#post-implementation software review

[techtoio]

Integrating New Software: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, businesses often find themselves integrating new software to stay competitive and efficient. However, the process can be daunting, fraught with potential disruptions and challenges. At TechtoIO, we understand the importance of a smooth transition when implementing new software. This guide provides essential tips to help you integrate new software seamlessly, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. Read to Continue

[probablyasocialecologist]

Meta has engaged in a “systemic and global” censorship of pro-Palestinian content since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war on 7 October, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW). In a scathing 51-page report, the organization documented and reviewed more than a thousand reported instances of Meta removing content and suspending or permanently banning accounts on Facebook and Instagram. The company exhibited “six key patterns of undue censorship” of content in support of Palestine and Palestinians, including the taking down of posts, stories and comments; disabling accounts; restricting users’ ability to interact with others’ posts; and “shadow banning”, where the visibility and reach of a person’s material is significantly reduced, according to HRW. Examples it cites include content originating from more than 60 countries, mostly in English, and all in “peaceful support of Palestine, expressed in diverse ways”. Even HRW’s own posts seeking examples of online censorship were flagged as spam, the report said. “Censorship of content related to Palestine on Instagram and Facebook is systemic and global [and] Meta’s inconsistent enforcement of its own policies led to the erroneous removal of content about Palestine,” the group said in the report, citing “erroneous implementation, overreliance on automated tools to moderate content, and undue government influence over content removals” as the roots of the problem.

[...]

Users of Meta’s products have documented what they say is technological bias in favor of pro-Israel content and against pro-Palestinian posts. Instagram’s translation software replaced “Palestinian” followed by the Arabic phrase “Praise be to Allah” to “Palestinian terrorists” in English. WhatsApp’s AI, when asked to generate images of Palestinian boys and girls, created cartoon children with guns, whereas its images Israeli children did not include firearms.

[sl-walker]

Other Fandom Archives

At least, other ones running on the otw-archive software!

SquidgeWorld Archive

Open to all fandoms, SqWA is run under the nonprofit squidge.org! In addition to the archive there, Squidge also offers image hosting, podfic hosting and a bunch of other excellent services. Beyond that, it utilizes more extensive archive warnings than AO3 and also accommodates two additional relationship categories! SqWA has a no-AI policy that is both up front legally and implemented behind the scenes through various coding measures.

The TOS is here. The information about the additional warnings can be found here.

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Ad Astra :: Star Trek Fanfiction Archive

A single-fandom Star Trek fanfiction archive, this one's home for any and all Trek fandom! Using the same warnings as AO3, but a much stricter (and therefore searchable) tagging scheme, Ad Astra's also connected to one of the friendliest and most supportive Trek communities on the internet! We run weekly challenges, monthly review/comment hunts and like the other archives, we take a very hardline stance against AI both in actual terms and in firewalling the site. AI 'bots can't even reach the server before getting sucked into a black hole of 4XX errors and bannination jail!

There's an additional QPR (Queer-platonic relationships) tag accepted in the form of Character A ~ Character B, as well. Two invitations go out once a day, unless you want to contact me directly, then I can send one immediately.

Find the site FAQs here, please pay special attention to the posting rules!!

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superlove

Run off of a macbook by a very talented young person, superlove is for all fandoms and original fiction and pretty much whatever else melo wants to open the doors for! In addition to the same archive warnings and relationships available to people using AO3, superlove also has a few more warnings that users can use and both QPR and vs. tags for queer-platonic and adversarial relationships. Given this is largely a private project, please make sure you review the rules carefully.

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Comic Fanfiction Authors Archive

The CFAArchive is an archive built specifically for comic book and comic animation adjacent fandoms, rather than live-action properties! It uses the same archive warnings as AO3 and Ad Astra, but has the two additional tags QPR and vs. for queer-platonic and adversarial relationships! Much like Ad Astra, the tagging scheme on the CFAA is very strict to maximize searchability and minimize tag-spamming. There's also an attached Discord, where we run a bi-weekly writing challenge, the occasional comment/review hunt and a monthly focus feature where everyone reads a book, discusses it and creates based on it! If you love comic books and comic animation properties, this is the place for you!

Much like Ad Astra, the filtering out of AI 'bots is extremely strict; they get 4XX'd into oblivion and so far, none have gotten through since the new firewall rules were implemented, so you actually can leave works unlocked if you like with minimal (though never nonexistent) concern about them being scraped.

Two invitations go out once a day, unless you want to contact me directly, then I can send one immediately.

The TOS is here; please read the rules carefully! The tagging FAQ is here; don't be intimidated, it's not hard once you get into the swing!

[botgal]

CA Internet Bills Status as of 7/17/2024

I had wanted to wait to make this post until all of the bills updated texts had been uploaded to the usual sites, but it appears what whoever's supposed to be updating AB 3080 has been lagging, so I'll just go with what I have for now. It'll be long as I'll be looking at their statuses and analyzing their updated texts so I'll put it under a cut for now.

A reminder that California's legislature is currently on recess and will be until August 5th. So no immediately imminent bills at this exact moments. But please read below the cut to get more information on the deadlines coming up.

When I last posted, all three of the bills had gone into review in their respective committees and sadly all of them passed out.

AB 3080: 11 Aye - 0 Nay

AB 1949: 11 Aye - 0 Nay

SB 976: 7 Aye - 4 No Vote

All three bills have been amended during their time in committees.

Ab 3080

AB 3080 was amended and passed from committee as amended, it is now available for a floor vote. This is the only one of the three bills where its amended text hasn't been posted anywhere I can find. However, in the analysis of the July 3rd meeting, there were acknowledgements made that not only is there no effective and safe way to verify age to view online content, but also that the existence of VPNs can circumvent any attempts to region lock sites designated as "adult" (the definition as it stands still appears to be limited to commercial websites where more than 1/3 of their content annually is sexually explicit). And that the methods to implement such a thing on commercial and non-commercial websites alike can be prohibitively expensive. So the author of the bill agreed to amendments in the bill as such according to the analysis:

"In response to the concerns of opposition, the author has agreed to amendments that allow a less restrictive means to suffice in meeting the obligation of the bill, mitigating the impact on protected speech and expression. The amendments provide that “reasonable steps” includes the business implementing a system that includes metadata or response headers identifying the product as sexually explicit to parental control software, embedded hardware applications, and other similar services designed to block, filter, monitor or otherwise prevent a minor’s access to inappropriate online content, or that blocks users designated as minors by the operating system of the device used to access the website. It also limits enforcement of this new cause of action to the Attorney General and requires the Attorney General to promulgate regulations to provide better direction for reasonable steps to verify age in addition to those listed."

So it appears that the bill may allow more websites instead to mark themselves or certain portions of their content as adult in order to be properly vetted by in-device content filters and parental controls that can be set by the device operators (or their parents in the case of minors), rather than a method that would require users to provide identification.

It's eased up quite a bit since its initial incarnation. But it's still better safe than sorry with this kind of bill, so Californians let's still push the state senators to veto this bill completely.

Organizations in support of this bill:

Organizations in opposition to this bill:

AB 1949

AB 1949 was amended and passed from committee as amended, and is currently referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

This one has also seen some fairly positive changes during this committee analysis as can be seen in the latest version of the bill. The latest version has removed any indications towards age verification. As well as it having changed several of its details. The bill only comes into effect and prevents the sale of data if the website has actual knowledge of the users' age, and that there shall be an option for the user to transmit a signal that they are under 18 for this purpose. Which again should help the argument against strict age verification barriers due to advertising purposes.

"a business shall not use or disclose the personal information of a consumer if the business has actual knowledge that the consumer is less than 18 years of age, unless the consumer, in the case of a consumer at least 13 years of age and less than 18 years of age, or the consumer’s parent or guardian, in the case of a consumer less than 13 years of age, has affirmatively authorized the use or disclosure of the consumer’s personal information."

"A business shall treat a consumer as under 18 years of age if the consumer, through a platform, technology, or mechanism, transmits a signal indicating that the consumer is less than 18 years of age."

But, once again, it is best to still work against this bill and prevent its passing at all in case it there's push to use it as a stepping stone for any bills which may further push an age verification agenda.

Organizations in support of this bill:

Organizations in opposition of this bill:

SB 976

This bill passed with amendments and is currently referred to the California Assembly Appropriations Committee. Unfortunately no major changes have been made. Only an amendment clarifying that any parental controls are only meant to limit access to "addictive feeds" and limit access to school hours, not any of the content. As this function still requires a "verified adult parent to a minor", this still holds open the door to potential future age verification dangers. As it still states that an application may choose to withhold services to minors altogether, and explicitly leaves open the possibility to allow provisions for age "assurance". So we definitely want to strike this one down if we can.

Organizations in support of this bill:

Organizations in opposition to this bill:

As of this moment, the California Legislature is out on recess until August 5.

The Senate Appropriations Committee (AB 1949) is set to meet on August 5, no word on whether it will be heard that day or on the next set hearing, August 12. So if you wish to send a position letter to the committee it would be best to do so a week before that date, so by July 29. Just to be safe.

No word on when the Assembly Appropriations Committee is set to meet, but the deadline for fiscal committees to pass bills through is August 16, so I expect that SB 976 will be heard before that day at least.

And AB 3080 is set to go to the senate floor rather than be seen by another committee before being read. No word on when the next bill readings will be on the assembly floor after it's reconvened August 5th, but I'll keep an ear to the ground for that.

The last day for each house to pass their bills for the year will be August 31st. So any bills we can stop before then are halted for good for the year.

And for any bills that do slip through, the last day for the governor to sign, let pass without signing, or veto bills is September 30th. So even if the bills pass from the floor to his desk, there's still time to send him messages to urge him to oppose any that slip through.

Thank you for your time, both in reading this and in taking the time to help us fight these bills.

[friendofthew0rld]

Final Blog Post - Due (4/24)

How has surveillance in the United States changed since 9/11?

For one, the US Patriot Act allowed for broadened authority of law enforcement and intelligence companies to surveil Americans, primarily through TSA checkpoints. With the Patriot Act now enforced, authorities could seize data and personal belongings for random searches, collect data from individual devices, and wiretap. Americans also saw an increased number of screenings by Homeland Security. Police departments have limitless access to AI tools such as facial recognition, license plate readers, and policing algorithms. As AI has gotten more powerful, we also see a heavy influence of AI software that is constantly surveilling us through our smart technologies.

Why was Bobby Seale excluded from the Chicago 7?

The Chicago 8 were charged in connection with the protests that took place at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The federal anti-riot statute, which “makes it a felony to engage in interstate travel to 'organize, promote, encourage, participate in, or carry on a riot,” was utilized in the case of the Chicago 8 (Moskowitz, 2008). Due to this, the group of 7 white males and 1 black male crossed state lines and were charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines to incite a riot. Many of the males were anti-war and pacifists, while Bobby Seale was a co-founder of the Black Panther Party. Due to his involvement with the Black Panther Party, Bobby Seale was ordered by Judge Julius Hoffman to be tried independently from the other 7 white males and to be bound and gagged in the courtroom. Ultimately, the Judge declared a mistrial for Seale, severing his case and excluding him from the Chicago 8, turning it to the Chicago 7. 

Why is it important for us to be aware of our digital footprint?

Our digital footprints follow us–whether it’s a 3-second video we shared through private dm (direct message), or a 10-slide photo dump we deleted 7 years ago. The point is, everything we post online is now open to the public for anyone’s access. Our interactions, deleted social media accounts, etc., can be tracked and tied back to you. This data can be accessed by hackers, advertisers, or even agencies that you might or might not want to work with in the future. Mistakes from anyone's past activity can be used against them–for example, your profile can be screened by employers or colleges and utilized to minimize the candidate pool. Take influencers as an example. It’s a common phenomenon; a non-black influencer who gains large traction is exposed for saying the N-word or other racist slogans on a since-deleted Twitter account. Although they may assume that by deleting their problematic accounts, they are erasing them, there is always the possibility that such activity can resurface.    

What are the implications of the Patriot Act post 9/11?

As briefly touched upon in prompt #1, the Patriot Act was implemented after the attacks of 9/11, and it allowed for expanded US surveillance by authorities, aiming to make monitoring easier to mitigate possible threats to national security. “But in other ways, it was just a mopping-up operation that legalized already existing and ongoing, yet illegal forms of investigation” (Parenti). Some implications of this Act included (1) the controversy with Section 215, which deemed it legal for authorities to collect ‘any tangible things,' further allowing for the collection of mass metadata and giving authorities access to web-addresses and email subject lines, which “all contain revealing content” (2) its legalization of unreasonable searches concerns Americans, as they felt it went against civil liberties and the fourth amendment, and (3) the Act set the precedent for a future and legislation that prioritizes national security over anything, even civil liberties (Parenti).     

References 

Moskowitz, G. (2008, February 29). Film Review: Chicago 10. Mother Jones. https://www.motherjones.com/media/2008/02/film-review-chicago-10/

Parenti, C. Fear as Institution: 9/11 and Surveillance Triumphant.

[mcwizardcz]

Blog Post #10 4/24

1.How did the Patriot Act contribute to the over surveillance of U.S. citizens? The Patriot Act was passed into law after the attacks on 9/11. This legislation has been highly controversial as it was passed very quickly and Congress did not know what they had agreed to as it was a 342 document. The Patriot Act transformed the way policemen operate. Moreover, it broadened the scope of who they can define as a terrorist. The Patriot Act also generated more hate and fear towards people from certain ethnic backgrounds.

2.Is it possible to opt out from Apple's artificial intelligence? Apple has recently rolled out their artificial intelligence and have implemented it in the newest softwares. Each time there is another update they share a long list of terms that users must agree to in order to use their devices. Yet, some people prefer to opt out as they do not want their data to be sold. However, Apple has made it especially difficult for people to opt out. For example, you must go onto every single application on your phone and physically opt out. This makes it more difficult as many people are not tech savvy or are aware of what they agree to on the terms and conditions.

3.Can social media be used against protesters? Social media has become an outlet for gathering supporters to join their cause. It is a great tool to spread information and get noticed by people all over the world. However, the legal system is now using it as a tool to prosecute individuals that may have promoted the protest or riot. During a Pennsylvania protest policemen took full advantage of this and detained two individuals who used twitter to communicate with protestors. According to Powers, “Madison’s job was to verify information being sent in and then relay that to legal observers, street medics, and other organizers who could in turn tweet the information to the masses in the streets” (Powers, 2010). This can be harmful as it may deter individuals from sharing information on social media as it can now be used against them.

4.How does the Federal Riot Anti Statute discourage protestors from organizing and coming together? The Federal Riot Anti Statute passed into law in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson. This law was first used against the Chicago 8. The law was used to prosecute protestors that cross interstate borders. This law can be effective in deterring protestors from joining a cause as they may be charged as a felon. Moreover, it is not fair as people move states and they would not be able to go back to their home state and protest. It also discourages individuals as it allows the justice system to be selective on who they decide to punish. References: Power, M. (2010). How Your Twitter Account Could Land You in Jail.

Parenti, C.. Fear As Institution 9/11 And Surveillance Triumph [Review of Fear As Institution 9/11 And Surveillance Triumph ].

[realcleverscience]

AI Customization: How I Dealt with a Stupid Youtube Feature

Youtube has a feature where, if you didn't finish your last video, it'll pop up in a miniplayer on your youtube homepage.

Personally, I hate this thing. I never use it. It just blocks the screen and means more button clicking. I emailed google months ago about it, asking them for an option to disable it, but no luck.

Today, annoyed again, I asked AI for help. It noted that there were some options in the youtube app to turn them off, but I'm just using the browser on my laptop, so that wouldn't help. It then linked to a firefox extension, but it only had like 5 reviews and seemed very sus. I didn't want to install it.

So, I asked chatgpt to help me create my own extension that would run on my laptop.

Now, I am not a computer coder. I can do some basic html, and that's about it. But after 10 minutes of back and forth, q and a, with the AI, I now have my own firefox extension that does exactly what I want: It blocks the miniplayer on the youtube homepage. It's perfect.

I think one of the things about AI that most people don't appreciate is how it will allow on-the-fly creation of customized coding solutions.

I think we're all used to having problems, and trying to find software that hopefully addresses our needs, and isn't too expensive or complex. But with AI today we don't need to find existing one-size-fits-all solutions and shoehorn them into our workflows. We are reaching a point where AI can just design our solutions on the spot. As another example, let's say you got some complex data to be analyzed. If the AI doesn't have the intrinsic ability to answer your data analysis questions, it can just code for programs that do. (This is, in fact, how some AI models work.)

Just like the internet lowered barriers to information access, AI is lowering barriers to intelligence and its products. When I was a kid, if you wanted to know about, say, the history of dandelions, you'd need to go to the library and prepare for a lot of research - and it probably wasn't something you'd just do randomly; today, you can jump down any ol data rabbit hole at 2am from your bed. Of course, libraries still exist, researching still exists, etc - but the internet made it so much easier, we can now indulge our every curiosity with ease. Similarly, AI will not just accelerate research, but will allow us in our daily lives to indulge in whatever intelligence endeavor we so desire.

p.s. AI is still a young field. It's still far from perfect. But it's improving at breakneck speed.

p.s. some customization ideas I'd love to be able to implement: in the car "move to another radio station anytime the band Queen comes on the radio" (I love queen but its SO overplayed). "If a phone call with my folks exceeds an hour, make the phone ring so I have an 'out' to go if I want." "Block any youtube videos or tumblr posts about episodes of my favorite shows that I've not yet seen."

[moose-mousse]

Guild Structure

Wanted to write a long reply to this post:

Spreading experience around is always awesome! :D

It is good for the firm you are working at as workers perform better.

it is good for whoever is getting taught since they get smarter.

And it is good for the one teaching, both for the pleasure but also because you learn a LOT by being forced to explain what you know to someone else. It crystalizes the knowledge and experience you have acquired, and forces you to go through the basics again, but this time with all your knowledge and experience, you often learn deeper, more complex truths, methods and skills from doing so than it is POSSIBLE to do when you learn them while having little clue what they are ( Function pointers and their safer class versions is a classic for OOP programmers ).

There is a structure a firm can use as soon as it starts having separated departments. Departments, while necessary, makes a firm more segregated, and makes it harder for knowledge to flow around.

It is called Guild Structure Or rather... some important context if you google this: "Guild Structure" is the only way I have heard of it, but "Guild Structure" is also a product from a firm called FourWeekMBA... which is a consulting firm that sells services that firms that is... basically helping them implement these ideas... So you can easily risk finding overcomplicated explanations for what it is, since if they made it easy to understand... then they do not have a product...

And it is super simple. Normal development work for engineers and software is done in smaller teams... usually 4-8 people. sometimes all are in a domain (like software, electronics, finance, marketing, etc), and sometimes mixed. Often... either being mixed, or having several teams with different domains meet relatively often, like several times a month is a good idea. Because it stops misunderstandings from developing, since they are caught early. It is a waste when the software department develops functionality that it turns out no one actually wanted (Which happens... a lot more than anyone likes)

Firms, managers and workers are often afraid to do this. Usually for 2 reasons. One bad, and one that Guild structure fixes. The bad one is not wanting to risk looking stupid in front of other people. When software, marketing and finance people talk about what to develop... each domain is asking questions in a domain they are not experts in. That is the symptom and consequences of toxic firm culture. Talk about it in the open, communication is how you slowly work on and attack this, both in firms and personal relationships. Because they are both about making humans work better together.

The other is a fair enough one. Software people will learn a lot of software tricks that are only helpful to other software people. And if software people are spread around in these teams the knowledge cannot flow very well. Basically, while mixing domains fixed a whole bunch of knowledge flowing issues... it created a new one for domain specific knowledge...

This is where you make guilds. Make public guilds. There are clear lists of the guilds, explanations of their domains and several example for each guild for what kind of domain they are covering.

In some firms, a software guild is enough. In others, embedded software, high level software, front end and back end are different guilds. It depends a lot on the firm.

The guilds have communication between all members ( chatrooms usually ) and meetings every month. They will try to encourage knowledge sharing by giving tools, like shared drives where good guides, tutorials and tricks are shared. Sometimes written by guild members, sometimes found online (If you just had the though "Wait... is that not what Codeblr does?" you have just realized that Codeblr is a naturally formed guild), having people who have good ideas they want to spread give presentations during the monthly meeting, rewarding the best idea of the month. People can participate as individuals, or small groups (Tricks are often found by 2-3 people working together).

Meetings can be physical, or remote, or switch between them, doing both.

This basically solves the issue of knowledge sharing. It also empowers workers while making the firm better. Everyone wins!

[dhanusagar]

What is Digital marketing and how can we earn from it?

According to me I can offer valuable insights into the field and lucrative earning opportunities. Digital marketing involves promoting products, services, or brands through various online channels, including websites, social media, search engines, email, and mobile apps. Here are some strategies and examples that are working well for freelancers in the digital marketing industry:

Content Creation and Marketing: Content remains king in digital marketing, and freelancers can capitalize on this by offering content creation services such as blog writing, article writing, video production, and infographic design. High-quality, engaging content helps businesses attract and retain customers while improving their search engine rankings.

Example: A freelance writer specializing in technology creates informative blog posts and whitepapers for software companies, helping them establish thought leadership in their industry and drive organic traffic to their website.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is essential for businesses to improve their visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs) and drive organic traffic to their websites. Freelancers can offer SEO services such as keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and SEO audits to help clients rank higher in search engine rankings.

Example: An SEO specialist helps a local bakery optimize its website for relevant keywords such as "best cakes in [city]," resulting in increased online visibility and more foot traffic to the bakery.

Social Media Management: Many businesses struggle to effectively manage their social media presence. Freelancers can offer social media management services, including content creation, posting schedules, community engagement, and paid advertising campaigns, to help clients grow their social media following and drive engagement.

Example: A freelance social media manager helps a small business owner create and curate engaging content for their Instagram account, increasing brand awareness and attracting new customers.

Email Marketing: Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to nurture leads, promote products or services, and maintain customer relationships. Freelancers can offer email marketing services such as email campaign creation, list segmentation, A/B testing, and performance tracking to help clients generate leads and drive sales.

Example: An email marketing freelancer designs and implements a series of automated email campaigns for an e-commerce retailer, resulting in higher open rates, click-through rates, and conversions.

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: PPC advertising allows businesses to reach their target audience through targeted ads on search engines and social media platforms. Freelancers can offer PPC management services, including keyword research, ad creation, bid management, and performance tracking, to help clients maximize their return on investment (ROI) from PPC campaigns.

Example: A freelance PPC specialist helps a startup company launch and optimize Google Ads campaigns, driving qualified traffic to their website and increasing sales leads.

Affiliate Marketing: Freelancers can participate in affiliate marketing programs to earn commissions by promoting products or services through their website, blog, or social media channels. By partnering with companies as affiliates, freelancers can monetize their online presence and audience.

Example: A freelance blogger writes product reviews and tutorials on their website and includes affiliate links to recommended products, earning commissions for every sale generated through their affiliate links.

Ready to take your digital marketing skills to the next level? Enroll now in our comprehensive free online masterclass and unlock the secrets to success in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing.

[fishboneart]

Fishbone #010

the human cost rolls downhill

5 source images, 9 layers.

I hate having to write this. I hate that this is a thing that happened to be written about.

In early 2024 a private virtual clinic providing medical care for a vulnerable and underserved patient demographic allegedly replaced 80% of its human staff with machine learning software.

As far as I can find this hasn't been reported on in the media so far and many of the details are currently not public record. I can't confirm how many staff were laid off, how many quit, how many remain, and how many of those are medics vs how many are admin. I can't confirm exact dates or software applications. This uncertainty about key details is why I'm not naming the clinic. I don't want to accidentally do a libel.

I'm not a journalist and ancestors willing researching this post is as close as I'll ever have to get. It's been extremely depressing. The patient testimonials are abundant and harrowing.

What I have been able to confirm is that the clinic has publicly announced they are "embracing AI," and their FAQs state that their "algorithms" assess patients' medical history, create personalised treatment plans, and make recommendations for therapies, tests, and medications. This made me scream out loud in horror.

Exploring the clinic's family of sites I found that they're using Zoho to manage appointment scheduling. I don't know what if any other applications they're using Zoho for, or whether they're using other software alongside it. Zoho provides office, collaboration, and customer relationship management products; things like scheduling, videocalls, document sharing, mail sorting, etc.

The clinic's recent Glassdoor reviews are appalling, and make reference to increased automation, layoffs, and hasty ai implementation.

The patient community have been reporting abnormally high rates of inadequate and inappropriate care since late February/early March, including:

Wrong or incomplete prescriptions

Inability to contact the clinic

Inability to cancel recurring payments

Appointments being cancelled

Staff simply failing to attend appointments

Delayed prescriptions

Wrong or incomplete treatment summaries

Unannounced dosage or medication changes

The clinic's FAQ suggests that this is a temporary disruption while the new automation workflows are implemented, and service should stabilise in a few months as the new workflows come online. Frankly I consider this an unacceptable attitude towards human lives and health. Existing stable workflows should not be abandoned until new ones are fully operational and stable. Ensuring consistent and appropriate care should be the highest priority at all times.

The push to introduce general-use machine learning into specialised areas of medicine is a deadly one. There are a small number of experimental machine learning models that may eventually have limited use in highly specific medical contexts, to my knowledge none are currently commercially available. No commercially available current generation general use machine learning model is suitable or safe for medical use, and it's almost certain none ever will be.

Machine learning simply doesn't have the capacity to parse the nuances of individual health needs. It doesn't have the capacity to understand anything, let alone the complexities of medical care. It amplifies bias and it "hallucinates" and current research indicates there's no way to avoid either. All it will take for patients to die is for a ML model to hallucinate an improper diagnosis or treatment that's rubber stamped by an overworked doctor.

Yet despite the fact that it is not and will never be fit for purpose, general use machine learning has been pushed fait accompli into the medical lives of real patients, in service to profit. Whether the clinic itself or the software developers or both, someone is profiting from this while already underserved and vulnerable patients are further neglected and endangered.

This is inevitable by design. Maximising profit necessitates inserting the product into as many use cases as possible irrespective of appropriateness. If not this underserved patient group, another underserved patient group would have been pressed, unconsenting, into unsupervised experiments in ML medicine--and may still. The fewer options and resources people have, the easier they are to coerce. You can do whatever you want to those who have no alternative but to endure it.

For profit to flow upwards, cost must flow downwards. This isn't an abstract numerical principle it's a deadly material fact. Human beings, not abstractions, bear the cost of the AI bubble. The more marginalised and exploited the human beings, the more of the cost they bear. Overexploited nations bear the burden of mining, manufacture, and pollution for the physical infrastructure to exist, overexploited workers bear the burden of making machine learning function at all (all of which I will write more about another day), and now patients who don't have the option to refuse it bear the burden of its overuse. There have been others. There will be more. If the profit isn't flowing to you, the cost is--or it will soon.

It doesn't have to be like this. It's like this because humans made it this way, we could change it. Indeed, we must if we are to survive.

[qposrestaurantbillingsolutions]

How to Increase Bakery Sales?

Running a successful bakery requires more than just delicious treats. To maximize profits and attract a steady stream of customers, bakeries must implement effective sales strategies. We’ll explore seven proven tactics that can help increase bakery sales and ensure long-term success. Let’s dive in!

Elevate the Visual Appeal:

First impressions matter, and for bakeries, that means presenting mouthwatering delights in an enticing manner. Invest in attractive displays, use eye-catching packaging, and decorate your storefront with tempting visuals. A visually appealing bakery will draw customers in and encourage impulse purchases.

Offer Diverse Product Range:

To satisfy a broad customer base offer a diverse range of products. From classic cakes and fresh bread to gluten-free options, vegan treats, and seasonal specialties, having a variety of items can attract different types of customers and boost sales. Regularly introduce new and innovative creations to keep your offerings fresh and exciting.

Focus on High-Quality Ingredients:

Superior ingredients are the backbone of any successful bakery. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients not only enhances the taste of your baked goods but also showcases your commitment to providing the best to your customers. Highlight the use of premium ingredients in your marketing efforts to build trust and loyalty.

Implement an Online Ordering System with QPOS:

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. Set up an efficient online ordering system, powered by QPOS, that allows customers to pre-order their favourite treats for pickup or delivery.

With QPOS’s integrated online ordering feature, you can offer this convenience to your customers seamlessly. This addition not only increases sales and attracts customers but also streamlines your bakery operations by automating order processing and ensuring accuracy in transactions.

Leverage Social Media Marketing:

Social media platforms are powerful tools for promoting your bakery and engaging with your audience. Create visually appealing posts featuring your appealing creations, share customer reviews, and run special promotions to invite new and existing customers. Encourage user-generated content by photo posting on social media and tagging the shop along, expanding your reach even further.

Host Events and Workshops:

Engage with your community by hosting events and workshops at your bakery. Consider organizing baking classes or festival themed events. These experiences not only provide additional revenue streams but also help build a loyal customer base that will spread positive word-of-mouth.

Implement Loyalty Programs:

Reward loyal customers with a well-designed loyalty program. Offer discounts, freebies, or exclusive access to new products or events. A strong loyalty program can incentivize repeat purchases and turn one-time visitors into dedicated patrons.

Increasing bakery sales involves a combination of smart marketing, high-quality products, and exceptional customer experiences. By implementing these seven strategies – elevating the visual appeal, offering diverse products, using high-quality ingredients, implementing online ordering, leveraging social media, hosting events, and creating loyalty programs – you can drive growth and ensure your bakery’s success. Stay consistent, stay creative, and keep delighting your customers with scrumptious treats!

To increase bakery sales and stay competitive in today’s market, adopting QPOS, a smart restaurant management software is crucial. Integrating Restaurant Business Intelligence and analytics and Cloud Kitchen Management can provide the tools you need to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and boost your bakery’s profitability.

[how-to-work]

Ensuring Robust Security for Your Blogspot Blog

In today's digital landscape, online security is of paramount importance, and bloggers must take proactive steps to safeguard their Blogspot blogs from potential threats. While Blogspot, the popular blogging platform, provides several built-in security features, it's essential for bloggers to implement additional measures to protect their blogs and maintain the trust of their readers. If you want to know about Getting Started with Blogspot, Visit My Article. This article explores various strategies and best practices for enhancing the security of your Blogspot blog.

Keep Your Software Updated

Regularly updating your Blogspot software is vital for ensuring the security of your blog. Google, the owner of Blogspot, continually releases security patches and updates to address any vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates or manually check for updates to ensure that your blog is running on the latest version of Blogspot.

Secure Your Login Credentials

A strong and unique password is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your Blogspot account. Avoid using easily guessable passwords and consider utilizing a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security, requiring both your password and a verification code for login.

Enable HTTPS

Securing your blog with HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is crucial for protecting sensitive information transmitted between your blog and its visitors. Blogspot offers free HTTPS encryption for custom domains, ensuring that data exchanged between users and your blog remains confidential. To enable HTTPS, go to the "Settings" section of your Blogspot dashboard and select "HTTPS" from the "HTTPS Availability" dropdown menu.

Regularly Backup Your Blog

Performing regular backups of your Blogspot blog is essential to protect your data in the event of a security breach or accidental data loss. Blogspot provides an option to export your entire blog, including posts, comments, and settings, as an XML file. Set a schedule for periodic backups and store them securely, either locally or using a cloud storage service.

Monitor and Manage User Permissions

If you collaborate with others on your Blogspot blog, carefully manage user permissions to restrict access to sensitive areas. Assign roles with appropriate access levels to contributors, ensuring they only have the necessary permissions for their tasks. Regularly review user accounts and remove any inactive or unnecessary users to minimize potential security risks.

Be Mindful of Third-Party Widgets and Plugins

While third-party widgets and plugins can enhance the functionality and appearance of your Blogspot blog, they can also pose security risks if not carefully vetted. Only install widgets and plugins from reputable sources, and regularly update them to ensure you have the latest security patches. Remove any unused or outdated plugins to reduce potential vulnerabilities.

Protect Against Comment Spam and Malicious Links

Blogspot has built-in features to combat comment spam, but it's essential to keep these settings properly configured. Enable comment moderation, captchas, and anti-spam filters to prevent spam comments from appearing on your blog. Additionally, exercise caution when approving comments containing links, as they may direct users to malicious websites. Avoid publishing comments that appear suspicious or contain unverified links.

[vanilla-voyeur]

There are so, so, so many reasons why this incredibly fake story is incredibly fake. But I just keep reading the API technobabble and I can't stop laughing.

Mf out here bragging about how not only is their code unreadable and unmaintainable, but also their documentation is unreadable and undiscoverable. The problem that this creative writer has is that they need to be indispensable in this story, but unfortunately an indispensable programmer is uniquely gifted at making themself superfluous as quickly and efficiently as possible in as many contexts as possible.

The "nobody is familiar with Python" part is probably my favorite. Python is one of the easiest programming languages to learn. It's so easy that it's the language that engineers (real engineers like chemical engineers, biomedical engineers, material engineers, not software engineers developers) use to help them automate things in their work. Anyone who is familiar with any other programming language can pick up Python in under an hour. You who are familiar with zero programming languages could probably pick up a decent amount of Python in a month. Try it! It is probably easier than you think.

More reasons why this fake story is fake:

This is posted on r/antiwork. It's one of the subreddits infamous for fake stories of bad bosses

It's a multipart series. One of the tropes of fake Reddit stories is the escalating updates. Creative writers hear an encore and they keep going back for more

It's a bit ambiguous how long this person has been in industry, but given the context of missing multiple children's school functions, I think 10+ years of experience is a cautious estimate. That is long enough in software for you to be a team lead, if not a people manager yourself. This person should be training junior devs. They explicitly say that they aren't

Software is incredibly collaborative. There's no way a manager would turn down an offer to train new devs on the existing tooling

Moreover there's no way the code got push to production without several eyes on it. Most companies do either code reviews or pair programming or both. It makes no sense that zero other people understand what's going on with this code. Unless it's really buggy

The fact that someone tried to use it and it corrupted a CSV file (??) shows that it's actually really buggy. If the software was so good, anyone would be able to run it

That goes double for the documentation being so bad that nobody knows how to read it. The entire purpose of documentation is to explain how code works. You failed at your one job.

If the only documentation is something that's hard to find, that looks bad on OOP for two reasons: 1) Documentation is normally put inline next to the code precisely for the reason that it would be easy to find. Don't want to see what a nightmare their code with no inline docs looks like. 2) Their programming practices are so bad that their other documentation is hard to find. The program should have a file called README that either has all the documentation or tells you where to find all the documentation.

This violates NDA so bad

"Out of compliance" for what? Which regulation? Why do they have a deadline to regain compliance? They should already be suffering whatever fines or consequences or whatever for already being out of compliance. It would make more sense if they were at risk of being out of compliance if they didn't implement XYZ by January

There's a lot of weird wording here that indicates a lack of familiarity with software: "complex API", "documentation library", "single threaded". That's not how we use those terms

If you're a software developer for a company the size of Disney (ABC's parent) then what OOP asked for is your starting salary straight out of undergrad. Def not a raise for a senior engineer who's been in industry 10+ years. Def not more than their manager is making.

At a company that size, your direct manager has no ability to decide what the terms of your hiring agreement would be. Def not over text. It would need to go through HR and probably legal as well

"Legal checked the contract and there's a clause stating" lmao get outta here!

[hayleymedbil]

Discover Top Medical Billing Jobs in Augusta, GA: Your Guide to Healthcare Career Opportunities

Discover Top Medical ⁣billing ⁣Jobs in Augusta, GA: Your Guide to Healthcare Career Opportunities

Are you seeking a rewarding career in the⁣ healthcare industry? Augusta, ⁤Georgia, is rapidly‍ emerging as a hub for medical professionals, including those specializing in medical billing adn​ coding. With its growing healthcare facilities,local clinics,and ⁣hospitals,Augusta offers an ‍array of opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in medical billing.This comprehensive guide will walk you through ⁢the top medical⁢ billing jobs in Augusta,how to‌ get⁣ started,benefits of this career,and practical tips to thrive in your‍ new role.

Why Choose a Medical Billing​ Career in Augusta,GA?

Augusta’s healthcare ​sector is expanding steadily,driven by an increasing demand for ‍medical ⁤services and a growing elderly population requiring specialized care. This growth translates into numerous well-paying, flexible, and fulfilling medical⁤ billing jobs ​across the city.‍ Some⁤ key reasons to consider a medical billing career in Augusta include:

Possibility to work with reputable healthcare providers like Augusta University Medical Center and local clinics

Competitive salaries and benefits tailored to experiance level

Versatility for remote or on-site‍ work ⁣environments

Potential ⁢for career advancement within ​healthcare administration

Top Medical ⁢Billing Jobs in Augusta,‍ GA

1. Medical ⁣Billing specialist

This role involves‍ managing patient billing records, submitting claims to‌ insurance companies, and ensuring accurate payment processing. The Medical⁢ Billing Specialist is⁤ crucial in maintaining ⁣the financial health of​ healthcare ​facilities.

2. Medical Billing⁤ & Coding Auditor

Auditors review billing records⁣ and⁣ coded information for accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations,‌ ensuring that ​claims⁢ are processed correctly to avoid delays or⁢ denials.

3. medical Billing ⁢Supervisor

Supervisors ‍oversee billing teams, monitor ⁤billing procedures, and implement improvements to streamline processes and⁣ maximize revenue collection.

4. Medical‌ Office Manager (Billing‌ Department)

Managing overall ‍office functions,these professionals ‍include billing ​as a core component of ​their‌ responsibilities,ensuring smooth ‍financial operations within healthcare practices.

5. Remote Medical Billing Specialist

Many organizations in Augusta now offer remote work options for experienced medical billers, providing flexibility and‍ a better⁣ work-life balance.

Key Skills and Qualifications for Medical Billing Jobs in Augusta

Successfully landing a medical billing role⁣ in augusta‍ requires a combination of education, skills, and experience:

High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s degree preferred)

Proficiency with billing⁢ software such as Kareo, AdvancedMD, or Kareo

Strong understanding ‍of medical terminology, coding (ICD-10, ‍CPT), and insurance⁣ processes

Attention to ​detail and analytical ​skills

Excellent communication and customer service⁤ skills

Knowledge​ of healthcare regulations like HIPAA

How to Find Top Medical Billing jobs ⁤in Augusta, GA

1. Use Job Portals and Healthcare Staffing Agencies

Popular platforms such as ​Indeed,Glassdoor,and LinkedIn frequently⁣ list medical​ billing jobs in augusta. ‍Working with ⁢staffing⁢ agencies specializing in healthcare careers can also ⁤connect you to exclusive opportunities.

2.⁣ Visit Local healthcare Facility Websites

Check the ⁢career pages of⁤ Augusta’s hospitals, clinics, and private practices like‍ Augusta University Medical Center for direct‌ job postings.

3. Network Within the Healthcare Community

Attend ⁣local healthcare job fairs, professional meetups, or join online forums for medical billing professionals to expand your network and discover hidden opportunities.

4.Consider Certification and Continuing Education

Obtaining ​certifications⁢ such as Certified professional Biller (CPB) or Certified Coding Associate ​(CCA) can set you apart ‍from other candidates and increase your earning potential in Augusta.

Practical Tips to Succeed in Medical Billing Jobs

Stay ‌current ‌with evolving⁣ healthcare regulations‍ and coding standards

maintain accuracy to reduce claim denials and rework

Develop strong⁣ communication skills for dealing with patients, ​providers, and insurance companies

Invest in quality training and certification programs

Utilize‍ technology efficiently with familiarity in popular billing software

Benefits of a Career in Medical Billing

financial⁤ stability and Growth

Compared to many entry-level roles,‌ medical billing positions frequently enough come with competitive salaries‌ and room for ⁢growth ‍as you gain experience and certifications.

Work-Life Balance

Many employers in Augusta offer flexible scheduling options, including remote work, enabling a​ healthy balance between ‍professional and personal life.

Professional Growth

The healthcare industry offers ongoing education​ and certification pathways, providing continuous opportunities to advance your career.

Case study: Success ⁢Story of a ‌Medical Biller in Augusta

Aspect

Details

Background

John, a former administrative assistant, transitioned into medical billing after certification training in⁢ Augusta.

Challenges

learning ⁢complex coding⁤ systems and navigating insurance claim processes initially took dedication.

Success

Within a⁤ year, John⁣ secured a billing specialist role ⁢at a prominent Augusta clinic,‌ earning competitive pay and certification bonuses.

advice

Continuous learning⁢ and leveraging local networking were key to ⁤John’s success.

Conclusion

Embarking on‍ a career in medical billing in Augusta, GA, opens doors to a ⁢fulfilling, stable, and rewarding professional path within the healthcare industry. The city’s ‌robust healthcare sector is continuously seeking qualified, detail-oriented ‌individuals ready to make a difference behind the ⁣scenes of patient care. Whether you’re ⁢starting ‌your journey or seeking advancement,Augusta offers a wealth of medical billing opportunities coupled ⁣with the support needed ​to succeed. Take proactive steps today-invest in your education, build your network,⁣ and explore the thriving‌ healthcare ‌jobs market in Augusta. Your future in ‌medical billing awaits!

https://medicalcodingandbillingclasses.net/discover-top-medical-billing-jobs-in-augusta-ga-your-guide-to-healthcare-career-opportunities/

[smsmarket]

Boost Your Escape Room Bookings with SMS Strategies

Unlock Success: How SMS Communication Transforms Escape Room Experiences

In the competitive world of escape rooms, effective communication with customers is essential for increasing bookings and enhancing their experience. One of the most powerful tools available today is SMS marketing, which allows operators to send timely booking reminders and interactive hints that keep players engaged and excited about their upcoming adventure. If you're looking to optimize your marketing approach, integrating SMS strategies can significantly boost your business and customer satisfaction.

Using SMS for escape rooms offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a direct and personal line of communication with your customers. Unlike emails, which can be overlooked or filtered out, text messages are typically read within minutes of receipt, ensuring your message reaches your audience promptly. This immediacy is particularly useful for sending booking confirmations and reminders, reducing no-shows, and encouraging last-minute reservations.

Booking reminders via SMS are a proven method to decrease cancellations and ensure your guests are well-informed about their reservation details. You can automate these messages to be sent a day or a few hours before the scheduled game, including essential information such as time, location, and what to bring. Additionally, personalized messages can foster a sense of anticipation and customer loyalty, making players more likely to choose your escape room again.

Beyond bookings, SMS can play a pivotal role during the game itself by providing hints and clues through text messages. This interactive element keeps players engaged and adds a modern twist to the traditional escape room experience. For example, if players are stuck on a puzzle, a subtle hint sent via SMS can guide them without giving away the solution. This approach maintains the challenge while enhancing player satisfaction and the overall experience.

Implementing an SMS system is straightforward with various platforms offering easy integration with your booking software. You can set up automated workflows that trigger messages based on specific actions, such as booking confirmation, reminder, or post-game feedback requests. Moreover, encouraging players to opt-in for text hints and updates can create a more interactive and memorable experience, fostering positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals.

For escape room owners aiming to elevate their marketing and operational efficiency, exploring sms for escape rooms solutions is a strategic move. Not only does this enhance customer engagement and reduce no-shows, but it also opens opportunities for creative marketing campaigns, special offers, and event notifications that keep your audience excited and involved.

In conclusion, leveraging SMS for bookings and clues is an innovative way to improve both the operational side and the entertainment value of your escape room. By integrating this technology into your customer communication strategy, you can provide a seamless, engaging, and memorable experience that sets your business apart in a competitive market.

[ahajodhpur]

The Ultimate Hotel Management Checklist for New Managers

Introduction

Stepping into your first hotel management role is both exciting and overwhelming. From supervising staff to ensuring guest satisfaction, new managers have a lot on their plate. Having a structured checklist not only keeps you organized but also helps you deliver consistent service. Whether you're just starting out or refining your skills, the training you get from the Best Hotel Management College in Jodhpur can help you master every point on this list.

✅ 1. Understand Your Hotel’s Vision and Standards

Before leading others, you must clearly understand your hotel's mission, service standards, target market, and unique selling propositions.

✅ 2. Master Daily Operations

From front desk and housekeeping to maintenance and food & beverage—learn the day-to-day workflow of every department to manage them effectively.

✅ 3. Schedule and Manage Staff Effectively

Ensure proper staffing levels, manage shift rotations, approve leave, and maintain team morale. Use scheduling software to streamline this process.

✅ 4. Monitor Guest Satisfaction

Check reviews, encourage feedback, and resolve complaints promptly. A satisfied guest leads to repeat business and positive online ratings.

✅ 5. Control Costs and Manage Budgets

Understand your hotel’s budget, monitor expenses, and track KPIs like RevPAR, occupancy rate, and average daily rate (ADR).

✅ 6. Stay Updated on Safety and Hygiene Protocols

Especially post-pandemic, hygiene practices are a top priority. Ensure your property adheres to all health and safety regulations.

✅ 7. Implement Smart Technology

From PMS (Property Management Systems) to digital check-ins and CRM tools, tech-savvy management helps enhance guest experience and improve efficiency.

✅ 8. Lead by Example

Your attitude sets the tone. Be professional, respectful, and proactive. Encourage team collaboration and reward excellent performance.

✅ 9. Train and Upskill Your Team

Regular staff training keeps your team motivated and service consistent. Focus on soft skills, complaint handling, and role-specific knowledge.

✅ 10. Analyze Data and Plan Ahead

Use data analytics to forecast demand, adjust pricing, and plan promotional campaigns. Make data-backed decisions to stay competitive.

✅ 11. Build Strong Vendor Relationships

Suppliers, tour operators, laundry services—every external partner impacts your hotel’s operations. Keep relationships transparent and mutually beneficial.

✅ 12. Stay Guest-Centric Always

Keep the guest experience at the core of every decision you make—be it service upgrades, decor changes, or menu revamps.

Conclusion

Success in hotel management is not about ticking off a to-do list—it’s about leading with insight, discipline, and heart. If you’re an aspiring manager, the Best Hotel Management College in Jodhpur offers hands-on training and expert guidance to help you check all the right boxes in your career journey.