Notices by Chris Trottier (atomicpoet@atomicpoet.org), page 3

This one’s personal.

SpaceHost isn’t gone yet, but it’s winding down. It made the Fediverse accessible to so many—and we didn’t want that to fade.

So @rjbasitali and I are building @gofedi: a fully managed Fediverse hosting service for Mastodon, Pixelfed, Misskey, Akkoma, and PeerTube—with more on the way. Our goal is to eventually support every major Fediverse platform.

The first newsletter just went out. A new beginning.

RE: https://social.gofedi.com/users/gofedi/statuses/115487053664209448

Ultimately, an Xbox running full Windows is a win for Linux.

Why? Because it pushes PC gaming on a TV into the mainstream. And once that happens, people will start realizing something obvious: “Wait a second—I could just build a small ITX PC, install Linux, and get better performance than an Xbox.”

That’s already the story playing out with the ROG Ally. The hardware’s there, the software’s catching up—and Linux keeps closing the gap.

RE: https://atomicpoet.org/objects/4ce539b8-9c21-455e-a976-fae4c0462643

@aral That’s a fair take, and honestly, I get where you’re coming from.

I don’t dismiss the threat—you’re right that climate collapse could unravel far more than we realize. But what gives me some hope is that same stubborn human pattern: even in the middle of catastrophe, people organize, adapt, and find ways to rebuild.

I don’t think optimism means pretending things will work out on their own. It means believing that enough of us will keep trying, even when it looks impossible.

@aral I get that—and the threat is real. But for the entirety of my life—nearly 44 years—I’ve been waiting for the nuclear holocaust to happen.

It hasn’t.

I’ve now lived more than half my projected lifespan under that same shadow, and the world’s still here. Not because it can’t happen, but because, statistically, most of us will die of natural causes before it does.

And I suspect you believe the same—since it’s highly unlikely you’re posting this from the safety of a nuclear bunker.

The Fediverse is too full of doomerism.

So let’s be honest—the track record for doom is awful.

Most of the time, betting on collapse is a losing game. Not only because it becomes self-fulfilling, but because history shows that progress wins out more often than not. I don’t say that as a naïve optimist. If anything, doom should appeal to me. I’m a contrarian at heart.

But history tells a clear story. Every generation has its prophets of collapse. Sometimes they’re right—but those moments are rare, and the people making them usually go broke waiting for vindication. The rest spend decades yelling “doom!” while the world keeps quietly getting better.

And even when the doomers do have a point, they still get it wrong. They underestimate how stubborn we are. Humanity is basically that boss fight you think you’ve beaten—until the health bar refills. We adapt, improvise, and claw our way out.

The Great Depression didn’t fix itself. People built safety nets, reformed banks, and rewired their economies. Inflation has flared up again and again, but institutions learned how to keep it from spiralling out of control. Energy crises forced innovation in how we produce and use power. Even the 2008 financial meltdown—supposedly the death of capitalism—ended up proving that markets can mutate fast enough to survive almost anything.

The doomers weren’t wrong about the threats. They just underestimated how fast humans learn under pressure—and how innovation always sneaks in through the cracks.

That’s the real story. Humanity’s defining trait isn’t blind optimism—it’s resiliency. We stumble, argue, and procrastinate, but when the stakes get high enough, we build, fix, and adapt. We don’t survive because the future is guaranteed—we survive because we refuse to stop creating it.

And that resilience isn’t abstract. It’s personal. It’s the person rebuilding after a layoff. The worker starting over when an industry collapses. The founder trying again after failure. Markets may crash, but people keep reinventing themselves. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it.

Still, zoom out beyond the latest crisis and the long-term picture is hard to ignore.

In 1925, most of the world didn’t have electricity or running water. Life expectancy was under 40 in many countries. Roughly 80 percent of adults were illiterate. Today, more than 90 percent of the global population has access to electricity. Over three-quarters can read and write. Global life expectancy is now over 70. And we carry supercomputers in our pockets with access to the sum of human knowledge.

Over the past century, humanity has endured the Great Depression, a world war, a Cold War, oil shocks, recessions, pandemics, and nuclear close calls. Every time, someone declared it was the end. Yet each time, we adapted, rebuilt, and moved forward.

Just within the past 20 years, more than 700 million people have escaped extreme poverty. Infant mortality has fallen by half. Deaths from infectious diseases have plunged. Despite everything—pandemics, wars, climate shocks—global living standards continue to rise.

And still, doom sells.

To those convinced the end is near, I’ll offer the same challenge. If you’re that certain, short the entire economy.

Most won’t, because unless you’re among the rare few who get it exactly right, betting on doom will ruin you.

The cat’s out of the bag.

I’m co-founding @gofedi, a new Fediverse hosting service—based in Canada, with all data hosted in Canada.

My co-founder is @rjbasitali, formerly of @spacehost. He’s moved on from SpaceHost to build this new venture with me.

We began working on it back in August. And today, it’s officially out of stealth.

RE: https://social.gofedi.com/users/gofedi/statuses/115413479620916112

Got it. Here’s that sentence rewritten with your clarification, keeping the tone natural and consistent with the rest of the post:

We agreed that while DIY incorporation might save money, it would be too labour intensive and could create problems down the road if we don’t take full advantage of the expert advice available.

Today we held our first Steering Committee meeting, and it gave us something we’ve been working toward for weeks—a clear sense of direction, shared purpose, and a name that truly fits what we’re building.

We’re officially becoming the Federated Video Co-op Initiative (formerly the PeerTube Co-op Initiative). The old name reflected where we started. The new name reflects where we’re going. We’re not tied to one platform—we’re building a co-operative framework for federated video as a whole.

The meeting helped define our path. Creators and viewers will be at the heart of the co-op. We discussed sustainable funding ideas like a Patreon-style model for creators, and explored development options—from partnering with CoSocial as a fiscal host to collectively funding GIA Co-op’s support. We agreed that while DIY incorporation might save money, it would be too labour intensive and could create problems down the road if we don’t take full advantage of the expert advice available.

This co-op will be rooted in Canada, but open to the world. We’re building something grounded, collaborative, and built to last.

Our Steering Committee is now drafting the Founding Framework, a Living Document that defines who we are and what we stand for. Once it’s ready, we’ll invite everyone to read it, comment, and help shape it together. The target date is Friday, October 24.

After CoSocial’s AGM later this month, we’ll meet again to review the framework, vote, and start shaping our bylaws.

Thank you to everyone who’s been following and supporting this effort from the beginning. The federated video future we’ve been talking about is taking shape—and we’re building it together.

Want to get involved?

DM me your email address if you’d like to be part of the co-op or receive updates about the Federated Video Co-op Initiative.

#FederatedVideo #PeerTube #Cooperative #Fediverse #CanadianCoops

🎉 Big news for the PeerTube Co-op Initiative!

This Sunday marks the first official meeting of the PeerTube Co-op BC Steering Committee—the very first step toward making a PeerTube server that’s democratically run and community-owned.

Every member of the Steering Committee is a volunteer, donating their time, expertise, and energy to help build an alternative to corporate video hosting—one grounded in co-operative values, transparency, and ownership.

Together, we’ll be defining the vision, mission, and structure that will guide how this co-op operates—from membership to governance to long-term sustainability.

It’s happening—the foundation for a truly democratic, community-run PeerTube network is being built right now.

Two weeks ago, this was just an idea. Now, it’s becoming an organization.

Since launching the call for a PeerTube co-op, momentum has turned into structure. Over 35 people have expressed interest in becoming founding member-owners, and the Steering Committee has now been formalized. We’re in the orientation phase, preparing to define the co-op’s mission, vision, and bylaws before incorporation in BC.

We’re also working closely with GIA Consulting Co-op, who will join our first Steering Committee meeting to help orient the group and guide early governance discussions.

Beyond that, conversations are expanding. I’ve been in touch with CoSocial.ca (a Canadian Mastodon co-op) about collaboration, BT Free (a Fediverse non-profit PeerTube host) about resource-sharing, and @damon from We Distribute about the initiative more broadly.

Next step: Steering Committee orientation, followed by our first working session on Vision & Mission.

If you’d like to stay informed or get involved, DM me your email address and I’ll make sure you’re included in future updates.

#PeerTubeCoop #Cooperative #PeerTube #Fediverse #DigitalCommons

Diane Keaton’s passing really bums me out. Not just because she was brilliant—but because it’s another sign that the people I thought would always be here, aren’t.

And it’s not just the artists and icons fading away. It’s friends, family, people I care about. The reminders come more often now.

https://variety.com/2025/film/news/diane-keaton-dead-annie-hall-1236546710

Over the past few days, a few important questions have come up that deserve clear answers. These will be added to the main FAQ post as well to keep everything in one place.

BC has one of the strongest and most flexible legal frameworks for co-operatives in North America. It allows for multi-stakeholder models, clear governance structures, and relatively straightforward incorporation. This makes it an ideal jurisdiction to establish a co-op that can scale while remaining member-governed.

Right now, I’m proposing a for-profit co-op, because I believe that’s the best way to maximally serve member-owners. A for-profit structure allows the co-op to sustain itself through revenue, reinvest surplus into the platform, and return benefits to members, rather than relying on grants or donations.

That said, nothing is set in stone. Once the steering committee is formed and the co-op takes shape, member-owners will collectively decide what structure works best.

Under BC co-operative law, at least one director must be a resident of British Columbia. I already fulfil that requirement. However, it’s wise to build redundancies into the governance structure in case something happens that prevents my continued participation. Having more BC-based member-owners involved ensures the co-op remains legally compliant and operational no matter what.

No. Anyone, regardless of where they live, can become a member-owner of the co-op. The only legal requirement is that at least three members of the initial steering committee must be Canadian residents for incorporation purposes. International members are welcome and encouraged to participate in governance, decision-making, and platform use.

Yes, in principle. Co-ops can have both individuals and organizations as members. We’ll be consulting co-operative experts to confirm the best structure, but businesses that share the vision for a sustainable, community-owned video platform will likely be able to join as organizational members.

International supporters can become member-owners, participate in discussions, contribute financially, and help shape policies and governance. While only Canadian residents can be part of the legal steering committee for incorporation, international voices are essential for building a platform that serves a global community.

Co-ops are stronger together. We’ve started reaching out to groups like CoSocial.ca, Social.coop, and SocialBC.ca to explore collaboration, share governance practices, and ensure efforts complement rather than duplicate each other. There’s a real opportunity to build a federated co-operative ecosystem across the Fediverse.

#PeerTubeCoop, #Fediverse #FAQ

Tired of YouTube calling all the shots? It’s time to build something better—together.

Here’s the slide deck for a proposal to launch a PeerTube co-op.

Right now, there are three of us ready to get this off the ground. I’m looking for two more founder-members to bring us up to five. With that core, we’ll have the resources to make a PeerTube server not just viable, but sustainable—and built to last.

This isn’t about joining someone else’s platform. It’s about creating one. As a founder, you’ll have a real voice in governance and a direct hand in shaping content policies, by-laws, moderation rules, and more.

We’re staying early stage by design. This is the moment to get in, shape the vision, and build something that actually challenges the status quo. If that excites you, message me.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LgJvocTe6hH8bCw-yy-2o5QWSYCABkyL/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108163627088117284715&rtpof=true&sd=true

🔥 Big update: the PeerTube co-op idea is taking off.

Yesterday I shared the proposal publicly—and the response has been outstanding. Seven people have already stepped up to become founder-members, ready to build a member-owned, democratically governed alternative to corporate video platforms.

What started as a loose idea is now a real plan—and credit goes to @Crissy for pushing me to turn the idea into a proper proposal.

We’re at the early stages: talking with existing Fediverse co-ops, and I’ve reached out to the BC Co-op Association to guide us through incorporation. Next up: drafting bylaws, shaping governance, and laying a solid foundation together.

Once incorporated, member-owners will decide everything—policies, hosting practices, monetization models. This isn’t just another social media platform. It’s a co-operative effort to build something transparent, resilient, and ours.

If this speaks to you—if you want to help shape a new, community-owned video platform—get in touch. This is how alternatives get built.

RE: https://atomicpoet.org/objects/2289eb47-0f39-463d-a056-8568e12e70f3

Just discovered you can watch WHL games for free on the Victory+ app on Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV.

Wow. Even an NFL fan thinks these new CFL rule changes are garbage.

And he nails the real issue: the CFL’s problem isn’t the rules—it’s the lack of star power. He says he tuned in back when Ricky Ray was slinging passes, but who’s the face of the league now? Who’s the must-see player that casual fans actually know?

Exactly. There isn’t one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2SBVqZnJxY

Isn’t it funny how both the software industry and drug dealers refer to their customers as “users”?

I’ve deleted all the communities on PieFed.social where I was the sole moderator. The reason is simple: building on a server where I don’t have final control carries risk, and I don’t want to keep investing in spaces that could be removed from me at any moment.

The one exception is !movies@piefed.social, which has co-moderators. That community will stay, though I won’t be contributing new content there going forward.

This wasn’t a rash decision. I thought it through carefully, and it comes down to making sure the work I put in remains under my own control. All of it was cross-posted from atomicpoet.org to begin with—it’s all still here.

Thanks to everyone who’s followed my posts across different corners of the Fediverse. If you’ve been reading my stuff on PieFed, nothing’s really gone—it’s all still here.

10 new(-ish) Linux games from itch.io that caught my eye lately.

I dug through, tested, and researched these—and every one of them runs excellently on Linux.

Spirit Stackers (fluttersprite)

A competitive falling-block puzzler spun out of the Paranatural webcomic. Spirit blocks drop in pairs, spectral energy zaps across the board, and clever chains bury your opponent in junk. Local 1–2 player, arcade mode for solo, and a wildcard block that can swing a match at the last second.

https://fluttersprite.itch.io/spiritstackers

COLORMUSE (TheJohnyFeeD)

Twin-stick bullet ballet. Swap polarities like Ikaruga, eat your colour, dodge the rest. Add in an online leaderboard, Lunatic difficulty, and a pounding electronic soundtrack. Feels arcade-authentic in a way most shooters don’t.

https://thejohnyfeed.itch.io/colormuse

Mycelium (Leoseverini)

A cozy survival-puzzle where you build out a fungal network one tile at a time. Collect resources, fruit your mushroom, and slowly surface. Still in development, but already a satisfying little zoom-and-pan clicker.

https://leoseverini.itch.io/mycelium

OBRII (Exponenta Games)

A stripped-down colony builder that makes Mars feel like a puzzle box. Every turn you drop terraforming tools, reshape craters, carve out deposits, and watch as your settlement teeters between survival and collapse. No tutorial bloat, no grind—just tight mechanics and a stark aesthetic that makes every decision bite.

https://exponenta-games.itch.io/obrii

Ship Miner (arielsan)

A one-bit twin-stick about grinding rock in the dark. Asteroids aren’t just scenery—they’re loaded with minerals, scrap, and the occasional hostile surprise. Strip them down, haul the loot, and pour it into upgrades: triple mining rays, photon thrusters, even healing drones to keep you alive when the void bites back. It’s sharp, frantic, and weirdly hypnotic..

https://arielsan.itch.io/shipminer

Children of the Spring (Arcanzu Games)

The world’s gone under, leaving only scattered islands and a sea that hides more than it gives away. Children of the Spring drops you into that flood with a ship that evolves alongside you—unlocking new ways to fight, explore, and dive into the depths. Real-time combat, secrets tucked above and below the waves, and a looming tower that dares you to climb.

https://arcanzu-games.itch.io/children-of-the-spring

Hope of Taru (Seidel Games)

A family-built platformer with hand-drawn charm. You play a wanderer piecing together memory, collecting stone fragments, and slowly lifting the curse from a ruined village. Six levels, a bespoke soundtrack, and just enough rough edges to remind you this came from a summer project at home—not a studio boardroom.

https://seidel-games.itch.io/hope-of-taru

Waste your Wedding (Antoine Foucault)

A side-scrolling aerial brawler where you crash a wedding to steal cake. Yes, really. Attacks double as extra jumps, you can quick-warp with F-keys, and there’s even a palette swap button. Ridiculous in the best way.

https://antoine-foucault.itch.io/waste-your-wedding

Hungry Horrors (Clumsy Bear Studio)

Most deckbuilders have you slashing goblins with swords or zapping them with lightning. Hungry Horrors says forget that—you’re cooking for them instead. Every beast from British and Irish folklore shows up starving, each with its own bizarre cravings.

https://clumsy-bear-studio.itch.io/hungry-horrors

Moth Planet (Moth Fried Games)

A platformer that feels like it crawled out of a sketchbook and took flight. You play a tiny moth in Lepidopteros—bouncing, gliding, and fluttering through hand-drawn landscapes stuffed with secrets. It’s equal parts whimsical and unsettling, with a narrative that doesn’t spoon-feed but keeps you curious.

https://mothfriedgames.itch.io/moth-planet

itch.io is absolutely flooded with experiments like these—some polished, some messy, but all more interesting than whatever safe sequel AAA is rolling out this quarter. And the best part is that every single one here is playable on Linux right now.

@videogames

Lemmy users are in an uproar because MAGA fascists spun up their own server.

First time seeing this? Mastodon and Pleroma already have dozens of these.

We know the playbook: blocks, defederation, and they end up marooned on their own little island.

And if your server doesn’t cut them off? That’s your cue to pack up and migrate.

@fediversenews