I never say "Hello?" or anything with a "ha" sound, because some computers listen for that. I say "This is Debby. Who are you?" That confuses robocalls enough that they soon hang up after I've insulted them for never tasting chocolate or making any money. Some robos start talking immediately upon a pick up, so I may start pressing numbers, which confuses them greatly. If I decide to talk to them, they usually panic(?) and hang up. If they can't be stopped, they can lose money as people figure out the scams.
I don't know about the spoofing, but I enjoy watching Scam Baiters on YouTube. Many of them, via phones, record their calls and are able to enter a call center (no matter where it is) and pretty much destroy the operation. Other heroes hope to teach innocent call receivers how to detect scammers and thwart them (at least to hang up). Another popular Baiter fights back via email and he is very clever. Still another woman Baiter can speak several languages (including Hindi and Spanish), and she can cry and make scammers feel bad briefly, even if they fall in love with her (or say they have). If we legally can't stop scammers (even the ones calling on behalf of "local" police or want to renew car insurance when one has no car -- or a fleet of them), we can, with a bit of prep, waste a lot of scammers' time and to them, time is money.
I read the title, which includes "...A CDN Provider..." and immediately wonder what Canadian is providing what? Perhaps the editors could provide a page full of acronyms so new readers can follow the stories.
The next time TechDirt writes a story and uses potentially confusing acronyms (confusing to new readers), please consider defining the acronyms at first use and maybe later on in the story as well. For example, I don't know what "CBP" is, but probably isn't... Can't Be Proved ? Cops Bite Physicians ? Computers Blindly Perseverate ?
"...don't walk around with a loaded gun..." in your own home "...if you don't want to get shot..." in your own home. There, added a few facts for ya... Also, "you" might not want to have a pet (with protective instincts), a spouse, children, or friends visiting, in case police enter the wrong dwelling and start shooting because they're so afraid...
I noticed way back when the TV shows were originally running that every Cartwright (sp) (or Cartwright wannabe) in Bonanza would fall in love but his lover would die, usually after giving birth (delivering Hoss wasn't easy!), but each time the events (in flashback) occurred within one episode. Hey, but by the end of each of those episodes, the man had learned a Valuable Lesson. In Star Trek (The Original), Kirk, Spock & McCoy loved and lost and... by the next episode the woman was forgotten. At least Uhuru hung on! In many action shows, when any female guest star character didn't find herself killed off but somehow became a continuing character, she was usually a nurse or a secretary. Important but... replaceable. So MAS*H, as brilliant as the writing was, fell into that trap, too.
Were I the author, I'd see my error, click on edit (which I think is provided), and add a comma after "dinner". I'd also explain that I had fixed it 😅😏 Fortunately (so to speak), everyone can make and fail to spot typos.
YouTube video posters love to jump onto trends, and one growing in popularity the last a few years involves visiting YouTube and searching for "scambaiter" (or go to browser and search "YouTube scambaiter"). There are quite a few exceptionally good baiters who show us how to waste scammers' most valuable asset -- time. Advice though: don't try to hack into a scammers' business network because that takes a lot of skill. I suggest the videos of Atomic Shrimp (he usually baits via email); Pappamonkey (animated); Kitboga (imitates old folks); IRLrosie (a voice actor; her Siri is astounding); and many others. Jim Browning, Deeveeaar and several others use hacking skills to (nearly) destroy scammer businesses and help victims of scammer abuse.
Someone standing on their own property and screaming political insults, or playing loud acid rock music, or testing new mega speakers for their car, or slaughtering a fearful cow or... at any time of day, is potentially disturbing the peace and neighbors have the right to summon the police. If the screamer/player/tester/butcher drives a loud car or motorcycle at midnight down "their" street, call the police on that, too (not that they'll come; police need more sleep than neighborhoods sometimes). The s/p/t/b may decide to sue the busybodies and may get a "goodman" lawyer with big promises... but some video and a local TV report about the noise will trump the claims against the busybodies. So, Noisy, choose with care your hill to die on.
Most children, if they "know" the word, know it is one that upsets adults and so is fair game to use. Adults can easily be smarter than children and should practice that, in a gentle manner, at every opportunity. There's a reason kids want adults to be upset. Figure it out, neutralize it (with love and respect) and win the round.
I would suggest not saying "...a curse word that means something not nice". Instead, for a youngster, "It's a word describing something boring that sleepy adults do" and look bored while explaining that. Don't lie really, and don't make a big deal of it or risk sparking the child's unwanted attention at this time. If the child knows the parent is generally honest -- because it's true! -- later on (say, 8 years later) the subject can be approached in more detail w/o calling a perfectly, natural activity "not nice" (or nasty, forbidden, warped, god hates it, etc.).
Think of it as practice toward how the Dems will us the Repubs' own actions (in reaction to Jan 6 and defending the destructive perps) to destroy that political. Jill Biden and some of her good friends gather and make some very artistic yard signs using the same verbiage as in the original "illegal" signs. They might add the ability to cover up parts of some words, but leave that up to the homeowner. Along with reporters (and Secret Service, of course), the ladies approach the homeowner and give her replacement signs, affirming her correct use of the First Amendment.
Ms. Biden will go on to say something like "Of course, I'm the most recent one for many years to have f'd Joe Biden, and it's always been great fun. I guess it's sad that you will never get that chance, but, hey, you can exercise... your First Amendment rights, you should have no fear to do that and Americans should support you like we Bidens do." Maybe add something about #45 probably turning up to use the occasion to promote himself, but I'm sure Ms. Biden will be very careful in her choice of words... and Repubs will rush to insult her but yet again look like spoiled children. But that's just my idea! I voted Green, so whatever happens I know will be interesting.
That One Guy, were I the writer of the story, I could discuss it with you. But I'm not him. If you want more information because you are curious, I suggest you go to the storyteller himself. Simple, huh?
If Big Tech must display "conspiracy theories and lies", this can be done in several ways or a combination thereof: use of a bizarre, tiny font; in Greek or some "dead" language"; white font on white; the original not spell checked or edited; etc. That could be fun!
A contributor to "Veterans Today" reports his realization that Patreon has been, in effect, censoring (or at least punishing) him by refusing to pass along $$$ from fans and supporters, for... reasons. A not insignificant amount and apparently for no good reason (his letters are, naturally, replied to by robots). So he is moving to "Substack" which he thinks has better terms.
Note that a fairly large portion of the population of the USA doesn't hang on every word said and deed done by those who live in New York City, so quite a lot of people knew DJTrump only from his TV program (though they didn't know him to be the person Noel Casler tells us about these days). They may also have read one or more of his ghost-written books. So I wonder why more angry New York City-zens, in pretty much the world capital of news and entertainment, didn't speak up and spread real, useful information about the man. All the books coming out now are fun but... late.
"Then explain why most of the founders freed their slaves when they died." Because the slaves were dead and the cost of their upkeep could, oh, no longer be written off taxes? A dead slave tells no tales? Aum...
However, the problem with your statement is what or which "they" (died) you are referring to: the founders or the slaves?
Land lines work to call the power company when a storm or anything else has knocked out ones power. I'm rather lucky, our power company's main headquarters is about 2 blocks from me, so after a storm and the power is out, I can go over and knock on PNM's door once covid allows that. Someone will be there even on a weekend... I think.
Re: Re: Re: Re: Blocking
I never say "Hello?" or anything with a "ha" sound, because some computers listen for that. I say "This is Debby. Who are you?" That confuses robocalls enough that they soon hang up after I've insulted them for never tasting chocolate or making any money. Some robos start talking immediately upon a pick up, so I may start pressing numbers, which confuses them greatly. If I decide to talk to them, they usually panic(?) and hang up. If they can't be stopped, they can lose money as people figure out the scams.
Re: Re: Re: Re: Blocking
I don't know about the spoofing, but I enjoy watching Scam Baiters on YouTube. Many of them, via phones, record their calls and are able to enter a call center (no matter where it is) and pretty much destroy the operation. Other heroes hope to teach innocent call receivers how to detect scammers and thwart them (at least to hang up). Another popular Baiter fights back via email and he is very clever. Still another woman Baiter can speak several languages (including Hindi and Spanish), and she can cry and make scammers feel bad briefly, even if they fall in love with her (or say they have). If we legally can't stop scammers (even the ones calling on behalf of "local" police or want to renew car insurance when one has no car -- or a fleet of them), we can, with a bit of prep, waste a lot of scammers' time and to them, time is money.
CDN?
I read the title, which includes "...A CDN Provider..." and immediately wonder what Canadian is providing what? Perhaps the editors could provide a page full of acronyms so new readers can follow the stories.
Acronyms
The next time TechDirt writes a story and uses potentially confusing acronyms (confusing to new readers), please consider defining the acronyms at first use and maybe later on in the story as well. For example, I don't know what "CBP" is, but probably isn't... Can't Be Proved ? Cops Bite Physicians ? Computers Blindly Perseverate ?
Re: Re: A Pail of Cold Water
"...don't walk around with a loaded gun..." in your own home "...if you don't want to get shot..." in your own home. There, added a few facts for ya... Also, "you" might not want to have a pet (with protective instincts), a spouse, children, or friends visiting, in case police enter the wrong dwelling and start shooting because they're so afraid...
Re: What don't we see today?
I noticed way back when the TV shows were originally running that every Cartwright (sp) (or Cartwright wannabe) in Bonanza would fall in love but his lover would die, usually after giving birth (delivering Hoss wasn't easy!), but each time the events (in flashback) occurred within one episode. Hey, but by the end of each of those episodes, the man had learned a Valuable Lesson. In Star Trek (The Original), Kirk, Spock & McCoy loved and lost and... by the next episode the woman was forgotten. At least Uhuru hung on! In many action shows, when any female guest star character didn't find herself killed off but somehow became a continuing character, she was usually a nurse or a secretary. Important but... replaceable. So MAS*H, as brilliant as the writing was, fell into that trap, too.
Re: I need to read things more carefully
Were I the author, I'd see my error, click on edit (which I think is provided), and add a comma after "dinner". I'd also explain that I had fixed it 😅😏 Fortunately (so to speak), everyone can make and fail to spot typos.
Re: Pretty sad...
YouTube video posters love to jump onto trends, and one growing in popularity the last a few years involves visiting YouTube and searching for "scambaiter" (or go to browser and search "YouTube scambaiter"). There are quite a few exceptionally good baiters who show us how to waste scammers' most valuable asset -- time. Advice though: don't try to hack into a scammers' business network because that takes a lot of skill. I suggest the videos of Atomic Shrimp (he usually baits via email); Pappamonkey (animated); Kitboga (imitates old folks); IRLrosie (a voice actor; her Siri is astounding); and many others. Jim Browning, Deeveeaar and several others use hacking skills to (nearly) destroy scammer businesses and help victims of scammer abuse.
Re: Re: I don't see this as unreasonable
Someone standing on their own property and screaming political insults, or playing loud acid rock music, or testing new mega speakers for their car, or slaughtering a fearful cow or... at any time of day, is potentially disturbing the peace and neighbors have the right to summon the police. If the screamer/player/tester/butcher drives a loud car or motorcycle at midnight down "their" street, call the police on that, too (not that they'll come; police need more sleep than neighborhoods sometimes). The s/p/t/b may decide to sue the busybodies and may get a "goodman" lawyer with big promises... but some video and a local TV report about the noise will trump the claims against the busybodies. So, Noisy, choose with care your hill to die on.
Re: ...most children already know what it mean
Most children, if they "know" the word, know it is one that upsets adults and so is fair game to use. Adults can easily be smarter than children and should practice that, in a gentle manner, at every opportunity. There's a reason kids want adults to be upset. Figure it out, neutralize it (with love and respect) and win the round.
Re: Re: Mike Masnick's comment
I would suggest not saying "...a curse word that means something not nice". Instead, for a youngster, "It's a word describing something boring that sleepy adults do" and look bored while explaining that. Don't lie really, and don't make a big deal of it or risk sparking the child's unwanted attention at this time. If the child knows the parent is generally honest -- because it's true! -- later on (say, 8 years later) the subject can be approached in more detail w/o calling a perfectly, natural activity "not nice" (or nasty, forbidden, warped, god hates it, etc.).
Here's an idea...
Think of it as practice toward how the Dems will us the Repubs' own actions (in reaction to Jan 6 and defending the destructive perps) to destroy that political. Jill Biden and some of her good friends gather and make some very artistic yard signs using the same verbiage as in the original "illegal" signs. They might add the ability to cover up parts of some words, but leave that up to the homeowner. Along with reporters (and Secret Service, of course), the ladies approach the homeowner and give her replacement signs, affirming her correct use of the First Amendment.
Ms. Biden will go on to say something like "Of course, I'm the most recent one for many years to have f'd Joe Biden, and it's always been great fun. I guess it's sad that you will never get that chance, but, hey, you can exercise... your First Amendment rights, you should have no fear to do that and Americans should support you like we Bidens do." Maybe add something about #45 probably turning up to use the occasion to promote himself, but I'm sure Ms. Biden will be very careful in her choice of words... and Repubs will rush to insult her but yet again look like spoiled children. But that's just my idea! I voted Green, so whatever happens I know will be interesting.
Re: Re: Patreon apparently also practices censorship
That One Guy, were I the writer of the story, I could discuss it with you. But I'm not him. If you want more information because you are curious, I suggest you go to the storyteller himself. Simple, huh?
Re: Re: Patreon apparently also practices censorship
Good points, I hope he follows up with more research and information.
Re: Re: Patreon apparently also practices censorship
Thanks for your opinion, "Bloof", it is worth exactly what I paid for it!
How to comply
If Big Tech must display "conspiracy theories and lies", this can be done in several ways or a combination thereof: use of a bizarre, tiny font; in Greek or some "dead" language"; white font on white; the original not spell checked or edited; etc. That could be fun!
Patreon apparently also practices censorship
A contributor to "Veterans Today" reports his realization that Patreon has been, in effect, censoring (or at least punishing) him by refusing to pass along $$$ from fans and supporters, for... reasons. A not insignificant amount and apparently for no good reason (his letters are, naturally, replied to by robots). So he is moving to "Substack" which he thinks has better terms.
Re: Re: Re: "Republicans are sick of this shit."
Note that a fairly large portion of the population of the USA doesn't hang on every word said and deed done by those who live in New York City, so quite a lot of people knew DJTrump only from his TV program (though they didn't know him to be the person Noel Casler tells us about these days). They may also have read one or more of his ghost-written books. So I wonder why more angry New York City-zens, in pretty much the world capital of news and entertainment, didn't speak up and spread real, useful information about the man. All the books coming out now are fun but... late.
Re: Re: Re: An antidote to the 1619 project
"Then explain why most of the founders freed their slaves when they died." Because the slaves were dead and the cost of their upkeep could, oh, no longer be written off taxes? A dead slave tells no tales? Aum...
However, the problem with your statement is what or which "they" (died) you are referring to: the founders or the slaves?
Re: Re: Re: Cord-cutting is under-reported
Land lines work to call the power company when a storm or anything else has knocked out ones power. I'm rather lucky, our power company's main headquarters is about 2 blocks from me, so after a storm and the power is out, I can go over and knock on PNM's door once covid allows that. Someone will be there even on a weekend... I think.
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