Public-private predicaments

Public sector bodies can be very dependent on private sector software and technology providers, spending public money in ways that don't always put public values first. Some governments are beginning to demonstrate that there are other options.

Bookpile 5: The New Patriarchs of Digital Capitalism

Bookpile is short posts on Fridays about what I’m reading now and what I’m liking about it. This week, it’s The New Patriarchs of Digital Capitalism by Ben Little and Alison Winch.

The trap of significance

The feeling that it's mandatory to achieve significance, originality, or novelty can be paralyzing. Where does the impetus come from, and can we escape the trap of significance?

Coping 4: Wednesday focusday

Coping is short posts on Fridays about coping methods for doing creative and focused things in an unfocused world. In Coping 4, why I've made Wednesdays sacrosanct.

Stupid smart things

Automation does not, by its nature, need to be bad. Can we disentangle ourselves from automation that disrespects user rights and makes heavy use of computation? I make the argument for the importance and value of "stupid smart things."

Bookpile 4: The Garden of Forking Paths

Bookpile is short posts on Fridays about what I’m reading now and what I’m liking about it. This week, it’s The Garden of Forking Paths, a very small collection of stories by Jorge Luis Borges.

My love affair with measurement

The brief story of how I came to love the topic of metrology, the study of measurement. Why are such basics as centimetres or kilograms really things of wonder?

At The Hare

This week, I'm breaking from the norm. Instead of an essay, a piece of short fiction about exoskeletons, logistics centres, and darts. It's called "At The Hare."

Coping 3: Noticing

Coping is short posts on Fridays about coping methods for doing creative and focused things in an unfocused world. In Coping 3, the importance of noticing.

Better tech worlds

The move towards European digital sovereignty needs careful thought before duplicating existing technology ecosystems. Now is the time to imagine a more open, independent, and intentional computing future.

Friday bonus: On not capitalizing my name

A brief explanation of the choice to not capitalize my name, where it came from, and what it means to be a common noun instead of a proper noun.

Why I love F/LOSS

It's back to basics with an essay about Free/Libre and Open Source Software, and why I think it matters – especially for people who don’t yet know it well. What is it, and why should you care about and for F/LOSS?