Posted on Leave a comment

Meta Muzzling and the Suppression of Dissent on Instagram

turned on gold iphone 6

Have you ever felt like your voice is being silenced on social media platforms? Many users have reported experiencing a phenomenon known as “shadowbanning” on Instagram, where their posts and comments are hidden from the wider audience. This practice has raised concerns about the suppression of dissent and the limitations on free speech.

One user recently shared their frustration, claiming that their comments were being unfairly targeted due to their perceived political leanings. They believe that their posts, which they consider to be moderate, are being flagged by Instagram’s algorithms, resulting in a significant drop in visibility. While it is important to note that these claims are anecdotal, they highlight a broader issue surrounding the transparency and fairness of content moderation on social media platforms.

It is not uncommon for social media platforms to employ algorithms to detect and remove content that violates their community guidelines. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that these algorithms are unbiased and do not disproportionately target certain individuals or viewpoints. Instances of perceived bias, such as the one mentioned above, raise questions about the extent to which platforms like Instagram are truly neutral spaces for expression.

So, what can users do if they feel their voices are being muzzled on platforms like Instagram? One strategy is to diversify their social media presence. The user mentioned that they have found success on TikTok, where their content receives thousands of views. By shifting their focus to alternative platforms, they can continue to share their thoughts and engage with a different audience.

Ultimately, the issue of meta muzzling and the suppression of dissent on social media platforms is a complex one. It requires a nuanced understanding of content moderation practices and a commitment to ensuring that these practices are fair, transparent, and unbiased. As users, we should continue to raise awareness about these issues and advocate for platforms to prioritize freedom of expression while maintaining a safe and inclusive online environment.

Posted on Leave a comment

Playing Around with Experimental Electronic Music

man playing guitar on stage

Over the past few days, I’ve been having a blast playing around with my collection of electronic music gear. From my trusty Roland SP-404 mk II and Roland S-1 to the Moog Mavis and Moog Mother-32, I’ve been exploring the world of experimental electronic sounds.

My recording setup has been a mix of old and new. I’ve been using my Zoom H8 and a modded turquoise tape cassette recorder to capture the raw sounds. There’s something magical about the warm, analog feel of tape recordings.

Once I have the recordings, I plan to transfer them to my SP-404 and my Elektron Oktatrack for further processing. These machines give me endless possibilities to manipulate and shape the sounds I’ve captured. It’s like being a mad scientist in a sonic laboratory.

Who knows, maybe these experiments will lead to something special. I might even end up releasing some of these recordings for others to enjoy. So, if you’re a fan of electronic music and love the thrill of the unexpected, stay tuned for updates.

Remember, electronic music is all about pushing boundaries, exploring new sonic territories, and embracing the unexpected. So, join me on this journey as I dive deeper into the world of experimental electronic music. Who knows what we’ll discover along the way?

Posted on Leave a comment

TikTok: A Potential Alternative to Shadowbanned Social Media Platforms?

turned on gold iphone 6

Are you feeling frustrated with your social media presence? Do you suspect that you might be shadowbanned on popular platforms like Instagram and Facebook? It’s disheartening when your content doesn’t reach the audience it deserves. But fear not, there might be a ray of hope in the form of TikTok.

TikTok, despite its controversies and concerns about data privacy, has gained immense popularity in recent years. It has become a hotspot for creative expression, viral challenges, and a platform where users can showcase their talents. If you’re considering expanding your social media reach, TikTok could be worth exploring.

While it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks associated with TikTok, such as concerns about the platform’s ownership and data security, it’s equally important to recognize its potential benefits. TikTok has a massive user base, with millions of active users worldwide. By tapping into this audience, you have the opportunity to reach a broader demographic and potentially gain new followers.

Moreover, TikTok’s algorithm is designed to promote content based on engagement, rather than follower count. This means that even if you’re relatively new to the platform, your content can still gain traction and visibility if it resonates with users. This level playing field can be a refreshing change from other social media platforms.

Of course, it’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective. While TikTok might be a viable alternative, it’s crucial to diversify your social media presence rather than relying solely on one platform. Consider exploring other platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or even starting a blog to ensure you have multiple channels to engage with your audience.

In conclusion, if you suspect being shadowbanned on Instagram and Facebook, TikTok could be a platform worth exploring. It offers a vast user base, a unique algorithm, and the potential for your content to go viral. However, remember to approach it with caution and diversify your social media presence to mitigate any risks associated with relying solely on one platform.

Here’s a screenshot of my TikTok profile; as you can see, even though I have small reach, I can easily get a thousand or two thousand views.

Posted on Leave a comment

The Postal Service and FedEx: A Comedy of Errors

person giving brown box

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, my eagerly awaited package has arrived. It embarked on a grand adventure, starting its journey in the bustling city of Chicago, then taking an unexpected detour to the scenic Spokane, Washington, before finally reaching its destination in the dazzling city of Las Vegas. Oh, the wonders of modern logistics!

Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the marvels of the Postal Service, a true clown show under the leadership of DeJoy. It’s almost impressive how they manage to turn a simple task like delivering packages into a comedy of errors. It’s like they took a page out of the “How Not to Deliver Mail” handbook.

But hey, let’s not forget about FedEx. They’re no strangers to the art of making things unnecessarily complicated either. Why send a package on a direct 500-mile trip when you can make it take a scenic 1200-mile route? It’s like they have a secret competition with the Postal Service to see who can deliver packages in the most roundabout way possible.

It’s times like these that make you appreciate the true heroes of package delivery. The ones who don’t need fancy detours or unnecessary delays. The ones who understand that efficiency and common sense are not just buzzwords, but the foundation of a reliable service. So, here’s to those unsung heroes who get the job done without turning it into a three-ring circus.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a package to unwrap. Hopefully, it survived its grand adventure unscathed. Fingers crossed!

Posted on Leave a comment

Shipping Woes: USPS, FedEx, and UPS On-Time Performance

intermodal containers on dock

Shipping can be a frustrating experience, especially when packages get delayed. Recently, there have been reports of packages sitting for extended periods at distribution centers, causing frustration for customers. One such example is the Salt Lake Distribution Center, where a package sat for a whopping 28 hours.

While this delay may seem excessive, it is not an isolated incident. FedEx’s Phoenix hub has also been known to have long processing times, with packages sitting for close to 2 days. These delays raise questions about the efficiency of these shipping companies and their commitment to timely delivery.

It’s disheartening to see that customer service seems to take a backseat for these businesses. The focus appears to be more on compensation packages rather than ensuring a smooth and efficient shipping process. This lack of attention to customer satisfaction is evident in the slow processing times and delayed deliveries.

Unfortunately, it’s not just FedEx that is experiencing issues. UPS, another major player in the shipping industry, has also seen a decline in their on-time performance. According to recent data, only 67% of packages are being delivered on time by UPS.

These statistics highlight the need for shipping companies to prioritize customer service and timely delivery. Customers rely on these services to get their packages to their destinations in a timely manner, and any delays can be frustrating and inconvenient.

As consumers, it’s important to voice our concerns and hold these companies accountable for their performance. By demanding better service and transparency, we can help create a more efficient and customer-centric shipping industry.

Posted on Leave a comment

When Postal Service Mishaps Become the Norm

landscape photography of white box van

Oh, the joys of DeJoy’s Postal Service! It seems like they just can’t get it right, can they? Take my recent experience, for example. I ordered some merchandise all the way from Chicago, with the destination being sunny Las Vegas, Nevada. The expected delivery date? January 13th, today.

Now, being the curious customer that I am, I decided to check the USPS tracking last night. And what do I find? To my utter surprise (and disappointment), my package has somehow ended up in Spokane, Washington. Yes, you read that right. Spokane. That’s a good 1,100 miles away from its intended destination.

Now, I don’t like to point fingers, but it’s hard not to when the Post Office, under DeJoy’s watchful eye, can’t even route packages correctly. I mean, come on! Is it too much to ask for a little bit of competence?

DeJoy, my dear friend, perhaps it’s time to have your salary zeroed out, just like the Republican GOP did to that pervert Zieglar. After all, when incompetence becomes the norm, it’s only fair that the consequences follow suit.

So here’s to you, DeJoy, for reminding us that when it comes to mishaps, the Postal Service has truly perfected the art. Bravo!