Why there’s no European Google?
And why it is a good thing!
My answer to the European Commission "call for evidence on Open Source."
https://ploum.net/2026-01-22-why-no-european-google.html
#geminiprotocol link: gemini://ploum.net/2026-01-22-why-no-european-google.gmi
"I’ve read many historical books on the subject [of Open Source], including [Richard M Stallman]’s biography and many older writings.
And something struck me.
RMS was right since the very beginning. Every warning, every prophecy realised. And, worst of all, he had the solution since the start. The problem is not RMS or FSF. The problem is us. The problem is that we didn’t listen."
Armin Ronacher, who even very recently has previously has been very pro ai agent vibecoding to the point of criticizing critics, seems to have stepped back and asked the question: are AI coding agent users all experiencing mass delusion... including himself? https://lucumr.pocoo.org/2026/1/18/agent-psychosis/
Conversation on lobste.rs is also interesting https://lobste.rs/s/0pxvyd/agent_psychosis_are_we_going_insane
As we approach the release of Bonfire 1.0, this isn’t your typical launch announcement. Instead, it’s a moment to reflect on how we’ve built Bonfire, a roadmap of values, methods, and intentions – and an invitation to define what comes next.
In a world of “move fast and break things,” we’ve chosen a different tempo — one rooted in care, deep listening, and collective stewardship...
📣 Read our latest blog post: https://bonfirenetworks.org/posts/slow_software_for_a_burning_world/
In a world of “move fast and break things,” we’ve chosen a different tempo — one rooted in care, deep listening, and collective stewardship. Slow software means building for long-term resilience and meaningful participation, rather than chasing novelty, speed, or scale.
The value of generative AI can best be understood by our negotiation with Microsoft for our E5 license.
It's cheaper if we “take" Copilot than if we don’t.
That's some quality work right there.
OpenAI's move to allow generating "Ghibli stlye" images isn't just a cute PR stunt. It is an expression of dominance and the will to reject and refuse democratic values. It is a vulgar display of power.
Hayao Miyasaki is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio known worldwide for their stunning, emotional, beautiful stories and movies. At the core of Studio Ghibli’s work is a deep engagement with questions of humanity. About what it means to be a human, about how to care for one another and the world […]
C’est une première dans l’histoire pénale et politique française : jamais une telle peine n’avait été requise pour un ancien président de la République.
Sept ans de prison ferme ont été demandés contre Nicolas Sarkozy, décrit comme le commanditaire du pacte de corruption avec la dictature libyenne.
C’est une première dans l’histoire pénale et politique française : jamais une telle peine n’avait été requise pour un ancien président de la République, décrit par les procureurs comme le « commanditaire » d’un pacte de corruption avec la dictature libyenne.
ploum
Mike Taylor 🦕
Christine Lemmer-Webber
Duane Gran
Moved to @
Marine Tondelier
Chris Petrilli
tante
Antton Rouget
Nathan Schneider