blocker and going about our business with a product free of charge. At the end of the day though, the boards want to see increased profits. Advertising is not really cutting it that much anymore with the market becoming saturated and people valuing their time over watching ads all day.
I tend to put my value at $1 for 1 hour of content. If I utilize something like Youtube for more than 12 hours a month, then buying Youtube premium should (in my personal opinion here) be “worth” the premium fee. I feel sad about it through because I know in the long term it will cut into the donations and support I show my favorite creators on Patreon/Kofi/etc. and allocate some of my budget back into big tech. Thank you for sharing and elaborating on how interest rates are a significant influence on this model becoming more popular.
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Comment on YouTube orders ‘Invidious’ privacy software to shut down in seven days in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentAgreed. I have been worried a crackdown around many privacy projects was going to happen soon with the recent purge of accounts used to have anonymous login and use of the google store. Big tech...Agreed. I have been worried a crackdown around many privacy projects was going to happen soon with the recent purge of accounts used to have anonymous login and use of the google store. Big tech is coming to collect their debts, and their payment is information and encouraging you to get back in line with using their services.
Vivaldi is my favorite Chromium based browser, but Zen does look promising. My only concern with Zen is the small dev team and the potential for a less secure version of Firefox. I tend to prioritize security above all in my browsers. If Zen could both remain up to date on security patches and maintain the current layout, then I will certainly become a donator for the cause. I am hesitant to jump on the band wagon as of now due to the lack of longevity with the product and how Zen develops in the coming months.