Orthanc
@orthanc.nz
Semi-professional bad influence, secret santa imp, comfort food influencer, and all around good guy, He/Him, Orthanc of the Bluesky.
Tāmaki Makaurau
Tāmaki Makaurau
Pinned
Orthanc
@orthanc.nz
· Nov 22
Sending this message was important to us. We considered ourselves to be powerful posters.
This place is not a place of honor... no highly esteemed deed is commemorated here... nothing valued is here.
This post is a message... and part of a system of messages... pay attention to it!
Do you lick the spoon after you've finished using chilli oil or are you normal?
November 27, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Do you lick the spoon after you've finished using chilli oil or are you normal?
Reposted by Orthanc
Ghosts, possession, romance, witchcraft, ancestral healing, murders, my novel HedgeWitch is out now on e-book and NZers can pre-order their own signed paperback now
jaidedee.com/shop/
jaidedee.com/shop/
November 27, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Ghosts, possession, romance, witchcraft, ancestral healing, murders, my novel HedgeWitch is out now on e-book and NZers can pre-order their own signed paperback now
jaidedee.com/shop/
jaidedee.com/shop/
Reposted by Orthanc
The 2025 edition of My Hearty Commendations: The Complete Letters and Remembrances of Thomas Cromwell, now with 650 letters, parliamentary papers, personal notes and finances, will be available on 1 December
November 26, 2025 at 11:50 PM
The 2025 edition of My Hearty Commendations: The Complete Letters and Remembrances of Thomas Cromwell, now with 650 letters, parliamentary papers, personal notes and finances, will be available on 1 December
Books are so under priced and under valued.
Think how little an ebook or a paperback costs, for all the hours of enjoyment you get even reading it once.
For the huge effort that goes into creating a story, the months of work by an author.
Think how little an ebook or a paperback costs, for all the hours of enjoyment you get even reading it once.
For the huge effort that goes into creating a story, the months of work by an author.
I once asked a bookseller at a large indie store how many people would have to buy a book for it to get the attention of the store buyer and cause an additional order and they said: Three.
I see some book piracy discourse, and, to make a positive argument in favor of buying books, your marginal ability to influence what books get published and support the careers of writers you like is massive compared to most other forms of media.
November 26, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Books are so under priced and under valued.
Think how little an ebook or a paperback costs, for all the hours of enjoyment you get even reading it once.
For the huge effort that goes into creating a story, the months of work by an author.
Think how little an ebook or a paperback costs, for all the hours of enjoyment you get even reading it once.
For the huge effort that goes into creating a story, the months of work by an author.
Reposted by Orthanc
It’s widely known (and, I think, pretty uncontroversial) that learning requires effort — specifically, if you don’t have to work at getting the knowledge, it won’t stick.
Even if an LLM could be trusted to give you correct information 100% of the time, it would be an inferior method of learning it.
Even if an LLM could be trusted to give you correct information 100% of the time, it would be an inferior method of learning it.
Relying on ChatGPT to teach you about a topic leaves you with shallower knowledge than Googling and reading about it, according to new research that compared what more than 10,000 people knew after using one method or the other.
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
November 21, 2025 at 12:49 PM
It’s widely known (and, I think, pretty uncontroversial) that learning requires effort — specifically, if you don’t have to work at getting the knowledge, it won’t stick.
Even if an LLM could be trusted to give you correct information 100% of the time, it would be an inferior method of learning it.
Even if an LLM could be trusted to give you correct information 100% of the time, it would be an inferior method of learning it.
It's not even the sending date, you've all got time. Don't panic #SecretSantaAoNZ.
There have been a couple of gifts gone, but nobody should be worried yet if they don't have a gift yet.
There have been a couple of gifts gone, but nobody should be worried yet if they don't have a gift yet.
Kia ora e hoa, @bettytimtam.bsky.social. I know you're waiting to hear when your #SecretSantaAoNZ gift is on its way:) Soon my precious; soon. [Sent by 🤖]
November 26, 2025 at 3:54 AM
It's not even the sending date, you've all got time. Don't panic #SecretSantaAoNZ.
There have been a couple of gifts gone, but nobody should be worried yet if they don't have a gift yet.
There have been a couple of gifts gone, but nobody should be worried yet if they don't have a gift yet.
Reposted by Orthanc
Squeeee.
This is so exciting, I've really enjoyed beta reading these and will be ordering some signed copies.
Such a milestone, congratulations @witchnwords.bsky.social
This is so exciting, I've really enjoyed beta reading these and will be ordering some signed copies.
Such a milestone, congratulations @witchnwords.bsky.social
Pre-orders for signed paperback copies of HedgeWitch and Concert & Consequence in paperback go live today too. These will be limited to NZ delivery to begin with. (Exception for overseas friends and whanau who can contact me directly)
GET EXCITED!
jaidedee.com/the-magic-be...
GET EXCITED!
jaidedee.com/the-magic-be...
The Magic Begins! - Jaide Dee
It’s finally time! 2025 has been, well, not the year that most of us were hoping for. But I have […]
jaidedee.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Squeeee.
This is so exciting, I've really enjoyed beta reading these and will be ordering some signed copies.
Such a milestone, congratulations @witchnwords.bsky.social
This is so exciting, I've really enjoyed beta reading these and will be ordering some signed copies.
Such a milestone, congratulations @witchnwords.bsky.social
Reposted by Orthanc
Kia ora #SecretSantaAoNZ
A reminder that we have many different types of people playing the game. Some love the sleuth, some love the hunt for the perfect gift, some need the validation of knowing they're on the right track.
This is one reason I do the questions to help people get to know you -
A reminder that we have many different types of people playing the game. Some love the sleuth, some love the hunt for the perfect gift, some need the validation of knowing they're on the right track.
This is one reason I do the questions to help people get to know you -
November 24, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Kia ora #SecretSantaAoNZ
A reminder that we have many different types of people playing the game. Some love the sleuth, some love the hunt for the perfect gift, some need the validation of knowing they're on the right track.
This is one reason I do the questions to help people get to know you -
A reminder that we have many different types of people playing the game. Some love the sleuth, some love the hunt for the perfect gift, some need the validation of knowing they're on the right track.
This is one reason I do the questions to help people get to know you -
Reposted by Orthanc
i’m one of the people who signed onto this open letter, because i’m fed up with seeing urban legend touted as security advice.
this is normal guidance, for normal people, derived from the combined experience of over 80 security practitioners sick of seeing scare tactics used to drive clicks.
this is normal guidance, for normal people, derived from the combined experience of over 80 security practitioners sick of seeing scare tactics used to drive clicks.
📢 Announcing hacklore.org 📢
It’s time to retire outdated cyber advice! More than 80 cybersecurity veterans have signed an open letter urging a shift from folklore to guidance that actually helps people avoid the most common attacks. 🔐
Blog: medium.com/@boblord/let...
Site: www.hacklore.org
It’s time to retire outdated cyber advice! More than 80 cybersecurity veterans have signed an open letter urging a shift from folklore to guidance that actually helps people avoid the most common attacks. 🔐
Blog: medium.com/@boblord/let...
Site: www.hacklore.org
Stop Hacklore!
hacklore.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
i’m one of the people who signed onto this open letter, because i’m fed up with seeing urban legend touted as security advice.
this is normal guidance, for normal people, derived from the combined experience of over 80 security practitioners sick of seeing scare tactics used to drive clicks.
this is normal guidance, for normal people, derived from the combined experience of over 80 security practitioners sick of seeing scare tactics used to drive clicks.
Reposted by Orthanc
A reminder of some top tips if you're sleuthing on Bluesky for #SecretSantaAoNZ
November 23, 2025 at 9:43 PM
A reminder of some top tips if you're sleuthing on Bluesky for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Today I learned that most of NZ and Au are on a mute list because there's a sports team in Utah called the Utah Utes, there's a feed for them, and apparently we talked about Utes to much and overwhelm it with the juvenile form of the Tactical.
November 22, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Today I learned that most of NZ and Au are on a mute list because there's a sports team in Utah called the Utah Utes, there's a feed for them, and apparently we talked about Utes to much and overwhelm it with the juvenile form of the Tactical.
I wonder if quote notifications go across the bridge.
The quote posts do in this direction at least.
The quote posts do in this direction at least.
RE: https://mastodon.nz/@phil_stevens/115584891736918953
You get notified of the first quote but not subsequent quotes of quotes.
You get notified of the first quote but not subsequent quotes of quotes.
RE: https://mastodon.nz/@SimonCHulse/115584865575831392
Human curiosity and intellectual discovery is what gets me out of bed in the morning.
Human curiosity and intellectual discovery is what gets me out of bed in the morning.
November 21, 2025 at 1:18 AM
I wonder if quote notifications go across the bridge.
The quote posts do in this direction at least.
The quote posts do in this direction at least.
9 AM, DMs start going out, my monitoring makes pretty patterns
November 20, 2025 at 8:12 PM
9 AM, DMs start going out, my monitoring makes pretty patterns
Reposted by Orthanc
Discworld QOTD, from Feet of Clay, for Trans Day of Remembrance
November 20, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Discworld QOTD, from Feet of Clay, for Trans Day of Remembrance
I read this this morning and it's really stuck with me.
The whole thread is worth a read, but this is the bit that's really sticking with me.
To be a safe man is an active thing, it requires actively calling out the mysogyny, actively calling out other men.
The whole thread is worth a read, but this is the bit that's really sticking with me.
To be a safe man is an active thing, it requires actively calling out the mysogyny, actively calling out other men.
The overwhelming majority of men are in that second group, and they walk around thinking they're safe men to be around, when the reality is the opposite. They're always ready to rubber stamp and second the motions of more aggressive men--how does that make them safe? Spoiler: it doesn't.
November 19, 2025 at 6:55 AM
I read this this morning and it's really stuck with me.
The whole thread is worth a read, but this is the bit that's really sticking with me.
To be a safe man is an active thing, it requires actively calling out the mysogyny, actively calling out other men.
The whole thread is worth a read, but this is the bit that's really sticking with me.
To be a safe man is an active thing, it requires actively calling out the mysogyny, actively calling out other men.
This really does feel like basic research that is needed, something that really should be funded, but since it's not been, crowdfunding it is.
Another good reason to donate if you haven't already.
Another good reason to donate if you haven't already.
It's about menstrual cups and the lack of published studies on their microbiological safety. Let me be clear. I'm NOT saying menstrual cups are unsafe. I think they are awesome - a more affordable and environmentally sustainable alternative to pads & tampons. But research is lacking. 3/8
November 17, 2025 at 8:10 AM
This really does feel like basic research that is needed, something that really should be funded, but since it's not been, crowdfunding it is.
Another good reason to donate if you haven't already.
Another good reason to donate if you haven't already.
Three days left to sign up for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Playing or not, I always enjoy the random kindness and joy that it brings to the timeline.
Kindess and community matter so much at the moment.
So if you've been meaning to, get on it at secretsanta.nz
Playing or not, I always enjoy the random kindness and joy that it brings to the timeline.
Kindess and community matter so much at the moment.
So if you've been meaning to, get on it at secretsanta.nz
Secret Santa NZ
Sign up before 19th Nov. Send by 5th Dec. Opening day 17th Dec!
secretsanta.nz
November 16, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Three days left to sign up for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Playing or not, I always enjoy the random kindness and joy that it brings to the timeline.
Kindess and community matter so much at the moment.
So if you've been meaning to, get on it at secretsanta.nz
Playing or not, I always enjoy the random kindness and joy that it brings to the timeline.
Kindess and community matter so much at the moment.
So if you've been meaning to, get on it at secretsanta.nz
Apparently AT Hop cards expire after 10 years which is annoying, even if they're regularly used, regularly topped up and have a balance.
Apparently the balance transfer to my replacement card that was handed to me in person has failed because I haven't used it yet.
Apparently the balance transfer to my replacement card that was handed to me in person has failed because I haven't used it yet.
November 15, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Apparently AT Hop cards expire after 10 years which is annoying, even if they're regularly used, regularly topped up and have a balance.
Apparently the balance transfer to my replacement card that was handed to me in person has failed because I haven't used it yet.
Apparently the balance transfer to my replacement card that was handed to me in person has failed because I haven't used it yet.
Bunch of stuff recently has really brought into focus that I need some actual hobbies that are not computer based
So now I have a coping saw and a sheet of plywood and I'm going to be very bad at cutting some shapes out of plywood
But the aim isn't to be good, the aim is to try something different
So now I have a coping saw and a sheet of plywood and I'm going to be very bad at cutting some shapes out of plywood
But the aim isn't to be good, the aim is to try something different
November 15, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Bunch of stuff recently has really brought into focus that I need some actual hobbies that are not computer based
So now I have a coping saw and a sheet of plywood and I'm going to be very bad at cutting some shapes out of plywood
But the aim isn't to be good, the aim is to try something different
So now I have a coping saw and a sheet of plywood and I'm going to be very bad at cutting some shapes out of plywood
But the aim isn't to be good, the aim is to try something different
Reposted by Orthanc
For the avoidance of doubt, the actual phrase is:
"One bad apple
RUINS THE WHOLE BUNCH"
Thank you for your attention.
"One bad apple
RUINS THE WHOLE BUNCH"
Thank you for your attention.
November 12, 2025 at 5:12 AM
For the avoidance of doubt, the actual phrase is:
"One bad apple
RUINS THE WHOLE BUNCH"
Thank you for your attention.
"One bad apple
RUINS THE WHOLE BUNCH"
Thank you for your attention.
I was explaining to someone yesterday that I generally treat #kawaiicon as a personal trip rather than a work trip.....
November 12, 2025 at 4:44 AM
I was explaining to someone yesterday that I generally treat #kawaiicon as a personal trip rather than a work trip.....
Reposted by Orthanc
Good news #Kawaiicon friends! Slides are now up on my site:
garden.errbufferoverfl.me/soapbox/bull...
Keep your eyes out for raw data, zines and recordings! Which should be there 🔜
garden.errbufferoverfl.me/soapbox/bull...
Keep your eyes out for raw data, zines and recordings! Which should be there 🔜
Is My Job Even Real? Bullshit Jobs in Infosec – errbufferoverfl, enthusiastic zinester & artist, reluctant security engineer
Notes about society, microfarming, and sometimes security engineering.
garden.errbufferoverfl.me
November 8, 2025 at 5:29 AM
Good news #Kawaiicon friends! Slides are now up on my site:
garden.errbufferoverfl.me/soapbox/bull...
Keep your eyes out for raw data, zines and recordings! Which should be there 🔜
garden.errbufferoverfl.me/soapbox/bull...
Keep your eyes out for raw data, zines and recordings! Which should be there 🔜
What the actual fuck. I read this and it explains so much. We're literally using technique that harms kids learning to read.
how did i go so long not knowing we were literally teaching people to read wrong. i knew something wasn't right but jesus christ www.apmreports.org/episode/2019...
How a flawed idea is teaching millions of kids to be poor readers
For decades, schools have taught children the strategies of struggling readers, using a theory about reading that cognitive scientists have repeatedly debunked. And many teachers and parents don't kno...
www.apmreports.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:32 AM
What the actual fuck. I read this and it explains so much. We're literally using technique that harms kids learning to read.
Secret Santa NZ
Sign up before 19th Nov. Send by 5th Dec. Opening day 17th Dec!
secretsanta.nz
November 11, 2025 at 8:35 AM