Stephen Coles
@stewf.com
(he/him) Editorial Director & Associate Curator at @letterformarchive.org in San Francisco. Cofounder of @fontsinuse.com & @typographica.org.
Primarily on Mastodon: https://mstdn.party/@stewf
https://stephencoles.org
End the genocide. Cease fire now!
Primarily on Mastodon: https://mstdn.party/@stewf
https://stephencoles.org
End the genocide. Cease fire now!
Pinned
Stephen Coles
@stewf.com
· Nov 17
#introduction
Hello, my name is Stephen Coles.
I am a writer, typographer, archivist, and amateur curator who was extremely lucky to get into type at a time that enables and embraces two of my favorite things: building resources and communities.
This penchant began at an early age…
Hello, my name is Stephen Coles.
I am a writer, typographer, archivist, and amateur curator who was extremely lucky to get into type at a time that enables and embraces two of my favorite things: building resources and communities.
This penchant began at an early age…
Who is the most influential person in your community or industry, but doesn’t post on social media?
November 11, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Who is the most influential person in your community or industry, but doesn’t post on social media?
Reposted by Stephen Coles
Friends, please stop linking to Spotify like it’s ok.
The company steadily siphoned money from indie artists, spent millions to host Joe Rogan, littered their library with AI music, and now the CEO is investing in AI weapons.
There are plenty of less damaging ways to listen to music and podcasts.
The company steadily siphoned money from indie artists, spent millions to host Joe Rogan, littered their library with AI music, and now the CEO is investing in AI weapons.
There are plenty of less damaging ways to listen to music and podcasts.
August 15, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Friends, please stop linking to Spotify like it’s ok.
The company steadily siphoned money from indie artists, spent millions to host Joe Rogan, littered their library with AI music, and now the CEO is investing in AI weapons.
There are plenty of less damaging ways to listen to music and podcasts.
The company steadily siphoned money from indie artists, spent millions to host Joe Rogan, littered their library with AI music, and now the CEO is investing in AI weapons.
There are plenty of less damaging ways to listen to music and podcasts.
Reposted by Stephen Coles
Democratic party leadership has been on autopilot for ten years, they weren't losing to fascism, fascism isn't popular enough for them to lose to fascism, they were allowing it to fill the void where their leadership should have been. Tonight we're seeing that we have other options. They should too.
November 5, 2025 at 5:14 AM
Democratic party leadership has been on autopilot for ten years, they weren't losing to fascism, fascism isn't popular enough for them to lose to fascism, they were allowing it to fill the void where their leadership should have been. Tonight we're seeing that we have other options. They should too.
Reposted by Stephen Coles
Tonight's even more proof the mainstream reporters who are still on Twitter are suffering from a brain problem akin Havana Syndrome that is preventing them from accurately doing their jobs. They are being cooked alive by a snuff-focused apartheid algorithm.
November 5, 2025 at 3:27 AM
Tonight's even more proof the mainstream reporters who are still on Twitter are suffering from a brain problem akin Havana Syndrome that is preventing them from accurately doing their jobs. They are being cooked alive by a snuff-focused apartheid algorithm.
Reposted by Stephen Coles
We did 163 essays at Evening News Plus. This was our last one: Why Journalism? substack.com/profile/5411...
John Dickerson (@johnfdickerson)
We did 163 essays at Evening News Plus. This was our last one: Why Journalism?
substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:50 PM
We did 163 essays at Evening News Plus. This was our last one: Why Journalism? substack.com/profile/5411...
Reposted by Stephen Coles
I am surprised to finally read something from Ana Marie Cox that I do not agree with.
I think this is a very limited take on reader-supported independent news that ignores the massive success of several important outlets like 404 Media, Hell Gate, The 51st, RANGE, Racket and beyond 🧵
I think this is a very limited take on reader-supported independent news that ignores the massive success of several important outlets like 404 Media, Hell Gate, The 51st, RANGE, Racket and beyond 🧵
I did not enjoy writing this; it can't even serve as an ad for my newsletter, which I've suspended due to an overbilling situation that has me almost regretting leaving Substack. But, you know, it's evidence for the piece I just didn't get to include.
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/patro...
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/patro...
Patron-Supported Journalism Can’t Be the Future of News
Writing about the failure of patron-supported journalism is itself a kind of...
talkingpointsmemo.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:16 AM
I am surprised to finally read something from Ana Marie Cox that I do not agree with.
I think this is a very limited take on reader-supported independent news that ignores the massive success of several important outlets like 404 Media, Hell Gate, The 51st, RANGE, Racket and beyond 🧵
I think this is a very limited take on reader-supported independent news that ignores the massive success of several important outlets like 404 Media, Hell Gate, The 51st, RANGE, Racket and beyond 🧵
Reposted by Stephen Coles
Preach @lexroman.com The independent journalism renaissance is just getting started
The CMS/biz tools that are not VC-funded and extractive are good now, and they are getting better rapidly
And other pieces are coming too
Substack and Patreon sucking isn't the end. It's the end of the beginning.
The CMS/biz tools that are not VC-funded and extractive are good now, and they are getting better rapidly
And other pieces are coming too
Substack and Patreon sucking isn't the end. It's the end of the beginning.
I am surprised to finally read something from Ana Marie Cox that I do not agree with.
I think this is a very limited take on reader-supported independent news that ignores the massive success of several important outlets like 404 Media, Hell Gate, The 51st, RANGE, Racket and beyond 🧵
I think this is a very limited take on reader-supported independent news that ignores the massive success of several important outlets like 404 Media, Hell Gate, The 51st, RANGE, Racket and beyond 🧵
I did not enjoy writing this; it can't even serve as an ad for my newsletter, which I've suspended due to an overbilling situation that has me almost regretting leaving Substack. But, you know, it's evidence for the piece I just didn't get to include.
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/patro...
talkingpointsmemo.com/tpm-25/patro...
October 29, 2025 at 5:07 AM
Preach @lexroman.com The independent journalism renaissance is just getting started
The CMS/biz tools that are not VC-funded and extractive are good now, and they are getting better rapidly
And other pieces are coming too
Substack and Patreon sucking isn't the end. It's the end of the beginning.
The CMS/biz tools that are not VC-funded and extractive are good now, and they are getting better rapidly
And other pieces are coming too
Substack and Patreon sucking isn't the end. It's the end of the beginning.
“Automakers aren't doing a good enough job of convincing consumers that EVs can have the same longevity as an old 1992 Honda Accord.”
And lower maintenance costs overall! Maybe except for tires?
And lower maintenance costs overall! Maybe except for tires?
A new study into battery longevity ranks the Kia EV6 at the top—and also reveals that degradation may not be such a big deal.
insideevs.com/news/776907/...
insideevs.com/news/776907/...
The EV Brand With The Slowest Battery Degradation Isn’t Tesla
A new study into battery longevity ranks the Kia EV6 at the top, and also reveals that degradation may not be such a big deal.
insideevs.com
October 26, 2025 at 5:13 PM
“Automakers aren't doing a good enough job of convincing consumers that EVs can have the same longevity as an old 1992 Honda Accord.”
And lower maintenance costs overall! Maybe except for tires?
And lower maintenance costs overall! Maybe except for tires?
Reposted by Stephen Coles
The New York Times is wrong about the electoral value of moderation www.gelliottmorris.com/p/the-new-yo...
The New York Times is wrong about the electoral value of moderation | Weekly roundup for October 26, 2025
The paper's arguments hinge on several methodological flaws, and it dismisses valid empirical alternatives. Plus: Gerrymandering, and the Republicans' lost lead on economics
www.gelliottmorris.com
October 26, 2025 at 1:46 PM
The New York Times is wrong about the electoral value of moderation www.gelliottmorris.com/p/the-new-yo...
If you must use ChatGPT to look something up (you probably don’t), ask it to “always provide citations with answers”. This setting is saved for future chats. Then, at least, you can check the sources, the sources get credit for the content ChatGPT stole.
October 25, 2025 at 6:02 AM
If you must use ChatGPT to look something up (you probably don’t), ask it to “always provide citations with answers”. This setting is saved for future chats. Then, at least, you can check the sources, the sources get credit for the content ChatGPT stole.
Reposted by Stephen Coles
Okay, for the folks who asked: here's the majority AI view, writing up the reasonable, thoughtful view on AI that the vast majority of people in tech hold, that gets overshadowed by the bluster and hype of the tycoons trying to shill their nonsense. anildash.com/2025/10/17/t... Please share!
The Majority AI View - Anil Dash
A blog about making culture. Since 1999.
anildash.com
October 17, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Okay, for the folks who asked: here's the majority AI view, writing up the reasonable, thoughtful view on AI that the vast majority of people in tech hold, that gets overshadowed by the bluster and hype of the tycoons trying to shill their nonsense. anildash.com/2025/10/17/t... Please share!
Reposted by Stephen Coles
The threats are real, but so is our power. ICE relies on fear and isolation. We can counter with preparation and solidarity.
COYOTE has put together an evolving list of resources and tips for immigrants and their allies — for our current era and for all the difficult times to come.
COYOTE has put together an evolving list of resources and tips for immigrants and their allies — for our current era and for all the difficult times to come.
What We Can Do About ICE
ICE is in the Bay Area. And yes, we can all do something about it.
www.coyotemedia.org
October 23, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The threats are real, but so is our power. ICE relies on fear and isolation. We can counter with preparation and solidarity.
COYOTE has put together an evolving list of resources and tips for immigrants and their allies — for our current era and for all the difficult times to come.
COYOTE has put together an evolving list of resources and tips for immigrants and their allies — for our current era and for all the difficult times to come.
October 22, 2025 at 5:02 AM
@cyd.social is such a nifty tool. It’s rad to watch its creators dig into the details. Even radder to witness a team of hackers get together and build something so antithetical to corporate tech.
Interested in what Cyd is, how it works, and other Lockdown Systems projects? We gave a talk at HACKERS ON PLANET EARTH! Check it out www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnbw... @micahflee.com @redshiftzero.bsky.social @yaelwrites.com
Claw Back Your Data With Cyd (HOPE 2025)
YouTube video by Micah Lee
www.youtube.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:52 AM
@cyd.social is such a nifty tool. It’s rad to watch its creators dig into the details. Even radder to witness a team of hackers get together and build something so antithetical to corporate tech.
Near the end of the #SanFrancisco #NoKings march, I ran into a @kpfa.org reporter and got on the air. I’m pretty amped up in this recording, partly because it was loud out there, but also nerves and passion.
October 19, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Near the end of the #SanFrancisco #NoKings march, I ran into a @kpfa.org reporter and got on the air. I’m pretty amped up in this recording, partly because it was loud out there, but also nerves and passion.
Reposted by Stephen Coles
One of the most TRUE signs I have ever seen at a march. Write this down and act upon it, friends.
#NoKings #Manhattan
#NoKings #Manhattan
October 18, 2025 at 9:13 PM
One of the most TRUE signs I have ever seen at a march. Write this down and act upon it, friends.
#NoKings #Manhattan
#NoKings #Manhattan
Reposted by Stephen Coles
What I think of as the distinction between early blogging and what we have now:
October 16, 2025 at 4:46 PM
What I think of as the distinction between early blogging and what we have now:
Do you need help with your website or e-commerce situation? My brother’s studio has availability: modelic.io
They built @letterformarchive.org’s web shop. Helped @bipocdesignhistory.bsky.social build an online course platform, too.
I can confirm you would be working people who are absolute gems.
They built @letterformarchive.org’s web shop. Helped @bipocdesignhistory.bsky.social build an online course platform, too.
I can confirm you would be working people who are absolute gems.
October 16, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Do you need help with your website or e-commerce situation? My brother’s studio has availability: modelic.io
They built @letterformarchive.org’s web shop. Helped @bipocdesignhistory.bsky.social build an online course platform, too.
I can confirm you would be working people who are absolute gems.
They built @letterformarchive.org’s web shop. Helped @bipocdesignhistory.bsky.social build an online course platform, too.
I can confirm you would be working people who are absolute gems.
Reposted by Stephen Coles
This is actually a pretty good article? Immediately pointing out the police weren't defunded in the first screenshot then putting those two paragraphs next to each other in the second screenshot
October 11, 2025 at 1:29 AM
This is actually a pretty good article? Immediately pointing out the police weren't defunded in the first screenshot then putting those two paragraphs next to each other in the second screenshot
@jonkimball.bsky.social Shamelessly asking for free domain advice. Feel free to ignore…
Got type.town in 2020. Planned a site for folks in my font community but never got to it, and may not for another 3 years. Do I renew at $47? Or let it expire knowing I’ll find something as good when I’m ready?
Got type.town in 2020. Planned a site for folks in my font community but never got to it, and may not for another 3 years. Do I renew at $47? Or let it expire knowing I’ll find something as good when I’m ready?
October 9, 2025 at 6:23 AM
@jonkimball.bsky.social Shamelessly asking for free domain advice. Feel free to ignore…
Got type.town in 2020. Planned a site for folks in my font community but never got to it, and may not for another 3 years. Do I renew at $47? Or let it expire knowing I’ll find something as good when I’m ready?
Got type.town in 2020. Planned a site for folks in my font community but never got to it, and may not for another 3 years. Do I renew at $47? Or let it expire knowing I’ll find something as good when I’m ready?
Reposted by Stephen Coles
tried to write a breezy lil show preview for @coyotemedia.org about Mabuhay Gardens’ reopening party
wound up twisting myself into knots over SF’s musical nostalgia issues and how to reconcile the words “tech week coworking space” with “birthplace of SF punk” www.coyotemedia.org/mabuhay-gard...
wound up twisting myself into knots over SF’s musical nostalgia issues and how to reconcile the words “tech week coworking space” with “birthplace of SF punk” www.coyotemedia.org/mabuhay-gard...
Mabuhay Gardens to Reopen, Attempt to Remain Upright Under Weight of Expectations
The birthplace of San Francisco punk can’t be what it once was. Is it time to let it be something else instead?
www.coyotemedia.org
October 1, 2025 at 4:41 PM
tried to write a breezy lil show preview for @coyotemedia.org about Mabuhay Gardens’ reopening party
wound up twisting myself into knots over SF’s musical nostalgia issues and how to reconcile the words “tech week coworking space” with “birthplace of SF punk” www.coyotemedia.org/mabuhay-gard...
wound up twisting myself into knots over SF’s musical nostalgia issues and how to reconcile the words “tech week coworking space” with “birthplace of SF punk” www.coyotemedia.org/mabuhay-gard...
Attended Local Economy’s first event tonight (for the fabulous @coyotemedia.org—support them!).
@alexis-madrigal.bsky.social’s project is the real deal, bringing soul to Rockridge. A homey, sincere space, hosting a range of stuff I can’t imagine at any other venue. www.thelocaleconomy.com/events
@alexis-madrigal.bsky.social’s project is the real deal, bringing soul to Rockridge. A homey, sincere space, hosting a range of stuff I can’t imagine at any other venue. www.thelocaleconomy.com/events
Event Calendar — Local Economy
www.thelocaleconomy.com
October 4, 2025 at 6:06 AM
Attended Local Economy’s first event tonight (for the fabulous @coyotemedia.org—support them!).
@alexis-madrigal.bsky.social’s project is the real deal, bringing soul to Rockridge. A homey, sincere space, hosting a range of stuff I can’t imagine at any other venue. www.thelocaleconomy.com/events
@alexis-madrigal.bsky.social’s project is the real deal, bringing soul to Rockridge. A homey, sincere space, hosting a range of stuff I can’t imagine at any other venue. www.thelocaleconomy.com/events
This shocked me: “There’s more traffic to Strength in Numbers now than there was at 538 six months before the election.”
in which paul krugman and i talk about politics and things: paulkrugman.substack.com/p/talking-ag...
Talking (Again) With G. Elliott Morris
What polls are and aren't telling us right now
paulkrugman.substack.com
September 27, 2025 at 4:48 PM
This shocked me: “There’s more traffic to Strength in Numbers now than there was at 538 six months before the election.”
Reposted by Stephen Coles
The backlash to Trump's immigration agenda has impacted broader attitudes about the value of immigration in America apnorc.org/projects/abo...
September 27, 2025 at 1:20 PM
The backlash to Trump's immigration agenda has impacted broader attitudes about the value of immigration in America apnorc.org/projects/abo...
I appreciate the AI skepticism coming from @techcrunch.com vs other tech media: techcrunch.com/2025/09/25/m...
The key: It “comes as Meta has recently invested heavily in revamping its AI efforts amid concerns that it was falling behind competitors.” Whose concerns? What does “falling behind” mean?
The key: It “comes as Meta has recently invested heavily in revamping its AI efforts amid concerns that it was falling behind competitors.” Whose concerns? What does “falling behind” mean?
Meta launches 'Vibes,' a short-form video feed of AI slop | TechCrunch
Think TikTok or Instagram Reels, but every single video you come across is essentially just AI slop.
techcrunch.com
September 26, 2025 at 3:52 PM
I appreciate the AI skepticism coming from @techcrunch.com vs other tech media: techcrunch.com/2025/09/25/m...
The key: It “comes as Meta has recently invested heavily in revamping its AI efforts amid concerns that it was falling behind competitors.” Whose concerns? What does “falling behind” mean?
The key: It “comes as Meta has recently invested heavily in revamping its AI efforts amid concerns that it was falling behind competitors.” Whose concerns? What does “falling behind” mean?