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  • Thoughts

    Don’t worry, that was only Monday. 

    Tuesday February 4, 2025

  • Last Weekend

    My Last Weekend - 25W5

    This weekend, I realized I was stuck on hosting tasks for a project—again. The pain was real, and I needed to shift my focus to make some progress. So, instead of spinning my wheels, I decided to work on and finish some side project tasks that I had been putting off.

    I tried out a new IDE called Cursor, and it’s honestly mind-blowing. It has this composer feature that goes beyond anything I’ve used before: you can prompt it for multi-code editing, and it will update code based on your requests and predictions. The predictive capabilities are almost eerie.

    With Cursor’s help, I decided to migrate an old side project from Gatsby to Next.js 14. After the rewrite, I found myself excited about the project again. I re-released it and plan to keep iterating on a few more ideas for it before returning to my other major project.

    So, in a nutshell, my weekend was all about:

    • Overcoming my hosting struggles.
    • Exploring a new IDE—Cursor.
    • Revamping a project from Gatsby to Next.js 14.
    • Getting a fresh burst of motivation and re-releasing the project.

    I’m looking forward to diving back into hosting tasks soon. For now, though, it feels great to have moved the needle on something I’d been procrastinating.

    Tuesday February 4, 2025

  • Stuck in an infinite loop of Discovering Python Interpreters

    Monday February 3, 2025

  • Heroes exist. They are all around us, choosing to do the right thing, no matter what.

    Monday February 3, 2025

  • All logs No errors Whiskey river don’t run dry

    Monday February 3, 2025

  • only january

    Friday January 31, 2025

  • Time to checkout a new browser!

    Zen Browser: bsky.app/profile/z…

    I have been using Arc for a couple years now. Theo fully switching recently convinced me to give it a try.

    Thursday January 30, 2025

  • Online Tools

    Hey friends! Anyone here still using or loving IFTTT? I used to have so many automations set up but kinda fell off using it. Now I’m grandfathered into a super-discounted plan and debating whether to cancel or keep it. I’m saving $10/month right now, but if I cancel and need it again later, I’d have to pay full price. 😅 Does Anyone has any cool or useful automation they swear by? Looking for reasons to keep this going! lol 💜

    Wednesday January 29, 2025

  • Gaming

    Nintendo’s Palworld Lawsuit - Why Patented Game Mechanics Are a Dangerous Precedent

    Game mechanics have always been the heart and soul of video games—from shooting aliens in classic arcades to the loot boxes of modern multiplayer titles.

    But what happens when a big publisher decides to patent those core ideas? Welcome to the controversy swirling around Nintendo’s patent infringement lawsuit against Pocket Pair, the developer of Palworld.

    In a nutshell, Nintendo claims Palworld infringes on patents that Nintendo filed after Pocket Pair had already showcased similar mechanics in both Palworld and an earlier game called Craftopia.

    This legal battle raises unsettling questions about the future of game development, creativity, and fair competition in the industry.

    How the Lawsuit Unfolded

    Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are targeting Palworld for allegedly copying mechanics such as capturing creatures in a 3D environment by aiming and throwing an object—similar to what players experienced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

    However, the suit seems contentious because:

    • Timing: Nintendo’s patents were filed after Pocket Pair had already introduced the mechanics in Craftopia (back in 2020) and continued them in Palworld.
    • Questionable Novelty: Prior art—existing examples of the same mechanic—dates to before Nintendo’s 2024 patent.

    While Nintendo’s financial claim is relatively small (around $64,000), the implications could reverberate throughout the gaming industry.

    The Dark Side of Patenting Game Mechanics

    Stifling Creativity and Innovation

    Video game genres thrive on iteration.

    Imagine if the creators of Tetris had patented “falling blocks,” preventing other puzzle games from evolving.

    When mechanics like “throwing objects to catch creatures” become off-limits, developers can’t freely experiment or build upon popular ideas.

    Instead of pushing design boundaries, studios would be forced to tiptoe around legal pitfalls.

    Blocking Indie Developers from Competing

    Patent lawsuits aren’t cheap. Large corporations wielding legal muscle can easily intimidate indie teams even with modest budgets.

    Even if the developer isn’t outright violating a patent, the fear of drawn-out litigation can stop a smaller studio from exploring new or similar ideas.

    This creates a chilling effect and shrinks the diversity of games on the market.

    Undermining Prior Art and Open Development

    Craftopia, which predates Nintendo’s patent filings, already showcased the capture mechanic.

    This raises the question: Should a patent be granted for something already existing in the public domain?

    If big companies can skirt “prior art” by filing patents after a concept becomes popular, we risk a world where legal jockeying trumps genuine creative evolution.

    Nintendo’s lawsuit appears to be about more than monetary gains.

    Securing a legal win—even with a minimal financial award—could establish a precedent for future “retroactive” enforcement of patents.

    We could see a domino effect where large companies swiftly patent any emerging or existing game mechanic (like loot boxes, battle passes, or crafting systems) to wield as leverage against competitors.

    Shifting Focus from Creativity to Corporate Control

    The gaming community is built on collaboration, modding, and iterative improvements.

    Corporate legal teams become gatekeepers when patents start walling off fundamental gameplay mechanics.

    This focus on patent ownership over game mechanics risks stifling the spontaneous creative spark that makes gaming exciting and varied.

    Counterargument: Do Patents Protect Innovation?

    Proponents of game mechanics patents argue they protect developers’ R&D investments.

    It’s one thing to guard specific code, unique artwork, or particular characters under copyright and trademark, but It’s another to claim ownership of abstract ideas or interactions.

    Gameplay thrives on remixing and refining existing concepts, much like how the first-person shooter genre built upon the foundations of DOOM to give us everything from Halo to Call of Duty.

    What’s at Stake for Gamers and Devs?

    If Nintendo’s suit against Palworld succeeds, smaller studios could be deterred from experimenting with new or existing gameplay loops for fear of treading on newly patented territory.

    That means fewer bold, creative indie projects that dare to compete with industry giants.

    For gamers, that translates to a more homogenous market, with big publishers calling the shots on which core mechanics are permissible.

    Where We Go From Here

    1. Stricter Patent Reviews
      Patent offices should thoroughly examine applications to ensure that “prior art” is respected. If a mechanic existed before a new patent’s filing date, that patent must be denied or invalidated.

    2. Speak Out and Withhold Support
      Consider sending emails or letters to Nintendo and voicing your displeasure about their legal stance. If you disagree with these patent tactics, you could also choose not to purchase Nintendo’s upcoming console “Switch 2”. By withholding your financial support, you send a clear message that you don’t endorse aggressive patent enforcement against smaller developers.

    3. Consider Removing Your Game from Their Platform
      If you’re a developer who has published a game on a Nintendo platform, consider pulling your title as an act of protest. Cite Nintendo’s lawsuit against Palworld as your reason for taking this stance—though, to be clear, your action is a form of protest, not the direct cause of Nintendo’s legal actions. This may seem drastic, but collective action from creators can make a strong statement.

    4. Support Dev-Friendly Companies
      Look for publishers and platforms that embrace open collaboration and do not aggressively patent core gameplay mechanics. Encourage the industry to adopt business practices that foster free creative expression. We should champion companies that value innovation over litigation.

    5. Legal Reform and Industry Dialogue
      Finally, push for policy changes that limit the scope of software patents. Engage in honest discussions—through social media, petitions, or at industry conferences—to build a consensus that ensures fundamental gameplay ideas remain open and free to iterate on.

    By banding together as consumers and creators, we can challenge legal tactics that stifle creativity. If we speak with our wallets, voices, and actions, we have a better chance of preserving the spirit of open innovation that has driven the games industry for decades.

    Tuesday January 28, 2025

  • FOBO, the fear of becoming obsolete. 🤔

    Monday January 27, 2025

  • While we're renaming the Gulf's of things, how about we renaming America as #Dumberstan? 😜 

    Saturday January 25, 2025

  • The Accountability of Reason ✍️🤔

    Saturday January 18, 2025

  • Mystery into Mastery #poem

    Thursday January 16, 2025

  • Thoughts

    Sometimes, the most extraordinary breakthroughs come from accepting what initially seemed incomprehensible. 

    Tuesday January 14, 2025

  • Thoughts

    You may be from the 1900s if…
      you don’t know who this Brat Bunny artist is. 😁

    Tuesday January 14, 2025

  • Poems

    I am but

    from chin to shin

    benevolently disposed

    Tuesday January 14, 2025

  • Productivity

    ,

    Online Tools

    How to Pick the Best Blog or Newsletter Platform in 2025

    Auto-generated description: Text on a purple gradient background discusses choosing a blog or newsletter platform, with a website link included.

    In 2025, blogging and newsletters remain essential tools for creators, businesses, and professionals. However, choosing the right one can be challenging with many available platforms. Whether you’re a beginner, a tech-savvy developer, or an established creator looking to monetize your content, this guide will help you navigate the options.

    Key Factors to Consider

    When evaluating platforms, consider the following:

    • Ease of Use: Does the platform fit your technical skills?

    • Customization: How much control do you want over design and functionality?

    • Community and Discoverability: Does the platform help you grow your audience?

    • Monetization Options: Can you earn money directly through the platform?

    • Content Ownership: Do you retain control over your content?

    • Cost: Does the platform align with your budget?

    Use Cases and Recommendations

    1. Beginners or General Use

    For those new to blogging or looking for simple, user-friendly platforms, these options stand out:

    • Medium: Ideal for casual bloggers who want to focus on writing and gain access to a built-in community.

    • Micro.blog: Supports short-form and long-form blogging with cross-posting to Mastodon, Threads, and BlueSky. Great for personal sites with minimal monetization needs.

    • Squarespace: Excellent for visually appealing blogs with drag-and-drop design and robust hosting.

    • WordPress.com: Offers beginner-friendly features, extensive plugins, and SEO tools. It’s a solid choice if you want a customizable blog and don’t mind some maintenance.

    2. Creators Focused on Newsletters or Monetization

    For creators prioritizing audience growth and revenue, these platforms excel:

    • Ghost: Combines blogging and newsletters with built-in subscription and membership tools. Ideal for creators seeking an all-in-one platform.

    • Beehiiv: Designed for scaling newsletters with robust analytics and monetization options.

    • Buttondown: Simple and lightweight, perfect for indie creators starting out with email subscriptions.

    • Mailcoach: Self-hosted, providing full control over your newsletters without ongoing fees.

    3. Tech-Savvy Developers

    For developers who want complete control over their blogging setup:

    • Hugo, Astro, or NextJS: Static site generators for blazing-fast performance and maximum customization. Requires technical expertise.

    • WriteFreely: Open-source blogging software with minimalist, distraction-free writing.

    • Hashnode: A tech-focused platform with GitHub integration and a developer-friendly audience.

    4. Professionals and Thought Leaders

    For business professionals aiming to grow their brand or network:

    • LinkedIn Articles: A natural choice for thought leadership with built-in networking opportunities.

    • Medium: Provides discoverability and a broad audience for professional writing.

    Why You Might Want to Switch Off WordPress in 2025

    WordPress has been a dominant blogging platform for years, but it’s no longer the best fit for every use case. Many users find its maintenance and performance issues burdensome. Here’s why you might consider switching:

    • High Maintenance: Regular updates and plugin management can be time-consuming.

    • Performance Issues: Without careful optimization, WordPress sites can become slow.

    Better Alternatives for Specific Use Cases:

    • Micro.blog: Great for personal blogs or creators who value simplicity.

    • Ghost: Modern, fast, and equipped with monetization tools.

    • Medium: Excellent for writing-focused creators seeking discoverability.

    • Squarespace: A better fit for e-commerce or visually polished websites.

    The Importance of Choosing Platforms with Good Content Policies

    The content policies of a platform shape the kind of community it fosters and, by extension, the broader digital landscape. When choosing a blog framework or newsletter platform, it’s essential to consider how they address hate speech, harassment, and harmful behavior.

    Platforms with clear and well-enforced content policies create spaces where diverse voices can thrive, and users feel safe. By supporting these platforms, we help build an internet that promotes constructive dialogue and meaningful engagement.

    As creators, the platforms we choose reflect our values. Prioritizing platforms with strong content policies isn’t censorship; it’s about ensuring safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can participate respectfully. Together, we can contribute to a better, more responsible internet.

    To help you choose the best platform for your blog or newsletter, I’ve compiled a comprehensive spreadsheet comparing 20 different services.

    This resource covers key details like pricing, ease of use, audience suitability, and—importantly—their policies on hate speech, including links to their content policies.

    I created this spreadsheet by thoroughly researching each platform’s features and policies to provide you with the essential information needed to make an informed choice…

    👉 Here’s a link to the spreadsheet 👈

    I hope that it saves you time and helps you find a platform that aligns with your values and goals.

    Substack: A Troubling Example

    Substack is popular for newsletters but criticized for its approach to hate speech. The company has stated it won’t remove Nazi content or other white supremacist ideologies unless it incites direct violence. This permissive stance has made it a hub for harmful ideologies.

    Ask Yourself:

    • Do you want to support a platform that tolerates Nazi content?

    • Are you comfortable associating your brand with Substack’s content policy?

    Platforms With Stronger Content Policies

    • Ghost: Enforces clear guidelines against hate speech and white supremacy.

    • Medium: Takes a strong stance against hateful content, fostering a positive community.

    • Buttondown: Ethical and straightforward, with a commitment to inclusive content.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Thanks for reading

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    This guide has been helpful as you consider the best platform for your blog or newsletter? Well, I hope anyway.

    Remember to be thoughtful about your choice; not just for features but for the online environment you want to support.

    If you’d like to stay updated with more posts like this, consider subscribing to my newsletter.

    Saturday January 11, 2025

  • Okay, I updated the blog’s meta tags. Now I need to test it, so this is a test. Hopefully,, it works. Yay. Testing in production. What fun. Happy Saturday, everyone.

    Saturday January 11, 2025

  • Life and Updates

    Why It’s Time to Take BlueSky Seriously

    You Know WHY. So, Okay, FINE 😮‍💨

    I set up shop on Blue Sky! I’ve been lurking long enough, you know? Honestly, the hardest part was picking a handle (why is that always so stressful?).

    I was torn between @ logan.land and @ llbbl.blog Both had their charm, but since I’m all about that blahg life right now, I went with @llbbl.blog. Got it verified and everything—feels pretty official!

    LLBBL. Yeah, it’s just a bunch of letters, but they’re my bunch of letters now. Will it stick? Who knows! Will it be successful? Probably not. 😂

    At least we tried!

    If you’re on there, come say hi— @llbbl.blog ԅ(≖‿≖ԅ).

    Let’s see what this bsky place is all about!

    BUT WAIT

    I HAVE A NEWSLETTER

    Wednesday January 8, 2025

  • Can’t decide what I like more. Rice crispy treats with coffee or in the coffee. ☕️

    Saturday December 21, 2024

  • Some games are free

    Some games are pain

    Some games are paid

    Some games are fun

    Some games are frightening

    Some games are delightful

    Some games are dreary

    Some games are dear

    Some games are gross

    Some games are great

    Some games are garbage

    Some games are good

    Saturday December 14, 2024

  • Poems

    Ask me a question,

    I’ll give you no lie.

    Why would I?

    Even try.

    So, I wait.

    Saturday December 14, 2024

  • Don’t worry, I watched the video game awards. Good thing too because I opened Threads and holy shit spoilers-much.

    Friday December 13, 2024

  • Despite my best efforts, I continue to make a difference. 😂😝

    Friday December 13, 2024

  • Gaming

    My 50+ Greatest Video Games

    Here are 50+ games that have stuck with me over the years - a collection of my favorite titles that have left a lasting impression. These aren’t ranked in any particular order, just games that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and spent countless hours playing.

    • Super Mario World (SNES, 1990, Nintendo) - Classic platformer featuring Mario and Yoshi in the Dinosaur Land adventure
    • World of Warcraft (PC, 2004, Blizzard Entertainment) - Massively multiplayer online RPG set in the world of Azeroth
    • EverQuest (PC, 1999, Sony Online Entertainment) - Pioneering 3D MMORPG that helped define the genre
    • Warcraft III (PC, 2002, Blizzard Entertainment) - Real-time strategy game featuring four unique races and hero units
    • StarCraft (PC, 1998, Blizzard Entertainment) - Sci-fi RTS featuring three distinct alien races in a cosmic conflict
    • StarCraft II (PC, 2010, Blizzard Entertainment) - Sequel to the iconic RTS expanding on the original’s story and gameplay
    • The Legend of Zelda (NES, 1986, Nintendo) - Action-adventure game that pioneered many open-world gaming concepts
    • Half-Life 2 (PC, 2004, Valve) - Revolutionary FPS featuring physics-based gameplay and immersive storytelling
    • Vampire Survivors (PC, 2022, Poncle) - Roguelite survival game with auto-attacking and bullet-hell elements
    • Chrono Trigger (SNES, 1995, Square) - Time-traveling JRPG considered one of the greatest games ever made
    • Doom (PC, 1993, id Software) - Groundbreaking FPS that defined the genre for years to come
    • Unreal (PC, 1998, GT Interactive) - First-person shooter showcasing the revolutionary Unreal Engine
    • Quake (PC, 1996, id Software) - Technical breakthrough in 3D gaming and multiplayer FPS
    • Sid Meier’s Civilization IV (PC, 2005, 2K Games) - Turn-based strategy game about building civilizations through history
    • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PC/PS3/X360, 2011, Bethesda Softworks) - Open-world fantasy RPG set in the Nordic province of Skyrim
    • Fallout 4 (PC/PS4/XOne, 2015, Bethesda Softworks) - Post-apocalyptic RPG set in the ruins of Boston
    • Diablo II (PC, 2000, Blizzard Entertainment) - Action RPG that set the standard for the hack-and-slash genre
    • Hollow Knight (PC, 2017, Team Cherry) - Atmospheric metroidvania with challenging combat and beautiful art
    • Minecraft (PC, 2011, Mojang) - Sandbox survival crafting game with infinite possibilities
    • Control (PC/PS4/XOne, 2019, 505 Games) - Supernatural action-adventure set in a shape-shifting building
    • X-COM (PC, 1994, MicroProse) - Turn-based tactical game about defending Earth from aliens
    • Might and Magic series (PC, 1986, New World Computing) - Classic RPG series featuring party-based dungeon crawling
    • GoldenEye 007 (N64, 1997, Nintendo) - Revolutionary FPS that defined console multiplayer shooting
    • Divinity: Original Sin 2 (PC, 2017, Larian Studios) - Deep tactical RPG with complex systems and multiplayer support
    • Baldur’s Gate 3 (PC, 2023, Larian Studios) - D&D-based RPG with unprecedented level of choice and reactivity
    • Elden Ring (PC/PS5/XSX, 2022, Bandai Namco) - Open-world action RPG featuring challenging combat
    • Dark Souls II (PC/PS3/X360, 2014, Bandai Namco) - Action RPG known for its difficulty and intricate level design
    • Overwatch (PC/PS4/XOne, 2016, Blizzard Entertainment) - Team-based hero shooter with diverse character roster
    • Team Fortress 2 (PC, 2007, Valve) - Class-based multiplayer FPS with distinctive art style
    • Borderlands 3 (PC/PS4/XOne, 2019, 2K Games) - Looter-shooter with irreverent humor and billions of guns
    • Warframe (PC, 2013, Digital Extremes) - Free-to-play sci-fi action game with space ninjas
    • Resident Evil 4 (GC, 2005, Capcom) - Revolutionary third-person survival horror action game
    • Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (PS3/X360, 2013, Ubisoft) - Open-world action game set in the Golden Age of Piracy
    • Stardew Valley (PC, 2016, ConcernedApe) - Farming simulation RPG with rich social interactions
    • RimWorld (PC, 2018, Ludeon Studios) - Sci-fi colony management simulation with emergent storytelling
    • BioShock 2 (PC/PS3/X360, 2010, 2K Games) - Underwater FPS sequel exploring themes of family and collectivism
    • Max Payne 2 (PC, 2003, Rockstar Games) - Noir action game featuring bullet-time shooting mechanics
    • Death Stranding (PS4, 2019, Sony Interactive Entertainment) - Unique delivery action game with social connection themes
    • Frostpunk (PC, 2018, 11 bit studios) - Society survival game in a frozen post-apocalyptic world
    • Orcs Must Die! 2 (PC, 2012, Robot Entertainment) - Tower defense action game with trap-laying mechanics
    • Deep Rock Galactic (PC, 2020, Coffee Stain Publishing) - Co-op mining FPS featuring space dwarves
    • Heroes of Hammerwatch (PC, 2018, Crackshell) - Roguelite action RPG with pixel art graphics
    • Smite (PC, 2014, Hi-Rez Studios) - Third-person MOBA featuring mythological deities
    • Factorio (PC, 2020, Wube Software) - Complex factory building and automation simulation
    • Left 4 Dead 2 (PC, 2009, Valve) - Cooperative zombie survival FPS with dynamic AI Director
    • Bloodborne (PS4, 2015, Sony Interactive Entertainment) - Gothic action RPG featuring aggressive combat and Lovecraftian horror
    • Final Fantasy VII (PS1, 1997, Square) - Landmark JRPG featuring epic story and innovative materia system
    • Clash of Clans (iOS/Android, 2012, Supercell) - Strategic mobile base-building and raiding game
    • Cyberpunk 2077 (PC/PS4/XOne, 2020, CD Projekt) - Open-world action RPG set in a dystopian future metropolis
    • Risk of Rain 2 (PC, 2020, Gearbox Publishing) - 3D roguelike shooter with escalating difficulty and power progression
    • Hades (PC, 2020, Supergiant Games) - Action roguelike based on Greek mythology with compelling narrative
    • Halo 3 (X360, 2007, Microsoft Game Studios) - Epic conclusion to the original Halo trilogy with groundbreaking multiplayer
    • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC/X360, 2006, Bethesda Softworks) - Open-world fantasy RPG set in the Imperial province of Cyrodiil
    • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES, 1991, Nintendo) - Beloved action-adventure featuring parallel Light and Dark Worlds
    • Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES, 1988, Nintendo) - Unique Mario platformer based on Doki Doki Panic with character selection
    • Torchlight II (PC, 2012, Runic Games) - Fast-paced action RPG with mod support and multiplayer features
    Sunday December 8, 2024