Amanda SmithMay 17, 2023

A weird thing about being an American who hasn't traveled a lot or lived in another country is the feeling of finding out that things which you've accepted as normal but objectively make no sense are actually not at all the norm.

It's both delightful--this could easily be different!--and discouraging--read on down @pluralistic's thread for more on why it's so hard to file your own taxes:

https://mamot.fr/@pluralistic/110385095727347725

Cory Doctorow's linkblog (@[email protected])

Content warning: Long thread/2

La Quadrature du Net - Mastodon - Media Fédéré
Show threadJRMay 18, 2023
@AmandaDSmith @pluralistic As an import from the UK, and an avid Pratchett fan, I couldn't help but think of the similarity between the 'Thieves Guild' of Ankh Morpork and the tax prep scammers' grift. You deserve better from your country.
Show threadAmanda Smith

@rollinson @pluralistic oh no...I haven't read Pratchett and now I want to and I don't have time to read a series of 41 novels if I like it 😆

Thank you. We do deserve better.

May 18, 2023 at 4:01pmWeb
Show threadJRMay 18, 2023
@AmandaDSmith @pluralistic There's some grouping you can do in the canon to make it easier. Witches are your thing? Start with Wyrd Sisters. Justice and society more your speed? Pick up a copy of Men at Arms. Religion? Small Gods... There are many entry points.
Show threadAmanda SmithMay 21, 2023
@rollinson @pluralistic that’s super helpful, thanks for those entry points. I’m checking out Small Gods!
Show threadphilosodadMay 18, 2023
@AmandaDSmith @rollinson @pluralistic you don’t have time not to read Pratchett… but if you want to start with a purely standalone item in the canon I recommend “Small Gods”. Self contained and topical as heck for our current moment.
Show threadAmanda SmithMay 21, 2023
@philosodad @rollinson @pluralistic that’s a convincing way to put it! Just requested Small Gods from the library.
Show threadAmanda SmithMay 28, 2023

@pluralistic

OK @rollinson @philosodad

I am so grateful to you two for your posts! I just finished Small Gods and *loved* it. I’m haven’t been that sucked into a story since I don’t know when. How is it so hilarious AND so profound?

Starting my next Pratchett book now (Equal Rites).

🙏 🐢

Show threadJRMay 28, 2023
@AmandaDSmith @pluralistic @philosodad Wonderful, that’s lovely to hear. Humorous and profound is an apt description for much of the Discworld canon. Small Gods was deeply affecting to a teenage escapee from Catholicism. I e-mailed Terry Pratchett #gnuterryprachett after reading it, “I have a question”. Which he answered, because he was the best, and it was the less intense internet of 30+ years ago. PS: I’m very excited for you to meet Granny Weatherwax 🧙
Show threadAmanda SmithMay 28, 2023

@rollinson @philosodad @pluralistic That’s beautiful. I’m not surprised to learn he is a gracious human.

Also escaped religion as a late teen but I swear an eagle landed in a tree in the yard while I was typing this and I’ll take it as a sign anyway 🙃

“Most people don’t set foot outside their own heads much.”
- #GrannyWeatherwax ❤️ 🧙‍♀️