Issue 30
the Week of November 23, 2015
In this issue, we discuss exploitative monetization models in technology, and critique representations of online identity and how they impact underrepresented groups. We look at the pervasive empathy gap in tech communities, and how the diversity movement in gaming continues to fail marginalized developers. Plus, a look at domestic violence in the Marvel universe, and a Q&A series with technologists with disabilities on their work, STEM education and the pipeline. Photo CC-BY maf04, filtered.
Netflix, Uncovering Cycles of Abuse and Chill: Jessica Jones and Domestic Violence
On the heels of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Jessica Jones confronts many themes of intimate partner violence.
Q&A with STEM Professionals with Disabilities
In the current discussion on diversity and STEM, as with so many diversity initiatives, disability is usually excluded or thought of purely in terms of accessibility or accommodations.
The Whales of Microtransactions, and the Elephant in the Room
Game studios are now purposefully designing bad systems and mechanics, hoping that people will be willing to pay to get past the poorly-made parts of the service: when microtransactions are the sole source of income, we start to build our entire product around that model.
Breaking the Tech Language Barrier: How Empathetic Communication Can Bridge the Gaps
The system won’t work if there are no developers. It also won’t work if we fire the sales team or get rid of the marketing staff or can the designers. Tech is an ecosystem, and it’s much healthier when we are working cohesively within that system.
The Argument for Free-Form Input
We continue to arbitrarily trust the judgements of white, able-bodied, neurotypical cis dudes to define personhood in the digital world.
Intel at IndieCade: The Cost of Diversity in Games
Marginalized developers suffer from an industry-wide epidemic that withholds basic income from hard-working artists for the dubious privilege of exposure. But despite popular belief, we are not in dire need of exposure, petty consolations, or a tent on the outskirts of a major industry event.
This issue is made possible in part by some of our generous readers: Josh Lucas, Joey Echeverria,  Anoop Ranganath, Sam Stephenson and Klein Lieu.Â