Podcast – Cory Doctorow's craphound.com

Dive into a chaotic adventure where dimension-hopping criminals wreak havoc on the protagonist's life! Reflect on the moral dilemmas as they navigate dangerous negotiations to protect loved ones. Enjoy light-hearted moments of camaraderie during a thrilling escape. Also, explore personal stories about culinary gatherings and the joys of cultural preservation through rare film projects. The narrative balances humor and tension, leaving you eager for the next wild ride.

Dive into the chaotic world of dimension hoppers wreaking havoc in a quiet neighborhood! The story revisits a beloved narrative, blending humor and tension as the protagonist navigates absurd confrontations. Reflect on the recent closure of a cherished bookstore while exploring the eerie parallels between fictional tech moguls and today's societal concerns. With an artistic project on the horizon, there's excitement in the air. Prepare for sensory adventures and unexpected twists in this captivating blend of storytelling and reflection.

The discussion dives into the essence of art as a deep communication of feelings from the artist to the audience. It critiques AI-generated art for lacking the rich, nuanced intent behind human creativity. The speaker reflects on the emotional disconnect found in AI works, emphasizing that true artistry involves countless subtle decisions that AI simply cannot replicate. The conversation also touches on upcoming community events, alongside personal anecdotes that add a relatable touch to the overall narrative.

This week on my podcast, I read my latest Locus Magazine column, “There Were Always Enshittifiers,” about the historical context for my latest novel, Picks and Shovels: It used to be a much fairer fight. It used to be that if a com­pany figured out how to block copying its floppies, another company – or even just an individual tinkerer – could figure out how to break that “copy protection.” There were plenty of legitimate reasons to want to do this: Maybe you owned more than one computer, or maybe you were just worried that your floppy disk would degrade to the point of unread­ability. That’s a very reasonable fear: Floppies were notoriously unreliable, and every smart computer user learned to make frequent backups against the day that your computer presented you with the dread DISK ERROR message. In those early days, it was an arms race between companies that wanted to control how their customers used their own computers, and the technological guerrillas who produced the countermeasures that restored command over your computer to you, its owner. It’s true that the companies making the “copy protection” (in scare quotes because the way you protect your data is by making copies of it) typically had far more resources than the toolsmiths who were defending technology users. MP3

Dive into the fascinating exploration of 'enshittification' and how it's reshaping the tech landscape. The discussion reveals the troubling consequences of gig economy practices on workers, particularly nurses. It critiques the rise of monopolies and highlights historical shifts in antitrust laws impacting corporate power dynamics. The renewed focus on antitrust enforcement worldwide promises to challenge tech giants. Finally, the podcast emphasizes the importance of labor unions and collective action in fostering social justice amid evolving economic demands.

Yanis Varoufakis, an economist and former Greek finance minister, joins host David Moscrop to launch Cory Doctorow's "Picks and Shovels." They dive into the tumultuous history of Silicon Valley and discuss the monopolistic tendencies of tech giants. Varoufakis highlights the alarming rise of oligarchy and economic inequality, using Bill Gates as a case study. The conversation also touches on the need for collective action against technofeudalism and the challenges posed by restrictive digital laws, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

The discussion highlights how MLMs prey on vulnerable groups, transforming social capital into monetary gain. They exploit relationships under the guise of community support, pushing members to sell products they don’t need. The episode critiques this manipulation, revealing how MLMs prioritize recruitment over genuine connection. It also explores historical cases like the fictional Fidelity Computing to illustrate the damaging impact of these schemes on community bonds. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to recognize and challenge these predatory dynamics.

This discussion dives into Canada's trade strategies amid growing U.S. tariffs, critiquing retaliatory measures that hurt consumers. Instead of tariffs, a Canadian App Store is proposed, offering lower fees for local developers. There's also a look at how trade agreements impact the working class, advocating for local industry support. The conversation includes innovative solutions against monopolies and a humorous comparison to the War of 1812—turning historical context into modern economic strategy.

Dive into a whimsical tale where a malfunctioning electric blanket leads to unexpected reflection. Discover the unboxing of a charming robot named Matt, which sparks deeper themes of companionship and personal growth. As characters navigate their past, powerful insights on forgiveness and regret emerge, blending lighthearted moments with emotional depth. This journey reveals the complexities of human relationships in a world where artificial intelligence plays a role in our introspections.

Join a deep dive into the troubling trend of 'inshittification' in social media. Discover how platforms like Facebook went from community hubs to user hellscapes, questioning the motivations behind these changes. The discussion reveals insights into corporate greed and the demand for profit, challenging the narrative that venture capital alone drives these transformations. Explore alternatives like federated systems and the importance of prioritizing user rights. It’s a thought-provoking take on why understanding these dynamics matters for everyone online.