Video game modding (short for modifying) has been a huge part of the gaming community for nearly as long as the medium itself has existed, and Nintendo wants to put an end to it—on their consoles, at least). Through their User Agreement for  Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo intends to shut down any modding of their games; this hardline stance stunts the potential of their games and harms the gaming community.

If you purchase a video game console, it should be yours to do what you wish with. Modding encompasses a variety of forms, from minor add-ons and cosmetic changes to entire overhauls and providing support for games that have been sunsetted by their previous hosts. In the early 1980’s, the first video game mods were developed and released. Today, there are countless games with actively thriving modding communities.

But now Nintendo has other plans for those who purchase a Switch 2. Nintendo first specifies that their product “is licensed, not sold, to you”. Now, you are not actually purchasing the console, you are purchasing a license from Nintendo to use it. 

The User Agreement continues by stating that anyone who violates the terms of their agreement by modifying or trying to “otherwise circumvent any of the functions or protections of the Console or the Software” is subject to Nintendo “render[ing] the Console and/or the Software permanently unusable in whole or in part.”

Nintendo is threatening to destroy consoles that people have bought in retaliation for them modding games on the platform. They are charging consumers upwards of $500 for the license to use a gaming console in such a manner that bars users from engaging in one of the most significant pieces of modern video game culture.

Modding communities often keep games relevant and popular beyond the natural lifetime of the game, from works like the Sims 4 to Stardew Valley. While creators and publishers have different opinions on modding, those who embrace and encourage it often have the most dedicated fanbases. For example, Eric Barone, creator of Stardew Valley, encourages the modding community:the game has remained popular over nine years since its release in 2016. 

The people who mod games and the people who utilize those mods are the heart and soul of the gaming community; they shape and inspire the trajectory of games for years to come. Iconic games like the Stanley Parable started out as a mod of another game entirely. Video games today would look nothing like they do now if it weren’t for the modding community.

Games with active modding communities often maintain popularity and a  fanbase for much longer than those that don’t, yet Nintendo has always been hostile towards those who mod their games and consoles. They have removed fan favorite items from their most popular games and removed modded content from multiplayer game modes. Now, they have gone nuclear, threatening to destroy people’s $500 consoles like spoiled brats who are not getting their way.

Nintendo’s choice to license the Switch 2 instead of truly selling the console to consumers harms consumers by limiting what they can do with something they bought with their own money. But, even more, it harms the gaming community as a whole by disincentivizing the innovation and creativity that makes games better through modding. In a field that necessitates ingenuity and originality, Nintendo shutting down paths to new lands flies in the face of the very essence of what makes gaming great. Stagnation is death in gaming, and Nintendo may soon learn that lesson.

The post Gaming companies harm consumers and gaming community appeared first on Technique.

Video game modding (short for modifying) has been a huge part of the gaming community for nearly as long as the medium itself has existed, and Nintendo wants to put an end to it—on their consoles, at least). Through their User Agreement for  Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo intends to shut down any modding of their games; this hardline stance stunts the potential of their games and harms the gaming community.

If you purchase a video game console, it should be yours to do what you wish with. Modding encompasses a variety of forms, from minor add-ons and cosmetic changes to entire overhauls and providing support for games that have been sunsetted by their previous hosts. In the early 1980’s, the first video game mods were developed and released. Today, there are countless games with actively thriving modding communities.

But now Nintendo has other plans for those who purchase a Switch 2. Nintendo first specifies that their product “is licensed, not sold, to you”. Now, you are not actually purchasing the console, you are purchasing a license from Nintendo to use it. 

The User Agreement continues by stating that anyone who violates the terms of their agreement by modifying or trying to “otherwise circumvent any of the functions or protections of the Console or the Software” is subject to Nintendo “render[ing] the Console and/or the Software permanently unusable in whole or in part.”

Nintendo is threatening to destroy consoles that people have bought in retaliation for them modding games on the platform. They are charging consumers upwards of $500 for the license to use a gaming console in such a manner that bars users from engaging in one of the most significant pieces of modern video game culture.

Modding communities often keep games relevant and popular beyond the natural lifetime of the game, from works like the Sims 4 to Stardew Valley. While creators and publishers have different opinions on modding, those who embrace and encourage it often have the most dedicated fanbases. For example, Eric Barone, creator of Stardew Valley, encourages the modding community:the game has remained popular over nine years since its release in 2016. 

The people who mod games and the people who utilize those mods are the heart and soul of the gaming community; they shape and inspire the trajectory of games for years to come. Iconic games like the Stanley Parable started out as a mod of another game entirely. Video games today would look nothing like they do now if it weren’t for the modding community.

Games with active modding communities often maintain popularity and a  fanbase for much longer than those that don’t, yet Nintendo has always been hostile towards those who mod their games and consoles. They have removed fan favorite items from their most popular games and removed modded content from multiplayer game modes. Now, they have gone nuclear, threatening to destroy people’s $500 consoles like spoiled brats who are not getting their way.

Nintendo’s choice to license the Switch 2 instead of truly selling the console to consumers harms consumers by limiting what they can do with something they bought with their own money. But, even more, it harms the gaming community as a whole by disincentivizing the innovation and creativity that makes games better through modding. In a field that necessitates ingenuity and originality, Nintendo shutting down paths to new lands flies in the face of the very essence of what makes gaming great. Stagnation is death in gaming, and Nintendo may soon learn that lesson.

The post Gaming companies harm consumers and gaming community appeared first on Technique.

Video game modding (short for modifying) has been a huge part of the gaming community for nearly as long as the medium itself has existed, and Nintendo wants to put an end to it—on their consoles, at least). Through their User Agreement for  Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo intends to shut down any modding of their games; this hardline stance stunts the potential of their games and harms the gaming community.

If you purchase a video game console, it should be yours to do what you wish with. Modding encompasses a variety of forms, from minor add-ons and cosmetic changes to entire overhauls and providing support for games that have been sunsetted by their previous hosts. In the early 1980’s, the first video game mods were developed and released. Today, there are countless games with actively thriving modding communities.

But now Nintendo has other plans for those who purchase a Switch 2. Nintendo first specifies that their product “is licensed, not sold, to you”. Now, you are not actually purchasing the console, you are purchasing a license from Nintendo to use it. 

The User Agreement continues by stating that anyone who violates the terms of their agreement by modifying or trying to “otherwise circumvent any of the functions or protections of the Console or the Software” is subject to Nintendo “render[ing] the Console and/or the Software permanently unusable in whole or in part.”

Nintendo is threatening to destroy consoles that people have bought in retaliation for them modding games on the platform. They are charging consumers upwards of $500 for the license to use a gaming console in such a manner that bars users from engaging in one of the most significant pieces of modern video game culture.

Modding communities often keep games relevant and popular beyond the natural lifetime of the game, from works like the Sims 4 to Stardew Valley. While creators and publishers have different opinions on modding, those who embrace and encourage it often have the most dedicated fanbases. For example, Eric Barone, creator of Stardew Valley, encourages the modding community:the game has remained popular over nine years since its release in 2016. 

The people who mod games and the people who utilize those mods are the heart and soul of the gaming community; they shape and inspire the trajectory of games for years to come. Iconic games like the Stanley Parable started out as a mod of another game entirely. Video games today would look nothing like they do now if it weren’t for the modding community.

Games with active modding communities often maintain popularity and a  fanbase for much longer than those that don’t, yet Nintendo has always been hostile towards those who mod their games and consoles. They have removed fan favorite items from their most popular games and removed modded content from multiplayer game modes. Now, they have gone nuclear, threatening to destroy people’s $500 consoles like spoiled brats who are not getting their way.

Nintendo’s choice to license the Switch 2 instead of truly selling the console to consumers harms consumers by limiting what they can do with something they bought with their own money. But, even more, it harms the gaming community as a whole by disincentivizing the innovation and creativity that makes games better through modding. In a field that necessitates ingenuity and originality, Nintendo shutting down paths to new lands flies in the face of the very essence of what makes gaming great. Stagnation is death in gaming, and Nintendo may soon learn that lesson.

The post Gaming companies harm consumers and gaming community appeared first on Technique.

For two months out of the year, Fairburn, Ga. becomes the fictional town of Newcastle, the site of the Georgia Renaissance Festival. Much like an actual 16th-century village, there is no cell service, and transportation options in the village are limited to foot and steed. In Newcastle, it is unclear whose accents are legitimate and whose are the product of lifelong passion for an unplaceable period in time where there are fairies, dragons, copious imbibements and the occasional wench.

Concluding its 40th season on June 1st, the Georgia Renaissance Festival offers a fairytale like no other.

Recommendations

Performers

• The joust is the highlight of the festival day: enjoy drama and combat on steeds, where one honorable knight will take the crown
• The Barely Balanced acrobats put on a gravity-defying performance that is sure to delight guests of all ages.
• The Puppies of Penzance showcases the incredible talents of several hounds who have given up their lives of crime on the high seas to entertain.
• Celtic Mayhem offers melodies with Irish flair for all those who are willing to listen.
• Old Soul Silk Road shall fill your ears with lovely ballads and odes, but be warned that their siren songs are not suitable for guests of all ages.

Food and Drink

• Turkey legs are classic Renaissance Faire sustenance and a great source of protein. 
• Mead is the beverage of choice for many fair sires and ladies. The Georgia Renaissance Festival offers libations from Monk’s Meadery. Pace yourself, the line for the privies is long, winding and full of potty-training toddlers and dipsomaniacs. 
• For those with a sweet tooth, the fried cheesecake is a treat that can only be found within the gated kingdom of Newcastle (or maybe a midwestern state fair). It is gooey, sweet and topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. One order comes with two pieces, so share it with your most worthy confidant. 
• Mac & Cheese is available in various forms, including on a stick and in a bread bowl. Load it up with extra cheese and bacon for the most delicious, savory bite. 
• For a more carnivorous option, the King’s Weinie is a royally large hot dog best served with mustard (it is suitable for sharing!). Long live the King! (and his Weinie)

Shopping

• Vendors will hover the footpaths of Newcastle and ask to taint your wrist with their latest perfumes. Purchase a frankincense roll-on fragrance and enjoy the scent of Newcastle wherever your journey takes you. 
• Though the Renaissance may be known for ethanol-rich beverages, many storefronts carry artisanal teas. Wind down with loose-leaf lavender tea of yesteryear for months after the gates close on your visit. 
• For those whose wardrobe lacks old-timey flair, vendors of wares are willing to help solve this problem. Handcrafted leather goods, corsetry and frocks are available throughout the land.
• Handcrafted jewelry is available for every taste, ranging from flower crowns to custom glass pendants.

Itinerary 

• Before the festival day: Make or procure a costume
  • Although technically not a requirement, the King reserves the right to bar entry due to dress (or lack thereof). For the most immersive experience, consider a frock or tunic. Do not tie your corset too tightly, as you need to leave room for the food and beverages you will indulge in throughout the festival day. Comfortable shoes from the modern era are highly encouraged, or else you are liable to acquire blisters. Although a medical tent is on site, it specializes in balancing humors and bloodletting (kidding, but seriously, wear sneakers). 
• 8 a.m.: Prepare to time travel to lands of yore. 
  • Screenshot your tickets ( Newcastle is outside the range of modern cell service).
  • Pack sunscreen, bug spray, water and cash (many vendors will scoff if you try to convince them your colorful plastic card is valid form or currency).
• 9 a.m.: Depart for your journey. 
  • If you are on Tech’s campus, it is recommended to leave early to account for the traffic that can accumulate as guests’ steeds and automobiles create a large queue at the faire entrance. Given the unpredictability of the Atlanta highways, it is possible you will get waylaid on your voyage. Gates open at 10:30, and the King encourages early arrivals to make the most of the festival day he has prepared.
• 10:30 a.m.: Gates open
  • The royal family invites the plebians into their fine kingdom after much fanfare, including speeches. Have your tickets ready, and prepare for the King to heckle passersby. Be sure to acquire a map of the grounds and a schedule of events upon entry. 
• 10:31 a.m.: Visit local vendors for refreshments. 
  • Traditional mealtimes do not exist in Newcastle; get a funnel cake or a turkey leg before the lines get too long. It is five o’clock everywhere, except on Sundays before half past noon, during which time alcohol sales are prohibited. If you plan to be the village drunkard, consider attending on Saturday to imbibe for the entire day. 
• 11: a.m.: Be entertained
  • Consult the festival schedule for the day to identify the entertainers you wish to support, and make your way to their stages. Be prepared for audience participation and to tip the best performers (modern denominations are preferred to historically accurate amounts). 
• 12 p.m.: Visit the Joust
  • The must-see event of the day is the joust. Watch knights and dames fight for their honor on horseback, no one knows how it will end!
• 2 p.m.: Snack Time
  • A day of walking around Newcastle will surely work up an appetite, so be sure to make another visit to the food vendors around the village. Explore the culinary world of yore and indulge in fried cheesecake or a mac & cheese bread bowl! 
• 4 p.m.: Become a patron of the arts
  • Many bards and troubadours reside within Newcastle, offering musical stylings for all tastes. For the little laddies and lassies, artists performing on the outdoor stages are perfect to lend your listening ear to. For those in search of the shadier citizens, the artistic stylings available at the pubs around town shall be offering that which you desire.
• 6 p.m.: The Gates Close on Newcastle
  • Your festival day has concluded. Be sure to curtsey or bow to the king and queen on your way out, lest they disallow your attendance at the next festival!

The post 12 Hours at the Georgia Renaissance Festival appeared first on Technique.

For two months out of the year, Fairburn, Ga. becomes the fictional town of Newcastle, the site of the Georgia Renaissance Festival. Much like an actual 16th-century village, there is no cell service, and transportation options in the village are limited to foot and steed. In Newcastle, it is unclear whose accents are legitimate and whose are the product of lifelong passion for an unplaceable period in time where there are fairies, dragons, copious imbibements and the occasional wench.

Concluding its 40th season on June 1st, the Georgia Renaissance Festival offers a fairytale like no other.

Recommendations

Performers

• The joust is the highlight of the festival day: enjoy drama and combat on steeds, where one honorable knight will take the crown
• The Barely Balanced acrobats put on a gravity-defying performance that is sure to delight guests of all ages.
• The Puppies of Penzance showcases the incredible talents of several hounds who have given up their lives of crime on the high seas to entertain.
• Celtic Mayhem offers melodies with Irish flair for all those who are willing to listen.
• Old Soul Silk Road shall fill your ears with lovely ballads and odes, but be warned that their siren songs are not suitable for guests of all ages.

Food and Drink

• Turkey legs are classic Renaissance Faire sustenance and a great source of protein. 
• Mead is the beverage of choice for many fair sires and ladies. The Georgia Renaissance Festival offers libations from Monk’s Meadery. Pace yourself, the line for the privies is long, winding and full of potty-training toddlers and dipsomaniacs. 
• For those with a sweet tooth, the fried cheesecake is a treat that can only be found within the gated kingdom of Newcastle (or maybe a midwestern state fair). It is gooey, sweet and topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. One order comes with two pieces, so share it with your most worthy confidant. 
• Mac & Cheese is available in various forms, including on a stick and in a bread bowl. Load it up with extra cheese and bacon for the most delicious, savory bite. 
• For a more carnivorous option, the King’s Weinie is a royally large hot dog best served with mustard (it is suitable for sharing!). Long live the King! (and his Weinie)

Shopping

• Vendors will hover the footpaths of Newcastle and ask to taint your wrist with their latest perfumes. Purchase a frankincense roll-on fragrance and enjoy the scent of Newcastle wherever your journey takes you. 
• Though the Renaissance may be known for ethanol-rich beverages, many storefronts carry artisanal teas. Wind down with loose-leaf lavender tea of yesteryear for months after the gates close on your visit. 
• For those whose wardrobe lacks old-timey flair, vendors of wares are willing to help solve this problem. Handcrafted leather goods, corsetry and frocks are available throughout the land.
• Handcrafted jewelry is available for every taste, ranging from flower crowns to custom glass pendants.

Itinerary 

• Before the festival day: Make or procure a costume
  • Although technically not a requirement, the King reserves the right to bar entry due to dress (or lack thereof). For the most immersive experience, consider a frock or tunic. Do not tie your corset too tightly, as you need to leave room for the food and beverages you will indulge in throughout the festival day. Comfortable shoes from the modern era are highly encouraged, or else you are liable to acquire blisters. Although a medical tent is on site, it specializes in balancing humors and bloodletting (kidding, but seriously, wear sneakers). 
• 8 a.m.: Prepare to time travel to lands of yore. 
  • Screenshot your tickets ( Newcastle is outside the range of modern cell service).
  • Pack sunscreen, bug spray, water and cash (many vendors will scoff if you try to convince them your colorful plastic card is valid form or currency).
• 9 a.m.: Depart for your journey. 
  • If you are on Tech’s campus, it is recommended to leave early to account for the traffic that can accumulate as guests’ steeds and automobiles create a large queue at the faire entrance. Given the unpredictability of the Atlanta highways, it is possible you will get waylaid on your voyage. Gates open at 10:30, and the King encourages early arrivals to make the most of the festival day he has prepared.
• 10:30 a.m.: Gates open
  • The royal family invites the plebians into their fine kingdom after much fanfare, including speeches. Have your tickets ready, and prepare for the King to heckle passersby. Be sure to acquire a map of the grounds and a schedule of events upon entry. 
• 10:31 a.m.: Visit local vendors for refreshments. 
  • Traditional mealtimes do not exist in Newcastle; get a funnel cake or a turkey leg before the lines get too long. It is five o’clock everywhere, except on Sundays before half past noon, during which time alcohol sales are prohibited. If you plan to be the village drunkard, consider attending on Saturday to imbibe for the entire day. 
• 11: a.m.: Be entertained
  • Consult the festival schedule for the day to identify the entertainers you wish to support, and make your way to their stages. Be prepared for audience participation and to tip the best performers (modern denominations are preferred to historically accurate amounts). 
• 12 p.m.: Visit the Joust
  • The must-see event of the day is the joust. Watch knights and dames fight for their honor on horseback, no one knows how it will end!
• 2 p.m.: Snack Time
  • A day of walking around Newcastle will surely work up an appetite, so be sure to make another visit to the food vendors around the village. Explore the culinary world of yore and indulge in fried cheesecake or a mac & cheese bread bowl! 
• 4 p.m.: Become a patron of the arts
  • Many bards and troubadours reside within Newcastle, offering musical stylings for all tastes. For the little laddies and lassies, artists performing on the outdoor stages are perfect to lend your listening ear to. For those in search of the shadier citizens, the artistic stylings available at the pubs around town shall be offering that which you desire.
• 6 p.m.: The Gates Close on Newcastle
  • Your festival day has concluded. Be sure to curtsey or bow to the king and queen on your way out, lest they disallow your attendance at the next festival!

The post 12 Hours at the Georgia Renaissance Festival appeared first on Technique.

Joann closed her doors on May 31, after 82 years, the crafting community lost the final store chain that catered to fiber arts. Sewers, knitters and crocheters alike now must flock to online spaces or accept the shameful range of options available at the remaining big-box craft stores. Despite the issues that led to its downfall, the closure of Joann Fabrics and Crafts is a significant loss for crafters and represents a loss of community to the commercialization of hobbies.. 

Joann stood out from the other big box craft stores, for her superior fabric and yarn variety compared to Michaels, and for avoiding the ethical concerns associated with Hobby Lobby. Michael’s stock is typically limited to quilting fabrics and acrylic yarn, while Joann had apparel and upholstery fabric and more yarns, making it a relative haven for fiber artists. Meanwhile, supporting Hobby Lobby feels morally ambiguous at best due to their history of smuggling historic artifacts internationally and denying employees the right to birth control as a part of their employee healthcare. 

When the remaining brick and mortar options are as abysmal as this, the only alternative is online retailers. Online shopping for fabric and yarn is much more difficult than it might seem, as the physical feel of these materials is critical to the success of the project. Without being able to see and feel materials before purchasing, shopping online becomes a constant guessing game.

Joann sowed the seeds of her own downfall far before she declared bankruptcy by misunderstanding her consumer. My local Joann location began stocking more and more home decor items, removing shelf space from the craft supplies that were really what most customers wanted. Kitschy holiday decor and quote signs were not the only inventory blunder, but the quantity of specific craft supplies became a burden on shelf space as well. At my local location, instead of the specialty fabrics that were only available at Joann, they expanded their selection of fleece (their line called Blizzard Fleece) and quilting cottons. Their selection that once was unique began to resemble the disappointing stock available at their competitors, disappointing customers, including myself.

As Joann neared her deathbed, more and more aisles were filled with out of season decor marked down on clearance and shelves full of fleece that nobody wanted to buy. Much like witnessing flowers wilting, each subsequent visit to Joann was more disappointing and depressing than the last. Each time, more of what once made it special was missing, until one day when it was all gone. 

Though a misunderstanding of consumers was a piece of the puzzle, private equity truly put the nail in the coffin. Joann’s declared bankruptcy twice in the span of a year, the first time emerging as a private company. The second time, in January, GA Group purchased the chain and then  announced the closing of 500 of their 800 stores on Feb. 12. Not even two full weeks later on Feb. 24 the group announced a full liquidation schedule to be completed by the end of May. Instead of working to fix the financial issues, this private equity group immediately opted to simply bleed Joann dry of whatever could be salvaged. 

It might sound inconsequential to lose a fabric store, but it means more than just having to shop online; it means the loss of a third space for crafters to meet each other, ask for advice, and get inspired. Losing this space, especially at the hands of private equity and poor overhead decisions, hurts all of the crafters and makers who once flocked to Joann to find materials and community.

In the void that the loss of Joann has created, there are two potential infills: a new chain specializing in apparel fabrics and yarns may flourish, or makers will now have to settle for the drudge of online fabric shopping and have our community relegated to online spaces only.

The post RIP Joann Fabrics (Eulogy from a crafter) appeared first on Technique.

Joann closed her doors on May 31, after 82 years, the crafting community lost the final store chain that catered to fiber arts. Sewers, knitters and crocheters alike now must flock to online spaces or accept the shameful range of options available at the remaining big-box craft stores. Despite the issues that led to its downfall, the closure of Joann Fabrics and Crafts is a significant loss for crafters and represents a loss of community to the commercialization of hobbies.. 

Joann stood out from the other big box craft stores, for her superior fabric and yarn variety compared to Michaels, and for avoiding the ethical concerns associated with Hobby Lobby. Michael’s stock is typically limited to quilting fabrics and acrylic yarn, while Joann had apparel and upholstery fabric and more yarns, making it a relative haven for fiber artists. Meanwhile, supporting Hobby Lobby feels morally ambiguous at best due to their history of smuggling historic artifacts internationally and denying employees the right to birth control as a part of their employee healthcare. 

When the remaining brick and mortar options are as abysmal as this, the only alternative is online retailers. Online shopping for fabric and yarn is much more difficult than it might seem, as the physical feel of these materials is critical to the success of the project. Without being able to see and feel materials before purchasing, shopping online becomes a constant guessing game.

Joann sowed the seeds of her own downfall far before she declared bankruptcy by misunderstanding her consumer. My local Joann location began stocking more and more home decor items, removing shelf space from the craft supplies that were really what most customers wanted. Kitschy holiday decor and quote signs were not the only inventory blunder, but the quantity of specific craft supplies became a burden on shelf space as well. At my local location, instead of the specialty fabrics that were only available at Joann, they expanded their selection of fleece (their line called Blizzard Fleece) and quilting cottons. Their selection that once was unique began to resemble the disappointing stock available at their competitors, disappointing customers, including myself.

As Joann neared her deathbed, more and more aisles were filled with out of season decor marked down on clearance and shelves full of fleece that nobody wanted to buy. Much like witnessing flowers wilting, each subsequent visit to Joann was more disappointing and depressing than the last. Each time, more of what once made it special was missing, until one day when it was all gone. 

Though a misunderstanding of consumers was a piece of the puzzle, private equity truly put the nail in the coffin. Joann’s declared bankruptcy twice in the span of a year, the first time emerging as a private company. The second time, in January, GA Group purchased the chain and then  announced the closing of 500 of their 800 stores on Feb. 12. Not even two full weeks later on Feb. 24 the group announced a full liquidation schedule to be completed by the end of May. Instead of working to fix the financial issues, this private equity group immediately opted to simply bleed Joann dry of whatever could be salvaged. 

It might sound inconsequential to lose a fabric store, but it means more than just having to shop online; it means the loss of a third space for crafters to meet each other, ask for advice, and get inspired. Losing this space, especially at the hands of private equity and poor overhead decisions, hurts all of the crafters and makers who once flocked to Joann to find materials and community.

In the void that the loss of Joann has created, there are two potential infills: a new chain specializing in apparel fabrics and yarns may flourish, or makers will now have to settle for the drudge of online fabric shopping and have our community relegated to online spaces only.

The post RIP Joann Fabrics (Eulogy from a crafter) appeared first on Technique.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is as inescapable as the Atlanta pollen, but users are glossing over the extreme environmental and ethical issues as companies replace jobs and students trade hard work with AI-generated garbage. Generative AI is an unregulated beast that will take everything from entry-level jobs to authentic artwork and leave us with nothing if we do not change. AI squanders the resources it requires and must be trained on the backs and minds of actual people without their consent, often failing to provide helpful or accurate answers. Using generative AI platforms in place of a normal search engine is not only bad for the user due to potential misinformation, but is also unethical and lazy. 

The training and maintenance of generative AI models utilize gargantuan amounts of energy and water and create ridiculously high carbon emissions. Quantifying exact numbers is difficult for the industry as a whole, but researchers estimate that in the next two years, AI could make up 0.5% of the world’s electricity consumption. This might not sound like much until you consider that this would mean AI would utilize as much as the entire country of Argentina. 

A study from Cornell estimated that within the same timeframe, the amount of water utilized to cool AI data centers will reach half of England’s annual water consumption, or more than four times the usage of the entire country of Denmark. This is simply a waste of valuable resources that we cannot afford  in the face of a growing climate crisis. 

While the exact impact of the entire AI industry is difficult to measure, the impact of individual models is easier to track. For example, the training of GPT-3 created about 500 tons of carbon dioxide. This is equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of over 127 American households and 108 cars. Recall that this is only for the training of a single version of a single AI model, and it dwarfs the impact that a single person has throughout their entire lifetime of living or driving. 

The training of GPT-3 also used over 180,000 gallons of water, equivalent to the daily drinking water requirements of about 218,000 people. In a world where 1 in every 11 people lacks access to enough clean drinking water, this is both unethical and disturbing. 

Beyond the environmental impact, the ethical concerns behind every single AI model are wide- reaching. In particular, the data that developers use to train these models is sourced broadly and without consent. In 2023, the Atlantic reported that Meta trained its Large Language Model (LLM) on thousands of stolen and pirated works, and experts are warning that developers are training AI on any content you have posted online that isn’t behind a login wall (such as a public Instagram account or a LinkedIn profile). Artists and writers across the board have made their anger public as massive companies use their works to train various models that generate both images and text, leading to over 30 copyright infringement cases in the United States alone. 

Training these models on personal data, articles, stories, artworks and any other creations that users like you and me have shared online is inherently wrong, especially for posts made before the advent of generative artificial intelligence entering the mainstream. Those who shared their creations had no way to agree to companies training AI models on their work and retroactively opting out is hardly an option. 

The information generative AI programs peddle is false far more often than many people realize. Researchers have found that GPT-3 agrees with false statements up to over a quarter of the time and cites incorrect sources up to 60% of the time. When the energy required for a single request from ChatGPT is ten times that of a single Google search and gives you the wrong answer, I question what scenario generative AI is ever better than a traditional search engine. Even if the massive amounts of water and energy AI demands or the art it steals doesn’t matter to you, the fact that you are quite likely to receive an incorrect answer should. 

Do you really want to support technology that is stealing your data, destroying the environment and stunting your capabilities every time you use it? 

If so, it is time to do some self-reflection.

If not, it is time to stop using AI.

The post Cool Kids Don’t Use AI Instead of Google appeared first on Technique.

The foundation of America is based upon the value of democracy as a departure from monarchy to ensure that its citizens would be free and equal in the eyes of the government. President Trump appears to be fashioning himself in the style of a king, suggesting he is above the laws of the land and even explicitly referring to himself as the king. This tyrannical behavior not only flouts the basic expectation that a president should be a law-abiding citizen but is downright unpatriotic and un-American. 

Trump has begun referring to the possibility of running for a third term despite the fact that the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution explicitly prohibits such an event from happening. As a convicted felon on 34 different counts, it is unsurprising that Trump would believe himself to be above the law. No person should be exempt from following the law, especially the President. 

The American public is taking Trump seriously, with over half of Americans polled believing he will attempt to run for a third term. American citizens are accustomed to his disrespect for the democratic process and peaceful transfer of power, as he has previously called for his supporters to storm the United States Capitol building because he disagreed with the results of the 2020 presidential election. 

His claims are in line with an imperialist tyrant. Trump has claimed that Canada should become the 51st state, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau even confirmed these threats as real in a hot mic moment. Trump has also stated that he would like to take control of both Greenland and the Panama Canal and that he is willing to utilize military force to achieve this goal. To threaten military force to take control of multiple locations abroad is the act of a dictator, not of an American President.

Even more disturbing than his disregard for the laws of our country is his seeming hope to turn his presidency into a monarchy. His belief that democracy should be overturned and that he should be crowned the king requires not only hubris, but also the unpatriotic devaluation of democracy. 

Woven into the fabric of our nation is the deliverance from the archaic system of nobility and monarchy. Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution states that “no title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States,” explicitly stating that the despotic systems of monarchy and nobility have no place within our country.

Trump not only hints at his royal delusion through his desire to conquer foreign lands as his own, but he explicitly calls himself a king. On February 19th, the official White House account tweeted “long live the King,” accompanied by a strange parody cover of Times magazine that says “Trump” in place of “Times” and depicts him wearing a crown. More than any of his tyrannical claims and references, this explicitly shows that Trump believes that he ought to be, or already is, the country’s king.

To disregard and disrespect the founding values of our nation to such a degree as to suggest a monarchy with himself at the helm, Trump engages in behavior that is plainly un-American. The leader of a nation should not be a person who desecrates the country’s values. They must be held accountable to these values.

Trump’s behavior reflects his principles or lack thereof. His values are not only unpatriotic, but his devaluation of democracy is wholly un-American.

The post The danger of the Trump is king rhetoric appeared first on Technique.

There is immense power in the actions of everyday individuals, yet some people still make choices they know are bad for the world around them under the guise that “individual actions don’t matter.” On the contrary, the power to make meaningful change in the world around lies in the hands of the people. Companies and corporations will always put their bottom line first, so how you spend your money can change the companies. The actions of individuals, especially when made en masse, have the power to shape the future of our planet.

Many great changes have come from people taking a stand for what they believe in. From the American Civil Rights Movement fighting segregation to the more contemporary example of the #MeToo movement on social media, fighting the good fight has come down to individuals, not huge organizations. Using the power of collective individual action must now expand from social movements to the environmental struggle as the effects of overconsumption and waste worsen.

One of the most important ways people can positively impact the world today is through making sustainable choices. People can choose now to reduce the physical waste they will leave behind long after they are gone. People pushing for environmentally sustainable change have already made an impact, as evidenced by the eight states that have banned plastic straws as a result of the backlash online after a video surfaced of a turtle that had a straw stuck through part of its head. The shift in consumer preferences for more sustainable options has also led to wider availability of packaging-free options and refillable packaging.

But, one of the most significant ways that individual consumers can change their environmental impact is through their clothing consumption habits. Fast fashion has recently become the target of sustainability discourse, and for good reason. The fashion industry makes up over 10% of the world’s pollution, with 10% of the microplastics in the ocean coming from washing synthetic fabrics and 20% of the world’s wastewater resulting from dying fabrics. The scale of the industry’s impact is in part due to the demand from the distorted clothing consumption habits Americans have come to think of as normal.

The average American discards over 80 pounds of clothing annually, replacing what they throw out with over 50 new pieces. This vicious cycle of buying and discarding clothing contributes to why over 11 million tons of clothing end up in American landfills every year. 

If you double the amount of times you wear all of your clothing, you would be able to halve the impact of your wardrobe without having to do anything besides using what you already have. 

With the incredible volume of clothing people are regularly trying to get rid of, the secondhand market is full of enough clothing to fulfill the needs of the next six generations without needing to produce a single new garment. Every time you choose to buy secondhand instead of purchasing something brand new, you are reducing waste not only by using something already on the planet rather than something created for you, but you are also avoiding the pollution waste that comes from newly produced garments.

If people bought half of their clothes from a secondhand source, without even changing their overall rate of consumption, this would save millions of tons of clothing from landfills and millions of tons of carbon emissions every year. 

Even small changes in clothes washing habits can significantly impact carbon emissions. According to Earth.org, if a person reduces the number of times they run their washing machine by one-sixth, avoid the hot water setting and air dry their clothing, they would cut their consumer emissions by more than 50 percent.  

These small choices to source clothing secondhand and shift laundry habits can incredibly reduce emissions and physical waste. But it can’t just be one person — if people work to convince their friends and family to shift their habits as well, the positive impact would be exponential.

When it comes to the environment, it is true that no one person has the power to make choices that save the world, but the world will never change without the actions of individuals who want to see positive change.. 

You have the power to make choices that can change the world for the better, so will you?

The post Individual Action Actually Matters appeared first on Technique.