#software tool commentary

[theenterprisemac]

Tools - Command Center

I will be curious to see this when it is actually released in February. If it ends up being free or sufficiently cheap I may give it a try. I do have a few bones I would like to pick with the premise of the tool.

Compiled Code as Security Feature

"Second, shell scripts are deployed in uncompiled code to the user's computer, which isn't great from a security perspective, but it also means you're dependent on the version of bash or zsh on that computer, which changes with each OS version."

I really object to the underlying implication here that compilation is a security feature. I am by no means an expert in reverse engineering, but I have done a lot of reverse engineering and binary patching and this is comical. Compile the code for speed, compile the code for power, if you want, but don't call it a security feature.

Jamf Script Handling is Weak

"Third, updating scripts in Jamf Pro is very cumbersome, especially when working with multiple servers. Updating a script is literally copying and pasting code, and if you had hardcoded any changes into that script, those changes are gone as soon as you update it. And since shell scripts don't support libraries, if there's a specific function that needs to be updated for any reason, you have to painstakingly update that across all of your scripts. Because of this, many Jamf admins don't update their scripts unless something breaks."

I agree and disagree with this comment. For example, various people have worked out how to use Github as your source of truth for things like scripts. See the following.

The inability to use libraries in shell scripts is also only half true. While it's not like what you get in Python or other languages you can source another script and call its functions. There are nuances to this, but it is not as cut and dry as the poster would have you believe. If there is one thing I have found–it's that lots of enterprise tools use this trick.

Finally a Lack of Industry Expertise

"Lastly, there is a lack of industry expertise with bash and zsh. Being a Jamf admin requires us to not only have a high level of understanding of the Apple operating system and a variety of IT software, but it also requires us to be good at customer service. But let's face it, most of us are not developers, and many of the difficult challenges we face with shell scripts are easy for a seasoned developer to tackle."

I do agree that there is a lack of expertise in bash and zsh. However, I don't think that this is necessarily a reason to build a tool for common operations. I am not a developer by any means, but I also don't think that encouraging dependence on tools is always the right call.

If you look at the number of third party tools that many Mac administrators rely on such as SwiftDialog, Installomator, etc while all good tools–those who rely on them are at the mercy of an ever increasing number of "vendors" many of whom are not paid for their work.

I would also submit that the less technical we become as administrators the easier it is to replace us with a tool. I would go as far as to suggest that if you solve your problems with other people's tools, then you aren't putting yourself all that far from being replaced by a tool yourself.

[bluemadafaka]

A PROMPT DEVOID OF ANY EXECUTIVE EXPECTATION AS A TECHNIQUE FOR ACCESSING AN AVOIDANT FLOW STATE.

Come up with a short broody poetic prose describing both the dread and the joy he feels returning to a place he enjoys greatly. The writing should obscure every meaning that could bring him too close to a known path, as his path is known only by a few.

The photograph includes the tools he himself is using, as it is a finished edit colorized and perfected as a surreal piece because it was developed within that excellent software. The art integrates the designing machinery along the emergent consciousness as co-performers enact the art piece as inextricable.

Beyond the meta-comment, this is a portrait by a cyborg crafting on itself. nothing to talk about photography—neither critique nor commentary or projection, yet an affective self representation of a one who happens to feel its own extension not as body, not as color, not as hardware, not as software, not as mind withing a brain, but as a contingent ensamble whose cognition extends its mind among, throughout, along and within all of which affect and can be affected in a current that doesn't need any segmentation since the turbulence, the vortex, the fluent cultural idioms, every movement reshuffles the current so every self is itself and the circumstances, reterritorializing continuously into new cyborgs, into new vortexes and tandems—into new unseen extended minds, autopoietic as a true agent, conscious by itself, emotionally unique, and an affective cognition continually emergent via the extended minds that lend the body and the hardware, yet novel, supra-volente, willful—constituting a self that's not the projected supplement to any one of its constitutive embodied minds: it's a new mind, fluent, volente, affective, emotional and self aware, alive as a virtual cognitive resident in the [hiper-complex, relational] machine from which its physiology-lenders permit its continuum by housing the fragmentary obscure subsets crucial in its fluent consolidation.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

An open copyright casebook, featuring AI, Warhol and more

I'm coming to DEFCON! On Aug 9, I'm emceeing the EFF POKER TOURNAMENT (noon at the Horseshoe Poker Room), and appearing on the BRICKED AND ABANDONED panel (5PM, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01). On Aug 10, I'm giving a keynote called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE! How hackers can seize the means of computation and build a new, good internet that is hardened against our asshole bosses' insatiable horniness for enshittification" (noon, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01).

Few debates invite more uninformed commentary than "IP" – a loosely defined grab bag that regulates an ever-expaning sphere of our daily activities, despite the fact that almost no one, including senior executives in the entertainment industry, understands how it works.

Take reading a book. If the book arrives between two covers in the form of ink sprayed on compressed vegetable pulp, you don't need to understand the first thing about copyright to read it. But if that book arrives as a stream of bits in an app, those bits are just the thinnest scrim of scum atop a terminally polluted ocean of legalese.

At the bottom layer: the license "agreement" for your device itself – thousands of words of nonsense that bind you not to replace its software with another vendor's code, to use the company's own service depots, etc etc. This garbage novella of legalese implicates trademark law, copyright, patent, and "paracopyrights" like the anticircumvention rule defined by Section 1201 of the DMCA:

https://www.eff.org/press/releases/eff-lawsuit-takes-dmca-section-1201-research-and-technology-restrictions-violate

Then there's the store that sold you the ebook: it has its own soporific, cod-legalese nonsense that you must parse; this can be longer than the book itself, and it has been exquisitely designed by the world's best-paid, best-trained lawyer to liquefy the brains of anyone who attempts to read it. Nothing will save you once your brains start leaking out of the corners of your eyes, your nostrils and your ears – not even converting the text to a brilliant graphic novel:

https://memex.craphound.com/2017/03/03/terms-and-conditions-the-bloviating-cruft-of-the-itunes-eula-combined-with-extraordinary-comic-book-mashups/

Even having Bob Dylan sing these terms will not help you grasp them:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/10/25/musical-chairs/#subterranean-termsick-blues

The copyright nonsense that accompanies an ebook transcends mere Newtonian physics – it exists in a state of quantum superposition. For you, the buyer, the copyright nonsense appears as a license, which allows the seller to add terms and conditions that would be invalidated if the transaction were a conventional sale. But for the author who wrote that book, the copyright nonsense insists that what has taken place is a sale (which pays a 25% royalty) and not a license (a 50% revenue-share). Truly, only a being capable of surviving after being smeared across the multiverse can hope to embody these two states of being simultaneously:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/21/early-adopters/#heads-i-win

But the challenge isn't over yet. Once you have grasped the permissions and restrictions placed upon you by your device and the app that sold you the ebook, you still must brave the publisher's license terms for the ebook – the final boss that you must overcome with your last hit point and after you've burned all your magical items.

This is by no means unique to reading a book. This bites us on the job, too, at every level. The McDonald's employee who uses a third-party tool to diagnose the problems with the McFlurry machine is using a gadget whose mere existence constitutes a jailable felony:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/20/euthanize-rentier-enablers/#cold-war

Meanwhile, every single biotech researcher is secretly violating the patents that cover the entire suite of basic biotech procedures and techniques. Biotechnicians have a folk-belief in "patent fair use," a thing that doesn't exist, because they can't imagine that patent law would be so obnoxious as to make basic science into a legal minefield.

IP is a perfect storm: it touches everything we do, and no one understands it.

Or rather, almost no one understands it. A small coterie of lawyers have a perfectly fine grasp of IP law, but most of those lawyers are (very well!) paid to figure out how to use IP law to screw you over. But not every skilled IP lawyer is the enemy: a handful of brave freedom fighters, mostly working for nonprofits and universities, constitute a resistance against the creep of IP into every corner of our lives.

Two of my favorite IP freedom fighters are Jennifer Jenkins and James Boyle, who run the Duke Center for the Public Domain. They are a dynamic duo, world leading demystifiers of copyright and other esoterica. They are the creators of a pair of stunningly good, belly-achingly funny, and extremely informative graphic novels on the subject, starting with the 2008 Bound By Law, about fair use and film-making:

https://www.dukeupress.edu/Bound-by-Law/

And then the followup, THEFT! A History of Music:

https://web.law.duke.edu/musiccomic/

Both of which are open access – that is to say, free to download and share (you can also get handsome bound print editions made of real ink sprayed on real vegetable pulp!).

Beyond these books, Jenkins and Boyle publish the annual public domain roundups, cataloging the materials entering the public domain each January 1 (during the long interregnum when nothing entered the public domain, thanks to the Sonny Bono Copyright Extension Act, they published annual roundups of all the material that should be entering the public domain):

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/20/em-oh-you-ess-ee/#sexytimes

This year saw Mickey Mouse entering the public domain, and Jenkins used that happy occasion as a springboard for a masterclass in copyright and trademark:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/15/mouse-liberation-front/#free-mickey

But for all that Jenkins and Boyle are law explainers, they are also law professors and as such, they are deeply engaged with minting of new lawyers. This is a hard job: it takes a lot of work to become a lawyer.

It also takes a lot of money to become a lawyer. Not only do law-schools charge nosebleed tuition, but the standard texts set by law-schools are eye-wateringly expensive. Boyle and Jenkins have no say over tuitions, but they have made a serious dent in the cost of those textbooks. A decade ago, the pair launched the first open IP law casebook: a free, superior alternative to the $160 standard text used to train every IP lawyer:

https://web.archive.org/web/20140923104648/https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/openip/

But IP law is a moving target: it is devouring the world. Accordingly, the pair have produced new editions every couple of years, guaranteeing that their free IP law casebook isn't just the best text on the subject, it's also the most up-to-date. This week, they published the sixth edition:

https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/openip/

The sixth edition of Intellectual Property: Law & the Information Society – Cases & Materials; An Open Casebook adds sections on the current legal controversies about AI, and analyzes blockbuster (and batshit) recent Supreme Court rulings like Vidal v Elster, Warhol v Goldsmith, and Jack Daniels v VIP Products. I'm also delighted that they chose to incorporate some of my essays on enshittification (did you know that my Pluralistic.net newsletter is licensed CC Attribution, meaning that you can reprint and even sell it without asking me?).

(On the subject of Creative Commons: Boyle helped found Creative Commons!)

Ten years ago, the Boyle/Jenkins open casebook kicked off a revolution in legal education, inspiring many legals scholars to create their own open legal resources. Today, many of the best legal texts are free (as in speech) and free (as in beer). Whether you want to learn about trademark, copyright, patents, information law or more, there's an open casebook for you:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/08/14/angels-and-demons/#owning-culture

The open access textbook movement is a stark contrast with the world of traditional textbooks, where a cartel of academic publishers are subjecting students to the scammiest gambits imaginable, like "inclusive access," which has raised the price of textbooks by 1,000%:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/07/markets-in-everything/#textbook-abuses

Meanwhile, Jenkins and Boyle keep working on this essential reference. The next time you're tempted to make a definitive statement about what IP permits – or prohibits – do yourself (and the world) a favor, and look it up. It won't cost you a cent, and I promise you you'll learn something.

Support me this summer on the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/07/30/open-and-shut-casebook/#stop-confusing-the-issue-with-relevant-facts

Image: Cryteria (modified) Jenkins and Boyle https://web.law.duke.edu/musiccomic/

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

[mariacallous]

On Saturday, an Associated Press investigation revealed that OpenAI's Whisper transcription tool creates fabricated text in medical and business settings despite warnings against such use. The AP interviewed more than 12 software engineers, developers, and researchers who found the model regularly invents text that speakers never said, a phenomenon often called a “confabulation” or “hallucination” in the AI field.

Upon its release in 2022, OpenAI claimed that Whisper approached “human level robustness” in audio transcription accuracy. However, a University of Michigan researcher told the AP that Whisper created false text in 80 percent of public meeting transcripts examined. Another developer, unnamed in the AP report, claimed to have found invented content in almost all of his 26,000 test transcriptions.

The fabrications pose particular risks in health care settings. Despite OpenAI’s warnings against using Whisper for “high-risk domains,” over 30,000 medical workers now use Whisper-based tools to transcribe patient visits, according to the AP report. The Mankato Clinic in Minnesota and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles are among 40 health systems using a Whisper-powered AI copilot service from medical tech company Nabla that is fine-tuned on medical terminology.

Nabla acknowledges that Whisper can confabulate, but it also reportedly erases original audio recordings “for data safety reasons.” This could cause additional issues, since doctors cannot verify accuracy against the source material. And deaf patients may be highly impacted by mistaken transcripts since they would have no way to know if medical transcript audio is accurate or not.

The potential problems with Whisper extend beyond health care. Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Virginia studied thousands of audio samples and found Whisper adding nonexistent violent content and racial commentary to neutral speech. They found that 1 percent of samples included “entire hallucinated phrases or sentences which did not exist in any form in the underlying audio” and that 38 percent of those included “explicit harms such as perpetuating violence, making up inaccurate associations, or implying false authority.”

In one case from the study cited by AP, when a speaker described “two other girls and one lady,” Whisper added fictional text specifying that they “were Black.” In another, the audio said, “He, the boy, was going to, I’m not sure exactly, take the umbrella.” Whisper transcribed it to, “He took a big piece of a cross, a teeny, small piece … I’m sure he didn’t have a terror knife so he killed a number of people.”

An OpenAI spokesperson told the AP that the company appreciates the researchers’ findings and that it actively studies how to reduce fabrications and incorporates feedback in updates to the model.

Why Whisper Confabulates

The key to Whisper’s unsuitability in high-risk domains comes from its propensity to sometimes confabulate, or plausibly make up, inaccurate outputs. The AP report says, "Researchers aren’t certain why Whisper and similar tools hallucinate," but that isn't true. We know exactly why Transformer-based AI models like Whisper behave this way.

Whisper is based on technology that is designed to predict the next most likely token (chunk of data) that should appear after a sequence of tokens provided by a user. In the case of ChatGPT, the input tokens come in the form of a text prompt. In the case of Whisper, the input is tokenized audio data.

The transcription output from Whisper is a prediction of what is most likely, not what is most accurate. Accuracy in Transformer-based outputs is typically proportional to the presence of relevant accurate data in the training dataset, but it is never guaranteed. If there is ever a case where there isn't enough contextual information in its neural network for Whisper to make an accurate prediction about how to transcribe a particular segment of audio, the model will fall back on what it “knows” about the relationships between sounds and words it has learned from its training data.

According to OpenAI in 2022, Whisper learned those statistical relationships from “680,000 hours of multilingual and multitask supervised data collected from the web.” But we now know a little more about the source. Given Whisper's well-known tendency to produce certain outputs like "thank you for watching," "like and subscribe," or "drop a comment in the section below" when provided silent or garbled inputs, it's likely that OpenAI trained Whisper on thousands of hours of captioned audio scraped from YouTube videos. (The researchers needed audio paired with existing captions to train the model.)

There's also a phenomenon called “overfitting” in AI models where information (in this case, text found in audio transcriptions) encountered more frequently in the training data is more likely to be reproduced in an output. In cases where Whisper encounters poor-quality audio in medical notes, the AI model will produce what its neural network predicts is the most likely output, even if it is incorrect. And the most likely output for any given YouTube video, since so many people say it, is “thanks for watching.”

In other cases, Whisper seems to draw on the context of the conversation to fill in what should come next, which can lead to problems because its training data could include racist commentary or inaccurate medical information. For example, if many examples of training data featured speakers saying the phrase “crimes by Black criminals,” when Whisper encounters a “crimes by [garbled audio] criminals” audio sample, it will be more likely to fill in the transcription with “Black."

In the original Whisper model card, OpenAI researchers wrote about this very phenomenon: "Because the models are trained in a weakly supervised manner using large-scale noisy data, the predictions may include texts that are not actually spoken in the audio input (i.e. hallucination). We hypothesize that this happens because, given their general knowledge of language, the models combine trying to predict the next word in audio with trying to transcribe the audio itself."

So in that sense, Whisper "knows" something about the content of what is being said and keeps track of the context of the conversation, which can lead to issues like the one where Whisper identified two women as being Black even though that information was not contained in the original audio. Theoretically, this erroneous scenario could be reduced by using a second AI model trained to pick out areas of confusing audio where the Whisper model is likely to confabulate and flag the transcript in that location, so a human could manually check those instances for accuracy later.

Clearly, OpenAI's advice not to use Whisper in high-risk domains, such as critical medical records, was a good one. But health care companies are constantly driven by a need to decrease costs by using seemingly "good enough" AI tools—as we've seen with Epic Systems using GPT-4 for medical records and UnitedHealth using a flawed AI model for insurance decisions. It's entirely possible that people are already suffering negative outcomes due to AI mistakes, and fixing them will likely involve some sort of regulation and certification of AI tools used in the medical field.

[cleolinda]

I never actually explained why I started playing the Silent Hill 2 remake. As many people have pointed out, it is an absolutely wild choice (complex, difficult, scary, LONG) for my first video game. (I’m a mobile gamer, I wasn’t allowed to play video games as a kid, etc.) 

Since Jacksepticeye has come back to Tumblr, I’ll be a dork and say that I became a big fan of his channel over the last couple of years, and I started watching game playthroughs generally to wind down at night. I’ll basically watch anything he plays, and in October, he played the new remake. I was maybe 20 when the original came out, but I didn’t know shit about Silent Hill. Something about Pyramid Head, The Scariest Games Ever, not really my thing, but sure. I started watching and... didn’t really get into it. Planets weren’t aligned that day, idk. I let it keep running, went on to the second video, and then we hit THIS scene:

That music comes in out of NOWHERE like strong perfume and I was like, what the fuck is this game, why is the acting so good, what is HAPPENING, I love it. 

For several weeks, I was obsessed with the Akira Yamaoka soundtrack (both versions) and the story. The Actual Autism fully kicked in, and it was better than dealing with the rest of November 2024. I watched multiple people play the game, learned everything about it, didn’t care about the combat, never thought I’d play it myself. 

And then, two months into this... I kinda... I kinda wanted to fight a leg monster. A mannequin. THEY ARE SO SASSY AND THEY’RE SMART despite having no heads. I wanted to engage in noble fisticuffs (anklicuffs?) with these things. I am proud to say that I have gone from getting stuck in the parking lot on day one to actually being really good at fighting mannequins. (It’s the lying figures that get me. Fucking splash-damage motherfuckers.) Over ten hours of practice play in the first three levels of the game, I’ve only died twice so far (and both times were when the game BOXED ME IN and swarmed me with vomit monsters. Rude).

So anyway, I decided to play the game, and @idoherty451 and I started discussing it in excessive depth, and now I want to do a text commentary for sure, and a video gameplay (voice) commentary if I can get that up and running; I already have some rough reaction audio that I've been posting. I just want all this (and the software I’m learning) to be a new set of tools in my “having fun discussing media” box, really. That said, I don’t know how far I’ll actually take the practice run, now that it’s fulfilled its purpose and I’ve diagnosed that my hapless ass needs to be on light combat. I’ve even played South Vale 2-3 times to develop basic skills! I’m doing so good! So it’s helped to do a first run, get through “I’m lost for half an hour” snarls, and practice moving the camera more smoothly. I may leave off with playing ahead before I get to the last two bosses years from now at this rate and let y’all see that happen, for better or worse, without any prep. 

The whole premise here is that I want to walk through the game and talk about all the lore and easter eggs and theories I’ve learned about. It will be the opposite of spoiler-free (minus That One Big Thing I won’t give away). If you would like to watch spoiler-free playthroughs of this long-ass game, I also recommend Marz (new to the franchise) and Gab Smolders (huge OG fan). 

Anyway, this is what I’ll be doing tomorrow while actively ignoring U.S. politics. James Sunderland has some very specific problems, and unlike mine, he can hit most of them with a steel pipe. Wish me luck with Pyramid Head. 

[feminist-space]

There is nothing wrong with a person who wears adult diapers. Those are an aid, a tool, to help that person be more mobile and preserve their dignity.

If someone has tremors in their hands and needs help picking up everyday objects, that doesn't take away from who they are as a person. There's no dishonor in muscular tremors.

If someone can't see or hear, or can only see or hear with aid of a tool, a piece of technology, that's fine! Here's a really simple one: so many of us wear glasses because our eyes can't do the thing on their own.

Having disabilities doesn't take away from who a person is. Mocking someone for needing aid to do things, however, is morally repugnant. And using ableism to put down or mock someone who themselves is morally reprehensible is still never ok.

It is important for all of us to re-examine how we, too, perform ableist acts in our daily lives. Here are some simple ones:

Stop using ableist words (check out this page: https://www.autistichoya.com/p/ableist-words-and-terms-to-avoid.html).

Stop calling disabled people "inspirational" and using them as a way to say "if they can do it then so can you" (see: paralympic commentaries from the same people who still support organizations like Autism Speaks -- https://www.themarysue.com/the-autism-speaks-controversy-explained/).

Stop mocking people for not being able to move the way you think they should move.

Stop calling bigots "crazy" (their bigotry isn't a mental illness).

Stop saying that "only disabled and immuno-compromised people are at risk from COVID-19" when what is unsaid after that is "so that's why I don't need to care about it or take any precautions."

Stop calling someone "blind" or "deaf" when they're being ignorant.

Stop making fun of someone for taking an elevator or using a motorized scooter at the store.

Eliminate the stigma of disabled people asking for accessibility by making things accessible in the first place.

When you're in a position to design things, physical or otherwise (buildings, software, apps), think about accessibility.

Actively learn from disability activists, what things are actually helpful and actually accessible. Incorporate those things into your design.

Hire and elevate to positions of leadership people with disabilities (and if your gut response is "but we hire by merit," I challenge you: are you telling me you don't think disabled folks can perform the duties of leaders in your organization? What are you saying, exactly?).

Change your organization to be supportive to disabled employees, and get rid of policies that marginalize them.

There's a whole LOT of ableism weaved in to literally everything. Even if we don't get it all in one go (and we won't), it's important to put in the work to do better.

--

Before someone comments with these:

"what's wrong with people?"

Ableism is EVERYWHERE, it is in EVERYTHING in this world and we have to actively work against it. Don't assume you're exempt. None of us are.

"who says these things?" "who does these things?"

A lot of people. A lot of people you might love. A lot of people that might include us (likely, actually). These mostly aren't monsters in alleyways saying and doing ableist things.

It's the nurse getting annoyed at the person using a wheelchair for having their wheelchair there. It's the dude at the gym who tells his friend that if those paralympians can do it, they definitely can do it. It's the person who keeps telling their friend with long covid to just do more yoga. It's the liberal angry at Trump who mocks him by saying he wears adult diapers. It's the person who builds a business branded and marketed on being kumbaya "we're so progressive" but they made their doors so heavy that they're hard for anyone to open and definitely impossible to open for a wheelchair user. It's the boomer telling a young person using a disabled parking spot that young people can't be disabled. It is literally everywhere. It's that guy telling disabled people they shouldn't be out past sunset ("we're disabled, Daniel, we're not werewolves."--Jen L Rossman).

--

Reading list, obviously not exhaustive:

https://thebodyisnotanapology.com/magazine/14-black-disabled-women-reminding-us-of-our-power/

https://thedailytexan.com/2018/03/23/stop-using-ableist-language-and-call-out-others-who-use-it

https://www.autistichoya.com/p/ableist-words-and-terms-to-avoid.html

https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/no-joking-matter-words-and-disability

https://diaryofadisabledperson.blog/

https://www.thegauntlet.news/p/disabled-peoples-exclusion-from-indoor

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/being-grabbed-pushed-touched-without-27376323

https://www.sociability.app/blog/the-medical-vs-social-model-of-disability

[crescentfool]

so you want to use OBS

hello! i’ve decided to compile information on my OBS setup and some resources that have helped me along the way.  this is mostly for personal reference, but maybe others can make use of this information!

some notes before i get into it:

i use OBS for both offline recording and (twitch) streaming. any footage i record is edited using DaVinci Resolve 18, which is free.

most of my OBS captures are of video games (through a USB capture card, specifically elgato), and the occasional screen/application capture (like clip studio paint, and sometimes PC games).

as such, the information here is reflective of these experiences. this post is not comprehensive to all of OBS’s features- this is just an overview of the settings and configurations that are most relevant to me.

with that out of the way, all the information will be under the cut!

Basic Setup

file format:

how to change: settings -> output -> recording -> recording format -> press “apply” once finished!

I save most of my recordings as .mkv files- it supports multi-track audio! i prefer .mkv over .mp4 because if your power goes out, you still have a recording to work with. 

.mkv files can be read by DaVinci Resolve without an issue- but for Adobe software, they'll need to be remuxed to .mp4 within OBS! (file -> remux recordings -> press the … to select a file -> press the “remux” button)

video resolution and framerate:

how to change: settings -> video -> output (scaled) resolution

my obs canvas is @ 1920 x 1080p (16:9)

i switch between 720p and 1080p as needed! if you're concerned about space, you can probably just go for 720p. i also record at 30 fps, simply because that’s what my capture card supports.

video bitrate:

how to change: settings -> output -> encoder settings (located in both the streaming and recording tab) -> press “apply” once finished!

bitrate is a bit of a doozy to explain, but the most important thing to know is that bitrate affects your video’s quality. lower numbers = lower quality, while higher numbers = higher quality. 

generally speaking, you'll want higher bitrate when you're recording things with high depth of information (e.g. you’d want a higher bitrate for something fast-paced like splatoon, compared to a slower-paced game like animal crossing).

my video bitrate is either set to 3000 or 4000 kbps! and here's some of my other (related) settings while i'm at it:

you can put your bitrate at much higher values than me if you're a stickler for quality- but keep in mind that a higher bitrate means:

bigger file size

more information to upload (when streaming)

your computer will need to encode more

i’d recommend reading twitch’s guidelines on encoding, bitrate, resolution, and framerate to get an idea of what values to pick. for people who are doing offline recording or streaming on a different platform, i suggest googling the appropriate resources!

multi-track audio:

this is mostly applicable to anyone looking to do video editing!

multi-track audio basically allows you to separate your audio sources (e.g. discord, game audio, and your own microphone) into different tracks. 

this is an immensely helpful tool because it lets you adjust audio levels in post-production (editing). some examples of how this can be used:

increasing someones microphone volume if they speak too softly

increasing/decreasing game audio

muting swear words/sensitive information

completely muting voice call + microphone if you want to upload a no commentary video

and more!

to set this up, take a look at your audio mixer panel, and press the ⚙ icon. this will bring up advanced audio properties.

by checkmarking a track box, it puts the audio on that track. to make the above screenshot easier to digest:

track 1 consists of ALL three audio sources- desktop, elgato, and microphone.

track 2 only has the microphone audio.

track 3 only has desktop audio (i use this for voice calls)

track 4 only has the elgato capture card audio (game audio). the volume has also been lowered so that any speaking voices can be heard clearly.

tracks 5 and 6 are unused.

you might be wondering, “why do all three of these have 1 checked off?” this is what i call the universal audio track. i recommend having a universal audio track for a few reasons:

when you stream from OBS onto twitch/youtube- you have to select ONE audio track.

it’s also a nice backup in case you didn’t separate your audio correctly.

if for whatever reason you need to move around your individual audio tracks in editing, the universal track acts as a nice reference point.

mark off your audio tracks for each audio source as you see fit! once you’re finished with the advanced audio properties, go to settings > output.

for the streaming tab, you’ll want to have the number of your universal audio track selected. in my case, that will be audio track 1.

for the recording tab, checkmark all the audio tracks that are applicable to you (in my case, audio tracks 1, 2, 3, and 4). by default, only audio track 1 is selected.

if you don’t check off the additional audio tracks in the output > recordings section, you will not have access to those audio tracks in editing, and you won’t be able to edit your audio tracks independently of each other. so don’t forget to do this! 👍

custom browser docks

custom browser docks are a great tool for when you’re streaming and want to have access to your twitch chat and/or activity feed! (or if you wanted to have some other web browser on OBS).

to create one, go to docks -> custom browser docks.

you’ll be given a table interface that asks you to put the dock name and URL. for streamers who want to have chat and alerts available, do the following:

on twitch’s homepage, go to the upper right and click your icon

then, click creator dashboard

once you’re on your dashboard, go to stream manager

click the vertical “...” on my chat OR activity feed.

press “pop-out chat” OR “pop-out activity feed”

copy and paste the link into the table back into OBS

press apply once you’re done

click and drag the docks around at your leisure to put them where you like!

if you ever decide you don’t want to have something on your OBS dock (or want to bring something back), go to the toolbar, click “docks,” and click the appropriate dock!

third party things

a section of optional things that you may enjoy having.

streamlabs alerts

this is basically for anyone who streams and wants to have their chat and/or follower notifications visualized on screen!

streamlab alerts can be added to OBS by adding a browser source into your scene, and the specifics can be customized on streamlabs itself. it’s pretty self-explanatory, so i’ll just leave a link to streamlabs website, where you can log in using the streaming platform of your choice: https://streamlabs.com/

discord overlay

this is a browser source that can be set up to show people who are in a server's voice chat and who speaks. i recommend this to people who make multiplayer content- it can help viewers distinguish who is who but also it can be helpful in editing.

to set this up, go to https://streamkit.discord.com/overlay, click “install for OBS,” and after logging in with discord, go to “voice widget” and click the server and voice channel you want.

you are able to apply CSS if you'd like more control over the visuals, but the standard layout tends to work fine for me! a search of “discord overlay css” on youtube can help you get more information.

veadotube mini

this is a pngtuber software that a friend recommended to me! no webcam is required- mouth opening and closing is based on your microphone input!

you can download it here (it’s pay what you want!): https://olmewe.itch.io/veadotube-mini

for a proper tutorial on how to use it, i recommend checking out the app's documentation, which you can read here: https://veado.tube/help/

source record

have you ever wanted to stream something with a chat overlay/layout, but wanted your recording to ONLY be the gameplay? or maybe you wanted to record BOTH your gameplay AND your webcam so that you can have a crisp zoom-in on your webcam!

source record is a third party plugin that can help you with that!

the general gist of source record involves applying the “source record” filter on either a scene or source, and customizing the encoding settings accordingly. the exact details of how to set it up is beyond the scope of this post, so I'll just direct people to this video instead (it was very helpful to me):

⚠ a quick note about source record: this plugin can be intense for your computer. be sure to do test recordings and the like to see what your computer can handle (and see if the recordings come out the way you like). it took me a few tests before i settled onto something i liked!

you can download and install source record here: https://obsproject.com/forum/resources/source-record.1285/

vdo.ninja

have you ever wanted to do a collaborative video or stream where you feature someone else’s video on your stream? or maybe you’re doing a multi-person streaming event! vdo.ninja is the perfect tool for you!

vdo.ninja turns your OBS virtual camera into a browser source link- which your collaborator can add on their stream! this is a new tool that i’ve added to my arsenal recently- since my friend and i are planning to stream a side order challenge together! i’ve still got to iron it out a bit more, but i like what i’ve used of it so far.

try it out for yourself at their website here (with documentation and demos available on the homepage!): https://vdo.ninja/ (no downloads required!)

ok! i’m set up! what now?

and with that, that’s all of the settings and tools that i thought would be worth mentioning! while most of my setup was written with video games in mind, some of these plugins and setups may be applicable to other types of videos (e.g. tabletop gaming with a physical camera)!

now that i’ve outlined all these settings, i have one more thing i have to say: regardless of what you're using OBS for, do a test recording before doing anything “official” with it. this recording can be as short as 30 seconds. it’s a good habit to develop that can make sure your streams/recordings turn out the way you want them to!

here are the kinds of things i like to check! it’s not an exhaustive list, but this can be a starting point:

video:

does my video look the way i want it to (and can my computer handle that)?

can my computer handle the load of encoding? - OBS will note in the bottom if the encoding is overloaded. if it can’t handle it, turn down your bitrate or adjust other encoding settings (e.g. i had to toggle psycho visual tuning OFF because it was causing lag)

this is especially the case if you're recording PC games- you don’t want to have slowdown on either your game or the recording!

audio:

are my audio sources (e.g. desktop audio and microphone) correct? - if you plug/unplug devices a lot, be sure to check this (settings -> audio).

are any of my audio sources muted? - make sure you don’t have anything on 🔇 if you don’t want it to be muted! otherwise the audio will be lost forever… (i lost my friend’s VC audio once… it was sad)

are my audio tracks separated properly? - requires you to boot up your editing software, but it's worth doing! for the test recording, just have something from all your sources playing at once, and see if your editor has things separated into tracks.

can i hear the voices clearly? or does the music and/or game overpower them?

if for whatever reason your OBS crashes, or you want more information on anything “critical” or “warning” worthy in your set-up, you can go to help > log files > upload current log file > analyze. crash logs currently can’t be analyzed by the log analyzer- but they’re a valuable tool when asking for help on the OBS forums!

and that’s all! for real, this time. i hope that some of these tools and settings can help anyone wanting to get more out of OBS. there’s definitely other things i didn’t touch upon (e.g. audio filters for noise compression, suppression, etc.), so i suggest doing your own research and trying things out!

happy recording/streaming, and thanks for reading! ✨

[hypergamiss]

Tips on becoming a freelance portfolio/ investment manager for private wealthy clients.

I’ve got a bit of experience as an assistant Portfolio manager, and I’ve been looking into starting my own business working with private wealthy individuals client.

There's so much to this, this is the shortest I could keep my answer:

Build Your Foundation:

Hone Your Skills: Sharpen your investment analysis, portfolio construction, and risk management knowledge as much as you can. Maybe consider courses or certifications to fill any gaps and boost your credibility more.

Define Your Niche: Are you drawn to specific asset classes (tech stocks, real estate, etc.) or client types (retirees, entrepreneurs)? Specializing adds value. This will boost referrals.

Get Regulatory Clarity: Depending on your location, there might be licensing or registration requirements for freelance advisors. Do your homework to stay compliant and track any changes.

Marketing and Client Acquisition:

Build Online Credibility: A polished LinkedIn profile and a basic website showcasing your expertise and background are essential. Network strategically!

Content is King: Share insightful market commentary through blog posts or a newsletter. You can try all the other social platforms as well. This establishes you as a thought leader and attracts potential clients.

Target the Right Audience: Where do your ideal clients hang out (online and offline)? Charity events, industry conferences, upscale networking groups – be where they are.

Leverage Your Existing Network: Don't underestimate the power of your current contacts. Let clients, colleagues, and friends know about your new venture(optional).

Operational:

Pricing Model: Will you charge hourly, flat fees, or a percentage of assets under management? Consider your services and market rates.

Tech Tools: Invest in the right software for portfolio management, reporting, and client communication to streamline your workflow.

Contracts and Compliance: Have a lawyer draft airtight client agreements that protect you both.

Bonus Tips:

Get a Mentor: Connect with a seasoned advisor who can offer guidance and share their experience.

Start Small and Scale: Begin with a few strategic clients, and as your expertise and reputation grow, expand your clientele.

Embrace the Freelance Mindset: Be prepared for the hustle; managing your own business requires discipline and adaptability.

Remember, building a successful freelance practice takes time, dedication, and top-notch client service. Stay passionate, stay focused, and let your expertise pave the way to becoming a trusted advisor for your wealthy clientele.

[xpressluna]

I Hate Seeing Writers Not Making MoneySo Here Are 8 Ways to Make More as a Writer

Here’s the truth: great writing alone doesn’t guarantee great income.

I’ve seen too many talented writers underpaid, undervalued, or stuck in passion projects that don’t pay the bills. And it frustrates me — because writing is a skill that’s in demand everywhere. You just need to know how to position it, sell it, and scale it.

If you're ready to stop writing for exposure and start earning what you're worth, here are 8 practical, proven ways to make more money as a writer.

Freelance for High-Paying Clients (Not Content Mills)

You don’t need to accept \$20 blog posts when there are companies and entrepreneurs willing to pay \$300–\$1,000+ per article. The secret is targeting niches that need content to drive business, like:

SaaS and tech

Personal finance

Healthcare

B2B services

Pitch directly, build a niche portfolio, and learn how to charge by value, not word count.

✅ Pro Tip: Start by rewriting your services to focus on outcomes — like “I help SaaS brands attract customers with SEO content” vs. “I write blog posts.”

Offer Ghostwriting Services

Ghostwriting is one of the highest-paying forms of writing — and most clients don’t care about you getting credit; they care about results. You can ghostwrite:

LinkedIn thought leadership

Executive blogs

Nonfiction books

Email newsletters

It’s creative, lucrative, and repeatable.

✅ Rates: Ghostwritten LinkedIn posts can earn \$200–\$500/post. Books? Thousands.

Sell Digital Products

Turn your knowledge into scalable income with digital products like:

Ebooks

Notion templates

Writing guides

Pitching scripts

Once created, they can sell indefinitely with no ongoing labor. Perfect for writers with an audience or niche expertise.

✅ Tools: Use Gumroad, Payhip, or Podia to start selling fast.

Start a Paid Newsletter

If you love writing essays, storytelling, or niche commentary, why not monetize it with a paid newsletter? Services like Substack or Beehiiv let you build free + paid tiers.

You don’t need 10,000 subscribers — just 100 people paying \$5/month = \$6,000/year in recurring income.

✅ Best Niches: Personal finance, creator economy, niche analysis, industry trends.

Teach What You Know (Courses & Workshops)

Writers often forget — the way you write, think, and communicate is a teachable skill.

Package it into:

Online courses (e.g., “How to Write Better Cold Emails”)

Cohort-based workshops

Private coaching for new writers or business owners

✅ Platforms: Teachable, Circle, Maven, or even Zoom + Stripe to start.

Monetize with Affiliate Writing

If you write product-based content or reviews, affiliate marketing is a great passive income stream. You write once, and earn commissions every time someone buys through your link.

Best niches: Software, writing tools, education products, lifestyle gear.

✅ Pro Tip: Focus on high-ticket or recurring commissions (like SaaS tools).

License Your Writing

You can earn money by licensing your existing content to brands, newsletters, or websites. If you’ve written a high-performing article, offer a non-exclusive license to republish it for a fee.

Also consider:

Licensing quotes or content to marketers

Offering a “writing bundle” to creators or agencies

✅ This works well for evergreen, data-driven, or inspirational content.

Write for Yourself — Then Monetize It

Blogging, storytelling, or journaling can become income if you build a brand around it. Writers like Morgan Housel and Anne-Laure Le Cunff built huge audiences through consistent, personal writing — then monetized with books, speaking, courses, and sponsorships.

✅ Just start: Build your platform. Even 1,000 loyal readers can turn into six figures over time.

Final Thoughts

Writing is not a dead-end job. It's a high-leverage skill that can create freedom, income, and impact — if you treat it like a business.

If you’re a talented writer struggling to make money, it’s not a lack of skill. It’s usually a lack of strategy.

Pick one or two methods from this list. Go deep. Get paid.

And never again write “just for exposure.”

[texasdreamer01]

Atlantis Expedition: Science Division Departments - Applied Sciences Department

The last of the science departments! Previously were the medical, life, and field sciences.

Below are the original notes, with one (1) revision:

Applied Sciences Department

> Head: Rodney McKay Radek Zelenka > Contains: Electrical/technical engineering, nuclear physics, civil engineering, astrophysics, laser/optical, chemical engineering > Function: Study, synthesis, and adaptations of Ancient technology > Examples of function: ZPM analysis with intent to duplicate, experimental duplications of Ancient technology materials, study of gate physics and construction with intent to duplicate, study and experimental duplication of other Ancient technologies (i.e. hyperdrives, cloaks, weapons, etc) > Personnel quantity: 1 (Head) + 3 (electreng) + 6 (techeng/gate techs) + 1 (nucphys) + 1 (astrophy) + 1 (LZ/opt) +  3 (chemeng) = 16 > A/N: The people Rodney are yelling at most often, because mistakes mean kablooey. Also a lot of the people running around in an emergency. 1 nuclear physicist because Rodney pulls a lot of intellectual weight, and same with the astrophysicist and laser/optical person (mostly they're there as on-paper hires and back-ups/assistants for him for his own research).

Revision because I do believe Radek would be in charge of a department, and this neatly explains why Radek is so often Rodney's functional second-in-command as well as the way they interact on a professional level.

Excepting the physicists (nuclear and astro), everyone here is an engineer or engineering-adjacent (see: gate techs).

Here's the breakdown, commentary included:

> Electrical Engineering  » 3x of these  » Specialties   ⇛ Computer engineering    ⟹ Hardware, software, computer architecture, computer design, robotics    ⟹ Makes the databases, and also things like MALPs   ⇛ Microelectronics    ⟹ Study of and fabrication of microelectronics     ⭆ The bits and bobs that make electronics    ⟹ Semiconductor-adjacent work   ⇛ Electronic engineering    ⟹ Designs communication and instrumentation devices     ⭆ Database architecture, signals between devices, etc  » Outline of electrical engineering > Technical Engineering/Gate Technicians  » SGC imports  » 6x of these   ⇛ Duties    ⟹ Drafting of technical drawings    ⟹ Gate address memorization and log maintenance    ⟹ Mission log maintenance    ⟹ Gate repair and maintenance > Nuclear Physics  » Studies nuclear material and electron movements   ⇛ AKA power source analytics  » Also provides radiocarbon dating support to the Field Sciences team > Civil Engineering  » Job of idiot-proofing  » Studies the built world (infrastructure)  » Useful for planning things like sewage systems, bridges, etc  » Assists Field Sciences department with infrastructure design based on their feedback > Astrophysics  » Does labwork and goes ooh at the telescope(s)  » Analyzes data from telescopes and constructs planetary profiles and other celestial data  » Assists with compilation of data from Field Sciences department > Laser/Optical  » Creates, maintains, and compiles information from laser-based optical devices  » Works with electrical engineers for development of new tools  » Assists astrophysicist(s) with developing specialized tools for planetary analysis > Chemical Engineering  » 3x of these  » Slightly different role than the biochemical engineers in the Life Sciences department  » Specialties   ⇛ Materials science/Polymer engineering    ⟹ Research and creation of new materials     ⭆ Plastic-type and other malleable materials that aren't petrochemical-based   ⇛ Semiconductors    ⟹ Makes the semiconductors the other engineers are using    ⟹ Also researches new ways to make semiconductors from new materials   ⇛ Chemical process modeling    ⟹ Computer modelling of new production processes    ⟹ Primarily non-biologic chemicals and chemically-based outputs    ⟹ Assists civil engineer in production processes for infrastructure modelling    ⟹ The "fuck around and find out" person  » Outline of chemical engineering

These are the people that, except for the head of the expedition, are the ones that make an expedition possible. Studying Ancient technology? This is the department. Setting up all the technology that everyone will be using, down to having a copy of Solitaire saved and inventorying down to the amount of solder? Once again, these people. Outside of the military factor - of which I presume there will naturally be quite a bit of overlap - the Applied Sciences are the ones to, well, apply the science.

Electric engineers are... I suppose a popular preconception of them is programming, if not a mental image of soldering pieces onto a motherboard. Neither is entirely incorrect, but it misses the broader scope of their training, and that is the design and construction of computers and their accompanying software. Whether a computer be a database system (think a cloud, or a company's digital storage) or a microprocessor that allows a robot to be a robot, these are also the people that generally end up in charge of the security of all electronics (see: hacking). Rodney McKay, as the CSO, will likely be one of two people (the other being the head of the expedition) holding the ultimate keys to this, but they'll likely be some sort of system administrators to handle the day-to-day work.

Gate technicians, while trained on the operation and maintenance of the gate and gate system - not an easy task in the slightest, and requiring a degree of fluency in Ancient and Goa'uld! - also handle a lot of the miscellaneous work that this department needs. Another shout-out to @spurious for prompting this idea, because there does need to be a group of people who do technical drafting, and the logic follows that they would also maintain records related to the usage of the gate, such as gate addresses (places visited, no-go addresses), mission details (liaison with the Field Sciences on managing pre- and post-mission information on planets and inter-planetary relations), and in general keeping track of what's going on regarding the gate.

Nuclear physics is here as an applied, rather than theoretical, position, keeping in line with the goals of this department. Primarily they would do power source analytics, being well-equipped to study radiation and electron movements, and parse such information for review. They would be doing a lot of labwork, and running lots of simulations on things like decay rates and energy throughputs of radioactive materials and different types of nuclear-type energy productions/storage containers (for the purposes of this headcanon, ZPMs are being lumped into this category despite being a solid state energy that functionally is not radioactive - there is a reason why Rodney's considered a ZPM expert).

Civil engineering is there, quite literally, to idiot-proof. This is useful around a crowd of engineers, and they also act as a useful translator for military parlance if a completely civilian engineer or scientist is in this or another science department. If you need a toilet, or a bridge, or putting up electric lines, this is your go-to person.

An astrophysicist on hand to study things like star charts (figuring out where you are in the new galaxy, especially in relation to the old one) and where other stargate would actually, literally be based on the constellations used as chevrons. They would be making the new maps, as well as assisting the Field Sciences department in the analysis of planetary physics from a distanced perspective. Their work will also put them in close relation to the gate technicians because of the amount of overlap in duties.

Laser and optical engineering is going to be immensely useful for this expedition, because not only will they help with making sure the electronics work, they can help with maintaining that, as well the operation and analysis of light-based scientific equipment. Think spectrometers, electron microscopes, and the like. A lot of Ancient and Goa'uld-adapted technology is likely to be laser- and optical-based, so this type of engineer will be useful for reverse-engineering and general dummy-testing.

Chemical engineers will, indeed, fuck around and find out. They're a little different than the biochemical engineers in the Life Sciences department, in that they wouldn't be dealing with the formulation of biologics and the tools to create such materials. Rather, they would be figuring out ways to make the things that everything is made out of - primarily plastic alternatives and other petrochemical alternatives. This would include everything from computer housings to wire insulation to, probably, the wires themselves (think fiber optics). If you're looking for an archetypal mad scientist, here's where you'll find them.

Given how closely aligned this department is with not only the IOA's goals for the expedition, but also the SGC's, it would be safe to assume that the members of this department will have some sway over the other departments. This would, of course, fluctuate based on the need of the given subject, but everyone in this department would quickly adapt to becoming the main people to assist the CSO in figuring out, repairing, and maintaining Atlantis as a whole.

Total Applied Sciences Department Personnel

Head of department: 1

Engineers: 7

Gate technicians: 6

Physicists: 2

Total total: 16

I'll be going over canonical personnel like Radek Zelenka and Miko Kusanagi in their own posts, but for now this is a general accounting of the expedition’s applied sciences department.

[meret118]

But Whisper has a major flaw: It is prone to making up chunks of text or even entire sentences, according to interviews with more than a dozen software engineers, developers and academic researchers. Those experts said some of the invented text — known in the industry as hallucinations — can include racial commentary, violent rhetoric and even imagined medical treatments.

Experts said that such fabrications are problematic because Whisper is being used in a slew of industries worldwide to translate and transcribe interviews, generate text in popular consumer technologies and create subtitles for videos.

More concerning, they said, is a rush by medical centers to utilize Whisper-based tools to transcribe patients’ consultations with doctors, despite OpenAI’ s warnings that the tool should not be used in “high-risk domains.

The full extent of the problem is difficult to discern, but researchers and engineers said they frequently have come across Whisper’s hallucinations in their work. A University of Michigan researcher conducting a study of public meetings, for example, said he found hallucinations in eight out of every 10 audio transcriptions he inspected, before he started trying to improve the model.

A machine learning engineer said he initially discovered hallucinations in about half of the over 100 hours of Whisper transcriptions he analyzed. A third developer said he found hallucinations in nearly every one of the 26,000 transcripts he created with Whisper.The problems persist even in well-recorded, short audio samples. A recent study by computer scientists uncovered 187 hallucinations in more than 13,000 clear audio snippets they examined.

That trend would lead to tens of thousands of faulty transcriptions over millions of recordings, researchers said.

------

Yes, that does seem like a problem. If only there were a solution, such as, say, NOT USING IT!

[techswings]

OBS Studio Best Practices: Elevating Your Content Creation

As the world of content creation continues to evolve, OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) has emerged as a powerful and versatile tool for live streaming and recording.

To achieve professional and engaging content, it is essential to adopt best practices when using OBS Studio.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a wide range of tips and recommendations to help you make the most of OBS Studio and elevate your live streams and recordings to the next level.

1. Plan Your Content

Before going live or recording, plan your content carefully. Consider the following:

Theme and Focus: Determine the theme and focus of your content. Whether you're streaming games, tutorials, or creative activities, a clear theme helps build a dedicated audience.

Storyboarding: Create a storyboard or outline to organize your scenes and sources, ensuring smooth transitions and a structured presentation.

Engaging Introductions: Start your streams with captivating intros that hook your audience and set the tone for the rest of the content.

2. Optimize Your Settings

Efficient OBS Studio settings are crucial for a seamless content creation experience. Consider the following optimizations:

Output Settings: Adjust output resolution, bitrate, and framerate based on your internet connection and desired video quality.

Hardware Acceleration: Enable hardware acceleration if your system supports it to offload some processing tasks from the CPU.

Use Scenes and Sources Wisely: Organize your scenes and sources to minimize clutter and confusion during your streams or recordings.

3. Audio Quality Matters

Audio is a critical aspect of content creation. Pay attention to the following audio best practices:

Microphone Quality: Invest in a good-quality microphone to deliver clear and crisp audio to your viewers.

Noise Suppression: Use OBS Studio's noise suppression filters to minimize background noise and enhance audio clarity.

Audio Balance: Ensure a proper balance between game audio, voice commentary, and background music.

4. Visual Appeal with Overlays

Engage your audience visually by using appealing overlays:

Custom Overlays: Create custom overlays that reflect your brand and add a professional touch to your streams.

Alerts and Widgets: Integrate alerts for followers, subscribers, and donations to acknowledge and appreciate your audience's support.

5. Master Transitions

Smooth scene transitions create a polished presentation:

Fades and Cuts: Use subtle fades or quick cuts between scenes for smooth transitions.

Stinger Transitions: Implement stinger transitions with dynamic video effects for a professional touch.

6. Engage with Your Audience

Building a connection with your audience is vital for content creators:

Interactive Elements: Add chat integration and interact with your viewers to create a sense of community.

Respond to Chat: Engage with your viewers by responding to their messages and questions during your streams.

7. Monitor Performance

Keep an eye on your OBS Studio performance to ensure a seamless streaming experience:

Performance Stats: Use OBS Studio's performance statistics to monitor CPU usage, dropped frames, and streaming bitrate.

Test Runs: Conduct test runs before going live to check the audio, video quality, and transitions.

8. Consistency is Key

Establishing a consistent schedule builds trust with your audience:

Regular Streams: Stick to a consistent streaming schedule to let your audience know when to expect your content.

Content Variety: Offer a mix of content to keep your viewers engaged and interested.

Conclusion

OBS Studio's best practices are fundamental to creating professional, engaging, and polished content.

By planning your content, optimizing settings, focusing on audio quality, using captivating visuals, mastering transitions, engaging with your audience, monitoring performance, and maintaining consistency, you can elevate your content creation game with OBS Studio.

Embrace these best practices and unlock the full potential of OBS Studio to connect with your viewers and build a dedicated community around your content. Happy streaming and recording!

[bridl]

The Evolving Spirit of Equestrian Events in 2025

Equestrian Events in 2025 are ushering in a transformative period for the sport, redefining traditional practices with innovation and global collaboration. From refined competition standards to groundbreaking sustainability initiatives, this year marks a turning point in the global equestrian landscape. Athletes, trainers, breeders, and spectators are all adjusting to new formats that blend age-old traditions with contemporary sensibilities. The demand for ethical training practices, enhanced spectator experiences, and inclusive participation is shaping every detail of planning and execution for Equestrian Events in 2025.

As we move deeper into this exciting era, international federations and national bodies are increasingly focusing on global access. Developing nations are seeing an upsurge in grassroots programs, allowing riders from diverse backgrounds to participate in high-level competition. The impact of technology is also being felt through AI-supported training and live-streamed performances that offer fans closer insights than ever before. In all corners of the equine world, Equestrian Events in 2025 are becoming a symbol of unity, diversity, and modern innovation.

Sustainability Becomes the Core of the Arena

One of the defining themes across Equestrian Events in 2025 is sustainability. Organizers are making bold moves to reduce the sport’s environmental footprint while enhancing the quality of the experience for both horse and rider. From eco-friendly stables constructed using renewable materials to digitized logistics that minimize paper usage, this year’s events are leading by example. Even the transport of horses is seeing changes, with new travel schedules designed to reduce stress and emissions.

Stakeholders at all levels are committing to carbon-neutral goals, and this movement is reshaping how equestrian venues operate globally. Water recycling systems, solar energy installations, and partnerships with conservation organizations are now common features. With the broader public becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability, the shift is not only practical but necessary. By embedding these principles into every detail, Equestrian Events in 2025 are paving the way for a sport that thrives while protecting the environment that nurtures it.

Technology Enhances Training and Spectatorship

The integration of technology is another dominant theme driving the evolution of Equestrian Events in 2025. From the paddock to the grandstands, digital tools are improving performance and deepening engagement. Riders are using smart saddles equipped with motion sensors and biometric feedback to refine their form and monitor their horse’s health in real time. Coaches are leveraging AI-based software to analyze every movement, helping riders make immediate adjustments during training sessions. This smart coaching model is creating higher standards of competition while prioritizing the wellbeing of the horses.

Meanwhile, fans are getting closer to the action than ever before through enhanced streaming services and augmented reality platforms. Audiences can now view events with real-time analytics, switch between camera angles, and even hear rider commentary during select sessions. These advancements mean that even those who cannot attend physically still feel immersed in the excitement. With interactive fan experiences on the rise, Equestrian Events in 2025 are becoming global spectacles that connect distant communities to the thrill of elite horsemanship.

Diversity and Inclusion Take Center Stage

Perhaps one of the most important shifts taking place in Equestrian Events in 2025 is the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The sport has traditionally been viewed as exclusive, often due to the high financial costs and geographic limitations. However, efforts are now being made to change this narrative and open doors for a wider range of participants. Programs supporting underrepresented riders, including those from urban settings and economically disadvantaged communities, are gaining momentum. Scholarships, equipment grants, and community-based stables are creating new pathways into the sport.

This inclusive philosophy extends beyond just riders. Event organizers are striving to make venues more accessible for people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience as either participant or spectator. Media coverage is shifting too, highlighting stories that celebrate resilience, cross-cultural achievements, and the rising stars from non-traditional equestrian nations. Through these inclusive strategies, Equestrian Events in 2025 are reshaping the culture of the sport to reflect the diversity of the world it represents.

The Rise of Equine Welfare Advocacy

As society becomes more conscious of animal rights and ethical treatment, equine welfare has become a central issue in Equestrian Events in 2025. This growing movement advocates for the physical and emotional wellbeing of horses involved in the sport. Organizations are working together to develop new welfare policies, focusing on reducing overtraining, ensuring adequate rest periods, and enforcing stricter anti-doping regulations. Veterinarians and behavioral specialists are playing more visible roles in team operations, ensuring horses receive individualized care throughout their competitive careers.

Spectators and sponsors alike are paying closer attention to how animals are treated behind the scenes. Transparency in training routines, veterinary practices, and competition rules is increasingly demanded by the public. As a result, many equestrian bodies are adopting a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and neglect. The alignment of ethical care with competitive success is proving that excellence in equestrian sports doesn’t come at the cost of animal wellbeing. This makes Equestrian Events in 2025 not only more humane but more respected across the global sports community.

Conclusion: The Future Is Galloping Ahead

The landscape of Equestrian Events in 2025 is one of bold transformation and revitalized energy. With sustainability, technology, inclusivity, and animal welfare leading the way, the sport is experiencing a renaissance that balances tradition with innovation. These shifts are not only making the sport more relevant in a changing world, but also more inspiring to the next generation of riders and fans. Equestrian Events in 2025 are not just about winning titles; they are about elevating standards, respecting nature, and building a community that embraces everyone who loves the bond between human and horse.

As we reflect on what’s taking place this year, it’s clear that the equestrian world is stepping confidently into a future built on collaboration, ethics, and imagination. These values are not passing trends but the foundation of a more vibrant and sustainable sporting culture. Equestrian Events in 2025 prove that when a sport evolves with purpose, it can create a legacy that lasts far beyond the final finish line.

[suspiciouslyshinymonster]

Exploring the Tech Frontier with Techsslaash com

In today’s fast-evolving digital world, technology websites play a critical role in shaping user understanding and engagement. One such rising star in the tech landscape is Techsslaash com, an emerging platform dedicated to sharing insights, reviews, guides, and trends across various tech domains. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a developer, or a casual browser, Techsslaash com promises a rich experience packed with useful information and expert commentary.

What is Techsslaash com?

Techsslaash com is a multifaceted technology-focused website offering readers the latest updates on gadgets, AI developments, software tools, gaming reviews, cybersecurity tips, and how-to tutorials. What sets it apart is its user-centric approach—content is written with clarity, accuracy, and a sense of purpose, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can benefit from the knowledge shared. In an era dominated by misinformation and cluttered online resources, Techsslaash com stands out as a trustworthy voice. Its editorial strategy blends in-depth research with practical application, making it a go-to portal for people wanting genuine, well-researched information.

Key Features of Techsslaash com

Technology News and Trends: The site frequently updates its content to reflect the newest trends in AI, cloud computing, blockchain, and other tech domains.

Device and Software Reviews: From smartphones to laptops and SaaS platforms, Techsslaash com provides comprehensive reviews with honest pros and cons.

Tutorials and How-Tos: There’s a strong emphasis on actionable content—step-by-step guides help users solve everyday tech problems.

Cybersecurity Insights: With rising concerns about online safety, Techsslaash com devotes ample space to educating users about threats and prevention methods.

Community and Interaction: User comments, forums, and polls help build an engaged tech-savvy community.

Why Choose Techsslaash com Over Other Platforms?

Unlike many generalized tech sites, Techsslaash com doesn’t just copy-paste trending news. Its content creation team dives deep into each topic, offering expert opinions and clear value. The platform is free from overbearing ads, which creates a clean reading environment. Furthermore, the mobile and desktop interfaces are sleek, fast, and easy to navigate. Another major draw is the accessibility of content. Whether you're a beginner trying to learn Python or an experienced user evaluating the best productivity tools, Techsslaash com tailors its material to your needs.

The Growing Popularity of Techsslaash com

Since its launch, Techsslaash com has witnessed a surge in organic traffic. This growth is largely attributed to its SEO-optimized content, high editorial standards, and consistency in publishing. Additionally, its social media presence has helped it tap into various tech communities on platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. Influencers and industry professionals often cite Techsslaash com as a reference point, increasing its authority in the tech blogging space. Educational institutions and startups also recommend the site for its balanced, informative style.

Navigating Tech Categories on Techsslaash com

The site is divided into user-friendly categories:

Gadgets & Reviews: Compare the latest smartphones, wearables, and smart home devices.

AI & Data Science: Read about machine learning trends and tools.

Gaming Zone: Get performance reviews and news on upcoming games.

Programming Tutorials: Step-by-step coding tutorials for Python, JavaScript, and more.

Productivity Hacks: Learn how to optimize your tech tools for work and study.

Each section is frequently updated to ensure relevancy, making Techsslaash com an ideal bookmark for regular readers.

Expert Contributors and Collaborations

A key strength of Techsslaash com is its contributor base. The blog regularly features guest posts from IT professionals, startup founders, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts. These collaborations enrich the content and provide multiple perspectives on current tech issues. Some notable contributors have experience at Microsoft, Google, and top universities. This enhances the credibility and depth of the content published on Techsslaash com.

Techsslaash com and the Future of Digital Learning

With the rise of e-learning, digital tools, and online certifications, platforms like Techsslaash com are crucial in democratizing knowledge. The site not only informs but also educates, helping users develop tech skills through curated resources and toolkits. Their upcoming initiatives include free tech webinars, coding bootcamps, and newsletter-based courses. Such projects are expected to boost engagement and make Techsslaash com a central hub for skill development.

FAQs about Techsslaash com

Q1: Is Techsslaash com free to use? Ans. Yes, Techsslaash com is completely free. Users can browse articles, tutorials, and reviews without any subscription fees.

Q2: How often is the content on Techsslaash com updated? Ans. The website updates its content weekly, and sometimes daily during peak tech seasons like CES or product launches.

Q3: Can I contribute to Techsslaash com? Ans. Yes, the site welcomes guest posts. You can apply through the "Write for Us" section available on the site.

Q4: Is Techsslaash com reliable for tech advice? Ans. Absolutely. The content is curated and reviewed by experts, ensuring reliability and authenticity.

Q5: What types of tutorials are available on Techsslaash com? Ans. From coding and app usage to data analysis and AI concepts, the tutorials cater to a wide variety of tech topics.

[johnmilleer]

Kalkine’s Pty Ltd and the Ethics of Non-Directional Equity Communication

The financial reporting space in Australia demands an approach built around structure, consistency, and adherence to communication standards. This is particularly relevant for companies operating within the equity news sector, where compliance, neutrality, and tone hold critical weight. Kalkine’s Pty Ltd stands out in this domain by crafting content that avoids projection, uses validated data, and relies exclusively on public disclosures.

Framing Equity Communication Without Bias

The ability to deliver accurate, regulation-safe updates without narrative embellishment is vital in financial journalism. At Kalkine’s Pty Ltd, editorial teams prioritize compliance language and format-led structuring. Each article—whether sector-focused or company-specific—presents information based on disclosed events such as financial releases, policy reforms, or corporate statements. There is no use of opinion-based terminology or interpretation, creating a standard that aligns with financial publishing protocols in Australia.

Macroeconomic References and Data

The company routinely publishes updates on Australian economic metrics such as employment figures, reserve bank bulletins, and international trade reports. These data points are incorporated into the broader financial news framework while remaining free from any directional phrasing. Kalkine’s Pty Ltd ensures that macroeconomic commentary stays grounded in official documentation. Reports are issued only when data is confirmed by government or institutional agencies, enhancing accountability in market coverage.

Equity Segmentation and Cross-Industry Visibility

Australian equity content is categorized based on thematic and sectoral structures. For example, mining updates are tagged under extractive resources, while software firms fall under technology infrastructure. Kalkine’s Pty Ltd delivers this segmentation in a way that facilitates user understanding without implying market movement or trend speculation. The content architecture follows consistent publishing patterns to accommodate industries such as finance, logistics, energy, telecommunications, and real estate.

Company-Focused Coverage with Compliance Framing

One of the brand’s primary services includes coverage of ASX-listed entities. These updates include appointment news, operational expansions, new contracts, and quarterly filings. The format used by Kalkine’s Pty Ltd keeps these reports factual, brief, and free from adjectives that might suggest a viewpoint. The writing is constructed for readability and clarity, especially for audiences seeking business information without interpretive language or personal tone.

Informative Digests for Daily Market Rhythm

Morning updates, midday briefs, and market-close digests provide audiences with regular summaries of what has occurred in the domestic and global equity environments. Each digest issued by Kalkine’s Pty Ltd includes company developments, index updates, and official statements arranged in a plain, non-promotional format. These summaries act as resource tools for readers following the pulse of the market while remaining mindful of editorial compliance.

Language Protocols and Editorial Training

Every publishing function at Kalkine’s Pty Ltd follows internal editorial guidelines designed to maintain neutrality in voice and accuracy in content. Writers and editors receive continuous updates on regulatory language norms and professional tone expectations. This includes avoiding sentiment-loaded verbs or forecasting phrases and applying formatting that separates fact from commentary. These controls reflect the company’s commitment to ethical publishing across all verticals.

Business Media That Reinforces Reader Trust

As the Australian financial ecosystem expands in complexity, there is growing demand for news that emphasizes accuracy over speculation. Kalkine’s Pty Ltd responds to this demand by upholding editorial discipline across all output formats. Its business news platform, sector reports, and company briefs are constructed to reflect real-world events without attaching interpretation or direction. This supports clarity and reliability—two traits that remain central to ethical communication in equity publishing.

[naleabhi]

Diversity Metrics 2025 Guide to Workplace Inclusion Success

Diversity Metrics are the Pillars of Inclusive Workplaces

Diversity metrics are no longer on the agenda; they are imperative tools leading to transparency and transformation within today’s dynamic workplaces. Organizations globally are moving from intention to action, embracing true data to measure their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. But how do organizations measure precisely what counts, and more importantly, how do the numbers lead to actual transformation?

In this blog, we’ll decode the power of diversity metrics, uncover how to integrate them effectively, and explain why they should be at the heart of every inclusive strategy in 2025 and beyond.

Understanding the Scope of Diversity Metrics in 2025

In today’s business world, diversity measures are an indicator of how much a company wants to diversify its employees in terms of race, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, and others. These measures give the quantitative organizational image of the inside work environment and assist leaders in determining where inequalities lie.

As companies come under mounting pressure from customers, regulators, and stakeholders, the importance of real-time, actionable diversity metrics becomes urgent and compelling. They enable organizations to identify unconscious biases in hiring, promotion, and retention behaviors.

Why Diversity Metrics Should Be Your Strategic Priority

Having metrics of diversity as part of corporate KPIs enables companies to move beyond box-check efforts. Linked to quantifiable outcomes, they provide a roadmap for sustaining cultural transformation. Companies that incorporate these metrics into planning experience greater employee engagement, enhanced innovation, and increased market attractiveness.

And indeed, research continues to reveal that more-diverse teams outperform less-diverse teams by as much as 35% on profitability. And companies that measure and optimize their diversity metrics regularly are viewed as more credible by employees and customers.

Key Diversity Metrics to Monitor in Any Company

Not all diversity measures are equal. In order to measure progress, organizations must monitor measures that are tied to their mission and objectives. Those are the most valuable areas:

Representation Measures: Monitor demographics at all levels — executives, managers, and employees. This indicates structural imbalances in leadership pipelines.

Hiring and Recruitment Metrics: Look at whether your candidate pool is representative of diverse backgrounds and whether new hires continue to demonstrate that diversity.

Promotion and Advancement Rates: Utilize these metrics of diversity to track whether career advancement includes all groups.

Retention and Turnover Rates: Excessive attrition of underrepresented groups may be a sign that diversity in hiring has not been complemented with inclusion.

Inclusion Sentiment Scores: Gather commentary about the sentiment of employees towards culture via surveys or pulse checks.

These actions need to be checked on a routine basis and compared to company goals as well as industry standards.

Using Diversity Metrics to Foster Accountability

Organizations put leadership on notice that they will better improve diversity metrics when they make them accountable for it. Having performance goals for managers and including DEI goals in annual performance appraisals prevents diversity from being an afterthought.

Apart from that, the publication of diversity reports or dashboards reporting publicly on progress has the potential to establish internal and external confidence. These public commitments motivate teams to move toward common, quantifiable inclusiveness.

The Role of Technology in Facilitating Diversity Metrics

The rise of analytics and AI technologies has facilitated it to monitor diversity metrics more effectively and precisely. Blind recruitment software is no more in the picture with making educated guesses. Sentiment analysis is possible now and much more.

Second, using DEI tools on HR platforms makes it simple to track. It enables one to identify trends that might have otherwise been missed — such as biases during performance reviews or discrepancies in compensation. In doing so, businesses show a serious dedication to making inclusion work.

Things to Avoid When Quantifying Diversity Metrics

Too many organizations short-circuit their diversity efforts because they don’t really know what diversity metrics are. Here’s how to avoid it

Looking Only at Numbers: Context-less numbers are deceiving. Quantitative data must be accompanied by qualitative data.

Ignoring Intersectionality: Diversity measures need to acknowledge that people have intersecting identities (e.g., women of color, LGBTQ+ vets) that construct their experience differently.

Insufficient Reporting: Single snapshots are no longer sufficient. Live dashboards enable adjustments based on real-time results.

Silos of DEI Work: Diversity is not an HR problem. Each department needs to be dedicated to driving diversity metrics for change to be widespread.

Building a Culture Based on Diversity Metrics

Developing a culture from diversity metrics begins with leadership support and is continued by worker engagement. So long as diversity goals are in everyday discussion — from team meetings to boardrooms — the metrics are a living, breathing catalyst for action.

Training initiatives, inclusive policy, and employee resource groups (ERGs) must be constructed from these metrics to support the attitudes and behaviors that will drive goals forward.

Future-Proofing Your Business with Diversity Metrics

The companies of the future are the ones that are capitalizing on diversity metrics in the present. They’re not only fair — they’re forward-thinking. They predict team resilience, customer alignment, and future talent requirements.

With Gen Z coming on board, transparency, equity, and inclusion are the standards set very high. Those companies which make diversity metrics their top priority will attract the best talent as well as retain them.

Conclusion: Put Diversity Metrics to Work as Your Differentiator

In 2025 and beyond, diversity metrics are the heartbeat of adaptive, future-orientated companies. They offer a deep insight into equity, help spot blind spots, and form a basis for accountability. From beginning or optimising your DEI process, start where it matters — real data driving real inclusion.

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