Six Links Worthy of Your Attention #650

Is there one link, story, picture or thought that you saw online this week that you think somebody you know must see?

My friends: Alistair Croll (Solve for Interesting, Tilt the Windmill, Interesting Bits, HBS, chair of Strata, Startupfest, FWD50, and Scaletechconf; author of Lean Analytics and some other books), Hugh McGuire (Rebus Foundation, PressBooks, LibriVox) and I decided that every week the three of us are going to share one link for one another (for a total of six links) that each individual feels the other person “must see.”

Check out these six links that we’re recommending to one another: 

• Visions of the future – William Gibson and James Gleick – New York Public Library – YouTube. “The Peripheral was the first TV series in a while that I’ve been furious at when it ended. I was weaned on cyberpunk, but have been mostly disappointed when it hit the screen. William Gibson‘s work really came to life with Amazon‘s production of Gibson’s work, and this interview with him and James Gleick (Chaos, The Information, etc.) gets into much of how he thinks about the future. Gibson makes up weird portmanteaux (Cyberspace being one) to drag us into his worlds, and gets into this a bit in the interview.” (Alistair for Hugh).
• Kevin Conroy’s DC Pride Story Is a Powerfully Necessary Kick in the Gut – Gizmodo. “Mitch, I know you’re a fan of comic books. I like ’em, but I don’t exactly consume them. I hadn’t realized that DC was putting out anthologies, nor dealing with such heavy real-world topics. Given the winds of political change in the US, this seems pretty timely, particularly the piece by Kevin Conroy, which is autobiographical.” (Alistair for Mitch).
• The messy true story of the last time we beat inflation – Vox. “Q. How do you tame inflation? A. Raise interest rates. Maybe. Paul Volcker, famed inflation slayer and Federal Reserve boss in the late 70s and early 80s, squashed inflation with high interest rates. Anyone worried about inflation hopes that the rate hikes undertaken by the Fed and the Bank of Canada among others, will work just as well. But it wasn’t just high interest rates that cured inflation way back when: Among other things, unions got crushed (meaning working class wages have stagnated); cheap products started flowing from China and elsewhere as globalization took off (meaning prices of manufactured goods went down). But unions are already busted (too busted, many would say); and global goods are likely to get more expensive. So, will raising interest rates do the trick this time? Maybe.” (Hugh for Alistair). 
• ‘Our mission is crucial’: meet the warrior librarians of Ukraine – The Guardian. “I’ve avoided posting about Ukraine, but this story is about librarians, so I think I’m allowed.” (Hugh for Mitch).
• Author’s tweet about a disappointing book signing snowballs in the best possible way – Mashable. “If you have written a book, not only is this your greatest fear, but it’s an inevitable. There’s an event for the book… a book signing… a meet & greet at a conference… and… well… nobody shows. It’s happened to me… and it’s embarrassing and crushing to the soul. This author gets vulnerable on Twitter and the responses are what makes our world a better place. Plus, we live in a time that everyone believes Twitter is toxic. This thread also demonstrates that who you follow (and how you show up) will determine your Twitter experience as well. I love this story on so many levels… and you will too. h/t to Laura Gassner Otting for this one.” (Mitch for Alistair).
• Helsinki Built a Library That Brings a Whole City Together – Reasons To Be Cheerful. “I asked ChatGPT AI to write 150 words about the important of libraries in our communities. This is what is spit back: ‘Libraries are an essential part of our communities. They provide access to a wealth of information and knowledge, including books, magazines, newspapers, and online resources. They offer a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages to learn, explore, and connect with others. Libraries also serve as important community centers, hosting events, workshops, and classes that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging. They provide support and resources for students, researchers, and professionals, helping them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. In addition to their educational and social benefits, libraries also play a vital role in promoting literacy and lifelong learning. They provide access to books and other materials that can help children and adults develop their reading and language skills, as well as their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, libraries are often a lifeline for individuals and families who are struggling financially or socially. They offer access to computers and internet, as well as job search assistance, financial resources, and other support services. Overall, libraries are a vital part of our communities, and their importance cannot be overstated. They provide access to information and knowledge, support lifelong learning and literacy, and foster a sense of connection and community.’ The AI is right, and nobody is living this more than the people in Helsinki…” (Mitch for Hugh),

Feel free to share these links and add your picks on Twitter, Facebook, in the comments below or wherever you play.