Issue 18
In this issue, we deconstruct the myths around early adopters and why blogging platforms fail, explore how victims of domestic violence are silenced in online spaces, and critique the state of accessibility in new and emerging technologies. We cover exclusion in the Unicode standard, perception vs. reality of the minority experience in tech, and how the game development cycle is inherently harmful. Plus, how gaslighting shapes our professional and social spaces, and the politics of “trending” on social media. Photo CC-BY jinterwas, cropped & filtered.
The Politics of Trending
While trends are provoking of such surprise and dismay, are so formidable, so worthy of journalistic inquiry and coverage, there is little to no critical analysis of “trending” itself.
Flickering the Gaslight: Tactics of Organized Online Harassment
Faced with organized infiltration, appropriation and psychological abuse in our online communities, we have stopped believing in our own interpretations of what we experience.
How Suge Knight is Responsible For the Wage Gap: A Perspective on Race, Gender and Technology
The gap between my experience as a black woman in tech, and what others perceive of that experience.
The Expendables: How Game Development Standards are Inherently Harmful
In a way, you were the dream: someone who delivered high-quality work - or even perfection - without staying at the company long enough to get paid.
Taking The Social Model of Disability Online
Decades have passed and still accessibility remains on the fringes of technical change.
I Can Text You A Pile of Poo, But I Can’t Write My Name
We can’t ignore the composition of the Unicode Consortium’s members, directors, and officers -- the people who define the everyday writing systems of all languages across the globe.
You Think You’re Helping: The Silencing of Domestic Violence Victims On Twitter
Only the stories of those who are entirely sympathetic, that did all the right things, that say all the right words - those who have the privilege to speak publicly - will be heard.
Country Clubs on the Web: Exclusivity and the Myth of Early Adoption
How different the social media landscape would be if sites focused on more than the good ol' boys network to drive their initial growth.
This issue is made possible in part by some of our generous readers: Julius Parishy, Anoop Ranganath, Tim Murray, Brian Gesiak, Till Klampaeckel, @chort0, Jonah Williams, Cate Huston, Sven Fuchs, Tiago Rodrigues and Bryce Kerley.