2023-12-25
Beginning: I have been meaing to write a blog for some time now but I had avoided writing it for a few reasons; be it lack of motivatin, topics, knowledge or simply self-confidence. However I've been thinking the past couple days about the world I observe- the internet, web forums, chat services, 'big tech', etc. So today, on 25/12/2023 I have decided that I will start writing something, even if it comes off as deranged rambling, serving as a resort from the increasingly dystopian world.
Why write a blog when the internet exists? I'm sure there isnt a lot I can say that hasnt been already published. Is it an act of selflessness? Maybe for a method of introspection? Or am I subconciously joining those that use blogs as a Medium to make a fool of themselves?
I: I've enjoyed playing with computers from a young age. Right from my first interactions with Cheat Engine in my pre-teens till today, where I have taken enough interest to want to persue a profession in computer security. There appears to little left of the magic that drove me in my early days, mystified by not knowing what a corner of the internet might hold. It might also be the case that such an internet never did exist but is only my romanticized memory, however unlikely I think that might be- it should not keep me from trying to make an effort towards 'restoring' it. The enshittification of the interent seems to be increasing day-by-day and this is my half-assed attempt at fighting it. I have come across a few articles on the internet about the death of indexability where the growing norm of short-content-exposure-induced(?) ADHD subverts people into using realtime platforms. Ironically these articles were shared in the Discord communities I am a part of.
The tipping point: It appears as if the 'new world' has accepted it to be superior to steadier; formal methods and has moved on to Discord (and equivelents), leaving web forums and personal web/blog-sites behind. Its easier to use, extremely convenient, offers quick satisfaction and is dangerously proprietary and 'closed'. A lot of my knowledge as a technology and security enthusiast has come from such Discord communities, where people much smarter than I share precious knowledge to all who are willing to recieve it (however, confined within the bounds of the 'community') but so much is lost. I grow anxious thinking about what I would be if I were not a part of x community, even more thinking about the people that need access to such information but dont know of the existence of said public-yet-hidden communities.
I hope that publication of this blog in open space will serve a dual purpose as help for those who wish to dabble in the same niche things I enjoy and as a documentation of my journey, maybe in hope of eternity.
I am a staunch privacy advocate so exposing my thoughts for all to read feels dirty and at least little bit narcisistic. But I think it's best to provide some context to you as a reader and leave it as a note for my future self as a reminder of why I am doing this.