Simon DC6ST

I did my first #LLOTA activation yesterday, but unfortunately didn't try logging into the website beforehand. Turns out LLOTA requires a Google account.

In the process of creating a new account, Google requested verification using my smartphone and phone number. No alternatives. I have no Google services on my phone and Google doesn't get any private data from me.

LLOTA is off the table until the hard requirement on Google changes. Sorry.

#hamradio #LakesAndLagoonsOnTheAir

Mar 22 at 11:37amWeb
Show threadCarlo IU1KGS 📻Mar 22
@DC6ST a shortsighted choice from the developers. I have a Google account, but I wouldn't use it to login to random sites.
Show threadSimon DC6STMar 22

@IU1KGS I didn't become a #hamradio operator to bind myself even more to proprietary communications platforms run by US companies. It's the opposite.

Somehow I naively thought this might be a common feeling across the hobby. But then I had to accept how many operators are relying on Discord, Google etc. without a second thought, and also how pervasive the use of generative "AI" seems to be.

Show threadabortretryfail5d ago

@DC6ST @IU1KGS

So many of them don't see any alternatives. This is just the state of the art.

Show threadAlex KR1ST/PA1STMar 22
@DC6ST I hear ya! I recently wanted to apply for an award, not so much that I want the award but more to support their mission, and I was required to log into Google Forms. I let that one pass also for the same reasons.
Show threadSimon DC6STMar 22

@kr1st I'm not even interested in the awards. I just want to combine two hobbies, #hamradio and the outdoors, and upload my logs mainly so others can get their awards. Hence it doesn't take a lot to make me no longer care (I stopped doing #WWFF because log management was so annoying), but in this case it's also a matter of principle.

#LLOTA #LakesAndLagoonsOnTheAir

Show threadW6KMEMar 22
@DC6ST This is unfortunate, and you made the only rational choice.