Brian Merchant
@bcmerchant.bsky.social
author of Blood in the Machine, tech writer, luddite
newsletter: https://www.bloodinthemachine.com/
books: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/contributor/brian-merchant/
kofi link: https://ko-fi.com/brianmerchant
newsletter: https://www.bloodinthemachine.com/
books: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/contributor/brian-merchant/
kofi link: https://ko-fi.com/brianmerchant
Pinned
Brian Merchant
@bcmerchant.bsky.social
· Nov 12
One year of Blood in the Machine (the book)
On a year of rehabilitating the luddites, resisting AI, and beginning to build a better future
www.bloodinthemachine.com
Well hello all, and thanks for giving me a follow over here, and to the starter pack creators who kindly included me.
I'm a tech journalist, critic, and author of Blood in the Machine, a book + newsletter about breaking oppressive machines:
www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/one-year-o...
I'm a tech journalist, critic, and author of Blood in the Machine, a book + newsletter about breaking oppressive machines:
www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/one-year-o...
Congrats to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers for winning their *3 year strike*.
It may take a little time, but it turns out it's possible to triumph over those who seek to immiserate the working class, for those with values, determination, and a willingness to not sell each other out.
It may take a little time, but it turns out it's possible to triumph over those who seek to immiserate the working class, for those with values, determination, and a willingness to not sell each other out.
Post-Gazette Strikers Win Three-Year Strike | The NewsGuild - TNG-CWA
The Post-Gazette must now comply with the Court’s order. Strikers look forward to ending the strike and returning to work.
newsguild.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Congrats to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers for winning their *3 year strike*.
It may take a little time, but it turns out it's possible to triumph over those who seek to immiserate the working class, for those with values, determination, and a willingness to not sell each other out.
It may take a little time, but it turns out it's possible to triumph over those who seek to immiserate the working class, for those with values, determination, and a willingness to not sell each other out.
Reposted by Brian Merchant
House Dems' caucus call today was full of anger, three sources tell @axios.com
Stansbury: "People are f**king pissed."
Jayapal said Schumer either "can't control his caucus" or he "gave his blessing to the deal."
Susie Lee pushed back.
More here: www.axios.com/2025/11/10/d...
Stansbury: "People are f**king pissed."
Jayapal said Schumer either "can't control his caucus" or he "gave his blessing to the deal."
Susie Lee pushed back.
More here: www.axios.com/2025/11/10/d...
"People are f**king pissed": Democrats' shutdown civil war spills out in private call
Nearly "everyone was strongly against" the deal, a House Democrat told Axios.
www.axios.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:32 PM
House Dems' caucus call today was full of anger, three sources tell @axios.com
Stansbury: "People are f**king pissed."
Jayapal said Schumer either "can't control his caucus" or he "gave his blessing to the deal."
Susie Lee pushed back.
More here: www.axios.com/2025/11/10/d...
Stansbury: "People are f**king pissed."
Jayapal said Schumer either "can't control his caucus" or he "gave his blessing to the deal."
Susie Lee pushed back.
More here: www.axios.com/2025/11/10/d...
Filling out a banking form that asks for my occupation, and in what I am choosing to consider as a sign of the times, "journalist" is not a selectable option, but "cryptocurrency" is
November 10, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Filling out a banking form that asks for my occupation, and in what I am choosing to consider as a sign of the times, "journalist" is not a selectable option, but "cryptocurrency" is
Reposted by Brian Merchant
Excellent pod with @bcmerchant.bsky.social and Cory Doctorow.
TL;DR: Tech workers, organize! It's the only way to disenshittify the internet (and regain a sense of agency).
TL;DR: Tech workers, organize! It's the only way to disenshittify the internet (and regain a sense of agency).
How to dis-enshittify the world, with Cory Doctorow
Podcast Episode · Blood in the Machine: The Podcast · 11/10/2025 · 1h 8m
podcasts.apple.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Excellent pod with @bcmerchant.bsky.social and Cory Doctorow.
TL;DR: Tech workers, organize! It's the only way to disenshittify the internet (and regain a sense of agency).
TL;DR: Tech workers, organize! It's the only way to disenshittify the internet (and regain a sense of agency).
Reposted by Brian Merchant
a few months ago I said "having generative AI handle absolutely anything with regards to healthcare is a nightmare and should be banned" and a bunch of people made fun of me and called me stupid. anyways,
November 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM
a few months ago I said "having generative AI handle absolutely anything with regards to healthcare is a nightmare and should be banned" and a bunch of people made fun of me and called me stupid. anyways,
Reposted by Brian Merchant
This and the airline industry lobbyists are what did it. Not Americans starving and paying twice as much for healthcare.
www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
More than 10,000 flights delayed in worst day of disruptions since shutdown
More than 2,800 flights were canceled Sunday, while Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the shutdown’s impact on airports is “only going to get worse.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:03 AM
This and the airline industry lobbyists are what did it. Not Americans starving and paying twice as much for healthcare.
www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
Honestly think it’s time to start building a real one
I keep seeing regular Americans taking more risks every day to fight tyranny, want, and cynicism than I see from the opposition party, and I imagine many of those regular Americans are asking themselves what the value proposition of such an opposition party is, really
November 10, 2025 at 5:33 AM
Honestly think it’s time to start building a real one
Anyone to the left of Joe Manchin needs to be thinking seriously about what it looks like to move on from the Democratic Party.
November 10, 2025 at 5:25 AM
Anyone to the left of Joe Manchin needs to be thinking seriously about what it looks like to move on from the Democratic Party.
Reposted by Brian Merchant
Trump just celebrated Schumer's cave by pardoning 75+ co-conspirators including Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and Sidney Powell, for their efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
November 10, 2025 at 5:03 AM
Trump just celebrated Schumer's cave by pardoning 75+ co-conspirators including Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and Sidney Powell, for their efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
What a blast putting big tech on trial with these guys and the 150+ wonderful humans who packed into the Starr Barr last night to talk extractive AI, surveillance, labor—and to smash the machinery hurtful to commonality.
Huge thanks to everyone who made the 2nd NYC Luddite tribunal such a success.
Huge thanks to everyone who made the 2nd NYC Luddite tribunal such a success.
November 9, 2025 at 6:13 PM
What a blast putting big tech on trial with these guys and the 150+ wonderful humans who packed into the Starr Barr last night to talk extractive AI, surveillance, labor—and to smash the machinery hurtful to commonality.
Huge thanks to everyone who made the 2nd NYC Luddite tribunal such a success.
Huge thanks to everyone who made the 2nd NYC Luddite tribunal such a success.
Reposted by Brian Merchant
“The problem is that when it is installed in a health sector that prizes efficiency, surveillance and profit extraction, AI becomes not a tool for care and community but simply another instrument for commodifying human life.”
What we lose when we surrender care to algorithms | Eric Reinhart
A dangerous faith in AI is sweeping American healthcare – with consequences for the basis of society itself
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:09 PM
“The problem is that when it is installed in a health sector that prizes efficiency, surveillance and profit extraction, AI becomes not a tool for care and community but simply another instrument for commodifying human life.”
Reposted by Brian Merchant
Blessed to be one of 100+ attendees at the 2nd Luddite tribunal at Starr Bar last night. Highlight: Someone brought an effigy of Sam Altman and ripped it to shreds.
Other highlight: Talking to a new pal about social media and finally processing what the point of discord is.
Other highlight: Talking to a new pal about social media and finally processing what the point of discord is.
November 9, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Blessed to be one of 100+ attendees at the 2nd Luddite tribunal at Starr Bar last night. Highlight: Someone brought an effigy of Sam Altman and ripped it to shreds.
Other highlight: Talking to a new pal about social media and finally processing what the point of discord is.
Other highlight: Talking to a new pal about social media and finally processing what the point of discord is.
THE LUDDITE TRIBUNAL is tonight. I originally put the RSVP limit as 100, but we've blow way past that, and I figure we can just play it by ear, do more standing room etc. There are no tickets required, just come on down.
Also preference will be given to those who bring tech to smash.
Also preference will be given to those who bring tech to smash.
NEW YORK CITY: I hear you're in a celebratory mood over there. Well how would you like to use some of that energy to help dismantle big tech?
Join me, @parismarx.com, @edwardongwesojr.com, @jathansadowski.com, @veenadubal.bsky.social, and special guests for the Second NYC Luddite Tribunal.
Join me, @parismarx.com, @edwardongwesojr.com, @jathansadowski.com, @veenadubal.bsky.social, and special guests for the Second NYC Luddite Tribunal.
RSVP to THE LUDDITE TRIBUNAL | Partiful
It's time to put technology on trial, and to smash it if necessary. Join Paris Marx, Jathan Sadowski, Ed Ongweso Jr, Veena Dubal, Brian Merchant, and special guests for an evening of booze, discussion...
partiful.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:11 PM
THE LUDDITE TRIBUNAL is tonight. I originally put the RSVP limit as 100, but we've blow way past that, and I figure we can just play it by ear, do more standing room etc. There are no tickets required, just come on down.
Also preference will be given to those who bring tech to smash.
Also preference will be given to those who bring tech to smash.
Reposted by Brian Merchant
Have a machine that needs smashing?
NEW YORK CITY: I hear you're in a celebratory mood over there. Well how would you like to use some of that energy to help dismantle big tech?
Join me, @parismarx.com, @edwardongwesojr.com, @jathansadowski.com, @veenadubal.bsky.social, and special guests for the Second NYC Luddite Tribunal.
Join me, @parismarx.com, @edwardongwesojr.com, @jathansadowski.com, @veenadubal.bsky.social, and special guests for the Second NYC Luddite Tribunal.
RSVP to THE LUDDITE TRIBUNAL | Partiful
It's time to put technology on trial, and to smash it if necessary. Join Paris Marx, Jathan Sadowski, Ed Ongweso Jr, Veena Dubal, Brian Merchant, and special guests for an evening of booze, discussion...
partiful.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Have a machine that needs smashing?
Reposted by Brian Merchant
🚨🚨🚨LOS ANGELES- This is a call for ALL HANDS ON DECK! Organize your neighborhood, patrol your block, & defend your neighbors!
Feds are targeting LA more aggressively than ever. THREAD with updates from @latenantsunion.bsky.social on feds escalating + changing tactics & how we fight back:
Feds are targeting LA more aggressively than ever. THREAD with updates from @latenantsunion.bsky.social on feds escalating + changing tactics & how we fight back:
November 7, 2025 at 5:50 PM
🚨🚨🚨LOS ANGELES- This is a call for ALL HANDS ON DECK! Organize your neighborhood, patrol your block, & defend your neighbors!
Feds are targeting LA more aggressively than ever. THREAD with updates from @latenantsunion.bsky.social on feds escalating + changing tactics & how we fight back:
Feds are targeting LA more aggressively than ever. THREAD with updates from @latenantsunion.bsky.social on feds escalating + changing tactics & how we fight back:
Reposted by Brian Merchant
Damn do I wish I could go to this.
NEW YORK CITY: I hear you're in a celebratory mood over there. Well how would you like to use some of that energy to help dismantle big tech?
Join me, @parismarx.com, @edwardongwesojr.com, @jathansadowski.com, @veenadubal.bsky.social, and special guests for the Second NYC Luddite Tribunal.
Join me, @parismarx.com, @edwardongwesojr.com, @jathansadowski.com, @veenadubal.bsky.social, and special guests for the Second NYC Luddite Tribunal.
RSVP to THE LUDDITE TRIBUNAL | Partiful
It's time to put technology on trial, and to smash it if necessary. Join Paris Marx, Jathan Sadowski, Ed Ongweso Jr, Veena Dubal, Brian Merchant, and special guests for an evening of booze, discussion...
partiful.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Damn do I wish I could go to this.
Reposted by Brian Merchant
I was one of the four people who got canned.
In the interim, you can subscribe to my newsletter, Straight From The Hut. No paywall, but feel free to choose the pay to support model. I'm not going anywhere — the show goes on, and I'll be back on MSNBC Saturday night. straightfromthehut.substack.com
In the interim, you can subscribe to my newsletter, Straight From The Hut. No paywall, but feel free to choose the pay to support model. I'm not going anywhere — the show goes on, and I'll be back on MSNBC Saturday night. straightfromthehut.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:02 PM
I was one of the four people who got canned.
In the interim, you can subscribe to my newsletter, Straight From The Hut. No paywall, but feel free to choose the pay to support model. I'm not going anywhere — the show goes on, and I'll be back on MSNBC Saturday night. straightfromthehut.substack.com
In the interim, you can subscribe to my newsletter, Straight From The Hut. No paywall, but feel free to choose the pay to support model. I'm not going anywhere — the show goes on, and I'll be back on MSNBC Saturday night. straightfromthehut.substack.com
Reposted by Brian Merchant
this is what will show up if you invite me to your ai & copyright law conference
November 6, 2025 at 6:40 PM
this is what will show up if you invite me to your ai & copyright law conference
Reposted by Brian Merchant
Damn, if I lived in NY...
November 5, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Damn, if I lived in NY...
Reposted by Brian Merchant
The previous luddite tribunal was a blast. Come out!
NEW YORK CITY: I hear you're in a celebratory mood over there. Well how would you like to use some of that energy to help dismantle big tech?
Join me, @parismarx.com, @edwardongwesojr.com, @jathansadowski.com, @veenadubal.bsky.social, and special guests for the Second NYC Luddite Tribunal.
Join me, @parismarx.com, @edwardongwesojr.com, @jathansadowski.com, @veenadubal.bsky.social, and special guests for the Second NYC Luddite Tribunal.
RSVP to THE LUDDITE TRIBUNAL | Partiful
It's time to put technology on trial, and to smash it if necessary. Join Paris Marx, Jathan Sadowski, Ed Ongweso Jr, Veena Dubal, Brian Merchant, and special guests for an evening of booze, discussion...
partiful.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:29 PM
The previous luddite tribunal was a blast. Come out!
Reposted by Brian Merchant
Excited to be in the Big Red Apple so soon after its conversion to communism. Make sure to join us!
NEW YORK CITY: I hear you're in a celebratory mood over there. Well how would you like to use some of that energy to help dismantle big tech?
Join me, @parismarx.com, @edwardongwesojr.com, @jathansadowski.com, @veenadubal.bsky.social, and special guests for the Second NYC Luddite Tribunal.
Join me, @parismarx.com, @edwardongwesojr.com, @jathansadowski.com, @veenadubal.bsky.social, and special guests for the Second NYC Luddite Tribunal.
RSVP to THE LUDDITE TRIBUNAL | Partiful
It's time to put technology on trial, and to smash it if necessary. Join Paris Marx, Jathan Sadowski, Ed Ongweso Jr, Veena Dubal, Brian Merchant, and special guests for an evening of booze, discussion...
partiful.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Excited to be in the Big Red Apple so soon after its conversion to communism. Make sure to join us!
Reposted by Brian Merchant
New from me: I went deep on the way that generative AI and chatbots act as wormholes, pushing us deeper into our own minds. They threaten to compound the problems of algorithmic targeting that have festered unaddressed for years and years—what comes next may be even more alienating and isolating (🎁)
The Age of Anti-Social Media Is Here
The social-media era is over. What’s coming will be much worse.
www.theatlantic.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:12 PM
New from me: I went deep on the way that generative AI and chatbots act as wormholes, pushing us deeper into our own minds. They threaten to compound the problems of algorithmic targeting that have festered unaddressed for years and years—what comes next may be even more alienating and isolating (🎁)
Reposted by Brian Merchant
YouTube publicly decries Biden pressuring it to censor, then quietly does this at Trump's behest: theintercept.com/2025/11/04/y...
YouTube Quietly Erased More Than 700 Videos Documenting Israeli Human Rights Violations
The tech giant deleted the accounts of three prominent Palestinian human rights groups — a capitulation to Trump sanctions.
theintercept.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:26 PM
YouTube publicly decries Biden pressuring it to censor, then quietly does this at Trump's behest: theintercept.com/2025/11/04/y...