Charlie Stross
@cstross.bsky.social
SFF author, triple Hugo award winner (and three times Locus award too), over a million books sold.
Mostly on Mastodon: @cstross@wandering.shop
Blog: https://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/
Mostly on Mastodon: @cstross@wandering.shop
Blog: https://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/
If I was doing another Heinlein tribute (I'm not!) I'd tackle "Glory Road" ...
Through a retelling in which Star fucks up and recruits "Slippery Jim" diGriz, the Stainless Steel Rat, as her bodyguard/patsy instead of Oscar, her gormless sword-wielding hero/unreliable narrator.
Through a retelling in which Star fucks up and recruits "Slippery Jim" diGriz, the Stainless Steel Rat, as her bodyguard/patsy instead of Oscar, her gormless sword-wielding hero/unreliable narrator.
January 2, 2026 at 2:18 PM
If I was doing another Heinlein tribute (I'm not!) I'd tackle "Glory Road" ...
Through a retelling in which Star fucks up and recruits "Slippery Jim" diGriz, the Stainless Steel Rat, as her bodyguard/patsy instead of Oscar, her gormless sword-wielding hero/unreliable narrator.
Through a retelling in which Star fucks up and recruits "Slippery Jim" diGriz, the Stainless Steel Rat, as her bodyguard/patsy instead of Oscar, her gormless sword-wielding hero/unreliable narrator.
Reposted by Charlie Stross
Starmer tried to make me, a disabled person live on £3.76 a week. I think I've earned the right to be excessively irate Jim.
January 1, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Starmer tried to make me, a disabled person live on £3.76 a week. I think I've earned the right to be excessively irate Jim.
FREE FIC IDEA
AAAHGH GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN
A retelling of Heinlein's "I Will Fear No Evil": a dying billionaire wakes up to find his brain has been transplanted into his secretary's body (they were in a limo crash: his body died, she was the nearest brain-dead body donor).
Only …
/1 (of 2)
AAAHGH GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN
A retelling of Heinlein's "I Will Fear No Evil": a dying billionaire wakes up to find his brain has been transplanted into his secretary's body (they were in a limo crash: his body died, she was the nearest brain-dead body donor).
Only …
/1 (of 2)
January 2, 2026 at 12:51 PM
FREE FIC IDEA
AAAHGH GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN
A retelling of Heinlein's "I Will Fear No Evil": a dying billionaire wakes up to find his brain has been transplanted into his secretary's body (they were in a limo crash: his body died, she was the nearest brain-dead body donor).
Only …
/1 (of 2)
AAAHGH GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN
A retelling of Heinlein's "I Will Fear No Evil": a dying billionaire wakes up to find his brain has been transplanted into his secretary's body (they were in a limo crash: his body died, she was the nearest brain-dead body donor).
Only …
/1 (of 2)
Reposted by Charlie Stross
This is quite an important point; if you are a UK citizen with Twitter on your phone, opening it up is like playing Russian roulette that the algorithm might commit a strict liability offence on your behalf.
Has everyone whose scroll the illegal image appeared on also committed an offence by downloading it? This is one of those AI worst case scenarios that ought to make everyone aware of the current direction of travel.
January 2, 2026 at 12:03 PM
This is quite an important point; if you are a UK citizen with Twitter on your phone, opening it up is like playing Russian roulette that the algorithm might commit a strict liability offence on your behalf.
Reposted by Charlie Stross
Fascinating insight into the reunification of Germany from the British man on the ground...
"I ended my last year's review with the remark that 'accidents apart, I expect no substantive change of course in 1989'. Two major 'accidents' occurred..."
"I ended my last year's review with the remark that 'accidents apart, I expect no substantive change of course in 1989'. Two major 'accidents' occurred..."
Quick general search found this one:
archive.margaretthatcher.org/doc02/BB7F33...
archive.margaretthatcher.org/doc02/BB7F33...
archive.margaretthatcher.org
January 2, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Fascinating insight into the reunification of Germany from the British man on the ground...
"I ended my last year's review with the remark that 'accidents apart, I expect no substantive change of course in 1989'. Two major 'accidents' occurred..."
"I ended my last year's review with the remark that 'accidents apart, I expect no substantive change of course in 1989'. Two major 'accidents' occurred..."
Found elsenet: seems to sum up the zeitgeist nicely!
January 2, 2026 at 11:41 AM
Found elsenet: seems to sum up the zeitgeist nicely!
Reposted by Charlie Stross
A reminder that OpenAI’s chief financial officer, Sarah Friar, met with the Taoiseach in May to push for the use of ChatGPT in schools in Ireland. And many in the government think we can’t face the future without it.
This is the technology our schools are encouraging our children to use.
January 1, 2026 at 7:28 PM
A reminder that OpenAI’s chief financial officer, Sarah Friar, met with the Taoiseach in May to push for the use of ChatGPT in schools in Ireland. And many in the government think we can’t face the future without it.
Reposted by Charlie Stross
And several groups are coming together to fuel the protests, led by young women opposing decades of repression, and students.
The one thing holding it back is that people can’t see what will replace the current regime. So there’s a watch and wait among many citizens.
The one thing holding it back is that people can’t see what will replace the current regime. So there’s a watch and wait among many citizens.
January 1, 2026 at 3:19 PM
And several groups are coming together to fuel the protests, led by young women opposing decades of repression, and students.
The one thing holding it back is that people can’t see what will replace the current regime. So there’s a watch and wait among many citizens.
The one thing holding it back is that people can’t see what will replace the current regime. So there’s a watch and wait among many citizens.
Reposted by Charlie Stross
This Iranian uprising is different to previous ones. It’s underpinned by a catastrophic economic situation that the government is incapable of solving. Food prices have risen by 70% in a year. Inflation is at 40% and rising. The currency is at its lowest level. People are finding it hard to live.
January 1, 2026 at 3:16 PM
This Iranian uprising is different to previous ones. It’s underpinned by a catastrophic economic situation that the government is incapable of solving. Food prices have risen by 70% in a year. Inflation is at 40% and rising. The currency is at its lowest level. People are finding it hard to live.
See thread: it's all kicking off in Iran right now (sounds like a pre-revolutionary situation in progress, but this isn't the first time I've been wrong about that—the IRG have been very efficient at smacking down popular uprisings so far).
Iranian security forces have opened fire on protesters in Lordegan.
January 1, 2026 at 3:14 PM
See thread: it's all kicking off in Iran right now (sounds like a pre-revolutionary situation in progress, but this isn't the first time I've been wrong about that—the IRG have been very efficient at smacking down popular uprisings so far).
Reposted by Charlie Stross
OBITUARY: America committed suicide and was found dangling from a single lightbulb in a filthy bathroom somewhere in south Alabama. The suicide note left behind was stained w blood and feces and read we leave anything left of value to Mexico…
Rest In Piss…
Rest In Piss…
January 1, 2026 at 1:41 PM
OBITUARY: America committed suicide and was found dangling from a single lightbulb in a filthy bathroom somewhere in south Alabama. The suicide note left behind was stained w blood and feces and read we leave anything left of value to Mexico…
Rest In Piss…
Rest In Piss…
Reposted by Charlie Stross
Here's a thought (or goal) for your new year:
Once you have thoroughly ruined your reputation, you can live your life with complete abandon.
Once you have thoroughly ruined your reputation, you can live your life with complete abandon.
January 1, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Here's a thought (or goal) for your new year:
Once you have thoroughly ruined your reputation, you can live your life with complete abandon.
Once you have thoroughly ruined your reputation, you can live your life with complete abandon.
Reposted by Charlie Stross
There's a panel in Nemesis the Warlock where the Chief Bigot * declares the next group to be persecuted will be "freckled pippil". **
His reason was "It doesn't matter who you discriminate against, as long as you're a bigot".
*Pat Mills wasn't being subtle there.
** No, less subtle than that.
His reason was "It doesn't matter who you discriminate against, as long as you're a bigot".
*Pat Mills wasn't being subtle there.
** No, less subtle than that.
January 1, 2026 at 12:54 PM
There's a panel in Nemesis the Warlock where the Chief Bigot * declares the next group to be persecuted will be "freckled pippil". **
His reason was "It doesn't matter who you discriminate against, as long as you're a bigot".
*Pat Mills wasn't being subtle there.
** No, less subtle than that.
His reason was "It doesn't matter who you discriminate against, as long as you're a bigot".
*Pat Mills wasn't being subtle there.
** No, less subtle than that.
Random thought: isn't it WEIRD how quiet Richard Branson has gone since Trump came to power and took a shit all over the business practice of slathering your name all over everything under the sun to build a brand identity?
January 1, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Random thought: isn't it WEIRD how quiet Richard Branson has gone since Trump came to power and took a shit all over the business practice of slathering your name all over everything under the sun to build a brand identity?
Reposted by Charlie Stross
First superb conspiracy theory of 2026 overheard in the street! I love this. I feel it sets the tone for a superb year:
“Wales is fake.”
“Wales is fake.”
January 1, 2026 at 12:07 PM
First superb conspiracy theory of 2026 overheard in the street! I love this. I feel it sets the tone for a superb year:
“Wales is fake.”
“Wales is fake.”
Reposted by Charlie Stross
Please share this with anyone you know who still uses LiveJournal. It could collapse next week; it could last another two years. I think "next week" is probably too fast and "two years" is probably pushing it, a lot; that's my only prediction.
January 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Please share this with anyone you know who still uses LiveJournal. It could collapse next week; it could last another two years. I think "next week" is probably too fast and "two years" is probably pushing it, a lot; that's my only prediction.
Reposted by Charlie Stross
they have to identify with one of the systems (payment or Sber ID), but those are all mostly not an option for anyone outside Russia (payment because of sanctions, Sber ID because you need a Russian phone number, which is now almost impossible to get outside Russia).
January 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM
they have to identify with one of the systems (payment or Sber ID), but those are all mostly not an option for anyone outside Russia (payment because of sanctions, Sber ID because you need a Russian phone number, which is now almost impossible to get outside Russia).
Reposted by Charlie Stross
Users inside Russia who don't have Cyrillic services enabled have to turn them on. They will not be able to see any post that was made by someone not in the Cyrillic services after December 29. Users outside Russia with Cyrillic services enabled are in a bind:
January 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Users inside Russia who don't have Cyrillic services enabled have to turn them on. They will not be able to see any post that was made by someone not in the Cyrillic services after December 29. Users outside Russia with Cyrillic services enabled are in a bind:
Reposted by Charlie Stross
I have gone through all the comments: LJ current management (remember, LJ is currently owned by Rambler, which is owned by Sberbank) is not giving out much information, but users have pieced together the following from how they see the changes behaving:
January 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM
I have gone through all the comments: LJ current management (remember, LJ is currently owned by Rambler, which is owned by Sberbank) is not giving out much information, but users have pieced together the following from how they see the changes behaving:
Reposted by Charlie Stross
If you don't want to, the summary: to comply with Russian law (they didn't admit that part but I know that's why they had to do it), users with the "Cyrillic Services" turned on can no longer post or comment unless they are inside Russia and identified with their government identity.
January 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM
If you don't want to, the summary: to comply with Russian law (they didn't admit that part but I know that's why they had to do it), users with the "Cyrillic Services" turned on can no longer post or comment unless they are inside Russia and identified with their government identity.
Reposted by Charlie Stross
On December 29, the current owners of LJ posted an announcement to the Russian language news community: ru-news.livejournal.com/80899.html You can drop that into Google Translate, it does pretty okay with Russian these days.
LiveJournal: важные изменения
Друзья, мы завершаем уходящий год серьезными изменениями, направленными на поддержку ответственных авторов качественного контента и защиту от ботов, спама и злоупотреблений. Наше сообщество – это само...
ru-news.livejournal.com
January 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM
On December 29, the current owners of LJ posted an announcement to the Russian language news community: ru-news.livejournal.com/80899.html You can drop that into Google Translate, it does pretty okay with Russian these days.
Reposted by Charlie Stross
Okay, I will preface this with the GIGANTIC disclaimer that I promise I know how this looks, and I *swear* this is not personally motivated: If you have an old #LiveJournal account, and it has things you still care about in it, download it or import it to Dreamwidth SOON. Details:
January 1, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Okay, I will preface this with the GIGANTIC disclaimer that I promise I know how this looks, and I *swear* this is not personally motivated: If you have an old #LiveJournal account, and it has things you still care about in it, download it or import it to Dreamwidth SOON. Details:
Reposted by Charlie Stross
"UK Opposition Leader shoots Colonel and self simultaneously during photo op at military base".
December 31, 2025 at 6:10 PM
"UK Opposition Leader shoots Colonel and self simultaneously during photo op at military base".
Reposted by Charlie Stross
There is no justification for using LLMs etc for writing *professionally*. Some AI formats might be useful for researching, but they should be double checked. But actual writing--if you use AI for actual fiction, for art, it's an admission of cluelessness and a lack of basic storytelling skills.
December 31, 2025 at 7:17 PM
There is no justification for using LLMs etc for writing *professionally*. Some AI formats might be useful for researching, but they should be double checked. But actual writing--if you use AI for actual fiction, for art, it's an admission of cluelessness and a lack of basic storytelling skills.
Reposted by Charlie Stross
Regime change is key with leaders calling on the army and police to support them.
A national strike is underway with merchants shuttering in all cities.
Tehran’s Grand Bazaar has closed down and the main shopping centre is occupied by the protesters.
A national strike is underway with merchants shuttering in all cities.
Tehran’s Grand Bazaar has closed down and the main shopping centre is occupied by the protesters.
December 31, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Regime change is key with leaders calling on the army and police to support them.
A national strike is underway with merchants shuttering in all cities.
Tehran’s Grand Bazaar has closed down and the main shopping centre is occupied by the protesters.
A national strike is underway with merchants shuttering in all cities.
Tehran’s Grand Bazaar has closed down and the main shopping centre is occupied by the protesters.