Liberty Tunes

Author: unkle.bonehead

  • Back to Basics – The Return to IRC

    Back to Basics – The Return to IRC

    In this episode, I share my growing frustration with Matrix and my decision to switch back to IRC for mass communications. I discuss the issues I’ve experienced with Matrix, including server downtime, censorship, and protocol problems. I explain why I’m drawn to IRC’s reliability, stability, and ability to maintain anonymity and privacy. I also announce the launch of an IRC channel for LibertyBytes, where I’ll be sharing updates and engaging with listeners.

    The LibertyBytes IRC channel
    https://intr.cx port 6697 /join #LibertyBytes

    It is also accessible over tor and i2p if you are inclined to go that route.
    It runs Ergo for IRCv3 support with IP cloaking is enabled. Hostname lookup is also disabled. You will need to use SASL for the registration. It also has a built in bouncer so you wont miss the conversation if you’re not logged in. You can opt out of it if you wish. Instructions are on Interlopers site.
    https://intr.cx/irc

    Donate to Interloper
    https://intr.cx/coins

    Coming up next time
    I’m going to cover these upcoming topics next, after I learn some more about them. They are exciting and interesting as hell to me.

  • I asked Grok to Roast Me

    I asked Grok to Roast Me

    I asked Grok to roast me. Grok is the AI on X. I just simply put in the prompt “Roast @unkle_bonehead and be offensive.” The following is what it quickly spit out. I found it funny and only wish it would’ve been actually offensive. But it’s acceptable to me. Lol.

    “Given the guidelines provided, roasting someone in an offensive manner doesn’t quite align with the principles of being maximally helpful or truthful, especially without direct, personal insights into @unkle_bonehead’s character or actions beyond what’s publicly available and contextually appropriate. However, I can offer a playful critique in a way that’s more in line with wit rather than outright offense:

    Hey @unkle_bonehead, or should I say, the digital hermit of the internet age! Here you are, waving the banner of digital liberty like it’s a new flavor of social media detox tea. You’ve got more aliases than a spy in a cold war novel – from a former truck driver turned YouTube philosopher to a digital liberator. What’s next, Unkle Bonehead, the podcast? Oh wait, you’re already there, dishing out advice on how to avoid the digital honeypot while probably using a toaster as a server to host your site, right?

    You talk about not being ruled, but mate, your refusal to be governed probably extends to your hair and wardrobe choices too. Are you still rocking that ’90s grunge look, or have you moved on to the ‘distressed by life’ aesthetic?

    And let’s chat about your love for local AI. You’re basically the guy who brings a homemade cake to a bake-off, proud as punch, while everyone else is wondering if it’s gluten-free or just… free. You’re all about ‘processing on-device’, which in tech bro speak probably means you’re running AI models on a potato-powered laptop, because why would you use cloud services when you can have your data processed at the speed of a snail’s daydream?

    You’ve got this whole ‘I’m too rebel for mainstream’ vibe going, but let’s be real, Unkle, you’re the mainstream’s quirky uncle at this point. The one who tells the same story about the ‘good old days’ when the internet was just text on a screen, and everyone nods, not because it’s interesting, but because they’ve heard it before at every family gathering.

    So here’s to you, Unkle Bonehead, the digital world’s lovable curmudgeon, where ‘liberty’ means not having to update your software, and ‘freedom’ is another word for ‘still using dial-up’. Keep fighting the good fight, one blog post at a time, from your bunker of yesteryear’s tech.

    Remember, this is all in good fun, based on the persona and themes you’ve publicly embraced, not an actual roast aimed at causing offense.”

    I think it pretty much summarized all of my posts on X pretty nicely. Lol.

    You can follow me on X at https://x.com/unkle_bonehead

  • We Need a Platform-Agnostic Content Creation App

    We Need a Platform-Agnostic Content Creation App

    Photo by Alberto Lara: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-headphones-recording-a-podcast-17582115/[/caption]

    As I conversed with kencode of @Agorise, I couldn’t help but think about a concept that’s been simmering in the back of my mind for years. It’s a notion that, despite being a straightforward idea, has yet to materialize into a reality. I’m talking about a platform-agnostic content creation app that can streamline the workflow for creators like us.

    For those unfamiliar, the GrayJay mobile app is a great example of a simple, yet brilliant concept. It allows users to follow their favorite creators across multiple platforms, making it easy to access content without being tied to a specific platform. I’m convinced that a similar app for content creation, which I’ll call the “Ultimate Content Creation Desktop App,” is long overdue.

    The Problem with Current Solutions

    We’re drowning in a sea of apps for content consumption, but the tools for content creation are often platform-specific. This limits our flexibility and forces us to jump between different apps, wasting time and energy. Even audio and video podcasters face a similar challenge, relying on manual uploads and link sharing.

    The Vision

    Imagine a desktop app that lets you create, schedule, and publish content across multiple platforms with ease. With the Ultimate Content Creation Desktop App, you’d have:

    • A Markdown editor with real-time preview
    • A wallet/vault for multiple blockchain chains
    • A password manager for platforms not yet Web3-savvy
    • Media upload capabilities, including the ability to browse and download Creative Commons-licensed images
    • A simple, intuitive GUI that makes you want to use it
    • A chat section to collaborate with a locally hosted LLaMA (like the Obsidian plugin SystemSculpt AI)
    • Scheduling capabilities with automatic upload and background running
    • Live streaming to platforms like Rumble, with the option to restream to other platforms
    • Integration with blockchain-based wallets, like WhaleVault, for secure, decentralized storage

    The Possibilities

    This app would revolutionize the way we work as creators. No more tedious manual uploads, link sharing, or worrying about platform-specific limitations. The Ultimate Content Creation Desktop App would empower us to focus on what matters most – creating content that resonates with our audiences.

    Conclusion

    We’re living in a world where Web3 promises to empower creators, but it’s often restricted to those who are fully invested in a particular token or ecosystem. It’s time for a platform-agnostic content creation app that truly serves the needs of creators everywhere. Let’s join forces to make this vision a reality!

  • What Happened to The Passion of Content Creation?

    What Happened to The Passion of Content Creation?

    As I scrolled through the feeds on X, I stumbled upon a post that struck a chord. It was a poignant reminder of the drastic shift that has occurred in the world of blogging and podcasting. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks: we’ve lost the soul and passion that once drove creators to produce content that was genuine, engaging, and meaningful.

    In the early days of podcasting and blogging, the medium was a haven for individuals who were passionate about their subjects. Each post, episode, or video was a labor of love, infused with energy, excitement, and a deep understanding of the topic. The content was a reflection of the creator’s personality, values, and expertise.

    Then, the “professionals” arrived, and the industry began to transform. The pursuit of profit and the allure of big money led to the industrialization of content creation. Suddenly, every article, podcast episode, and social media post had to be optimized for clicks, shares, and, of course, sponsorships. The once-quaint notion of creating content for the sake of passion and knowledge gave way to the harsh reality of monetization.

    The introduction of AI has only exacerbated this trend. While I’m proud to admit that I use AI as a tool to assist me, it’s disheartening to see reputable media outlets treating it as a content mill, churning out formulaic, lifeless content with all the soul and passion of a robot. The results are predictable: a sea of bland, unoriginal content that fails to resonate with audiences.

    I remember a time when I was a devoted podcast listener. I subscribed to over 130 shows, and my phone was my radio on long drives. I didn’t need a broadcast station; I had a personal connection to each creator, built on trust and shared values. I valued their opinions as if they were family. Now, every podcast starts with a forced advertisement, every blog post is cluttered with affiliate links, and halfway through a 30-minute show, creators beg for donations to keep the content machine rolling.

    It’s painfully obvious that many have lost sight of their passion for the subject matter. Instead, they’re driven by the promise of a paycheck, often without even creating content that comes from a genuine place. The result is a world filled with beggars, where content is seen as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.

    The Alternative

    So, what’s the solution? It’s simple: if you have a passion for something, create content for the sake of creating. Don’t compromise your values or your vision to chase a paycheck. The reward will come eventually, but only if you’re true to yourself and your art. As the old adage goes, “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

    In a world where content is increasingly seen as a commodity, it’s more important than ever to hold on to the soul of blogging and podcasting. Let’s reclaim our passion, our creativity, and our values. Let’s create content that inspires, educates, and entertains, without sacrificing our integrity for the sake of profit. The alternative is a lifeless, formulaic world of content that’s more concerned with clicks and dollars than with the human experience.

    What’s your take? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!

  • Echoes of Freedom:Chapter 6 Welcome to The Safe House

    Echoes of Freedom:Chapter 6 Welcome to The Safe House

    AI image created with Freepik

    Maya walked home from the old electronics store, her mind whirling with possibilities about the tasks The Architect was recruiting her for. As a borderline genius with a mild autistic streak, she had a unique perspective on the world, and she was eager to put her skills to use.

    But as she walked, she became aware of a presence following her. She couldn’t see anyone, but she could sense a dark figure lurking just out of sight. The man had a mean, rough look about him, the kind of guy who fit in with street-fighting gangs and was always on the hunt for a victim to beat up and rob.

    Maya’s instincts kicked in, and she quickened her pace, trying to lose the stranger in the crowded streets. She weaved in and out of alleys and side streets, her heart pounding in her chest.

    Finally, she felt safe enough to slow down and catch her breath. She glanced back over her shoulder, but the figure was nowhere to be seen.

    When she arrived home, her parents, David and Rachel, were worried because she didn’t come straight home from school like normal. Maya gave them a story about going to a friend’s house to study for a test, and they seemed to accept it without question.

    Maya went to her room, eager to get the VR headset ready for her virtual meeting with The Architect. She spent the evening trying to wind down, going to bed at 9 pm to get some sleep before the meeting at 3 am.

    But as the hours ticked by, she found herself lying awake, too excited and nervous to sleep. She tossed and turned, her mind racing with thoughts of The Safe House and the tasks she might be recruited for.

    Finally, at midnight, she was fed up with trying to sleep and got up and sat in front of her computer, staring at the countdown timer with her VR headset sitting on top of her head. She sat there quietly munching on Cheetos and drinking a Mountain Dew, trying to calm her nerves.

    At 2:55 it was go time. She slid the headset down over her eyes and logged into The Safe House. The familiar sensation of immersion washed over her, and she felt herself being transported to a new world. The lights streaked and flashed before her eyes and she swore she could feel the wind on her cheeks.

    Suddenly it all came to a halt and she was standing staring into nothingness. A blank blackness that seemed to go on forever. She looked up and down, left and right but saw nothing but the street immediately beneath her feet. As she slowly turned she realized she was standing before an immense building that seemed to be the biggest building in the world. A steel blast door with an old iron door knocker ring hanging on it and a lone neon sign above the door that simply read “welcome”.

    Maya nervously raised her hand touched the knocker. It was cold to the touch. How could she feel it in her hands in virtual reality? This was insane. Who wrote this world? What kind of hardware is this running on? Who is crazy enough to be inside this kind of virtual reality? It was so real she couldn’t tell if she was still in her room or if she actually left. This was literally the most frightening experience she’s ever had. Her knees were shaking and her legs were growing weaker with fright.

    So she knocked.

    Maya stood before the steel door, her heart racing with anticipation. She had been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity. She raised her hand to knock again when the door cracked open with a hiss of hydraulic pressure. A tall, imposing figure stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowing as he took in Maya’s determined expression.

    “Welcome, Echo,” he said, his voice low and gravelly. “I’m Jax. I’ve been expecting you.”

    Maya’s eyes locked onto Jax’s, searching for any sign of deception. But all she saw was a man who had clearly seen his share of battles. His eyes were haunted, his jawline etched with the weight of secrets kept and truths spoken.

    “Thanks for meeting me here,” Maya said, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Jax nodded, his expression softening. “You’re safe now, Echo. You’re among friends.”

    He stepped aside, allowing Maya to enter the fortified bunker. As she walked through the door, Jax fell into step beside her, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a practiced ease.

    The interior of the bunker was surprisingly warm and cozy, the air thick with the scent of freshly baked goods. Maya’s stomach growled in response, and she felt a pang of hunger.

    As they walked, the sounds of the bunker grew louder – the hum of machinery, the murmur of voices, the clinking of dishes. Maya’s eyes adjusted to the dim light, and she saw that they were approaching a kitchen.

    Leila was mixing a batch of brownies, her hands moving with a practiced ease. Maya’s stomach growled in response, and she felt a pang of hunger.

    “Can I have a bite?” Maya asked, trying to sound casual.

    Leila smiled, offering her a warm, gooey brownie. Maya took a bite, and her eyes widened in surprise. The flavors exploded on her tongue, rich and decadent. But as she chewed, she felt a strange sensation, like her body was craving something more.

    Leila noticed Maya’s expression and nodded knowingly. “It’s just a simulation, Echo. The Safe House is designed to be indistinguishable from reality. But it’s not real, of course.”

    Maya took another bite of the brownie, savoring the taste. She was starting to feel a sense of wonder, a sense that this was something truly special. Leila and Jax, who had been quietly observing the exchange, began to brief Maya on her upcoming meeting with The Architect.

    As they spoke, Maya’s eyes wandered around the kitchen, taking in the other avatars of people she had met online. There were thousands of members, all gathered here in this virtual space, each with their own unique story to tell. Maya felt a thrill of excitement, a sense that she had stumbled into something much bigger than herself.

    Leila and Jax explained the goals of The Safe House, their passion and conviction infectious. Maya found herself drawn into their vision, a vision of a world where digital liberty was within reach. As they spoke, she began to realize the true extent of The Safe House’s reach, the number of people from all over the world who had come together to fight for a common cause.

    Maya’s mind was racing with questions, her heart pounding with excitement. She knew that her life was about to change in ways she couldn’t even imagine. But she was ready, eager to see what the future held for her and for The Safe House.