Happy birthday, Mastodon. Thank you, @Gargron@mastodon.social, team, and everyone in this community who made Mastodon successful. It's a gargantuan achievement.
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
mastodon
4.5.7
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https://werd.io. More about me: https://werd.io/about/ #indieweb #opensource #journalism #writing #fiction #blogs #blogging #startups #openweb #web #fediverse #socialweb #ethics #product #writingcommunity #philadelphia #sanfrancisco
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Joined November 02, 2022
Blog / Newsletter:
Pronouns:
he/him
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Posts
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
15h ago
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
15h ago
Simon Willison is building a great, ongoing, work-in-progress guide for understanding agentic engineering. #AI https://werd.io/agentic-engineering-patterns/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
1d ago
Incredibly surreal to hear Dr Sanchez doing the Oscars announcements.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
1d ago
"Two in three employers that reduced headcount because of artificial intelligence are already rehiring laid off staff, as most express regret over how they handled the AI-led retrenchments." #AI https://werd.io/businesses-rush-to-rehire-staff-after-regretted-ai-driven-cuts/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
1d ago
"I get why the Luddites are pissed, I really do. If these tapestries weren’t so darned funny, I’d be right there with them, bashing those machines to bits." https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/being-a-luddite-is-cool-and-all-but-have-you-seen-the-hilarious-tapestries-these-new-looms-are-making
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
1d ago
Critics say Brendan Carr is positioning himself as a national censor. His threats to broadcasters covering Iran fit the bill. #Democracy https://werd.io/fcc-chair-threatens-to-revoke-broadcasters-licenses-over-iran-war-coverage/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
1d ago
I think, without some major course corrections this year, that we are heading towards another world war. And it will be our fault.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
2d ago
Blanking out hard drives so I can responsibly dispose of five (5) MacBook Pros, ranging from 2011 to 2020.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
2d ago
Spent a few hours trying to pack up and order my office. Time spent productively - it looks far, far messier now.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
2d ago
"Pregnant women in some states have fewer rights than other mentally competent adults to refuse medical treatment, including surgery." From my colleagues in the newsroom: https://www.propublica.org/article/florida-court-ordered-c-sections
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
2d ago
Researchers who study online safety are being censored and denied entry to the United States. It's having an unconstitutional chilling effect on independent research and advocacy that a lawsuit aims to correct. #Democracy https://werd.io/trump-is-using-immigration-policy-to-suppress-speech-lawsuit-claims/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
2d ago
AI use can lead to burnout - but how you use it really matters. #AI https://werd.io/when-using-ai-leads-to-brain-fry/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
2d ago
Buzzfeed pivoted to AI - and now finds itself circling the drain. #AI https://werd.io/buzzfeed-nearing-bankruptcy-after-disastrous-turn-toward-ai/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
3d ago
Bluesky must succeed. It just might. #Technology https://werd.io/coming-off-the-bench-for-bluesky/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
4d ago
Thanks, I hate it. https://malus.sh/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
4d ago
I cannot stress this enough: do not let the Elgg guy name things
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
4d ago
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
4d ago
A WordPress instance that's entirely hosted in your browser opens up interesting possibilities for self-hosted personal apps. #Technology https://werd.io/your-browser-becomes-your-wordpress/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
4d ago
Trying to encode my personal politics into some kind of framework. https://inkwell.social/benwerd/my-personal-politics-38498
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
4d ago
Amused to see that iA Writer now turns smart em-dash substitution off by default. (New laptop, new setup.) I switched it back on. I like em-dashes, AI be damned. I write all my own words, for what it's worth.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
5d ago
The joy of setting up a new computer from scratch. This one's completely mine - trying out some new stuff.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
5d ago
Holy cow, Inkwell is beautiful. Here's my profile: @benwerd
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Mar 09, 2026
Probably my biggest personality defect / weakness is conflict avoidance. I hate people being angry. It puts me in fight or flight mode. When people raise their voices, when they lose their temper, I just want to curl into a ball. But sometimes conflict is necessary. I wish I had thicker skin.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Mar 07, 2026
Invasive thought: maybe I should start a zine.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Mar 06, 2026
We got our three year old a potty timer watch on a recommendation from daycare. It arrived today. Within five minutes of receiving it, he'd worked out how to reset it and change its settings. On balance, I am proud.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Mar 06, 2026
Everyone always wants to cover The Book of Love. Take on Papa Was a Rodeo, you cowards
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Mar 06, 2026
@LaNaehForaday@universeodon.com It's ghoulish. And the fact that these actions maintain a base level of support? Horrifying things are ahead.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Mar 05, 2026
"A court record reviewed by 404 Media shows privacy-focused email provider Proton Mail handed over payment data related to a Stop Cop City email account to the Swiss government, which handed it to the FBI." #Technology https://werd.io/proton-mail-helped-fbi-unmask-anonymous-stop-cop-city-protester/
View on werd.social
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Mar 04, 2026
If you’re a small, resource-strapped team, for example in a newsroom, how can you figure out what software is feasible for you to build and maintain? I wrote a guide. https://werd.io/can-we-build-the-dog/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Mar 02, 2026
"ProPublica has sued the U.S. Department of Education in federal court in New York, accusing it of withholding public records about how it’s enforcing civil rights protections for millions of American students." https://www.propublica.org/article/education-department-civil-rights-office-foia-lawsuit
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 28, 2026
"Several high-ranking federal election officials attended a summit last week at which prominent figures who worked to overturn Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 election pressed the president to declare a national emergency to take over this year’s midterms." https://www.propublica.org/article/election-denier-summit-trump-midterms
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 28, 2026
More people live in Tehran than New York City. It’s a bustling metropolis. The people who live there have a thriving culture despite their own government and the machinations of ours. They do not deserve to be bombed by us.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 28, 2026
Running my own single instance is kind of expensive. I wish I could use my own domain on my handle while using a shared instance.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 28, 2026
I actually think this is a five alarm fire. If you've ever wondered who would align themselves with the rise of fascism, who would stay silent, and who would be a helper - now you know.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 27, 2026
I think it's time I trade in my backlog of old laptops and buy a new machine for personal use. I've been a Mac person since I moved to the US but I'm not married to it. If you have a laptop that's an absolute workhorse, with great battery life and lots of USB-C ports, what is it? Ideally on the smaller side - I like 13" / 14".
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 27, 2026
News and culture is very rapidly being dominated by administration-aligned companies. It's actually astonishing how fast this has happened. And it's not stopping.
Today will be a significant detail in the many, many textbooks that will be written about the era I fear we're still at the start of.
View on werd.social
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 27, 2026
🎵 They're the Animaniacs
They're now aligned with Newsmax 🎵
View on werd.social
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 26, 2026
Feeling a bit discouraged and self-critical this evening. What's something that's made you feel happy and confident lately?
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 26, 2026
You do find yourself wondering if some publications really do think it's their patriotic duty to support an American war overseas rather than to question it ruthlessly and assess its human impact.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 25, 2026
My dad started watching the SOTU last night, and had sworn at the TV and switched it off inside five minutes. Which is probably a bit more respect than it deserved.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 25, 2026
#indieweb camp veterans will remember I used to demo a web-based voice assistant called Joshua, which was self-hosted. It connected browser speech to text to an NLP back-end to run tasks without real AI - but its main party trick was to let you install a new skill from any website using a simple, open predicate signature.
Which makes me quite interested in WebMCP. A decade later, it's kind of the same thing, but at scale and mainstream. I actually don't think it needs an LLM to be useful.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 25, 2026
Here’s how I’ve been thinking about AI-assisted engineering / vibe coding: its pros and cons, the underlying power dynamics, and its implications. Please enjoy. Or please enjoy flaming me. One of the two. https://werd.io/good-vibes-bad-vendors/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 25, 2026
"Should a dad be deported for leaving his toddlers alone at home for a half hour 15 years ago? The Trump administration says yes in a pending court case with sweeping implications for both the immigration and child welfare systems." https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-immigration-deportation-family-court-sotero-mendoza-rivera
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 25, 2026
Pretty sure tomorrow's blog post will make a bunch of people mad at me. If you're excited to find out why, you can always subscribe via email or RSS: https://werd.io
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 24, 2026
Radical collaboration > Hierarchy.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 24, 2026
Really bummed that I couldn't make it for #fediMTL today. It looks like an amazing event and I'm excited to hear about the talks.
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 24, 2026
The unspoken thing about that Meta AI safety lead who nuked her inbox with OpenClaw is, I would absolutely love a rogue agent to delete all my emails
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 21, 2026
The detail here about archive dot is and its other domains altering webpages because of a grudge is worth knowing. Not to mention running a DDoS attack, obviously. Yikes. https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/02/wikipedia-bans-archive-today-after-site-executed-ddos-and-altered-web-captures/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 20, 2026
Every Friday I gather the articles and links I thought were interesting at the intersection of media, technology, and society. Here's my collection for this week – a set of links that ask why media isn't innovating, and that help explain why it must. https://werd.io/notable-links-february-20-2026/
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Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
Ben Werdmuller
@ben@werd.social
I lead technology at ProPublica and write speculative fiction. This is a personal account. Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https:// werd.io . More about me: https:// werd.io/about/ # indieweb # opensource # journalism # writing # fiction # blogs # blogging # startups # openweb # web # fediverse # socialweb # ethics # product # writingcommunity # philadelphia # sanfrancisco
werd.social
@ben@werd.social
·
Feb 19, 2026
I’ve just had a freaking great day. 10/10. No notes.
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