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One of those limits is that "empty" space still has a lot of stuff in it, cosmic rays, that Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from. When you put shit out in space, you cannot ignore cosmic rays.
But no, techno-optimism can't fucking allow that, and so now the rest of the world has to explain that, no, you can't put a fucking data center into space.
When these assclowns tell you how wonderful AI is, remember what they also tell you about cosmic rays.
It doesn't matter how creative you are, how 10x you are, or how much you "think outside the box," the speed of light is what it is, conservation of energy is what it is, and so forth.
Techno-optimism is completely inconsistent with that understanding.
So. Take this bit from the "Techno-Optimist Manifesto:"
> We believe that there is no material problem – whether created by nature or by technology – that cannot be solved with more technology.
There's a lot wrong with that, some of it aptly summarized by "seriously, read one book already." But one of the wrong things there is that sometimes the real world puts limits on shit!
You know that whole "techno-optimism" thing that was going around a year or so ago? I want to revisit that, because there's something absolutely bonkers that is worth drawing out and paying attention to.
This [KEYBOARD] is a machine that turns [UNHINGED IDEAS] into [THREE OR FOUR LIKES ON MASTODON AND MAYBE ONE OR TWO BOOSTS].
This [GERMAN SHEPARD] is a machine that turns [KIBBLES] into [DOG HAIR].
This [BODY] is a machine that turns [MAGIC CARDS] into [DECKS THAT USE COPY TOKENS].
This [COMPUTER] is a machine that turns [DISCORD] into [BURNT CPU CYCLES].
(I'd prefer to print straight to index cards instead of going about it indirectly, using a paper cutter. Hard to get printers that do borderless prints to something that small, though. Mine only does 4x6, and even then to photo paper, which is not ideal for this application.)
The laminator was about $30, and the pouches were about 10¢ each, so it came out to pretty cheap overall. If you need to make tracker cards for your board game prototype, tabletop campaign, or whatever, might want to give it a try.
Tested, and they work great with just basic whiteboard markers, same as you might use for board games or infinitokens.
For the most part, the process was pretty simple:
• Make a design in Inkscape, leaving plenty of bleed room around the cards.
• Print on both sides using an inkjet printer (black is expensive, so consider tank-based rather than cartridge-based).
• Use a paper cutter to divide into 3x5 cards.
• Put into laminating pouches and let a rip.
Made some stat trackers for #FabulaUltima, complete with a quick reference on the other side!
