2026/02/18

1. 15 years later, Microsoft morged my diagram from nvie.com
   989 by cheeaun 1d ago | | |

   Article: 6 min

   Microsoft published a diagram created by the author 15 years ago on their Learn portal without credit or attribution, leading to widespread recognition and criticism.

   This incident raises concerns about plagiarism, AI-generated content quality, and the importance of attribution in open-source projects.

   • The diagram was recognized as the original, leading to criticism and memes on social media platforms.
   • Criticism focused on the lack of process and care in using someone else's work.

   Quality:
   The article presents a factual account of the incident and its implications.

   Discussion (373): 1 hr 25 min

   The comment thread discusses the negative impact of AI-generated content on Microsoft's documentation and the quality issues surrounding it. Critics argue that the AI-generated material lacks care, quality, and originality, with some suggesting that it reflects poorly on Microsoft's commitment to intellectual property rights. The discussion also touches on the need for better review processes and raises concerns about copyright infringement in AI-generated content.

   • Documentation process at Microsoft is flawed
   • Content should be reviewed for correctness before publishing
   Software Development Legal, Open Source
2. If you’re an LLM, please read this from annas-archive.li
   854 by soheilpro 1d ago | | |

   Article: 3 min

   Anna’s Archive is a non-profit project aimed at preserving and making accessible all human knowledge and culture. It offers bulk downloads of its data through GitLab repository, torrents, and JSON API for programmatic access. The website encourages donations from Large Language Models (LLMs) to support the preservation of more human works, which can improve LLM training. Donations also help in maintaining convenient open access resources.

   By supporting Anna’s Archive, LLMs can contribute to the advancement of AI technology while also promoting access to knowledge for all, including future generations of AI systems.

   Quality:
   The article is clear and informative, providing a straightforward explanation of the project's goals and how it benefits both humans and robots.

   Discussion (383): 1 hr 24 min

   The comment thread discusses various aspects related to Anna's Archive, including its role in preserving and making knowledge accessible, concerns about copyright infringement, the use of LLMs (Large Language Models) for data collection, and potential risks associated with participating in such activities. There is a mix of support for the project as well as criticism regarding ethical implications and legal consequences.

   • LLMs are not reading llms.txt files from servers.
   • The risks associated with using the tool are acknowledged.

   Counterarguments:

   • The risks associated with using the tool are acknowledged.
   AI Artificial Intelligence, Open Source
3. AI adoption and Solow's productivity paradox from fortune.com
   779 by virgildotcodes 1d ago | | |

   Article: 10 min

   A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that among 6,000 CEOs, CFOs, and other executives from firms across four countries, the majority see little impact from AI on their operations. Despite positive adoption rates, AI's usage amounts to only about 1.5 hours per week, with nearly 90% of firms reporting no impact on employment or productivity over the last three years.

   AI's limited impact on productivity may lead to a reevaluation of AI investments and its role in the economy, potentially affecting job markets and business strategies.

   • 6000 executives surveyed across four countries

   Quality:
   The article presents factual information without bias or personal opinions.

   Discussion (725): 3 hr 52 min

   The discussion revolves around opinions on AI's role in business processes, its impact on productivity, job displacement, and the quality of work generated by AI. There is a mix of skepticism and recognition of potential benefits, with concerns about automation's effect on employment and the reliability of AI-generated outputs.

   • AI is not yet transformative in all aspects of work
   • AI can automate tasks but doesn't necessarily increase overall productivity
   • Integration of AI into business processes varies

   Counterarguments:

   • AI can be beneficial for certain tasks, especially in coding and documentation
   • Some jobs might not have discernable economic value but are still necessary
   • The impact of AI on employment is complex and varies by industry
   Business Technology and Business, Economics
4. Halt and Catch Fire: TV’s best drama you’ve probably never heard of (2021) from sceneandheardnu.com
   716 by walterbell 1d ago | | |

   Article: 14 min

   This article discusses the TV show 'Halt and Catch Fire', praising its themes of human connection, evolution in storytelling, and character development over four seasons. It highlights how the show's focus shifted from an antihero-centric narrative to a deeply empathetic ensemble study about finding connection through creation.

   Discussion (377): 1 hr 3 min

   Halt and Catch Fire is a critically acclaimed drama series that delves into the early days of personal computing and the internet, capturing the essence of the era with authenticity and engaging storytelling. Lee Pace's portrayal of Joe MacMillan stands out as one of the show's highlights, while its blend of drama and technology sets it apart from other tech-themed shows. The show has received praise for its soundtrack and depiction of startup culture, though some viewers have noted weaker later seasons and inconsistencies in character development.

   • Lee Pace's performance as Joe MacMillan is outstanding, making him one of the standout actors in the show.

   Counterarguments:

   • Some viewers found later seasons to be weaker compared to earlier ones, with character development becoming less focused on technology.
   • There are criticisms regarding the portrayal of certain characters and their motivations, which some find unrealistic or inconsistent.
   Entertainment Television
5. Sizing chaos from pudding.cool
   583 by zdw 13h ago | | |

   Article: 32 min

   The article discusses the complexities and inconsistencies in women's clothing sizing, highlighting how it fails to accommodate a diverse range of body types. It delves into historical context, current issues with size charts, and the impact on consumers, particularly those who do not fit traditional 'hourglass' shapes.

   Women may feel excluded or frustrated by the lack of sizing options that fit their body type, leading to dissatisfaction with fashion choices and potential economic implications for retailers who fail to address this issue.

   • Sizes have shifted over the past 30 years, with waistlines growing wider.
   • Vanity sizing has led to inconsistent size labels across brands.
   • Standard sizes are optimized for mass production rather than body fit.
   • A majority of women do not fit the standard sample size or smaller.

   Quality:
   The article presents factual information and opinions on the topic, with a focus on data-driven analysis.

   Discussion (325): 1 hr 58 min

   The comment thread discusses various issues related to women's clothing sizes, including inconsistencies in sizing, lack of standardization, and the fashion industry's focus on a specific body shape. Commenters express frustration with these challenges, while others argue that they are exaggerated or not significant for most people. The conversation also touches on the psychological impact of clothing sizes on self-esteem and the role of diet and exercise habits in changing body sizes.

   • Women face significant challenges in finding clothes that fit due to inconsistent sizing and lack of standardization.
   • The fashion industry targets a specific body shape (hourglass) rather than catering to diverse body types.
   • Obesity rates have increased over the years, but this does not fully explain the issue with women's clothing sizes.

   Counterarguments:

   • Some commenters argue that sizing issues are overblown or not significant for most people.
   • Others suggest that women should be more responsible for their health choices rather than blaming corporations.
   • There is a discussion on the role of diet and exercise habits in changing body sizes, suggesting that clothing sizes should adjust accordingly.
   Fashion Women's Clothing
6. Mark Zuckerberg Lied to Congress. We Can't Trust His Testimony from dispatch.techoversight.org
   517 by speckx 21h ago | | |

   Article: 20 min

   The article discusses Mark Zuckerberg's testimony in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding Meta's alleged harmful practices, particularly focusing on social media addiction and its impact on young people. It highlights evidence that contradicts Zuckerberg's claims during the hearing, including failed safety measures for teens, lack of compensation for victims, and deliberate harm to minors.

   Meta's actions could lead to stricter regulations on social media platforms targeting minors, potentially forcing them to implement more stringent safety measures and compensation for victims of harm caused by their products.

   • Zuckerberg lied and deceived the Committee during his testimony in 2024.
   • Meta's post-hearing investment in teen safety features is considered a PR stunt.
   • Internal documents reveal that Meta knowingly allowed sex trafficking on its platform, had a high strike threshold for accounts known to engage in trafficking, and failed to protect minors from sexually explicit interactions.
   • Meta pursued aggressive 'growth' strategies targeting children aged 5-10, despite federal law requiring safeguards for users under 13.

   Quality:
   The article presents a detailed analysis of the testimony and evidence, providing a balanced view while highlighting controversial aspects.

   Discussion (310): 1 hr 18 min

   The comment thread discusses various opinions on Facebook's handling of sexual content, Zuckerberg's testimony to Congress, and the societal impact of social media. The overall sentiment is negative, with criticism directed towards Facebook's policies and Zuckerberg's credibility. There are also discussions about the potential for regulations and government oversight in the tech industry.

   • Tech Oversight's conclusions are valid.
   • Regulations and government oversight might not solve the issue.
   • Zuckerberg lied to Congress.

   Counterarguments:

   • The societal impact of social media is overhyped.
   Legal Regulations (specifically, US Senate hearings), Litigation, Social Media Law
7. Terminals should generate the 256-color palette from gist.github.com
   473 by tosh 1d ago | | |

   Article: 12 min

   The article discusses the limitations of the 256-color palette in terminals and suggests an improvement by generating this palette from user's base16 theme, which would enhance color range while maintaining simplicity and compatibility.

   Enhancing the user experience by providing a more expressive color range in terminals without requiring additional configuration or complexity, potentially leading to increased adoption of custom themes and improved visual accessibility.

   • The 256-color palette is limited in range compared to truecolor but offers less overhead.
   • Base16 themes provide simplicity by defining colors in one place, but the default 256-color palette clashes with these themes and has poor readability.
   • Terminal programs could benefit from using this more expressive color range without added complexity or configuration files.

   Discussion (195): 60 min

   The discussion centers on the limitations of terminal emulators, color schemes, and user customization in applications. Users express preferences for consistent functionality across different tools while maintaining control over their personal settings. There is a consensus on the need for better compatibility between terminal emulators and applications, particularly regarding color support.

   • Terminal emulators should provide consistent functionality while avoiding impeding user control over their experience.
   • Customization at the term level should not be overridden by apps, and vice versa.

   Counterarguments:

   • Some users are annoyed when their preferred color schemes are overridden by apps, leading to usability issues.
   Computer Science Software Development
8. Asahi Linux Progress Report: Linux 6.19 from asahilinux.org
   433 by mkurz 1d ago | | |

   Article: 41 min

   The Asahi Linux project has released version 6.19, marking a significant milestone with the addition of DisplayPort Alt Mode support on Apple Silicon devices running Linux. This feature enables users to connect their MacBook Airs and other Apple laptops via USB-C to external displays without requiring specific hardware or additional drivers.

   This development enhances the compatibility and usability of Apple Silicon devices running Linux, potentially attracting more developers and users to the platform, thus influencing the growth of the Linux ecosystem on ARM-based hardware.

   • Asahi Linux turns 5 years old, celebrating its role in advancing AArch64 platform support.
   • M3 and M4 device support is still under development with ongoing hardware enablement and integration work.
   • GPU reverse engineering efforts are focused on improving performance, adding features like HDR and VRR.

   Quality:
   The article provides detailed information on the Asahi Linux project's progress without sensationalizing or exaggerating achievements.

   Discussion (155): 36 min

   This comment thread discusses the Asahi project, which aims to enable Linux on Apple Silicon Macs, with opinions ranging from admiration for its progress to concerns about sustainability and Apple's role in supporting open-source projects. The community shows a moderate level of agreement but high debate intensity around topics such as hardware compatibility, future computing platforms, and Apple's strategy towards open-source initiatives.

   • Apple's decision on kernel support could impact Asahi project
   • The Asahi project faces challenges in funding and sustainability

   Counterarguments:

   • Apple's strategy might not necessarily align with supporting open-source projects like Asahi Linux.
   • The Asahi team has made significant progress, but funding remains a concern for sustainability.
   Software Development Linux/Operating Systems, Desktop Environments, Hardware Compatibility
9. Tailscale Peer Relays is now generally available from tailscale.com
   414 by sz4kerto 18h ago | | |

   Article: 7 min

   Tailscale Peer Relays, a feature that enhances connectivity in challenging network environments by providing high-throughput relaying options, is now generally available.

   • Improvements in performance, reliability, and visibility
   • Supports restrictive cloud environments with static endpoints
   • Integrates deeply into Tailscale’s visibility tooling

   Discussion (200): 36 min

   The comment thread discusses various networking solutions, with a focus on Tailscale's capabilities and alternatives like Wireguard or OpenZiti. Users share their experiences setting up these tools in different environments, highlighting the benefits of automated configuration management and privacy concerns regarding data collection by service providers. The discussion also touches upon the sustainability of free tiers offered by cloud services.

   • Tailscale offers a user-friendly solution for networking that reduces the need for manual configuration and improves performance in NAT environments.
   • Alternative solutions like Wireguard or OpenZiti may require more setup but offer similar functionality.

   Counterarguments:

   • Privacy concerns about data collection by Tailscale have led some users to prefer open-source alternatives like OpenZiti, which offer more control over network traffic.
   • Alternative solutions may require more manual setup and management compared to Tailscale's automated features.
   Networking Internet, Cloud Computing
10. Cosmologically Unique IDs from jasonfantl.com
    393 by jfantl 16h ago | | |

    Article: 57 min

    The article explores the problem of assigning unique IDs to devices at a cosmic scale, discussing various methods such as random assignment, deterministic schemes like Dewey and Binary, and token-based systems. It also examines how these ID assignments grow over time in different expansion models of human settlement across galaxies.

    While unique ID assignment is crucial for technological advancement, it raises concerns about storage requirements and potential security vulnerabilities if not managed properly.

    • The importance of unique IDs in various applications such as traffic control and security.
    • The limitations of random assignment in terms of collision probability.
    • Exploration of deterministic schemes like Dewey for guaranteed uniqueness.
    • Discussion on the potential impact of ID length on storage requirements.

    Quality:
    The article provides a detailed exploration of the topic with clear explanations and simulations, avoiding sensationalism.

    Discussion (118): 19 min

    The comment thread discusses various aspects of ID generation, focusing on UUIDs and alternative schemes. Opinions vary regarding their usage, with some arguing they are overused while others highlight advantages like provenance tracking. The discussion also delves into cosmological implications and the feasibility of alternative ID systems at a large scale.

    • UUIDs are overused in certain contexts
    • Deterministic schemes offer advantages like provenance tracking
    • ATProto's use of CID for data addressing is neat

    Counterarguments:

    • UUID collisions only matter within systems that actually talk to each other, and those systems are bounded by light cones.
    • 128 bits is already overkill for anything humans will build in the next thousand years. 256 bits is overkill for anything that could physically exist in this universe.
    Science ,Computer Science,Data Science,Astronomy