Shaun Chamberlin

@DarkOptimism@mstdn.social
616 Followers
99 Following
1.2K Posts

Author • Ex-chair of the Ecological Land Co-op • @xr arrestee • Consulting scholar at #SterlingCollege, Vermont • Resident of #TheHappyPig, Ireland • Savourer

#DarkOptimism #SurvivingTheFuture #LeanLogic #ConversationsForOurTime

Websitehttps://darkoptimism.org
The best thing ever!https://leanlogic.online
My physical communityhttps://darkoptimism.org/projects#TheHappyPig
My online community — join us :)https://survivingthefuture.darkoptimism.org/
Shaun Chamberlin21m ago
Russ Cheshire6h ago

I have just read the following from a friend in Wales. Sue, a veteran of Greenham Common, is in her late 70s & in poor health; & yet has been subject to arrest & imposition of unreasonable bail conditions, while her partner was subject to a raid on their home by police at 3am.

Her crime? To protest peacefully in defence of the right to protest.

The United Kingdom & its constituent parts have become, under a Labour government, a police state.

#Starmer must go. #Cooper must go.

Shaun Chamberlin1h ago
Tingo20h ago

Age verification appears to be an online trojan horse for identity verification, long demanded by authoritarians, the litigious rich, big tech data miners and the advertising industry.

An attempt to lock down the free internet, render everything walled and every action and interaction tracked and traceable.

#privacy

Shaun Chamberlin2h ago
baskin  🇵🇸2d ago
#seems_legit
Shaun Chamberlin2h ago
Kit Malone1d ago
I think what upsets me most about Epstein is that thousands of innocent kids are being openly harmed/killed by the president and you don't actually need a conspiracy theory or any secret files to see it and none of these people give a shit about it because so many of the victims aren't white.
Shaun Chamberlin23h ago
Bill1d ago
NBC reporting on a guy on Vermont refurbishing payphones and setting them up on cell dead zones for free. I kinda want to give him all my money. Thats is fucking awesome.
Shaun Chamberlin1d ago
DrALJONES1d ago

Interview: "It looks like I've hit a nerve."

~Francesca Albanese

The US has sanctioned Albanese following her scathing report, which named over 60 companies, including major US technology firms Google, Amazon & Microsoft, involved in "the transformation of Israel's economy of occupation to an economy of genocide".

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/francesca-albanese-defiant-face-trump-sanctions

#USPol #FrancescaAlbanese #GazaGenocide @palestine .

Shaun Chamberlin2d ago
Shaun Chamberlin3d ago

What a breath of fresh air to hear directly from #FrancescaAlbanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, now banned from the US for doing her job.

To hear someone who simply speaks the truth, with courage, decisiveness and the smile of integrity in her eyes.

Makes me realise how rarely that makes it to any mass broadcast:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/10/un-expert-albanese-rejects-obscene-us-sanctions-for-criticising-israel

UN expert Albanese rejects ‘obscene’ US sanctions for criticising Israel

UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese tells Al Jazeera the move is retaliation for ‘pursuit of justice’ in Israel’s Gaza war.

Al Jazeera
Shaun Chamberlin2d ago
Michael Ross Tech news2d ago

Look Google, We Have This New Private, Offline Alternative Now
A maps app that doesn't track you but lets you track your path on the map. A pathbreaking open source alternative.

https://news.itsfoss.com/comaps-launch/

Look Google, We Have This New Private, Offline Alternative Now

A maps app that doesn't track you but lets you track your path on the map. A pathbreaking open source alternative.

It's FOSS News
Shaun Chamberlin2d ago
CoMapsMay 12

CoMaps is a community-driven project, here is how to get involved:

• Join the effort on Codeberg (codeberg.org/comaps) no development experience required!
• Spread the word!
• Join organizational and decision-making activities
• Donate at OpenCollective

Shaun Chamberlin3d ago
suzi_19603d ago
😂
×
Dave Dawkins (D. Harrigon)4d ago

Apparently Libre Office is free and contains no AI.

#AI #Microsoft #LibreOffice

Show threadBrian Vastag4d ago
@golgaloth Yeah MS Office is such trash ...I tried LibreOffice but I'm still looking for a Google docs replacement that has collaborative features...gdocs happens to be really good with that.
Show threadCorvus4d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth
Regular user of LibreOffice. Love it. My 82 year old Dad still needs Access. He's not setting up a different database to run his website. (He's an old COBOL programmer so he could do it but life's too short, ya know)
I am really digging #Nextcloud which has collaborative documents. It uses markdown which, for me, is awesome.
Show threadFelix 🇨🇦 🇩🇪 🇺🇦3d ago
@corvus @brianvastag @golgaloth impressive! your 82 yo Dad runs a website with a DB in the back. that's cool.
Show threadMartin Vermeer FCD3d ago
@fst @corvus @brianvastag @golgaloth If mark-up is good enough and you don't need WYSIWYG, git enters the picture for collaborative work. Like LaTeX. And with LyX, it is WYSIWYG adjacent.
Show threadGeorge B3d ago

@martinvermeer @fst @corvus @brianvastag @golgaloth

Git is collaborative but not real time collaborative like Google docs.

Maybe it's time for someone to revive Wave again (formerly Google wave, open source and passed on to Apache when it was turned down but they retired the project in 2018: https://incubator.apache.org/projects/wave.html)

Wave Incubation Status - Apache Incubator

Show threadMartin Vermeer FCD3d ago
@gbargoud @fst @corvus @brianvastag @golgaloth True in principle, but when git is integrated with a visual editor like LyX, there is almost no practical difference. Yes, you need to explicitly commit before your compadres see your work, but that is IMO more like a feature.
Show threadCorvus3d ago
@martinvermeer @gbargoud @fst @brianvastag @golgaloth
Agreed. I use git for some collaborative note taking.
Show threadMartin Vermeer FCD3d ago
@corvus @gbargoud @fst @brianvastag @golgaloth That's a typical application, and notes are discrete units. For larger documents, breaking up the editing process into smaller units is anyway a good idea, also if saving is replaced by committing and pulling.
Show threadCorvus3d ago
@martinvermeer @gbargoud @fst @brianvastag @golgaloth
As you suggest, needing to take time and intention to commit and push your edits can be a good thing.
Show thread🔶Mark Nicoll 3.5%🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇪🇺🇺🇳3d ago
@gbargoud @martinvermeer @fst @corvus @brianvastag @golgaloth
have you checked out
https://nextcloud.com
https://cryptpad.org
https://www.collaboraoffice.com
and https://www.onlyoffice.com
You'll have to self host if you don't want to pay a subscription for the sharing serices though.
Nextcloud - Open source content collaboration platform

The most popular open source content collaboration platform for tens of millions of users at thousands of organizations across the globe

Nextcloud
Show threadDamper 🇨🇦3d ago
@fst @corvus @brianvastag @golgaloth My thoughts exactly!
Show threadNormanDunbar3d ago

@corvus@mapstodon.spa Say "Hi" to your dad from this, not quite so old, COBOL programmer! (65 and counting.)

@brianvastag @golgaloth

Show threadlemgandi3d ago

@corvus @brianvastag @golgaloth

MS Access? The Database that Forgets Things? I have worked with it but keep that experience off my resume. Any job where I have to use it is not for me.

Just for example, it is in the docm!entation that if you put too many records into its tables, it will "become unstable" .

Show threadCorvus3d ago
@lemgandi @brianvastag @golgaloth
Yes, I discovered postgresql when I first started playing with census data. A full national dataset is a beast. Initially tried Access cause I didn't know any better. But it does work well for some applications and for some people like my Dad. We've discussed migrating the DB but the winning argument was always "if it ain't broke don't fix it."
Show threadlemgandi3d ago
@corvus @brianvastag @golgaloth Shrug. I can't necessarily argue with that. Still, my hatred for Access burns bright years after I encountered it.
Show threadCorvus3d ago
@lemgandi @brianvastag @golgaloth
I get it. Linux with #LibreOffice is my daily driver.
There are still aspects of my job that require interactions with Microsoft products but haven't touched Access in years.
Show threadMacCruiskeen3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth I think that is what OnlyOffice is trying to do? But I haven't looked into it too closely I admit.
Show threadDave Dawkins (D. Harrigon)3d ago

@maccruiskeen @brianvastag
From their website:

Enhanced with AI-powered virtual assistants

So, no.

Show threadMacCruiskeen3d ago
@golgaloth @brianvastag well, poo.
Show threadC++ Wage Slave3d ago

@maccruiskeen @golgaloth @brianvastag

Have you looked at CryptPad yet? I've only recently signed up myself, so I've not yet tested the collaborative aspects of it, but they look as if they'll be good.

https://cryptpad.fr/

CryptPad: end-to-end encrypted collaboration suite

CryptPad: end-to-end encrypted collaboration suite

Show threadCheeseness3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth Still on my list of stuff to check out, but maybe this under the "collaborate" section might fit
https://degooglisons-internet.org/en/#collab
De-google-ify Internet - Main Page

The web giants centralize our digital lives in exchange for their services The Free Software community offers alternative ethical services The Framasoft network intends to prove itby hosting them

Show threadgreenpepper223d ago

@brianvastag @golgaloth i don’t think they do AI analysis on your docs, but idk for sure, but CryptPad gives u free cloud storage and does collaborative docs if you want a google alternative

https://cryptpad.org/

CryptPad.org

End-to-end encrypted collaborative office suite

Show threadCoq3d ago
@greenpepper22
It's being developed by Europe as an alternative to US dependent tools and moving forward quickly as far as I know. It's based on OnlyOffice.
@brianvastag @golgaloth
Show threadBolt3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth Proton Docs seems to be pretty decent in it's current state for simple formatting, but depending on your needs it might not be what you're looking for.
Show threadBSM (sw.s) 🇨🇭3d ago
@boltx @brianvastag @golgaloth What about „Collabora Office“ or „OnlyOffice“ (eg. as CryptPad)?
Show threadclayote3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth Docs Númerique is a self hosted and open source Google Docs clone, supported by France and Germany https://docs.numerique.gouv.fr/
Docs

Docs: Your new companion to collaborate on documents efficiently, intuitively, and securely.

Show threadDame_3d ago
@brianvastag try this, it’s local-first and Open Source https://anytype.io/
anytype — the everything app

for those who celebrate trust & autonomy.

Show threadKatrien M Michiels3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth would you consider switching to LaTeX? I use it local, but overleaf is great for Collab. Not sure about their AI status...
Show threadDanni Storm 🇺🇦 🇺🇦3d ago
@kmmich @brianvastag @golgaloth They use AI but offer an option to disable all of it. They at least claim your content is not consumed by training.
Show threadartfulrobot3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth #collaboraOffice is libreoffice in the browser with multiuser editing live. I use it as a plugin for #nextcloud You can self host or cheaply subscribe to a sass.
Show threadF4GRX Sébastien3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth not exactly easy to setup but collabora office does that. It can be integrated in nextcloud.
Show threadNimloth3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth Have you tried Cryptpad for collaborative work? :)
Show threadDavid Chisnall (*Now with 50% more sarcasm!*)3d ago

@brianvastag @golgaloth

OnlyOffice (which is also integrated with CryptPad) is a more GSuite-like office suite. I've not used it for anything serious, but it may work for you.

Show threadKatharta3d ago
@david_chisnall @brianvastag @golgaloth +1 for OnlyOffice. I've gotten hired on at 3 jobs now where I used it for my resume. It's grrrrreat!
Show threadECHAEA3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth
Easy : Nextcloud @nextcloud
Show threadsb arms & legs3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth
Just seconding #nextcloud - it has most of the collaborative functionality of gdocs.
Show threadCameron Bosch3d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth @ONLYOFFICE? (I know it's partly based out of Russia, but it's FOSS, so you can literally check that nothing shady is happening to the code.
Show threadtux0r  1d ago
@brianvastag @golgaloth LibreOffice isn’t quite good though.
Show threadRS, Author, Novelist, Prosaist4d ago

@golgaloth

Apparently Libre Office is free and contains no AI

Oddly, I had a choice between Microsoft 365 and Libre Office. I needed to make a change bars DOCX of the updates I made to the novel because ePub from #Scrivener doesn't support it. I could pay Microsoft $70 bucks for change bar support (not in free version) or use #LibreOffice (always free version.).

I chose LibreOffice. I am keeping it installed this time.

#writer #author #writingcommunity #writersOfMastodon

Show threadJohnno3d ago
@golgaloth
I cancelled anyway. Living the Linux Life.
Show threadBwaz3d ago
@golgaloth
Seriously. And after a little time to adjust to the slightly different interface, I like Libre WAY better than MSOfdice
Show threadDave Dawkins (D. Harrigon)3d ago
@Bwaz No fucking Clippy masquerading as AI, for a start.
Show threadSTILLFORGE3d ago
@golgaloth @Bwaz Wait... Clippy is still a thing?
Show threadDave Dawkins (D. Harrigon)3d ago
@stillforge @Bwaz It's been rebranded as AI bot. And it's even more annoying.
Show threadJames Bannan3d ago
@Bwaz @golgaloth I’ve been trying out OnlyOffice. Not as feature-rich as Libre BUT you can self-host it on NextCloud, which I’m already using
Show threadrthonpm3d ago
@jamesbannan @Bwaz @golgaloth PSA: OnlyOffice is Russian owned.
Show threadJames Bannan3d ago
@rthonpm @Bwaz @golgaloth Sigh. Because of course it is…. 😞
Show threadScotsBear 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿3d ago
@golgaloth

I have to use 365 at work and we've all also been given Copilot licenses.

What's infuriating about using any Office product now, not even Copilot directly, is how over-the-shoulder intrusive it is, popping up 'suggestions' every few minutes based on what you're doing that don't go away until you dismiss them. I don't really need 18 suggestions to review about how this spreadsheet's data is "inconsistent", thank you: I have work to do.
Show threadPączuś3d ago
@Uraael @golgaloth AI loaded office is also significantly slower in use. I've never waited so long for excel or word to open up.
Show threadScotsBear 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿3d ago
@paczekzkimchi @golgaloth

Yeah, I've noticed that too. Using any of the alternatives at this point (I use ONLYOFFICE) is like dancing on air by comparison. MS products are painful garbage. I hate them so much.
Show threadNormanDunbar3d ago
@Uraael @golgaloth Just like Clippy, in the old days. 😐
Show threadScotsBear 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿3d ago
@NormanDunbar @golgaloth Killing Clippy just made him stronger than we could possibly imagine.... ​​
Show threadScotsBear 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿3d ago
@NormanDunbar @golgaloth

ClippAI
Show threadMichael B.3d ago
@golgaloth I used LibreOffice daily.
Show thread-0--1-3d ago
@golgaloth Let me be among the first to say #FuckZuckerberg and #FuckMicrosoft #LibreOffice is and excellent product. #VivaLibreOffice
Show threadMason Loring Bliss3d ago
LibreOffice is quite good. And free! And no LLM. (Nothing has AI in it. (Someday.))
Show threadBill Bennett3d ago
@golgaloth The good thing about this dark pattern scam is it reminded me to finally get Microsoft out of my life. Who needs to do business with anyone who would be that underhand?
Show threadTim Stickland3d ago

@golgaloth

Don't forget to donate.

https://www.libreoffice.org/donate/

Donate to LibreOffice | LibreOffice - Free and private office suite - Based on OpenOffice - Compatible with Microsoft

Donate, donation, donations, funding, help, support, LibreOffice