hmancuso

joined 2 years ago
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BYD contractor denies 'slavery-like conditions' claims by Brazilian authorities in c/world
[–] hmancuso 2 points 1 week ago

I know. Just wanted to make a point that regardless of a company's geopolitical background, they must abide to local legislation. Also, I'm aware of the working conditions in Chinese companies. Your perspective, based on your work experience, adds an insightful view of of labor relations in China. Thanks for your comment.

BYD contractor denies 'slavery-like conditions' claims by Brazilian authorities in c/world
[–] hmancuso 3 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Regardless of the company's biases about what slavery means, once they decide to operate in another country, those biases do not apply. That's called legal compliance. They can say whatever they want, but in the end it comes down to a simple question: is that legal in Brazil?

Brazil shuts BYD factory site over 'slavery' conditions in c/technology
[–] hmancuso 26 points 1 week ago

It is the same, sorry. When you hire a third party to build or expand your business, you're accountable for what happens under your nose. Simply pointing fingers to outsourced work as if it were beyond one's control does not cut here. If you wish to operate in Brazil, you must comply with local legislation. And stating that some companies break the law is the same as saying that some people are turning a blind eye to the legislation, too. BYD management must choose which side of the legal fence they want to be. Cheers!

I want to talk in an American accent but how can I transition into it slowly for people who know me without them noticing a sudden change? in c/nostupidquestions
[–] hmancuso 20 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I won't go into the reasons why you're doing that. Instead, I'll just focus on your plans, because I don't think a gradual change of accent will go unnoticed. Just do it. Embrace the American accent you love so much and live it to the fullest. And if anyone asks you what happened, just say you're tired of your own accent and are trying something new. Explain it clearly to others and own up to it. This will make you feel good because you're being honest by telling others why you have decided to change.

However, you should bear in mind that a language is much more than just an accent. It also includes people's choice of words and idioms and expresses the way they see the world. It would be strange if I decided to speak Brazilian Portuguese with a Portuguese accent (from Portugal). Those who know me would be confused because this "Portuguese character" in me speaks the local language perfectly with the wrong accent. How come?

How AI turns unskilled writers into clueless editors in c/writing
[–] hmancuso 2 points 1 year ago

You have summed up so well the main motivators that underlie any written text - from poems to corporate yearbooks to online SEO content. We have something to share with other people who are also sitting on this dusty rock orbiting our sun. Our existential conundrum has brought us here, where we desperately seek the right questions that can answer our most painful philosophical questions. By regurgitating current human knowledge, AI does little to soothe our hungry souls.

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How AI turns unskilled writers into clueless editors (self.writing)
submitted 1 year ago by hmancuso to c/writing
3 comments fedilink
 

Most people will agree that AI is an impressive writer. In seconds, it spits out text that stuns even skeptics. But there's a caveat. Two, to be precise.

  1. The AI voice. When we write, our essays exude our personalities; they reveal our idiosyncrasies and quirks. We have opinions about most things and verbalize them in unique ways. Our thoughts have an emotional or rational appeal in a ratio that reflects our mood on a given day. AI does not have a mood, although you can fake it. But it is not you.

  2. The AI bias. AI's opinions are deeply rooted in the biases of its programmers. It may seem a bit liberal or conservative, but it will never take a stand on polarizing issues. Instead, it will always take the apologetic "as a large language model" line.

So we must decide to what extent the AI's written output reflects our own opinions, beliefs, and word choices. Is the output formal, informal, or a little bit of everything? Editing an AI goes far beyond checking syntax (which is usually not required).

As most users take AI-generated text at face value or merely review the content for minor improvements, we are moving toward a future where AI becomes a cognitive influencer. Its ubiquitous presence ranges from silly social media posts about dogs to silly social media posts about elections. AI can incite people and fuel endless discussions with its encyclopedic knowledge that may serve hidden purposes.

So let's relinquish the role of clueless editors, take the reins of our own destiny, and ride toward a future where humans still hold the wheel. We stand at a crossroads where we either reclaim responsibility for our writing or delegate it to synthetic beings whose decisions may bring unpleasant consequences. Pick up your pen!

Is it worth closing the lid on a toilet before flushing? in c/askscience
[–] hmancuso 1 points 1 year ago

You know what they say: you have to rush when Mother Nature calls. Under those circumstances, it can be difficult to read the instructions first. Good to know you saved the poor tourist a free chemical bath.

Is it worth closing the lid on a toilet before flushing? in c/askscience
[–] hmancuso 2 points 1 year ago

Jim's a clever guy. We could even seek inspiration in some trash cans that have embraced the pedal idea. Can you believe we're in the 21st century,, surround by ai systems, risking extinction for various reasons, and unable to solve the toilet seat conundrum?

Is it worth closing the lid on a toilet before flushing? in c/askscience
[–] hmancuso 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Unfortunately, I've never been to France, but nothing beats a spotless clean public toilet. And, thanks for the tip: if someone holds the door for you, kindly step back. That alone should be highlighted in all tourist guides.

Is it worth closing the lid on a toilet before flushing? in c/askscience
[–] hmancuso 32 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (6 children)

I think someone urgently needs to come up with one of these solutions:

  1. The foot-operated lid;
  2. The toilet with flush and suction;
  3. The Jedi throne (a Jedi-style toilet lid activated by hand movements) and lastly
  4. The Terminator (a time-activated flames of hell) solution. The time-activated mechanism locks the toilet door after the user leaves and burns the entire compartment at solar flare temperatures.
Update: Pushing back against the wave of bot accounts on Lemmy in c/fediverse
[–] hmancuso 35 points 1 year ago (7 children)

Thank you for your efforts to keep this place clean and civil, and especially for the transparency in describing how you've dealt with such annoyances. You have my respect.

I missed photographing male scarlet tanagers this year, so here's one from last year in c/birding
Is it really a mass exodus? And is it really a mass exodus to lemmy? in c/nostupidquestions
[–] hmancuso 152 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Not a mass exodus. Call it a brain drain, if you will. The churn includes those who posted or were moderators. Since those who stayed are directly or indirectly supporting practices that most of us find unacceptable, Reddit will probably forever have that sour taste. It will gradually turn into a pale reminder of what it once was, and it will lose its spark. The sheer volume, quality, and length of posts in the Fediverse is indicative of new user profiles. I am so glad I took the plunge!

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