I’ve been on the fence on it for years, but just recently I finally went no contact with my father. I’m not okay with this being how our relationship ends, and I never will be. But, for the sake of my kids, if nothing else, I will find the strength to learn to accept this outcome.

I wish you the strength to be able to choose, and walk, the path that is correct for you.

Right, because only women are the problem, and men are paragons of virtue.

Fuck off

No, they did not use an algorithm to make the decisions. They are making the choices, but, being the feckless cowards they are, they’re actually trying to set it up so they can hide behind a fucking computer program.

Sigh …

You’re talking to someone who would steal the sears catalog (like printed catalog - showed up in an actual physical mailbox) and page through the lingerie ads. You think a hormone driven teenager needs Pornhub?

Just saying…

Umm. What? I can’t fault your optimism, but… No. Like, really. Not a snowball’s chance in hell levels of nope.

Kids are far more likely to assume a fully enshittified experience is “just how it is”. I don’t see any logical path that would support your predicted outcome. Increasing the barrier to entity isn’t just gonna magically change their minds and make them spontaneously hop the fence. That path is even more of a pain in the ass. , and they were already just using what’s shoved in getting of them. If it’s already not worth their time to do different, why would making it seem even less attractive help?

So many examples of this method failing I don’t even know where to start. Most visible, of course, was how that approach failed to stop Grok from “being woke” for like, a year or more.

Frankly, you sound like you’re talking straight out of your ass.

Well, in practice, no.

Do you think any corporation is going to bother making a separate model for government contracts versus any other use? I mean, why would they. So unless you can pony up enough cash to compete with a lucrative government contract (and the fact none of us can is, on fact, the while point), the end result will involve these requirements being adopted by the overwhelming majority of generative AI available on the market.

So in reality, no, this absolutely will not be limited to models purchased by the feds. Frankly, I believe choosing to think otherwise to be dangerously naive.

I’m really confused. Do you think your theory is better?

Don’t forget the danger involved with such a choice. Unfortunately, we probably never hear about the majority of those who try to do right as a so called “peace” officer.

Cox, though? Motherfucker has got some brass balls, man, holy shit

Ah, yes, because I don’t need money for rent and food, just healthcare.

What a moron.

That reminds me - I am also curious about rooting a device with Android TV, so that’s another potential option.

Avoid Roku in my experience, TVs with that shit built in definitely force setup and Internet access before they can even be used as a dumb TV. I used to favor Vizio, since you can decline the agreements and just use it as a TV. But their quality has unfortunately gone downhill. Last one I purchased (last I’ll ever purchase) didn’t even last a year and the backlight started malfunctioning and flickering.

I’m probably going TCL next time I need a TV. They seem to be doing quite well, and from what I hear you can opt for using them just as a TV as well.

Still no justification for this money to be funneled to felon musk.

It’s right. But I’m proud of you!

Oof.

Well, at the least, he may still be coming to terms with how he feels about your transition. But, when I was twenty years younger, I was more self centered than I realized at the time. Society crams this idea down guys’ throats that it’s the only way to be a “man”.

Sometimes relationships don’t work out. We never want to see it, and unfortunately we often go into denial and insist on trying to force something after the “spark” has faded.

First, take a bit of time to self reflect; how do you really feel about all these things? About the relationship? It’ll take courage and emotional fortitude. And I’m not saying you need to give up! Just, take the time to be honest with yourself first, otherwise you can’t be honest with someone else.

Best of luck, and wish for you the courage and strength to find the right path!

Hmmm. Yeah, I’d recommend looking for ways to discuss the issue; be direct and blunt as you can, without malice though.

Also, try not to say “you made me feel”; frame it instead as “I find myself feeling this” type language.

Well, yes. It’s a power game, believe it or not. Somewhat similar thing happened to me some years back with one of my “bros”. In my case, I realized I was always the one to reach out to him; there were a lot of other red flags that showed me our friendship was not as solid as I thought, so eventually I forced myself to not be the one to contact him. It took three months for him to text me. I knew then the friendship had died. 😔

Ah, yeah, that might affect the landscape a bit!

Sorry to hear, though, it does sound like he’s dissociating from you. Possibly unintentionally?

But anyway, I wish you luck. Most important issue is communication. Always is, but unfortunately lots of couples underestimate the importance. I hope you two can communicate honestly; and hope that helps you find a positive outcome for you both!

This sounds, well, toxic as fuck. I’m sorry, just being honest.

Well, I don’t suppose they have a customer service email or something you could reach out to? But that does add an interesting wrinkle.

I’m curious now; if I end up researching this later, I’ll make sure to report back anything I discover. But yeah, at this point I’m stumped!