Ben Werdmuller
@ben.werd.social.ap.brid.gy
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 […]
🌉 bridged from ⁂ https://werd.social/@ben, follow @ap.brid.gy to interact
Every day, I write about tech, democracy, and society at https://werd.io.
More […]
🌉 bridged from ⁂ https://werd.social/@ben, follow @ap.brid.gy to interact
Podcast pitch: Last Week Tonight but about the Internet. Same pointed humor, same sense of outrage, same scripted writing, but specifically about the web, the tech industry, underlying power dynamics and egos.
November 19, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Podcast pitch: Last Week Tonight but about the Internet. Same pointed humor, same sense of outrage, same scripted writing, but specifically about the web, the tech industry, underlying power dynamics and egos.
This is an awesome model for the future of news apps. Really excited to see how this progresses. https://backend.newsmast.org/@newsmast/115576838938607727
Newsmast Foundation (@newsmast@newsmast.social)
"The Bristol Cable/Newsmast Foundation collaboration shows how adaptable design can empower communities. By engaging the Cable editorial team and cooperative membership, and creating a design that meets the community’s needs, the Newsmast Foundation enables innovation that reflects local priorities." We're honoured that our work has been featured in a Good Commons case study ✨ You can read it here: https://goodcommons.world/casestudies/bristol-cable-newsmast-foundation-uk-news-coop #SocialWeb #BuildInPublic #CaseStudy #Fediverse #Mastodon #Journalism
backend.newsmast.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:35 PM
This is an awesome model for the future of news apps. Really excited to see how this progresses. https://backend.newsmast.org/@newsmast/115576838938607727
The consequences of “pro life”. https://www.propublica.org/article/texas-abortion-ban-tierra-walker-preeclampsia
www.propublica.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The consequences of “pro life”. https://www.propublica.org/article/texas-abortion-ban-tierra-walker-preeclampsia
I like remote. Toddler care and eldercare mean I can’t be in-office daily. But.
I was in the office yesterday and it was so productive. So many unplanned but useful side conversations. So much information density and relationship-building.
If everyone had the same rhythms hybrid would be awesome.
I was in the office yesterday and it was so productive. So many unplanned but useful side conversations. So much information density and relationship-building.
If everyone had the same rhythms hybrid would be awesome.
November 19, 2025 at 2:26 PM
I like remote. Toddler care and eldercare mean I can’t be in-office daily. But.
I was in the office yesterday and it was so productive. So many unplanned but useful side conversations. So much information density and relationship-building.
If everyone had the same rhythms hybrid would be awesome.
I was in the office yesterday and it was so productive. So many unplanned but useful side conversations. So much information density and relationship-building.
If everyone had the same rhythms hybrid would be awesome.
Just published a deep look at where open social networks stand in 2025: Mastodon’s leadership change, Bluesky’s trajectory, AT Protocol, ActivityPub, cross-network tools, and more. For newsrooms and public service orgs, this moment really matters. https://werd.io/the-state-of-the-open-social-web/
November 18, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Just published a deep look at where open social networks stand in 2025: Mastodon’s leadership change, Bluesky’s trajectory, AT Protocol, ActivityPub, cross-network tools, and more. For newsrooms and public service orgs, this moment really matters. https://werd.io/the-state-of-the-open-social-web/
"Federal authorities were chided for seizing electronic devices from Tate and his brother, and told to return them, records and interviews show. Experts said the intervention was highly inappropriate." https://www.propublica.org/article/andrew-tate-investigation-dhs-paul-ingrassia
www.propublica.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:16 PM
"Federal authorities were chided for seizing electronic devices from Tate and his brother, and told to return them, records and interviews show. Experts said the intervention was highly inappropriate." https://www.propublica.org/article/andrew-tate-investigation-dhs-paul-ingrassia
Congratulations to everyone at Mastodon on the new structure. Onwards! 💪
November 18, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Congratulations to everyone at Mastodon on the new structure. Onwards! 💪
I think I'm supposed to build a personal brand and executive voice that is confident, authoritative, and trustworthy, but everyone with any degree of intelligence or self awareness self-questions their worth, and this is a day that has me wanting to retreat into the duvet. Tomorrow we begin again.
November 17, 2025 at 9:50 PM
I think I'm supposed to build a personal brand and executive voice that is confident, authoritative, and trustworthy, but everyone with any degree of intelligence or self awareness self-questions their worth, and this is a day that has me wanting to retreat into the duvet. Tomorrow we begin again.
Has anyone used NoCoDB lately? It looks like it's maybe dying, but I'd love to verify.
November 17, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Has anyone used NoCoDB lately? It looks like it's maybe dying, but I'd love to verify.
"In hindsight I don't think any reasonable person can say that we're collectively better off. Democracy is losing, and tech is playing an undeniably outsized part in that." #technology https://werd.io/open-source-power/
November 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
"In hindsight I don't think any reasonable person can say that we're collectively better off. Democracy is losing, and tech is playing an undeniably outsized part in that." #technology https://werd.io/open-source-power/
If I could manifest something into existence: the Edinburgh Interactive Festival. Probably in late July, just before the Fringe et al kick off. I would go every year.
November 16, 2025 at 12:30 AM
If I could manifest something into existence: the Edinburgh Interactive Festival. Probably in late July, just before the Fringe et al kick off. I would go every year.
When it's definitely a scam
November 14, 2025 at 6:48 PM
When it's definitely a scam
The best way to have freedom of expression is to write in a space that you control, in a form and medium that you control, for an audience that you have a direct relationship with.
It just so happens that when you have space for context and the form fits content, you have better conversations, too.
It just so happens that when you have space for context and the form fits content, you have better conversations, too.
November 14, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The best way to have freedom of expression is to write in a space that you control, in a form and medium that you control, for an audience that you have a direct relationship with.
It just so happens that when you have space for context and the form fits content, you have better conversations, too.
It just so happens that when you have space for context and the form fits content, you have better conversations, too.
Hey, remember that Chicago apartment building raid where children were zip-tied together? Guess what: https://www.propublica.org/article/chicago-venezuela-immigration-ice-fbi-raids-no-criminal-charges
www.propublica.org
November 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Hey, remember that Chicago apartment building raid where children were zip-tied together? Guess what: https://www.propublica.org/article/chicago-venezuela-immigration-ice-fbi-raids-no-criminal-charges
"As an innovation leader, it is your job to ensure that your organization has explicit norms that enable your people to do deep work." Meeting culture is one place they often fall down – this is a great way to better support your teams. #business https://werd.io/honor-the-makers-schedule/
November 13, 2025 at 4:42 PM
"As an innovation leader, it is your job to ensure that your organization has explicit norms that enable your people to do deep work." Meeting culture is one place they often fall down – this is a great way to better support your teams. #business https://werd.io/honor-the-makers-schedule/
I didn’t have Rabble bringing back Vine on my bingo card, but I clearly should have. #technology https://werd.io/jack-dorsey-funds-divine-a-vine-reboot-that-includes-vines-video-archive/
November 13, 2025 at 2:48 PM
I didn’t have Rabble bringing back Vine on my bingo card, but I clearly should have. #technology https://werd.io/jack-dorsey-funds-divine-a-vine-reboot-that-includes-vines-video-archive/
My last meeting for Known before I joined medium was with the CEO of [academic tech company]. Truly the worst interaction I ever had in tech. Utterly dismissive, dug into me because I’m from but didn’t go to Oxford, made it clear that he was from a different social strata to me. Exactly what I […]
Original post on werd.social
werd.social
November 13, 2025 at 1:47 PM
My last meeting for Known before I joined medium was with the CEO of [academic tech company]. Truly the worst interaction I ever had in tech. Utterly dismissive, dug into me because I’m from but didn’t go to Oxford, made it clear that he was from a different social strata to me. Exactly what I […]
Some newsrooms speak truth to power. Some speak truth from power.
Some people want to stand up for the vulnerable and work towards a more informed, equitable society. Others want to stand up for the established order and the status quo.
It's pretty obvious which are which.
Some people want to stand up for the vulnerable and work towards a more informed, equitable society. Others want to stand up for the established order and the status quo.
It's pretty obvious which are which.
November 12, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Some newsrooms speak truth to power. Some speak truth from power.
Some people want to stand up for the vulnerable and work towards a more informed, equitable society. Others want to stand up for the established order and the status quo.
It's pretty obvious which are which.
Some people want to stand up for the vulnerable and work towards a more informed, equitable society. Others want to stand up for the established order and the status quo.
It's pretty obvious which are which.
"Does the leadership at my company promote a xenophobic agenda and use the wealth I help them acquire to donate directly to bigoted causes and politicians I find despicable? Yeah, sure. Did I celebrate my last birthday at Drag Brunch? Also yes." […]
Original post on werd.social
werd.social
November 12, 2025 at 8:44 PM
"Does the leadership at my company promote a xenophobic agenda and use the wealth I help them acquire to donate directly to bigoted causes and politicians I find despicable? Yeah, sure. Did I celebrate my last birthday at Drag Brunch? Also yes." […]
"After reviewing coverage from the network and hours of social media videos that preceded Trump’s decision, ProPublica found that Fox’s portrayal of “Portland rioters” routinely instigating violence was misleading." […]
Original post on werd.social
werd.social
November 12, 2025 at 5:44 PM
"After reviewing coverage from the network and hours of social media videos that preceded Trump’s decision, ProPublica found that Fox’s portrayal of “Portland rioters” routinely instigating violence was misleading." […]
Reminder that you can follow my articles and blogging directly on the fediverse: @ben@werd.io
November 12, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Reminder that you can follow my articles and blogging directly on the fediverse: @ben@werd.io
I get so many cold outreach emails about taking on a franchise. It just seems completely unappealing to me. Except I'm still convinced that if I could bring Gregg's to the US I'd make a billion dollars.
November 12, 2025 at 2:06 PM
I get so many cold outreach emails about taking on a franchise. It just seems completely unappealing to me. Except I'm still convinced that if I could bring Gregg's to the US I'd make a billion dollars.
Shocked! Surprised! How unpredictable! https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/us/politics/trump-epstein-emails.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
November 12, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Shocked! Surprised! How unpredictable! https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/12/us/politics/trump-epstein-emails.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
A cloud infrastructure provider abuse form that (1) requires you to list the exact law you think a service is violating (2) validates your request and forwards it verbatim to the customer as a takedown, your name included, isn't exactly the *most* enticing thing to report organized crime with ...
November 12, 2025 at 2:12 AM
A cloud infrastructure provider abuse form that (1) requires you to list the exact law you think a service is violating (2) validates your request and forwards it verbatim to the customer as a takedown, your name included, isn't exactly the *most* enticing thing to report organized crime with ...
I spent this Veterans Day with my dad, a US Army veteran who later organized protests against the Vietnam War.
I’m also thinking of my grandfather, who was captured by the Nazis after serving on the front lines at the Battle of the Bulge and thought dead before Patton’s army liberated him […]
I’m also thinking of my grandfather, who was captured by the Nazis after serving on the front lines at the Battle of the Bulge and thought dead before Patton’s army liberated him […]
Original post on werd.social
werd.social
November 11, 2025 at 9:43 PM
I spent this Veterans Day with my dad, a US Army veteran who later organized protests against the Vietnam War.
I’m also thinking of my grandfather, who was captured by the Nazis after serving on the front lines at the Battle of the Bulge and thought dead before Patton’s army liberated him […]
I’m also thinking of my grandfather, who was captured by the Nazis after serving on the front lines at the Battle of the Bulge and thought dead before Patton’s army liberated him […]