Maj
@majdotdev.bsky.social
Game developer in Los Angeles. I write about design sometimes: maj.dev
Pinned
Maj
@majdotdev.bsky.social
· Nov 29
Realizing it's not easy to have a good time on bluesky, due to a few factors. (And partly due to all social media having many awful downsides.)
1. You need to follow at least 500 people to make your Following tab feel good/active. Takes many months to find the right mix. Lots of un/re-following.
1. You need to follow at least 500 people to make your Following tab feel good/active. Takes many months to find the right mix. Lots of un/re-following.
Reposted by Maj
(Dude suddenly stops pushing his broom across the floor of the Death Star)
Does this look like a big laser to anyone else
Does this look like a big laser to anyone else
Palantir employees are pressing company leadership over its work for ICE in internal company Slacks obtained by @wired.com
"In my opinion ICE are the bad guys. I am not proud that the company I enjoy so much working for is part of this."
Scoop from @makenakelly.bsky.social
"In my opinion ICE are the bad guys. I am not proud that the company I enjoy so much working for is part of this."
Scoop from @makenakelly.bsky.social
Palantir Defends Work With ICE to Staff Following Killing of Alex Pretti
“In my opinion ICE are the bad guys. I am not proud that the company I enjoy so much working for is part of this,” one worker wrote on Slack.
www.wired.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:51 AM
(Dude suddenly stops pushing his broom across the floor of the Death Star)
Does this look like a big laser to anyone else
Does this look like a big laser to anyone else
Reposted by Maj
The biggest risk in this moment is something sociologists call “symbolic compliance.”
That’s when an institution that is violating civil rights gives the public just enough symbolic victories that accountability efforts lose steam before there has been any meaningful change.
That’s when an institution that is violating civil rights gives the public just enough symbolic victories that accountability efforts lose steam before there has been any meaningful change.
January 26, 2026 at 11:35 PM
The biggest risk in this moment is something sociologists call “symbolic compliance.”
That’s when an institution that is violating civil rights gives the public just enough symbolic victories that accountability efforts lose steam before there has been any meaningful change.
That’s when an institution that is violating civil rights gives the public just enough symbolic victories that accountability efforts lose steam before there has been any meaningful change.
This really nails it. Mainstream media has two voices left: parroting enforcement authorities and lawyer-vetted non-committal squirming. If you're in the business of monetizing the first amendment and start avoiding it instead, what value are you providing?
A reminder to the news media: “conflicting accounts” is what you say BEFORE the incontrovertible video evidence appears. After that, your job is to ask why one side is lying, not to repeat the lie and pretend no one knows the truth.
January 27, 2026 at 1:39 AM
This really nails it. Mainstream media has two voices left: parroting enforcement authorities and lawyer-vetted non-committal squirming. If you're in the business of monetizing the first amendment and start avoiding it instead, what value are you providing?
Reposted by Maj
The officer who shot Alex worked for DHS for 8 years. The officer who shot Renee worked for DHS for over 10 years. Both are considered “highly trained.”
The problem isn’t "training." DHS was built to violate our rights and has been empowered to act with impunity. We must MELT ICE and dismantle DHS.
The problem isn’t "training." DHS was built to violate our rights and has been empowered to act with impunity. We must MELT ICE and dismantle DHS.
January 26, 2026 at 7:28 PM
The officer who shot Alex worked for DHS for 8 years. The officer who shot Renee worked for DHS for over 10 years. Both are considered “highly trained.”
The problem isn’t "training." DHS was built to violate our rights and has been empowered to act with impunity. We must MELT ICE and dismantle DHS.
The problem isn’t "training." DHS was built to violate our rights and has been empowered to act with impunity. We must MELT ICE and dismantle DHS.
Sadly the world still doesn't have a good answer to "Who deserves opportunity?" For most of my life, the American answer had been "If you adopt our culture, you can have opportunity." That was an unsustainable lie, so it's not surprising to see it shift to "If you are white" - which is a lie too.
January 26, 2026 at 4:35 AM
Sadly the world still doesn't have a good answer to "Who deserves opportunity?" For most of my life, the American answer had been "If you adopt our culture, you can have opportunity." That was an unsustainable lie, so it's not surprising to see it shift to "If you are white" - which is a lie too.
Seeing a lot of calls to boycott the World Cup, which seems misguided for a few reasons. (Just my 2c, could be wrong.)
1. Everyone hates FIFA but soccer belongs to the world too, and brings a lot of people a lot of joy.
2. "Quick, sacrifice something we love!" is a weird response to problems.
1. Everyone hates FIFA but soccer belongs to the world too, and brings a lot of people a lot of joy.
2. "Quick, sacrifice something we love!" is a weird response to problems.
If you're living somewhere outside the USA, one thing you can do is pressure your leaders to boycott World Cup and Olympic events here.
January 24, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Seeing a lot of calls to boycott the World Cup, which seems misguided for a few reasons. (Just my 2c, could be wrong.)
1. Everyone hates FIFA but soccer belongs to the world too, and brings a lot of people a lot of joy.
2. "Quick, sacrifice something we love!" is a weird response to problems.
1. Everyone hates FIFA but soccer belongs to the world too, and brings a lot of people a lot of joy.
2. "Quick, sacrifice something we love!" is a weird response to problems.
Reposted by Maj
If you’re outside of Minnesota and you’re wondering how to help, this guide is excellent.
And seriously. Take down your Ring doorbell TODAY.
And seriously. Take down your Ring doorbell TODAY.
How To Help if You are Outside Minnesota
Last edited January 22, 2026 I’m going to assume that if you’re reading this, you more or less understand the situation in Minnesota and I don’t have to explain it to you! That sa…
naomikritzer.com
January 24, 2026 at 5:47 PM
If you’re outside of Minnesota and you’re wondering how to help, this guide is excellent.
And seriously. Take down your Ring doorbell TODAY.
And seriously. Take down your Ring doorbell TODAY.
Honestly have no idea what conservatives in this country believe in anymore. Just abandoning principles day by day. Basically down to "We should prosper and they should not" - as poorly defined & shortsighted as that reads. Anyway abolishing ICE is the moderate position, and it'll only get clearer.
There is a straight line from the failure of Reconstruction to "We don't need to count everyone's vote in the 2000 election" to "People from places like Madison & Milwaukee aren't real Wisconsinites & shouldn't have their votes count" to "ICE can murder people in cold blood in our cities."
January 24, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Honestly have no idea what conservatives in this country believe in anymore. Just abandoning principles day by day. Basically down to "We should prosper and they should not" - as poorly defined & shortsighted as that reads. Anyway abolishing ICE is the moderate position, and it'll only get clearer.
Also people on bluesky and twitter are gonna debate which one is the most dying every couple months until the heat death of the universe. Nothing decided on social media ever stays settled because the last go-around may as well not exist. That's by design.
January 20, 2026 at 6:25 AM
Also people on bluesky and twitter are gonna debate which one is the most dying every couple months until the heat death of the universe. Nothing decided on social media ever stays settled because the last go-around may as well not exist. That's by design.
Just seems like another defender of the uptrodden who realized how much money there is in that grift during a moment of cultural backlash. Or rather always, but especially. Anyway CBS News is fully donezo whether she stays or goes, another bought brand with no obligation to its old intent.
Bari Weiss had no formal television-news experience when she was appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News. Donald Trump called the network’s new direction “the greatest thing that’s happened in a long time to a free and open and good press.”
newyorkermag.visitlink.me/eSrqaF
newyorkermag.visitlink.me/eSrqaF
Inside Bari Weiss’s Hostile Takeover of CBS News
The network’s new editor-in-chief has championed a press free from élite bias, while aligning herself with a billionaire class more willing than ever to indulge Donald Trump.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
January 20, 2026 at 5:20 AM
Just seems like another defender of the uptrodden who realized how much money there is in that grift during a moment of cultural backlash. Or rather always, but especially. Anyway CBS News is fully donezo whether she stays or goes, another bought brand with no obligation to its old intent.
Neighbors are having a birthday party. On an unrelated note, how many hours of out of tune Radiohead / Beatles songs would it take for you to start wondering if your neighbors used to be a famous emo band? Asking for a friend who denies being me.
January 19, 2026 at 6:17 AM
Neighbors are having a birthday party. On an unrelated note, how many hours of out of tune Radiohead / Beatles songs would it take for you to start wondering if your neighbors used to be a famous emo band? Asking for a friend who denies being me.
Interesting thread. Also doesn't help that a lot of people's greatest field of expertise is watching sports and they have a much weaker grasp of cooperation than competition. I like sports, but most do a pretty bad job of highlighting what skills & choices go into consistently great cooperation.
This is literally what I've been writing and podcasting about for years. I was planning to do an essay on this, but here's a 🧵.
The main reason is psychology. Due to personal, family, and cultural histories, some people are inherently scared of the world.
The main reason is psychology. Due to personal, family, and cultural histories, some people are inherently scared of the world.
Fight and help win a world war.
Establish a global order that cements your national power for 80 years.
Blow it all up.
What am I missing?
Establish a global order that cements your national power for 80 years.
Blow it all up.
What am I missing?
January 18, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Interesting thread. Also doesn't help that a lot of people's greatest field of expertise is watching sports and they have a much weaker grasp of cooperation than competition. I like sports, but most do a pretty bad job of highlighting what skills & choices go into consistently great cooperation.
My closet has clothes for 3-4 different people and most of them don't really fit me.
January 18, 2026 at 1:05 AM
My closet has clothes for 3-4 different people and most of them don't really fit me.
I really think the Saints offense should play the Jets more often.
December 22, 2025 at 4:43 AM
I really think the Saints offense should play the Jets more often.
Gotta say, i enjoy that "guild of sweaty whales who need to touch grass" is a sequence of words that means something coherent.
December 21, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Gotta say, i enjoy that "guild of sweaty whales who need to touch grass" is a sequence of words that means something coherent.
Dodgers are the most luxurious but the Mets are the 2nd most luxurious so being v luxurious could mean anything? www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Dodgers lead MLB with record $169M luxury tax
The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay a record $169.4 million luxury tax after winning their second straight World Series title.
www.espn.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Dodgers are the most luxurious but the Mets are the 2nd most luxurious so being v luxurious could mean anything? www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Boxing is a weird sport in that no one is incentivized to knock out the social media influencer tourists (when they're not fighting old people).
December 19, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Boxing is a weird sport in that no one is incentivized to knock out the social media influencer tourists (when they're not fighting old people).
NBA Cup is awesome but "all" seems like a lot. I would say it some comes down to this.
December 17, 2025 at 3:29 AM
NBA Cup is awesome but "all" seems like a lot. I would say it some comes down to this.
Reposted by Maj
This tweet from Big Balls says the new “Tech Force” website is their first using the “America Design System.” Here are just a few reasons why that sucks. 🧵
December 15, 2025 at 7:29 PM
This tweet from Big Balls says the new “Tech Force” website is their first using the “America Design System.” Here are just a few reasons why that sucks. 🧵
Reposted by Maj
For months, the Trump Administration has sought to deny Kilmar Ábrego Garcia his rights to due process and fair treatment by our justice system.
Today’s ruling by Judge Xinis – requiring the government to immediately release him – is a forceful stand for our Constitution and all of our rights.
Today’s ruling by Judge Xinis – requiring the government to immediately release him – is a forceful stand for our Constitution and all of our rights.
Federal judge orders Kilmar Abrego García’s ‘immediate release’
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis said the government could not indefinitely detain Abrego, a 30-year-old immigrant from El Salvador who is fighting his deportation.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:01 PM
For months, the Trump Administration has sought to deny Kilmar Ábrego Garcia his rights to due process and fair treatment by our justice system.
Today’s ruling by Judge Xinis – requiring the government to immediately release him – is a forceful stand for our Constitution and all of our rights.
Today’s ruling by Judge Xinis – requiring the government to immediately release him – is a forceful stand for our Constitution and all of our rights.
Lots of storylines heading into today's MLS Final between Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps. Started with an "Oh no" moment, but thankfully delivered some sharp team goals. Quick, decisive passing is so fun to watch. Won't spoil it further, worth a look! #SoccerHype
youtube.com/watch?v=CzZs...
youtube.com/watch?v=CzZs...
Inter Miami CF vs. Vancouver Whitecaps | Full Match Highlights | 2025 Audi MLS Cup
YouTube video by Major League Soccer
youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Lots of storylines heading into today's MLS Final between Inter Miami and Vancouver Whitecaps. Started with an "Oh no" moment, but thankfully delivered some sharp team goals. Quick, decisive passing is so fun to watch. Won't spoil it further, worth a look! #SoccerHype
youtube.com/watch?v=CzZs...
youtube.com/watch?v=CzZs...
One of my favorite things about live service MMO type games is when you get a real baffler of a minigame that was clearly rushed out the door with zero (or negative) explanation. When someone finally figures out what you're supposed to do through sheer trial & error, word spreads like wildfire.
December 3, 2025 at 2:59 AM
One of my favorite things about live service MMO type games is when you get a real baffler of a minigame that was clearly rushed out the door with zero (or negative) explanation. When someone finally figures out what you're supposed to do through sheer trial & error, word spreads like wildfire.
Close call today but Saints clutched it out again. #TrustTheProcess
December 1, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Close call today but Saints clutched it out again. #TrustTheProcess
Andres Cubas does a little of everything to assist the first goal. Very coordinated pressing and team offense in general, even drawing a red card to seal the match. San Diego had a great run, but Vancouver is looking as scary as Miami heading into the final. #SoccerHype
youtube.com/watch?v=Av_F...
youtube.com/watch?v=Av_F...
San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Full Match Highlights | 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs
YouTube video by Major League Soccer
youtube.com
November 30, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Andres Cubas does a little of everything to assist the first goal. Very coordinated pressing and team offense in general, even drawing a red card to seal the match. San Diego had a great run, but Vancouver is looking as scary as Miami heading into the final. #SoccerHype
youtube.com/watch?v=Av_F...
youtube.com/watch?v=Av_F...
If you know how massive a problem Citizens United has been, this is an encouraging read.
The Citizens United decision has corrupted our government and is destroying our democracy. Here's a way to get rid of it. robertreich.substack.com/p/how-to-get...
How to Get Rid of "Citizens United"
We can do away with it without a new Supreme Court. Nor do we need a constitutional amendment. There’s a far simpler way.
robertreich.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 12:22 AM
If you know how massive a problem Citizens United has been, this is an encouraging read.