I wrote the following essay at the invitation of a journal in December 2020. (This was the first draft. There were additional drafts that incorporated feedback from a few editors.) It couldn’t be published because I had to back out of the commission owing to limitations of time and health. I formally withdrew my submission…… Continue reading Anonymity in journalism and a conflict of ethics
NFTs aren’t thriving – they’re often in the hospital
This is not a real anniversary but it’s worth commemorating, if only to remember the pseudo-events propping up the NFT business-culture. One month and one year ago, a cryptocurrency user named Metakovan purchased an NFT associated with a piece of art from its creator, a fellow named Beeple, in an auction at Christie’s. (Here’s a beginner’s…… Continue reading NFTs aren’t thriving – they’re often in the hospital
On the NBDSA opinion against Zee News
On April 5, JNU PhD student Shehla Rashid tweeted that the National Broadcasting and Digital Standards Agency (NBDSA) had ordered Zee News to remove links to a show it had broadcast in November 2020, alleging that Rashid was indulging in “anti-national activities” and that she was “funding terror”. The program was hosted by Zee News editor-in-chief…… Continue reading On the NBDSA opinion against Zee News
Awaiting more info on WP.com’s new pricing
After my last blog post on WordPress.com’s bizarre paid-plans rejig, which stayed on top of Hacker News for a few hours and eventually caught the attention of the CEOs of WordPress.com and Automattic, the former, Dave Martin, said the company was listening to bloggers’ feedback and would incorporate it into the new options. I also suggested on the same day, Sunday, that they publish a…… Continue reading Awaiting more info on WP.com’s new pricing
What are you doing, WordPress.com?
Be sure to check out the update at the bottom. I recently wrote that I’ve stuck with WordPress.com for so long, for all its purported limitations, because its features fully suffice the committed blogger whose content is textual for the most part and because the company behind WordPress.com is running a good business, with the right ideals. (To the…… Continue reading What are you doing, WordPress.com?
TV ads are becoming creepy
Have you watched the new ads of Magicpin, Instamart, Rapido and PharmEasy?
The paradoxical virtues of primacy in science
Primacy is a false virtue imposed by the structures of modern science – yet it is also necessary to right some wrongs.
Better nuclear fusion – thanks to math from biology
A new study discusses a way to make nuclear fusion devices more efficient by applying equations used in systems biology.
Intro to NFTs
A far-too-simplified introduction to cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
Lord of the Rings Day
War is on our minds, and in Tolkien’s Middle-Earth saga, there were many of them.