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Makes gopher version more accessible 

Changes gopher version to ordinary, hard-wrapped, single-column
text format from the three-column broadsheet style.

Also adds the link to the zine repo at dome.circumlunar.space in
distributing.txt/.gmi
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mieum 2021-05-24 22:15:48 +09:00
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``` ```
# Distributing the Zine # Distributing the Zine
Circumlunar Transmissions is made freely available to distribute on- and offline. To distribute the zine on your own smolnet space, simply clone the repository and either symlink or copy the "zine" folder somewhere into your gopherhole or gemini capsule. A current version of the repo can be cloned from one of the following remotes: Circumlunar Transmissions is made freely available to distribute on- and offline. To distribute the zine on your own smolnet space, simply clone the repository and either symlink or copy the "zine" folder somewhere into your gopherhole or gemini capsule.
Primary repository:
* git://dome.circumlunar.space/~clt/transmissions.git
Secondary remotes:
* https://tildegit.org/~mieum/circumlunar-transmissions.git * https://tildegit.org/~mieum/circumlunar-transmissions.git
* https://namu.blue/~mieum/circumlunar-transmissions.git * https://namu.blue/~mieum/circumlunar-transmissions.git

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DISTRIBUTING THE ZINE DISTRIBUTING THE ZINE
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Circumlunar Transmissions is made freely available to distribute on- and offline. To distribute the zine on your own smolnet space, simply clone the repository and either symlink or copy the "zine" folder somewhere into your gopherhole or gemini capsule. A current version of the repo can be cloned from one of the following remotes: Circumlunar Transmissions is made freely available to distribute
on- and offline. To distribute the zine on your own smolnet space,
simply clone the repository and either symlink or copy the "zine"
folder somewhere into your gopherhole or gemini capsule.
Primary repository:
* git://dome.circumlunar.space/~clt/transmissions.git
Secondary remotes:
* https://tildegit.org/~mieum/circumlunar-transmissions.git * https://tildegit.org/~mieum/circumlunar-transmissions.git
* https://namu.blue/~mieum/circumlunar-transmissions.git * https://namu.blue/~mieum/circumlunar-transmissions.git

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What are some things I can do to help repair it?" What are some things I can do to help repair it?"
I remember my dad feels like eating Chunk'n'Dunk? Not I remember my dad and I went through this patch where we were both
and I went through anymore. Although great. And I guess pretty pissed off at each other, not that I remember why at this
this patch where that stuff is dad's thinking along point. But sharing is caring, right? So to keep things going, I'm
we were both pretty just not very the same lines as me, still dropping off cans of Chunk'n'Dunk soup for him, because it's
pissed off at each nutritious. But because every time I all he ever feels like eating anymore. Although that stuff is just
other, not that I because I'm mad come by he leaves me not very nutritious. But because I'm mad at him, I don't bother to
remember why at at him, I don't another pair of snow bring his favorite, the meatball-carrot stew one. Instead, I bring
this point. But bother to bring tires he found. But him can after can of turkey-a-la-king. You ever try that one from
sharing is caring, his favorite, the I'm not selling tires Chunk'n'Dunk? Not great. And I guess dad's thinking along the same
right? So to keep meatball-carrot stew any more by then, lines as me, because every time I come by he leaves me another pair
things going, I'm one. Instead, I bring so I don't want of snow tires he found. But I'm not selling tires any more by then,
still dropping off him can after can of them. And he knows so I don't want them. And he knows that, but he keeps on getting
cans of Chunk'n'Dunk turkey-a-la-king. You that, but he keeps on tires anyhow.
soup for him, because ever try getting tires anyhow.
it's all he ever that one from And so we go on like this for weeks: I come by and put like 5 more
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - cans of turkey-a-la-king on his kitchen counter, and he stacks a
And so we go on like of cans. And some it I find that few more snow tires outside his door for me. And all this stuff is
this for weeks: falls on his head co-incidentally the piling higher and higher and higher, and we're gradually getting
I come by and put and he falls over, big pile of snow madder and madder at each other. Until one day I go over there with
like 5 more cans of and the rest of the tires out there has another box of cans, and he starts screaming and yelling about how
turkey-a-la-king on cans come crashing also fallen over, he hates turkey-a-la-king. And he gets so mad he accidentally
his kitchen counter, down on him. Pretty and it's crushed some knocks over the stack of cans. And some falls on his head and he
and he stacks a few bad scene. So I go unlucky little gnome falls over, and the rest of the cans come crashing down on him.
more snow tires to help him up, but who must have been Pretty bad scene. So I go to help him up, but I slip and trip on a
outside his door I slip and trip on a milling around by can on the floor, and hit the ground hard too. And if you've ever
for me. And all can on the floor, and there. Those things fallen on a pile of Chunk'n'Dunk turkey-a-la-king cans, you know
this stuff is piling hit the ground hard are so bad at staying that hurts pretty bad.
higher and higher and too. And if you've alive, I just can't
higher, and we're ever fallen on a believe it sometimes. So we're both groaning on the ground, and then there's this weird
gradually getting pile of Chunk'n'Dunk sound by the front door. When I get out there to check it I find
madder and madder at turkey-a-la-king Anyways, if you're that co-incidentally the big pile of snow tires out there has also
each other. Until one cans, you know that looking to patch fallen over, and it's crushed some unlucky little gnome who must
day I go over there hurts pretty bad. things up with your have been milling around by there. Those things are so bad at
with another box of sister, I would say staying alive, I just can't believe it sometimes.
cans, and he starts So we're both maybe don't do it
screaming and yelling groaning on the with canned soup, Anyways, if you're looking to patch things up with your sister, I
about how he hates ground, and then or snow tires. It would say maybe don't do it with canned soup, or snow tires. It
turkey-a-la-king. And there's this weird sure didn't help us sure didn't help us any. It just wasn't a good result for anyone,
he gets so mad he sound by the front any. It just wasn't especially for that gnome. Or if you have to go with soup, at least
accidentally knocks door. When I get a good result for stick with the meatball-carrot one. It's actually not bad.
over the stack out there to check anyone, especially
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Thanks for writing in. I hope that helps.
for that gnome. Or
if you have to -JONE
go with soup, at ________________________
least stick with |\ /|
the meatball-carrot | \ joneworlds / | ________________________
one. It's actually | \ @ / | |\ /|
not bad. | \ mailbox.org / | | \ joneworlds / |
| \______________/ | | \ @ / |
Thanks for writing | / \ | | \ mailbox.org / |
in. I hope that | / \ | | \______________/ |
helps. |____/_____________\_____| | / \ |
-JONE | / \ |
|____/_____________\_____|
- - - ------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------- - - -

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====================[ THE HEARTH OF THE MATTER ]=================== ====================[ THE HEARTH OF THE MATTER ]===================
by durtal by durtal
It seems that Kepler Hobbes brought 'focus' life in unfortunate It seems that Kepler first used the Latin word 'focus' in 1604 to
first used the Latin into broader English ways. refer to 'the point of convergence' in the mathematical sphere. It
word 'focus' in 1604 parlance nearly fifty is possible that this is an analogical use of the term and may
to refer to 'the point years later. I don't Ironically, the reference the point of light created with a lens. You probably know
of convergence' in the know if he did this political philosopher what I mean. I remember another child showing me a trick with a
mathematical sphere. with a magnifying who espoused that magnifying glass outside one sunny day. He quickly adjusted the
It is possible that glass or not. But, humans are "all take glass's height over my forearm to effect a sharp pain as the
this is an analogical Hobbes is certainly and little give" used converging rays burned a hole in my skin.
use of the term and not my favourite a word that belied
may reference the philosopher. With its his contentions in Hobbes brought 'focus' into broader English parlance nearly fifty
point of light created particular take on the original. Focus years later. I don't know if he did this with a magnifying glass or
with a lens. You human nature, he is the Latin not. But, Hobbes is certainly not my favourite philosopher. With
probably know what I published Leviathan equivalent of the Old its particular take on human nature, he published Leviathan about
mean. I remember about the same time he English word the same time he popularised a word whose use is ubiquitous but
another child showing popularised a word 'hearth'. People whose original meaning is too often unknown. Sometimes the
me a trick with a whose use is still used the latter abstractions of science and a specific sort of philosophy separate
magnifying glass ubiquitous but whose term in my youth, us from the mundane realities of life in unfortunate ways.
outside one sunny day. original meaning is especially in rural
He quickly adjusted too often unknown. regions. Phrases like Ironically, the political philosopher who espoused that humans are
the glass's height Sometimes the "hearth and home" and "all take and little give" used a word that belied his contentions
over my forearm to abstractions of "keep the home fires in the original. Focus is the Latin equivalent of the Old English
effect a sharp pain as science and a specific burning" catch word 'hearth'. People still used the latter term in my youth,
the converging rays sort of philosophy something of its especially in rural regions. Phrases like "hearth and home" and
burned a hole in my separate us from the ethos. The hearth was "keep the home fires burning" catch something of its ethos. The
skin. mundane realities of where household hearth was where household members gathered to cook or to work by
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - the hearthstone's firelight. In its warmth, children sat to hear
members gathered to it is to wait in them and drink your the stories of the family and community after dusk. Kith and kin
cook or to work by the anticipation for the morning coffee. You entertained themselves with music and drinking and dance nearby. In
hearthstone's warmth of a fire on a smile and share a some cultures, families kept ancestral bones beneath the
firelight. In its cold winter's morning. joke or two with your hearthstone. Here was a point of convergence in the human habitat.
warmth, children sat Others gather close to fellows. One of them
to hear the stories of you, hoping to absorb ruefully remembers The rising or setting sun reminds me of a hearth fire as it
the family and a little of your that it is his day to converges on the horizon. I know what it is to wait in anticipation
community after dusk. body's heat while they do the dishes; they for the warmth of a fire on a cold winter's morning. Others gather
Kith and kin wait too. You each rub are piling up as close to you, hoping to absorb a little of your body's heat
entertained themselves and blow warm breaths the others finish while they wait too. You each rub and blow warm breaths onto
with music and onto your hands and and go. This time, your hands and comment on the cold, and you remark on the
drinking and dance comment on the cold, like its later day ahead. As the kindling catches, hope builds and
nearby. In some and you remark on the double, is blossoms as the flames devour the larger pieces of wood.
cultures, families day ahead. As the a short space of The fire roars madly as you back away, waiting for the
kept ancestral bones kindling catches, hope intimacy before wooden pyramid to collapse. When there are coals left
beneath the builds and blossoms as separation. mostly, you cook your breakfast over them and drink your
hearthstone. Here was the flames devour the morning coffee. You smile and share a joke or two with your
a point of convergence larger pieces of wood. By analogy, sunrise fellows. One of them ruefully remembers that it is his day
in the human habitat. The fire roars madly is like the birth of to do the dishes; they are piling up as the others finish
as you back away, a child for whom the and go. This time, like its later double, is a short space
The rising or setting waiting for the wooden family cares. Such of intimacy before separation.
sun reminds me of a pyramid to collapse. brief familial
hearth fire as it When there are coals intimacy is still By analogy, sunrise is like the birth of a child for whom the
converges on the left mostly, you cook most often the case family cares. Such brief familial intimacy is still most often the
horizon. I know what your breakfast over for the young. But, case for the young. But, not so for the elderly. We fill the noon
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - meridians of our lives so completely with striving and drift so far
not so for the members, nurse the that the world offers from one another that, too often, family members no longer live
elderly. We fill the frail and wash their in this day when near to one another at the sunset of a loved one's life. Now
noon meridians of our bodies late in life hearth fires and home others, not family members, nurse the frail and wash their bodies
lives so completely and at its very end. are all but late in life and at its very end. Frequently, there is only the
with striving and Frequently, there is forgotten. We now intimacy of strangers who alone know where the bare bones of our
drift so far from one only the intimacy of only focus camera final days lie before we slip into the deep dark of death's night.
another that, too strangers who alone lenses This is all that the world offers in this day when hearth fires and
often, family members know where the bare (automatically). home are all but forgotten. We now only focus camera lenses
no longer live near bones of our final (automatically).
to one another at the days lie before we Did old Thomas Hobbes
sunset of a loved slip into the deep have a point? Did old Thomas Hobbes have a point?
one's life. Now dark of death's
others, not family night. This is all
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===========================[ PREFACE ]============================= ===========================[ PREFACE ]=============================
Back in February, Anyone who has had The strategy of this Back in February, around the time of the ogre incident, Jone
around the time of the pleasure of first run has been to wondered out loud on the circumlunar.space BBS, telem, about the
the ogre incident, perusing the many just get it out possibility of a CS zine. The idea was well-received by the rest of
Jone wondered out phlogs and gemlogs there. Rather than us sundogs, and for some time, talk of the zine flooded telem as we
loud on the here at prematurely proceeded to howl at the moon in excitement. Amidst this jubilee, I
circumlunar.space circumlunar.space exhausting our energy somehow ended up wearing the proverbial editor pants--for this
BBS, telem, about the will be aware of the on determining what inaugural issue, at least.
possibility of a CS impressive diversity it should be, or
zine. The idea was of interests, pidgeonholing Anyone who has had the pleasure of perusing the many phlogs and
well-received by the talents, and ourselves into a gemlogs here at circumlunar.space will be aware of the impressive
rest of us sundogs, backgrounds of the niche or format diversity of interests, talents, and backgrounds of the sundogs
and for some time, sundogs residing without actually residing here. It will be interesting to see how these influence
talk of the zine here. It will be having produced any the zine over time, but currently what the zine is and how it will
flooded telem as we interesting to see content, we elected be produced is largely still up in the air. It's really just a fun
proceeded to howl at how these influence to first just give it experiment, and this first issue is a kind of pilot episode.
the moon in the zine over time, a go and see what we
excitement. Amidst but currently what get. So for this The strategy of this first run has been to just get it out there.
this jubilee, I the zine is and how first issue, we have Rather than prematurely exhausting our energy on determining what
somehow ended up it will be produced what has been it should be, or pidgeonholing ourselves into a niche or format
wearing the is largely still up endearingly termed a without actually having produced any content, we elected to first
proverbial editor in the air. It's "topic salad." And I just give it a go and see what we get. So for this first issue, we
pants--for this really just a fun believe it has turned have what has been endearingly termed a "topic salad." And I
inaugural issue, at experiment, and this out to be quite a believe it has turned out to be quite a nutritious one at that.
least. first issue is a kind nutritious one at
of pilot episode. that. Circumlunar Transmissions will be distributed exclusively over
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gopher and Gemini by whoever would like to host a copy on their own
Circumlunar printable formats have otherwise. It is gopherhole or capsule. That is, anyone can clone the git repo of
Transmissions will be that readers can with profound the project and serve its contents from their own smolnet space.
distributed easily print-and-bind gratitude and pride This kind of "newstand" method of distribution solves a lot of the
exclusively over for their own for this habitat and logistical issues of where and how to bi-host such a thing in an
Gopher and Gemini by enjoyment offline its inhabitants, accessible way. In addition to Gopher and Gemini editions, we
whoever would like to or to distribute and the smolnet intend to provide printable formats that readers can easily
host a copy on their locally. ecosystem at print-and-bind for their own enjoyment offline or to distribute
own gopherhole or large, that I locally.
capsule. That is, It has been a present to you
anyone can clone the pleasure to this first issue It has been a pleasure to contribute something to this wonderful
git repo of the contribute something of our smolzine, community of thoughtful and creative individuals whom I respect and
project and serve its to this wonderful Circumlunar admire sincerely. During my relatively brief inhabitation of the
contents from their community of Transmissions. Zaibatsu, I've learnt a great many things and have been inspired to
own smolnet space. thoughtful and create and wonder about things I would not have otherwise. It is
This kind of creative individuals with profound gratitude and pride for this habitat and its
"newstand" method of whom I respect and inhabitants, and the smolnet ecosystem at large, that I present to
distribution solves a admire sincerely. you this first issue of our smolzine, Circumlunar Transmissions.
lot of the logistical During my relatively ~mieum
issues of where and brief inhabitation of April 25, 2021 ~mieum
how to bi-host such a the Zaibatsu, I've Incheon, Korea April 25, 2021
thing in an learnt a great many Incheon, Korea
accessible way. In things and have been
addition to Gopher inspired to create
and Gemini editions, and wonder about
we intend to provide things I would not
- - - ------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------- - - -

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===================[ THE CIRCUMLUNAR MIXTAPE ]===================== ===================[ THE CIRCUMLUNAR MIXTAPE ]=====================
- - -[ sloum's covid-year playlist ]- - -
The Circumlunar Mixtape is an ongoing series for Circumlunar The Circumlunar Mixtape is an ongoing series for Circumlunar
Transmissions where one user per issue shares 10 tracks they have Transmissions where one user per issue shares 10 tracks they have
been listening to. .------------------------. Y'all have all been listening to. Y'all have all kinds of ways to stream or
kinds of ways to | CT001 | stream music, or otherwise find and listen to music, so tracks are just listed and
otherwise find and | __ ______ __ | listen to music, so it is on the reader to locate them. As a courtesy, when a weblink
tracks are just | /. \|\.....|/ \ | listed and it is on to streaming is available playlist curators may choose to supply
the reader to locate | \__/|/_____|\__/ | them. As a court- it.
esy, when a weblink | sloum | to streaming is
available, playlist | ________________ | curators may choose - - -[ sloum's covid-year playlist ]- - -
to supply it. |___/_._o________o_._\___|
.------------------------.
| CT001 |
| __ ______ __ |
| /. \|\.....|/ \ |
| \__/|/_____|\__/ |
| sloum |
| ________________ |
|___/_._o________o_._\___|
These are songs I have listened to at various points throughout the These are songs I have listened to at various points throughout the
last year. Some are old some are new. It has been a weird year and last year. Some are old some are new. It has been a weird year and

581
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ASTRONOMICAL SECONDS ASTRONOMICAL SECONDS
Why is a second as didn't, so you're "why is a day as long Why is a second as long as it is, and not a little shorter or a
long as it is, and not stuck reading this, as it is?" - one day little longer? This is a seemingly simple question which leads
a little shorter or a instead: a brief, is the time it takes down a deep and delightfully twisted rabbit hole. It's something
little longer? This incomplete, possibly the Earth to complete that I wish Neal Stephenson had written an epically long,
is a seemingly simple slightly inaccurate a single revolution inexplicably compelling 1990s Wired article about, in the spirit of
question which leads overview based on my about its axis. And his "Mother Earth, Mother Board" or "In the Kingdom of Mao Bell".
down a deep and own characteristically since there are 60 But he didn't, so you're stuck reading this, instead: a brief,
delightfully twisted obsessive reading on seconds in a minute, incomplete, possibly slightly inaccurate overview based on my own
rabbit hole. It's the topic over the 60 minutes in an hour characteristically obsessive reading on the topic over the past
something that I wish past week or so. and 24 hours in a day, week or so.
Neal Stephenson had a second is simply one
written an epically For most of the time 86,400th of the time For most of the time that the concept of the second has been
long, inexplicably that the concept of it takes the Earth to around, its length has been defined implicitly by that of the day.
compelling 1990s Wired the second has been rotate once. Or, if Everybody knows the answer to "why is a day as long as it is?" -
article about, in the around, its length has you like, a second is one day is the time it takes the Earth to complete a single
spirit of his "Mother been defined the time it takes for revolution about its axis. And since there are 60 seconds in a
Earth, Mother Board" implicitly by that of the Earth to rotate minute, 60 minutes in an hour and 24 hours in a day, a second is
or "In the Kingdom of the day. Everybody one 240th of a degree, simply one 86,400th of the time it takes the Earth to rotate once.
Mao Bell". But he knows the answer to out of the full 360. Or, if you like, a second is the time it takes for the Earth to
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - rotate one 240th of a degree, out of the full 360. End of story,
End of story, right? observatories tracking enough to notice right?
the movement of this). In fact, the
Well, no. This is a distant radio sources Earth's rotation is Well, no. This is a perfectly sensible way to define time - for
perfectly sensible way across the sky as the slowing down. Very some applications, it's the best way to do it. This astronomically
to define time - for Earth rotates. This slowly, of course. defined time scale is still in use today in certain contexts. The
some applications, is easier than making Every century, a official name of its modern incarnation is Universal Time, or UT
it's the best way to precision measurements complete rotation (technically, there are a few subtly different variants, denoted
do it. This of the sun, but is takes about 2 UT0, UT1 and UT2, but we'll gloss over that here). The official
astronomically still measuring the milliseconds longer determination of UT nowadays is based mostly on measurements made
defined time scale is exact same thing. than it used to. The at observatories tracking the movement of distant radio sources
still in use today in rate of slowing down across the sky as the Earth rotates. This is easier than making
certain contexts. The EARTH IS A NICE PLACE is not steady. Some precision measurements of the sun, but is still measuring the exact
official name of its TO LIVE, BUT IT'S NOT years the change is same thing.
modern incarnation is THE BEST CLOCK more and other years
Universal Time, or UT it's less. In fact,
(technically, there The problem with an even though the EARTH IS A NICE PLACE TO LIVE, BUT IT'S NOT THE BEST CLOCK
are a few subtly astronomical overall trend is one
different variants, definition of the of slowing down, some The problem with an astronomical definition of the second is this:
denoted UT0, UT1 and second is this: the years the rotation the Earth doesn't actually rotate at a perfectly constant rate (it
UT2, but we'll gloss Earth doesn't actually actually speeds up. wasn't until the 19th century that we could build clocks accurate
over that here). The rotate at a perfectly The dynamics of the enough to notice this). In fact, the Earth's rotation is slowing
official determination constant rate (it process are down. Very slowly, of course. Every century, a complete rotation
of UT nowadays is wasn't until the 19th complicated, and we takes about 2 milliseconds longer than it used to. The rate of
based mostly on century that we could can't make accurate slowing down is not steady. Some years the change is more and
measurements made at build clocks accurate long term forecasts. other years it's less. In fact, even though the overall trend is
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - one of slowing down, some years the rotation actually speeds up.
Gravitational small, random was going to be late The dynamics of the process are complicated, and we can't make
interaction between fluctuations in their to lunch because of accurate long term forecasts. Gravitational interaction between
the Earth and the moon duration over long the Earth's unsteady the Earth and the moon is the primary driver, but the movement of
is the primary driver, time spans. If you rotation. But by the tectonic plates and friction between Earth's surface and its
but the movement of define the second by 20th century, sci- atmosphere and oceans have their say, too. The Indian Ocean
tectonic plates and looking into the entific and techno- Earthquake in 2004 was powerful enough to shorten the length of a
friction between skies, no two seconds logical progress day by 2.68 microseconds. There are even periodic variations in
Earth's surface and are exactly the same. meant these tiny the rate of rotation that we just don't understand the cause of
its atmosphere and fluctuations started yet. But the take home message is that, whatever the causes,
oceans have their say, That's a pretty to matter, as we astronomical seconds actually have small, random fluctuations in
too. The Indian Ocean inconvenient property began measuring their duration over long time spans. If you define the second by
Earthquake in 2004 was for the official natural phenomena and looking into the skies, no two seconds are exactly the same.
powerful enough to definition of a building machines
shorten the length of fundamentally which operated on That's a pretty inconvenient property for the official definition
a day by 2.68 important unit like very small time of a fundamentally important unit like the second to have. For
microseconds. There the second to have. scales. A 10 mega- most of the time this definition was used, the fluctuations were
are even periodic For most of the time hertz radio smaller than we could reliably measure. Certainly, they weren't
variations in the rate this definition was oscillator, for enough to have an impact on everyday life. Nobody was going to be
of rotation that we used, the fluctuations example, has a period late to lunch because of the Earth's unsteady rotation. But by the
just don't understand were smaller than we of 0.0000001 seconds 20th century, scientific and technological progress meant these
the cause of yet. But could reliably --only 100 nano- tiny fluctuations started to matter, as we began measuring natural
the take home message measure. Certainly, seconds! Gigahertz phenomena and building machines which operated on very small time
is that, whatever the they weren't enough to radiation, which is scales. A 10 megahertz radio oscillator, for example, has a period
causes, astronomical have an impact on important in radio of 0.0000001 seconds - only 100 nanoseconds! Gigahertz radiation,
seconds actually have everyday life. Nobody astronomy and was which is important in radio astronomy and was used for
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - communications and radar during WWII decades before it came to
used for communi- Fortunately, in the The new atomic second underpin modern technology like GPS, WiFi, and mobile data
cations and radar 1950s, atomic clocks was defined such that networks, has periods measured in *picoseconds*. Even very, very
during WWII decades were invented which it had the same small variations in the length of a second are enough to make the
before it came to kept time better than length as the measured frequency of radio waves change, even if the *actual*
underpin modern any previous astronomical second frequency is fixed. Modern technological society simply couldn't
technology like GPS, mechanism. I'll gloss in use before it, as be built using a wobbly clock like the Earth.
WiFi, and mobile data right over the far as measurements
networks, has periods details, but suffice at the time could
measured in it to say, we came up tell, but it had the ATOMIC SECONDS
*picoseconds*. Even with a new way to added bonus that the
very, very small define the second length of the second Fortunately, in the 1950s, atomic clocks were invented which kept
variations in the which involved was then fixed and time better than any previous mechanism. I'll gloss right over the
length of a second are measuring the unchanging. Caesium details, but suffice it to say, we came up with a new way to define
enough to make the properties of caesium atoms at a given the second which involved measuring the properties of caesium atoms
measured frequency of atoms instead of temperature "vibrate" instead of looking at things moving through the sky. In 1967, the
radio waves change, looking at things (very loosely relatively young International System (or SI, for the French
even if the *actual* moving through the speaking) at a "Système International") of units redefined the second on this
frequency is fixed. sky. In 1967, the frequency which, as basis. The new atomic second was defined such that it had the same
Modern technological relatively young far as we can tell, length as the astronomical second in use before it, as far as
society simply International System is completely and measurements at the time could tell, but it had the added bonus
couldn't be built (or SI, for the French perfectly stable, and that the length of the second was then fixed and unchanging.
using a wobbly clock "Système which can be measured Caesium atoms at a given temperature "vibrate" (very loosely
like the Earth. International") of very accurately in a speaking) at a frequency which, as far as we can tell, is
units redefined the sufficiently advanced completely and perfectly stable, and which can be measured very
ATOMIC SECONDS second on this basis. laboratory. accurately in a sufficiently advanced laboratory.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
With the arrival of until now is a little other hand, is With the arrival of atomic seconds, a new time scale was also
atomic seconds, a new less than 40 seconds, fundamentally defined: International Atomic Time (or TAI, for the French "Temps
time scale was also but it will continue divorced from it. Atomique International"). At midnight on January 1st in 1958, TAI
defined: International to grow, without Thousands of years in and UT were perfectly synchronised. Ever since then, they have
Atomic Time (or TAI, limit. And while the the future, there slowly but surely drifted apart. The seconds of TAI are of
for the French "Temps perfectly uniform will come a day when, perfectly unchanging length (as measured by averaging hundreds of
Atomique Inter- seconds of TAI make it according to TAI, the atomic clocks all over the world), but the seconds of UT fluctuate
national"). At mid- the perfect tool for sun rises in with the Earth's rotation. The accumulated drift up until now is a
night on January 1st some tasks, this drift Greenwich at little less than 40 seconds, but it will continue to grow, without
in 1958, TAI and UT apart from UT makes it midnight. limit. And while the perfectly uniform seconds of TAI make it the
were perfectly problematic for perfect tool for some tasks, this drift apart from UT makes it
synchronised. Ever others. If you go This isn't just an problematic for others. If you go outside at noon UT in Greenwich,
since then, they have outside at noon UT in abstract concern for England (or anywhere else at 0 degrees longitude), the sun will
slowly but surely Greenwich, England (or the distant future. *always* be high in the sky. This is true today and it will be
drifted apart. The anywhere else at 0 In the late '50s when true in a thousand years, Because UT is fundamentally linked to the
seconds of TAI are of degrees longitude), TAI was defined, it Earth's rotation. TAI, on the other hand, is fundamentally
perfectly unchanging the sun will *always* was still common for divorced from it. Thousands of years in the future, there will
length (as measured by be high in the sky. ships at sea to come a day when, according to TAI, the sun rises in Greenwich at
averaging hundreds of This is true today and figure out where they midnight.
atomic clocks all over it will be true in a were by using a
the world), but the thousand years, sextant to record the This isn't just an abstract concern for the distant future. In the
seconds of UT Because UT is position of the sun late '50s when TAI was defined, it was still common for ships at
fluctuate with the fundamentally linked above the horizon at sea to figure out where they were by using a sextant to record the
Earth's rotation. The to the Earth's a certain time and position of the sun above the horizon at a certain time and
accumulated drift up rotation. TAI, on the consulting a printed consulting a printed table of conversions. For this purpose, ships
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - carried the most accurate clocks they could afford, and compared
table of conversions. increasingly less International de them regularly against true UT time using time signals broadcast by
For this purpose, accurate as TAI l'Heure", but today radio stations all over the world. Celestial navigation works very
ships carried the most drifted further out of the torch has been well when using a timescale which is tightly linked to Earth's
accurate clocks they synch with the Earth passed to a rotation, and hence the position of things in the sky. But if the
could afford, and and the stars. This combination of the radio time signals switched to broadcasting TAI instead of UT,
compared them meant that the "new International Bureau celestial navigation would become increasingly less accurate as TAI
regularly against true and improved" TAI time of Weights and drifted further out of synch with the Earth and the stars. This
UT time using time scale wasn't actually Measures, or BIPM, meant that the "new and improved" TAI time scale wasn't actually an
signals broadcast by an improvement for for the French improvement for everybody.
radio stations all everybody. "Bureau International
over the world. des Poids et Mesures"
Celestial navigation COORDINATING CHAOS and the International COORDINATING CHAOS
works very well when Instead of Earth Rotation
using a timescale broadcasting two Service, who have the Instead of broadcasting two different time signals for different
which is tightly different time signals gall to abbreviate purposes, which could easily lead to confusion, on January 1st in
linked to Earth's for different the *English* version 1960 the powers that be (back then that was the International Time
rotation, and hence purposes, which could of their name and go Bureau, or BIH, for the French "Bureau International de l'Heure",
the position of things easily lead to by IERS) defined yet but today the torch has been passed to a combination of the
in the sky. But if the confusion, on January another time scale, International Bureau of Weights and Measures, or BIPM, for the
radio time signals 1st in 1960 the powers in an attempt to French "Bureau International des Poids et Mesures" and the
switched to that be (back then achieve the best of International Earth Rotation Service, who have the gall to
broadcasting TAI that was the both worlds and make abbreviate the *English* version of their name and go by IERS)
instead of UT, International Time everybody happy. defined yet another time scale, in an attempt to achieve the best
celestial navigation Bureau, or BIH, for Enter Coordinated of both worlds and make everybody happy. Enter Coordinated
would become the French "Bureau Universal Time, or Universal Time, or UTC - at last, something normal people have
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - heard of!
UTC - at last, allowing scientists technical
something normal and engineers around compromises, using The abbreviation UTC is a strange compromise between the English
people have heard of! the world to ugly hacks. It cannot abbreviation CUT and the French abbreviation TUC (for "Temps
calibrate their be any other way, as Universel Coordonné"). This is somewhat fitting, because UTC
The abbreviation UTC instruments and UTC is a stubborn itself is a strange compromise time scale between UT and TAI. Like
is a strange reliably measure time attempt to reconcile TAI, UTC is an atomic time scale. Every second of UTC is exactly
compromise between intervals and two desirable but as long as any other, using the SI standard second based on caesium
the English frequencies very fundamentally atoms, allowing scientists and engineers around the world to
abbreviation CUT and precisely. But incompatible calibrate their instruments and reliably measure time intervals and
the French whereas TAI is properties of a frequencies very precisely. But whereas TAI is destined to drift
abbreviation TUC (for destined to drift timescale: perfectly ever further away from UT, to the chagrin of sailors and
"Temps Universel ever further away regular seconds, and astronomers, UTC is kept synchronised closely enough with UT that
Coordonné"). This is from UT, to the synchronisation with it allows seafarers to perform celestial navigation with sufficient
somewhat fitting, chagrin of sailors a spinning globe accuracy for safe ocean passage. This synchronisation is achieved,
because UTC itself is and astronomers, UTC whose rate of like all technical compromises, using ugly hacks. It cannot be any
a strange compromise is kept synchronised rotation is other way, as UTC is a stubborn attempt to reconcile two desirable
time scale between UT closely enough with unpredictably but fundamentally incompatible properties of a timescale: perfectly
and TAI. Like TAI, UT that it allows irregular. regular seconds, and synchronisation with a spinning globe whose
UTC is an atomic time seafarers to perform rate of rotation is unpredictably irregular.
scale. Every second celestial navigation The precise nature of
of UTC is exactly as with sufficient the ugly hack The precise nature of the ugly hack underlying UTC has changed
long as any other, accuracy for safe underlying UTC has somewhat since it was first defined, but for almost 50 years now,
using the SI standard ocean passage. This changed somewhat starting in 1972, the ugly hack of choice has been the leap second.
second based on synchronisation is since it was first The way it works is this. The difference between UTC and UT - a
caesium atoms, achieved, like all defined, but for quantity denoted DUT - is carefully monitored. Any time it looks
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - like that difference is on track to exceed 0.9 seconds, in either
almost 50 years now, not absolutely fixed rather than removals. direction, UTC is kicked back into alignment by either inserting or
starting in 1972, the at 86,400 by They don't happen on removing a single second on one particular day. This makes UTC the
ugly hack of choice definition. There a regular, *only* time scale where the number of seconds in a day is not
has been the leap almost always *are* predictable basis, absolutely fixed at 86,400 by definition. There almost always
second. The way it 86,400 seconds in a like leap years *are* 86,400 seconds in a UTC day, but 86,401 and 86,399 are also
works is this. The UTC day, but 86,401 (which are an allowed when necessary to keep the time scale locked to the
difference between and 86,399 are also adjustment for the movement of the sun across the sky.
UTC and UT - a allowed when fact that the time it
quantity denoted DUT necessary to keep the takes the Earth to So far, there have been 27 leap seconds defined, although UTC and
- is carefully time scale locked to orbit the sun once, ATI are today exactly 37 seconds apart - the other 10 seconds come
monitored. Any time the movement of the defining a year, is from hacks applied before leap seconds were established in 1972.
it looks like that sun across the sky. not perfectly All of them to date have been insertions rather than removals.
difference is on divisible by the time They don't happen on a regular, predictable basis, like leap years
track to exceed 0.9 So far, there have it takes the Earth to (which are an adjustment for the fact that the time it takes the
seconds, in either been 27 leap seconds rotate once, defining Earth to orbit the sun once, defining a year, is not perfectly
direction, UTC is defined, although UTC a day). Because the divisible by the time it takes the Earth to rotate once, defining a
kicked back into and ATI are today Earth's rate of day). Because the Earth's rate of rotation fluctuates randomly,
alignment by either exactly 37 seconds rotation fluctuates sometimes slowing down and sometimes speeding up, astronomers need
inserting or removing apart - the other 10 randomly, sometimes to be actively on the lookout for excessive values of DUT. When
a single second on seconds come from slowing down and it's decided a leap second is needed - it's the IERS who makes that
one particular day. hacks applied before sometimes speeding call - they are announced at least six months in advance. They're
This makes UTC the leap seconds were up, astronomers need allowed to occur on either June 30th or December 31st, and are
*only* time scale established in 1972. to be actively on the inserted or deleted at midnight UTC (which is the middle of the day
where the number of All of them to date lookout for excessive in some time zones, of course) on those days. At the time of
seconds in a day is have been insertions values of DUT. When writing, the last leap second happened on December 31st, 2016. In
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - principle, six months is enough advance warning that nobody doing
it's decided a leap precise time technology means that anything which depends on precise time synchronisation should be
second is needed - synchronisation celestial navigation caught by surprise when a leap second rolls around. In practice,
it's the IERS who should be caught by at sea is now rarely it's not always so simple.
makes that call - surprise when a leap a matter of life or
they are announced at second rolls around. death (although some
least six months in In practice, it's not sailors still INCREASING IMPLEMENTATION BURDEN AND AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
advance. They're always so simple. appreciate the
allowed to occur on relative simplicity Leap seconds have always had their critics, but at the time they
either June 30th or INCREASING of the technology it were adopted, their benefits arguably balanced their associated
December 31st, and IMPLEMENTATION BURDEN relies on), removing hassle. 50 years later, this hack is starting to show its age.
are inserted or AND AN UNCERTAIN some of the argument The advent of cheap and reliable GPS technology means that
deleted at midnight FUTURE for making sure UTC celestial navigation at sea is now rarely a matter of life or death
UTC (which is the stays in lock step (although some sailors still appreciate the relative simplicity of
middle of the day in Leap seconds have with the Earth's the technology it relies on), removing some of the argument for
some time zones, of always had their rotation. At the same making sure UTC stays in lock step with the Earth's rotation. At
course) on those critics, but at the time, the internet the same time, the internet has come along: a massive network of
days. At the time of time they were has come along: a computers talking to each other, with the frequent need for
writing, the last adopted, their massive network of activity on one to be synchronised with activity on another (hence
leap second happened benefits arguably computers talking to tools like the Network Time Protocol, NTP). Computer programmers
on December 31st, balanced their each other, with the *hate* leap seconds, for the same reason they hate Daylight Saving
2016. In principle, associated hassle. 50 frequent need for Time: they complicate time calculations (you can't accurately
six months is enough years later, this hack activity on one to be calculate the number of seconds between two UTC timestamps without
advance warning that is starting to show synchronised with consulting a table of when previous leap seconds were inserted) and
nobody doing anything its age. The advent of activity on another are a frequent cause of confusion and errors, when one system
which depends on cheap and reliable GPS (hence tools like the implements them differently from another its trying to interoperate
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - with.
Network Time Protocol, added to software as Some systems, of
NTP). Computer an afterthought - if course, forget to do Affordances for leap seconds are often added to software as an
programmers *hate* they are added at all. anything at all. afterthought - if they are added at all. Some systems represent
leap seconds, for the Some systems represent Because all the leap the extra second using the timestamp 23:59:60, but others instead
same reason they hate the extra second using seconds to date have repeat the timestamp 23:59:59 twice (since some software will fail
Daylight Saving Time: the timestamp been insertions to parse a timestamp ending in :60). Other systems "smear" the
they complicate time 23:59:60, but others rather than removals, leap second out over longer time periods, like 24 hours, to avoid
calculations (you instead repeat the it's a safe bet that problems associated with sudden discontinuities. This just leads
can't accurately timestamp 23:59:59 there's plenty of to a whole day of small, slowly varying errors compared to
calculate the number twice (since some software out there non-smearing systems. Some systems, of course, forget to do
of seconds between two software will fail to which has worked anything at all. Because all the leap seconds to date have been
UTC timestamps without parse a timestamp correctly so far but insertions rather than removals, it's a safe bet that there's
consulting a table of ending in :60). Other will fail the first plenty of software out there which has worked correctly so far but
when previous leap systems "smear" the time a second is will fail the first time a second is removed. And the Earth's
seconds were inserted) leap second out over removed. And the rotation is going through a bit of a fast phase right now, so the
and are a frequent longer time periods, Earth's rotation is first negative leap second might be looming on the horizon.
cause of confusion and like 24 hours, to going through a bit
errors, when one avoid problems of a fast phase right The software interoperability situation at the time of a leap
system implements them associated with sudden now, so the first second is bad enough that several major stock exchanges simply
differently from discontinuities. This negative leap second agreed to voluntarily shut down for an hour around midnight UTC in
another its trying to just leads to a whole might be looming on 2016, rather than risk problems by continuing to trade during the
interoperate with. day of small, slowly the horizon. leap second. Given that a number of major web services, including
varying errors Amazon, Instagram, Netflix and Twitter, experienced outages around
Affordances for leap compared to The software this time, this was probably not a bad idea. Of course, simply
seconds are often non-smearing systems. interoperability shutting time critical services off for every leap second isn't
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - always an option. It's one thing to shut down the New York Stock
situation at the time option. It's one thing cause are only likely Exchange for an hour, but Air Traffic Control has to stay up 24/7.
of a leap second is to shut down the New to get worse. The It's no surprise that increasingly many voices in the tech industry
bad enough that York Stock Exchange atomic definition of are calling for leap seconds to be abolished. Plenty of people are
several major stock for an hour, but Air second likely isn't very unhappy with that idea, of course, not to mention there's no
exchanges simply Traffic Control has to going away any time consensus on what to do instead.
agreed to voluntarily stay up 24/7. It's no soon, though, and
shut down for an hour surprise that that means that It's far from clear what the future holds for the leap second. As
around midnight UTC in increasingly many getting rid of leap software continues to eat the world, the headaches leap seconds
2016, rather than risk voices in the tech seconds entirely cause are only likely to get worse. The atomic definition of
problems by continuing industry are calling means abandoning the second likely isn't going away any time soon, though, and that
to trade during the for leap seconds to be millennia old notion means that getting rid of leap seconds entirely means abandoning
leap second. Given abolished. Plenty of that the way we the millennia old notion that the way we represent time is
that a number of major people are very represent time is intimately linked with the natural cycle of night and day.
web services, unhappy with that intimately linked Assuming we're not willing to do that, there are only two
including Amazon, idea, of course, not with the natural alternatives: coming up with a new ugly hack which is somehow less
Instagram, Netflix and to mention there's no cycle of night and problematic, or giving up on a "one size fits all" time scale.
Twitter, experienced consensus on what to day. Assuming we're
outages around this do instead. not willing to do
time, this was that, there are only BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
probably not a bad It's far from clear two alternatives:
idea. Of course, what the future holds coming up with a new If you think this story has been needlessly fiddly and complicated,
simply shutting time for the leap second. ugly hack which is rest assured I have skipped over a tonne of details. If you're
critical services off As software continues somehow less actually interested to learn more, I highly recommend the article
for every leap second to eat the world, the problematic, or "The leap second: its history and possible future", which you can
isn't always an headaches leap seconds giving up on a "one easily find on the web (full citation below), along with, as
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - always, following Wikipedia links wherever they take you. Along
size fits all" time recommend the article time scales like the way you can learn the difference between UT0, UT1 and UT2, meet
scale. "The leap second: its Ephemeris Time (ET), other exciting astronomic and atomic time scales like Ephemeris
history and possible GPS Time (GPST) and Time (ET), GPS Time (GPST) and Terrestrial Time (TT), and discover
BUT WAIT, future", which you can Terrestrial Time that the SI system of units defined the second based on something
THERE'S MORE! easily find on the web (TT), and discover other than Earth's rotation when it was established in 1960, seven
(full citation below), that the SI system of years before the caesium definition was adopted.
If you think this along with, as always, units defined the
story has been following Wikipedia second based on
needlessly fiddly and links wherever they something other than
complicated, rest take you. Along the Earth's rotation when
assured I have skipped way you can learn the it was established in
over a tonne of difference between 1960, seven years
details. If you're UT0, UT1 and UT2, meet before the caesium
actually interested to other exciting definition was
learn more, I highly astronomic and atomic adopted.
- - -[ REFERENCES ]- - - - - -[ REFERENCES ]- - -

35
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@ -9,21 +9,22 @@ Issue One May 2021
- - -[ Passing Thoughts of an Impractical Idealist ]- - - - - -[ Passing Thoughts of an Impractical Idealist ]- - -
Our ancestors stood on Permanence dammed the This is not the Our ancestors stood on the banks of the Euphrates and cast their
the banks of the river, a logjam of manifesto to end all ideas into the inexhaustible current. First they cast in words,
Euphrates and cast ideas tossed in as if manifestos. It is a ephemeral. Then they learned permanence; epochs brought clay
their ideas into the each was a consummate message in a bottle tablets and papyrus, script and type, bits and clouds.
inexhaustible current. standard. Life-giving that few will find. It
First they cast in waters slowed, is a loose model for Permanence dammed the river, a logjam of ideas tossed in as if each
words, ephemeral. Then intelligence waned, dealing with the was a consummate standard. Life-giving waters slowed, intelligence
they learned the elastic mind mountainous dam of waned, the elastic mind seized and crumbled. The word manifesto
permanence; epochs seized and crumbled. manifestos that stop dates to the fourteenth century, but the notion dates to our
brought clay tablets The word manifesto the flow of earliest written conclusions.
and papyrus, script dates to the creativity, passion,
and type, bits and fourteenth century, and progress. At the This is not the manifesto to end all manifestos. It is a message in
clouds. but the notion dates risk of making the a bottle that few will find. It is a loose model for dealing with
to our earliest problem worse, I the mountainous dam of manifestos that stop the flow of creativity,
written conclusions. proffer: passion, and progress. At the risk of making the problem worse, I
proffer:
From a Message in a Bottle, Sitting Atop the Dam of Manifestos From a Message in a Bottle, Sitting Atop the Dam of Manifestos
.............................................................. ..............................................................
@ -50,8 +51,8 @@ clouds. but the notion dates risk of making the
* Find, purify, share, repeat * Find, purify, share, repeat
* To conclude means to cease to grow * To conclude means to cease to grow
<tfurrows@circumlunar.space> tfurrows@circumlunar.space
<tfurrows@sdf.org> tfurrows@sdf.org
- - - ------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------- - - -

379
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@ -7,195 +7,196 @@ Issue One May 2021
==================[ WHY I STILL GAME PROPRIETARY ]================= ==================[ WHY I STILL GAME PROPRIETARY ]=================
by wholesomedonut by wholesomedonut
PROPRIETARY GAMING in the market. thou angereth me!" I
ISN'T ALL BAD hear in the imaginary PROPRIETARY GAMING ISN'T ALL BAD
I agree with all of comments section
Since getting into the those observations. because this is Since getting into the FOSS community, I see a lot of pushback
FOSS community, I see They tire me. They Gemini and you can't towards the gaming industry as a whole. I can see why: DRM runs
a lot of pushback concern me. They do that. I am certain rampant, terrible business practices regularly conflagrate internet
towards the gaming frustrate me daily. you will find forums, anti-cheat programs are basically consensual (and mandatory
industry as a whole. I peace through for official online play in some cases) trojans, and to make it all
can see why: DRM runs However! There are measured worse it costs a mint to get into the hobby nowadays due to
rampant, terrible still reasons -not- to contemplation and scalpers and crypto miners running rampant in the market.
business practices go the route of some I a cup of whatever
regularly conflagrate see in the FOSS world warm or cold I agree with all of those observations. They tire me. They concern
internet forums, and eschew gaming liquid you enjoy. me. They frustrate me daily.
anti-cheat programs altogether on anything
are basically but a FOSS platform, WHY DO I USE STEAM? However! There are still reasons -not- to go the route of some I
consensual (and with FOSS games, see in the FOSS world and eschew gaming altogether on anything but
mandatory for official because.... FOSS. That Well.... everyone a FOSS platform, with FOSS games, because.... FOSS. That argument
online play in some argument is just as else that isn't a is just as dumb in practice, because it's an artificial limitation
cases) trojans, and to dumb in practice, computer nerd that stands on somewhat subjective, opinionated reasoning. "But
make it all worse it because it's an usually does too. wholesomedonut, thou angereth me!" I hear in the imaginary comments
costs a mint to get artificial limitation And the overhead section because this is Gemini and you can't do that. I am certain
into the hobby that stands on for getting you will find peace through measured contemplation and a cup of
nowadays due to somewhat subjective, people of minimum whatever warm or cold liquid you enjoy.
scalpers and crypto opinionated reasoning. technical under-
miners running rampant "But wholesomedonut, standing (that like
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WHY DO I USE STEAM?
playing video games) PS/Xbox or some-other download, to playing
into FOSS gaming thing, there is a the game with their Well.... everyone else that isn't a computer nerd usually does too.
generally is much more solid 90% chance I'm friends needs to be And the overhead for getting people of minimum technical
costly in terms of going to lose that understandable, understanding (that like playing video games) into FOSS gaming
mental and social argument unless they unobtrusive and generally is much more costly in terms of mental and social
capacity than the are very specifically transparent. That is, capacity than the clout I usually have with my friends or family on
clout I usually have interested in that if the overall such matters.
with my friends or particular kind of userbase is to
family on such game, its' content, grow and sustain King's English: If I have to instruct them to download the latest
matters. or have a better itself on a version of the game directly from Github in the Releases tab, or
socially-driven higher magnitude from some random website they've never heard of (even if it looks
King's English: If I reason. This comes than current. nice and is HTTPS secure) instead of just adding it on Steam or
have to instruct them from years of trying Epic or Microsoft Store or PS/Xbox or some-other thing, there is a
to download the latest and f'nagling with GIVE PEOPLE THE solid 90% chance I'm going to lose that argument unless they are
version of the game people from many BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT very specifically interested in that particular kind of game, its'
directly from Github walks of life; the UI content, or have a better socially-driven reason. This comes from
in the Releases tab, and UX of FOSS gaming People are years of trying and f'nagling with people from many walks of life;
or from some random needs to be on-par intelligent, the UI and UX of FOSS gaming needs to be on-par with modern
website they've never with modern generally. They're commercial offerings; this means all the way from landing on a
heard of (even if it commercial offerings; very skilled in a page, to funneling through a sales conversion or free download, to
looks nice and is this means all the multitude of things playing the game with their friends needs to be understandable,
HTTPS secure) instead way from landing on a that aren't unobtrusive and transparent. That is, if the overall userbase is to
of just adding it on page, to funneling computers. But asking grow and sustain itself on a higher magnitude than current.
Steam or Epic or through a sales someone who -isn't-
Microsoft Store or conversion or free tech savvy to figure
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - GIVE PEOPLE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT
out how to pull down mentality commercial combined-arms
the right version of systems have strategy on a hex People are intelligent, generally. They're very skilled in a
a FOSS game from a fostered. board that involves multitude of things that aren't computers. But asking someone who
code repo (or heaven groups of multi-ton -isn't- tech savvy to figure out how to pull down the right version
forbid build it ENTER THE MECH MAN robots, tanks, of a FOSS game from a code repo (or heaven forbid build it
themselves with cmake airplanes and themselves with cmake or whatever) is like asking ME to diagnose a
or whatever) is like A good example of a infantry taking and car's problems using nothing but a flashlight and a screwdriver. I
asking ME to diagnose FOSS game that has giving damage to have no idea what the hell I'm doing anyway in that department.
a car's problems plenty of good and individual Without the proper tools and education too? I'm screwed. Therefore
using nothing but a bad would be MegaMek. components, weapons I urge empathy and patience in introducing others to FOSS gaming.
flashlight and a It's basically a and armor locations It's a bit more finicky than the plug-and-play mentality commercial
screwdriver. I have fully computerized in a somewhat systems have fostered.
no idea what the hell version of the realistic and highly
I'm doing anyway in Classic Battletech detailed simulation
that department. rules, which is a of 31st-century ENTER THE MECH MAN
Without the proper board game that's warfare.
tools and education existed since the A good example of a FOSS game that has plenty of good and bad would
too? I'm screwed. 1980s and is going on To alleviate the be MegaMek. It's basically a fully computerized version of the
Therefore I urge 40 years of issue of significant Classic Battletech rules, which is a board game that's existed
empathy and patience conniving, calculational since the 1980s and is going on 40 years of conniving,
in introducing others number-crunching overhead for number-crunching tomfoolery that only a particular subset of people
to FOSS gaming. It's tomfoolery that only every-single-action- even enjoy. All in the name of combined-arms strategy on a hex
a bit more finicky a particular subset attack-or-damage- board that involves groups of multi-ton robots, tanks, airplanes
than the of people even enjoy. roll-ever, this and infantry taking and giving damage to individual components,
plug-and-play All in the name of program does all weapons and armor locations in a somewhat realistic and highly
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of the math, the game in their in that regard. A
calculations, and head: they're game of Classic To alleviate the issue of significant calculational overhead for
rules proofing for obviously not the Battletech that could every-single-action-attack-or-damage-roll-ever, this program does
you. So you can enjoy target of this easily take 5 or 6 all of the math, calculations, and rules proofing for you. So you
the game with others, article. hours in person can enjoy the game with others, wherever they may be, instead of
wherever they may be, without any sort of reaching for your G.A.T.O.R. card for the tenth time to show the
instead of reaching I shiver at the calculator apps or an newbie of the group what happens when an SRM-6 missile spread hits
for your G.A.T.O.R. thought of doing all otherwise breakneck a light vehicle whose armor is already exposed on its' left flank.
card for the that stuff manually pace of gameplay and There are plenty of grognards out there who know these rules well
tenth time to if I don't have to. rules-lawyering will and can do half the game in their head: they're obviously not the
show the newbie That kind of only take an hour or target of this article.
of the group what tedium takes away two maximum with
happens when an from the Megamek. It's a I shiver at the thought of doing all that stuff manually if I don't
SRM-6 missile moment-by-moment godsend for a hobby have to. That kind of tedium takes away from the moment-by-moment
spread hits a gameplay, forcing that would otherwise gameplay, forcing everybody to get ox-in-the-mired over details
light vehicle everybody to get be relegated to local that don't matter overall instead of letting their big stompy
whose armor is ox-in-the-mired play over robots blow each other up.
already exposed over details that predetermined days,
on its' left don't matter not a "Hey want to Megamek works wonders in that regard. A game of Classic Battletech
flank. There are overall instead play a match? Sure!" that could easily take 5 or 6 hours in person without any sort of
plenty of of letting their kind of casual pickup calculator apps or an otherwise breakneck pace of gameplay and
grognards out big stompy robots on a boring rules-lawyering will only take an hour or two maximum with Megamek.
there who know blow each other up. afternoon. It's a godsend for a hobby that would otherwise be relegated to
these rules well local play over predetermined days, not a "Hey want to play a
and can do half Megamek works wonders match? Sure!" kind of casual pickup on a boring afternoon.
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BUT IT ISN'T ALL progresses smoothly. that the much easier
SUNSHINE AND RAINBOWS But it's still just and more recent Alpha BUT IT ISN'T ALL SUNSHINE AND RAINBOWS
as much a spaghetti Strike ruleset isn't
Nope! Megamek is, in plate in terms of included at all by Nope! Megamek is, in my humble and donut-shaped opinion, a terrible
my humble and user experience: default, to my example of UI and UX. I played a round recently, and another
donut-shaped opinion, configuration options knowledge. You might aficionado of the series played against me. Quoth my opponent:
a terrible example of laid out in long be able to configure "This program looks like something out of Windows 95." Neither of
UI and UX. I played a lists of check boxes something like that us had played the most recent version of the game. I hadn't touched
round recently, and organized by multiple using plugins, but it in a year at least.
another aficionado of top-window tabs; a we're already putting
the series played decidedly the cart before the Some changes were welcome, and the development progresses smoothly.
against me. Quoth my 15-years-old design horse at that point. But it's still just as much a spaghetti plate in terms of user
opponent: "This language that clashes experience: configuration options laid out in long lists of check
program looks like with modern TO BE FAIR boxes organized by multiple top-window tabs; a decidedly
something out of perceptions of UI and 15-years-old design language that clashes with modern perceptions
Windows 95." Neither UX (which is bad The project started of UI and UX (which is bad considering that taking in new blood is
of us had played the considering that in 2000. It's 21 crucial for both userbase and developer contribution reasons); and
most recent version taking in new blood years old in some the final nail in the coffin is the fact that the much easier and
of the game. I hadn't is crucial for both places, if only in more recent Alpha Strike ruleset isn't included at all by default,
touched it in a year userbase and logic and not literal to my knowledge. You might be able to configure something like that
at least. developer syntax. It's written using plugins, but we're already putting the cart before the horse
contribution in Java. And it's at that point.
Some changes were reasons); and the been a community
welcome, and the final nail in the effort by dozens of
development coffin is the fact talented people over TO BE FAIR
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the decades. The fact that does a better a relic of an earlier The project started in 2000. It's 21 years old in some places, if
that it's alive at job, in proportion to time of online only in logic and not literal syntax. It's written in Java. And
all is impressive, the complexity of the gaming, where dial-up it's been a community effort by dozens of talented people over the
but so's the fact physical source connections were decades. The fact that it's alive at all is impressive, but so's
that the franchise material and gameplay still common. That's the fact that the franchise whose boardgame it emulates even has a
whose boardgame it flow. a given. And it is fanbase still. BT fans aren't quitters, certainly. And this is all
emulates even has a what it is. I won't considering the fact that trying to automate, obfuscate and
fanbase still. BT So considering it was waste time bemoaning de-FUBAR the mountain of minutiae that Battletech's rulesets and
fans aren't quitters, made in the waning those facts that are technical data (on a per unit and per variant basis no less) is a
certainly. And this days of Win98 immutable in this monumental task. I can hardly think of a video-game adaptation of a
is all considering (because Windows ME context. I'm only more complex board game that does a better job, in proportion to
the fact that trying doesn't exist and you stating them to set the complexity of the physical source material and gameplay flow.
to automate, can't convince me the stage.
obfuscate and otherwise) it's So considering it was made in the waning days of Win98 (because
de-FUBAR the mountain expected that it's I'M LEFT AT AN Windows ME doesn't exist and you can't convince me otherwise) it's
of minutiae that ugly as most things INTERESTING IMPASSE expected that it's ugly as most things were back then. It was
Battletech's rulesets were back then. It written in Java (yea verily, begone foul JVM!), which for all its'
and technical data was written in Java There is no other way foibles makes a very easy cross-platform distributable program.
(on a per unit and (yea verily, begone I could ever play It's solidly a relic of an earlier time of online gaming, where
per variant basis no foul JVM!), which for Battletech with dial-up connections were still common. That's a given. And it is
less) is a monumental all its' foibles friends from all over what it is. I won't waste time bemoaning those facts that are
task. I can hardly makes a very easy the world in such a immutable in this context. I'm only stating them to set the stage.
think of a video-game cross-platform great degree of
adaptation of a more distributable fidelity. Megamek ## I'm left at an interesting impasse. There is no other way I
complex board game program. It's solidly serves its' purpose could ever play Battletech with friends from all over the world in
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very well for what it So, I leave it to you make my hobby free well for what it is: a highly detailed computerization of a niche
is: a highly detailed to put the pieces and open if there franchise that has a fanbase spanning generations. However, it also
computerization of a together here. I can isn't a platform for stands out to me as one of the prime examples of a FOSS project
niche franchise that choose to play with those newcomers to being understandably opaque to newcomers. It's hard to use at
has a fanbase average people that even stand on and first, hard to look at always, and sometimes hard to find other
spanning generations. A) aren't technically explore once (or if people to play it with. Those three things will nail the coffin of
However, it also inclined, B) don't ever) they choose to any fledgling game shut. That concept is true regardless of genre,
stands out to me as have a heart that get involved in FOSS art style, or UI/UX.
one of the prime beats for gaming of their own
examples of a FOSS free-as-in-freedom, volition. So, I leave it to you to put the pieces together here. I can choose
project being and C) want something to play with average people that A) aren't technically inclined, B)
understandably opaque that "just works," or AT THE END OF THE DAY don't have a heart that beats for free-as-in-freedom, and C) want
to newcomers. It's confine myself to a something that "just works," or confine myself to a much smaller
hard to use at first, much smaller content I encourage people content base with an even smaller playerbase to share it with.
hard to look at base with an even who play video games
always, and sometimes smaller playerbase to which are also Call me the gaming nerd Whore of Babylon, but I don't see the point
hard to find other share it with. interested in free in beating my head against the wall overtly trying to make my hobby
people to play it and open source free and open if there isn't a platform for those newcomers to even
with. Those three Call me the gaming software to consider stand on and explore once (or if ever) they choose to get involved
things will nail the nerd Whore of the prospect of in FOSS gaming of their own volition.
coffin of any Babylon, but I don't inviting others into
fledgling game shut. see the point in this world of
That concept is true beating my head free-as-in-freedom/ AT THE END OF THE DAY,
regardless of genre, against the wall beer/whatever
art style, or UI/UX. overtly trying to with a grain of salt. I encourage people who play video games which are also interested
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Until we make it not be seen. And growth in production inviting others into this world of free-as-in-freedom/beer/whatever
easier to onboard new therefore we will not quality, variety, and with a grain of salt. Until we make it easier to onboard new people
people from all walks see the requisite competitiveness in from all walks of life, significant adoption of FOSS systems or the
of life, significant uptick in talent, the market space of games that run on them will not be seen. And therefore we will not
adoption of FOSS contribution and people's free time. see the requisite uptick in talent, contribution and playerbase
systems or the games playerbase that will that will consequently drive a growth in production quality,
that run on them will consequently drive a variety, and competitiveness in the market space of people's free
time.
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