@neil I feel like I'm being chased around the Internet by a slimy AI slop monster that's insidiously engulfing everything I use. It used to be I could just ignore the rubbish bits of the net I didn't like, but no longer.

I hate being forced to move just to avoid all this, not to mention the time involved in learning new tools. And who's to say the services/products I move to won't also succumb?

It's exhausting.

And it takes a huge chunk of enjoyment out of being a fan of tech and computers.

@gilester45 @neil that is so true! "If you don't like it, don't use it" is not working, because that crap is shoved into my face everywhere.
@JohannaMakesGames @gilester45 @neil same deal with always-online cars. I -do not want- a continuously-phoning-home car. But do I get that choice for any car newer than 10 years old? No I do not.
@http_error_418 @JohannaMakesGames @gilester45 @neil my VW has an "offline mode", but who knows how "offline" that really is. I would like to be able to replace the SIM and reliance on VW's (unreliable) servers with a SIM of my choice and a connection to my own server... Not only because of data protection concerns, but because I don't think manufacturers should be able to hold you to ransom with obscene subscription costs to use the "online" functions of the car you paid tens of thousands for.
@http_error_418 @JohannaMakesGames @gilester45 @neil in the same way as I can choose to replace my brake discs with either official (overpriced) parts or third party parts, why shouldn't I be able to use a third party for the car's online services rather than paying for the official overpriced service?