LetterCounter's recent activity
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Comment on US President Joe Biden raises tariffs on $18 billion of Chinese imports: EVs, solar panels, batteries and more in ~finance
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Comment on What is a value or belief you have that is extremely outside the norm? in ~talk
LetterCounter Link ParentSo, I also grew up in the church. Submission to husbands is what the Bible has to say about marriage. Most of what you describe is perfectly reasonable in secular frameworks, and has less baggage...So, I also grew up in the church. Submission to husbands is what the Bible has to say about marriage. Most of what you describe is perfectly reasonable in secular frameworks, and has less baggage than religion.
For what it's worth, my partner and I have been together for 8 years, so we've already seen the ups and downs. Regardless of anything else, I can say I already have the benefits of companionship you mention.
And that's without monogamy. Yes, it has its own challenges, but it isn't many less meaningful, sincere, and loving. In fact, I find it more loving than I did in monogamous relationships I've been in before.
I can truly say I'll be marrying the love of my life and my truest and strongest partner. Religion has no place to say how we should live our lives because it is unnecessary and offers nothing we couldn't and haven't been able to get elsewhere.
Regardless, I appreciate the well wishes!
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Comment on What is a value or belief you have that is extremely outside the norm? in ~talk
LetterCounter Link ParentRelated to this, my partner and I are getting married this summer, and a big theme we want in the ceremony is that while we are choosing to demonstrate our commitment to each other through...Related to this, my partner and I are getting married this summer, and a big theme we want in the ceremony is that while we are choosing to demonstrate our commitment to each other through marriage, we do not "belong" to each other, we're not "becoming one".
We will continue to be individuals in our marriage with our own unique desires, experiences, and bodily autonomy. Exclusivity is a trap and ownership of another's body, even in the context of marriage, is a crime against their humanity.
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Comment on What was it like choosing your own name? in ~lgbt
LetterCounter Link ParentAny chance that code is publicy available?Any chance that code is publicy available?
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Comment on Is Nebula worth it? in ~tech
LetterCounter LinkI love nebula as a concept, and from what I've seen in general, the quality of videos seems to be higher. More akin to the brand image vimeo gives me. It's a no-nonsense platform, providing top...I love nebula as a concept, and from what I've seen in general, the quality of videos seems to be higher. More akin to the brand image vimeo gives me. It's a no-nonsense platform, providing top tier content, without all of the noise of most video platforms.
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Comment on What was it like choosing your own name? in ~lgbt
LetterCounter Link ParentLots of options here, some better than others: https://www.thebump.com/b/baby-unisex-names-that-start-with-b As for "Sparky", while a bit unusual, it's not in a way that would be unmanageable. The...Lots of options here, some better than others:
https://www.thebump.com/b/baby-unisex-names-that-start-with-bAs for "Sparky", while a bit unusual, it's not in a way that would be unmanageable.
The person makes the name, not the other way around, at least in my book.
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Comment on Unity appoints former EA and Zynga executive Matthew Bromberg as its new CEO in ~games
LetterCounter Link ParentI don't recall saying I'm boycotting anything. I'm saying that switching game engines as a reaction to what Unity has done is fine, but jumping to Unreal without research on Epic games and how...I don't recall saying I'm boycotting anything.
I'm saying that switching game engines as a reaction to what Unity has done is fine, but jumping to Unreal without research on Epic games and how they operate isn't doing anyone favors.
Neither company should be trusted to benefit the developer and both stand to gain if you do well. So the question comes down to whether a migration of game devs to Unreal benefits us in the end if we give Epic more control of the game developer market.
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Comment on Unity appoints former EA and Zynga executive Matthew Bromberg as its new CEO in ~games
LetterCounter Link ParentI feel similar to you. But trusting corps blindly isn't a good thing to do. And that includes alternatives to Unity.I feel similar to you. But trusting corps blindly isn't a good thing to do. And that includes alternatives to Unity.
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Comment on Unity appoints former EA and Zynga executive Matthew Bromberg as its new CEO in ~games
LetterCounter Link ParentTo be clear, I don't care that Tencent is Chinese owned, I care about the influence of the CCP on them. What I care about is that they own a large stake in many game companies. I do not want my...To be clear, I don't care that Tencent is Chinese owned, I care about the influence of the CCP on them. What I care about is that they own a large stake in many game companies.
I do not want my games making money for them, and of course, to be balanced, I don't want want my games making money for (former) EA execs either.
So many of the replies to what I said so far are accusing me of having some sort of hidden motives or unfounded bias. But it really is simple. I don't want to be controlled by a massive corporation.
And while I understood I haven't given very many reasons besides that why others should stay away, my point is the same:
If you don't like the business practices of Unity, you shouldn't be jumping ship to Unreal just because it's a major competitor. You should research the company first. Figure out if it's really the ecosystem you want to be a part of.
If the benefits of switching outweigh the costs/risks, then fine, switch. But don't get blindly tossed from one out of touch corporation to another thinking things will improve.
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Comment on Unity appoints former EA and Zynga executive Matthew Bromberg as its new CEO in ~games
LetterCounter Link ParentPartially, although my reaction against using Unreal comes from the fact that Tencent has a 40% stake in Epic, and I dont want a portion of my games' income going to them specifically for many...Partially, although my reaction against using Unreal comes from the fact that Tencent has a 40% stake in Epic, and I dont want a portion of my games' income going to them specifically for many reasons.
As a company, Tencent is worse than Unity, by far. I don't get why people jump ship to Unreal if their reason is they don't like the way the company is run.
Now, before you get the wrong idea, I'm not a Unity defender, I just think shady corps are on both sides.
Use the right tool for the job, and if you have objections to the way a company does business, research the way its competitor does business and who benefits financially if you find success with them instead.
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Comment on Unity appoints former EA and Zynga executive Matthew Bromberg as its new CEO in ~games
LetterCounter Link ParentI find Epic to be infinitely worse than Unity as a company and how predatory they are. I'm not sure if you are doing yourserlf a favor if you don't like Unity's business modelI find Epic to be infinitely worse than Unity as a company and how predatory they are. I'm not sure if you are doing yourserlf a favor if you don't like Unity's business model
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Comment on Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold in ~transport
LetterCounter Link ParentOne could also assume that the company knew this was a possibility while they were ramping up production and sales. If people aren't buying, then that division wouldn't be profitable. The whole...One could also assume that the company knew this was a possibility while they were ramping up production and sales. If people aren't buying, then that division wouldn't be profitable. The whole point is that until they sell more, in won't offset the investment.
Lowering prices is one way to incentivize sales, but I don't think most people really understand the benefit of EVs yet. It's changing, but slowly and in an economy where loans are harder for people to afford.
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Comment on What's the best way to avoid scams when being paid by strangers on the internet? in ~finance
LetterCounter Link ParentYou may already have been scammed as well. If they've seen the design, they've probably screen captured your design and can easily replicate it. If you balk at their preferred payment menthod,...You may already have been scammed as well.
If they've seen the design, they've probably screen captured your design and can easily replicate it.
If you balk at their preferred payment menthod, they might just ghost you, knowing they've already got a screenshot or 3 if they need it.
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Comment on Why do some people posting ChatGPT answer to the discussion/debate/question? in ~tech
LetterCounter LinkIt seems like a waste of everyone's time. Like a worse version of "here's a link to Google"It seems like a waste of everyone's time. Like a worse version of "here's a link to Google"
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Comment on Trans men enter Miss Italy pageant in droves after trans women are told they can’t compete in ~lgbt
LetterCounter LinkWhile quite funny on face value, the official response to this will be interesting to see. The way I see it, the pageant might simply change the rules to restrict entry to individuals born female...While quite funny on face value, the official response to this will be interesting to see.
The way I see it, the pageant might simply change the rules to restrict entry to individuals born female who present in traditionally feminine ways.
Oddly, I think that would be consistent with the mentality behind most pageants. I would hazard a guess that most winners of nearly all "Miss" Anything pageants present traditionally feminine and win based on how closely the entrants match those standards.
Do pageants bring anything positive to society? Do we really need to have propped up people who are often seen as conforming to the ideal? My vote is we get rid of pageants all together.
Reward people publicly who contribute something notable to society regardless of gender. That's my 2 cents at least.
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Comment on How to preserve a 9000 piece jigsaw puzzle? in ~games.tabletop
LetterCounter Link ParentOh my word, that's ridiculous. Did Michael's say why they wouldn't do it? Also, I just sent you a DM!Oh my word, that's ridiculous. Did Michael's say why they wouldn't do it?
Also, I just sent you a DM!
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Comment on How to preserve a 9000 piece jigsaw puzzle? in ~games.tabletop
LetterCounter (edited )Link ParentFoam core is rigid, but unless framed, will likely warp over time. The main benefit there is that it is lightweight on purpose so that it can be framed easily. Foam core on its own should not even...-
Foam core is rigid, but unless framed, will likely warp over time. The main benefit there is that it is lightweight on purpose so that it can be framed easily. Foam core on its own should not even be attempted to be hung, as it is a layered material that will separate from itself with too much moisture, weight, and time. A frame is likely the only thing that would prevent that. An alternative could be plywood or some other wooden backing. You would just have to glue the puzzle to it. This would be difficult, as sizing the wooden backing before gluing would be more challenging, since puzzles are rarely exactly the same dimensions all the way around.Definitely doable though.
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Assuming you go with a frame, 2 inches is the minimum I recommend for glass and acrylic, due to the extra weight. In addition, frames themselves do bow over time with enough moisture, the thicker the frame, the better. You can go with a metal frame, but at the dimensions of your puzzle, if you have glass especially, I become concerned about structural integrity. Without glass, I would be less concerned.
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It's been some time since I've seen frame prices, and of course every shop will be different, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Dry mounting to foam core should be no more than $80 USD at the highest end, unless prices have skyrocketed. I'd honestly expect close to $40, but my memory might be failing me. A cheap metal frame at those dimensions is probably about $100 probably a little bit more. Glass is the most expensive component unless you go with a fancier wooden frame, but if you go acrylic, you'll spend more than basic glass, but less than museum. (Side note, frames unlimited liked to do things like sell non-glare glass and put it directly against puzzles. Glass without spacers leads to moisture and mold damage. And once you add spacers to non-glare glass, it looks foggy. Don't do it! Go with acrylic with spacers instead if you want glass). A cheap metal frame, dry mounting, no glazing, very basic? Probably $150-200. Thicker wooden frame, glass or acrylic spacers, dry mounting? Maybe close to $300. It's important to note that the dimensions of your puzzle are what drive the costs.
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Your idea of breaking the puzzle into sections will not work if you've already used mod podge. You should absolutely do this before transport unless you want to rebuild large sections in the shop. (I've seen it happen). Sometimes, people will bring in a puzzle just on plywood or something, but it's not been glued or anything, leading to disaster.
This is why I advise people to not bring in their puzzle for a quote. Any frame shop should be able to look at a reference photo and exact dimensions and give you an estimate without the puzzle being there physically. But they won't place the order until they have the puzzle in front of them to measure themselves. So get a bunch of quotes, then when you're committing to one of them, then think about transport.
On that topic, once you're ready to transport, I would recommend you mod podge the entire puzzle first, using stiff cardboard as the base under your puzzle. Do it in your garage if you have one so you can transport it horizontally. Once completely dry, add another layer of cardboard on top. Tape the two layers of cardboard together with the puzzle between them. This should be mostly secure for transport.
If you or your friends and family don't have a vehicle wide enough for it, you could consider test driving a large SUV from a car dealer, drive it home, and drive back to the frame shop for drop off of the puzzle.
They should be able to store the puzzle flat in the meantime, and as long as they cover it overnight with plastic, you should feel safe for them to store it.
When it's time for pickup, go test drive a different SUV 😂
OH, and don't forget, always use two people to transport it. Keeping it flat as much as possible. It should be able to handle some slopes when mod podged and sandwiched between cardboard, just don't store it vertically like that.
Also, make sure the mod podged puzzle is completely dry before putting the top layer of cardboard on, or you'll have to remove cardboard specks from your puzzle later.
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Comment on How to preserve a 9000 piece jigsaw puzzle? in ~games.tabletop
LetterCounter (edited )LinkI used to work at a frame shop and here's my expert recommendation. Start with any sort of acid free mod podge or equivalent. Note, it will hold the pieces together but is not suitable or long...I used to work at a frame shop and here's my expert recommendation.
Start with any sort of acid free mod podge or equivalent. Note, it will hold the pieces together but is not suitable or long term vertical weight at that size. It only really holds together small 16x20 puzzles or smaller if you try to hang it.
Next, contact a local or chain frame shop (many craft stores have a dedicated frame shop) and find out what their maximum dimensions are for a process called dry mounting.
This process will use a vacuum seal and heat to adhere the back of the puzzle to a foam core board using either to sticky foam core, or regular foam core with a layer of plastic adhesive. The rolls of plastic adhesive always worked better!
Once mounted, you'll likely want to frame it. If you want to avoid glare, go with a museum grade glass. If that's not as important, use their acrylic. In any case, insist on spacers between the glazing and the puzzle to prevent moisture and mold.
Finally, you will almost certainly nded to get a custom frame. Go with your style, but avoid frames smaller than 2 inches wide. Definitely avoid metal frames unless the framer is skilled with mounting hardware to avoid bowing.
Finally, on price. Don't overspend and get quotes from multiple frame shops. Just be prepared with the exact dimensions of the completed puzzle and a picture of it.
Avoid Frames Unlimited at all costs. They were usually 3x more expensive than the shop I worked at and we constantly redid their work all the time!
A good frame job will last a lifetime.
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Comment on E-ink tablets for note-taking in ~tech
LetterCounter Link ParentI also have the supernote! It's a great writing tablet and doesn't require a subscription service. It's really nice to write on, responsive, and the devs/company are active with the community. It...I also have the supernote! It's a great writing tablet and doesn't require a subscription service. It's really nice to write on, responsive, and the devs/company are active with the community. It is very smooth and focused in its capabilities. Couldn't recommend it more.
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Comment on Is fandom.com actually getting worse? in ~tech
LetterCounter (edited )Link ParentI'm going to take a different approach from others here and argue for two things that legitimatize adblockers besides just preventing viruses. Right to privacy: without using adblockers and other...I'm going to take a different approach from others here and argue for two things that legitimatize adblockers besides just preventing viruses.
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Right to privacy: without using adblockers and other antisnooping measures like VPNs, non-chromium browsers like Firefox, and other measures, 3rd parties like ad services are capable, willing, and proven to violate my right to privacy by building ad profiles, collecting personal data and the like. I wouldn't want cameras in grocery stores tracking my identity as I shop and ad services knowing who I am, my browsing habits, and my identity as a whole all without my informed consent is a violation of my rights. If using an adblocker protects my rights to privacy even a little bit, it's justified.
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Ownership of my own device: If I buy a newspaper with advertisement inserts, I have every right to remove them and throw them away without looking at them. Likewise, I have the right to control what is downloaded onto my storage media, whether that be hard drive or ram. If I don't give consent to have some website serve me content of any kind against my will, why should that be forced upon me?
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So, when trump started tariffs with China, I was opposed to this. Now that Biden is doing the same, it gets me wondering. Do tariffs actually work to increase a country's production in a certain sector? Or does the consumer always suffer higher prices with no end in sight?
Is there any way the consumer can actually benefit from this?