Ernie Smith
Ernie SmithMe, 9am: I wanna get work done, let’s head to the coworking space. Also, let’s bring lunch to save money!
Me, 12pm: *spends 20+ minutes cleaning microwave because lunch exploded in the microwave, killing productivity gains*
Ernie SmithKind of impressed that nobody seems to be talking about the Subway sandwich thing over here. That may be the most insane viral video I’ve seen in quite some time.
Ernie SmithOK, I finally wrote about the story I accidentally helped expose to a large audience.
On AOL and dial-up, and what it means for it to go away.
https://tedium.co/2025/08/11/aol-dial-up-ending-retrospective/
new @tedium@social.tedium.co
https://writing.exchange/@ernie/114996043264907534
Ernie SmithIn lieu of a new AOL piece right now, here are some AOL related pieces from the @tedium@social.tedium.co archives:
A piece on flat-fee internet and how it turned dial-up on its head.
https://tedium.co/2020/04/09/dial-up-internet-access-history/
Ernie SmithThe story about the thousands of people who became volunteer AOL moderators in exchange for free dial-up.
https://tedium.co/2021/07/23/aol-community-leader-volunter-program-history/
Ernie SmithIn lieu of a new AOL piece right now, here are some AOL related pieces from the @tedium@social.tedium.co archives:
A piece on flat-fee internet and how it turned dial-up on its head.
https://tedium.co/2020/04/09/dial-up-internet-access-history/
Ernie SmithSo apparently we are within the last 60 days of dial-up AOL being a thing.
https://help.aol.com/articles/dial-up-internet-to-be-discontinued
ht @mattl@social.coop
Ernie SmithOnline ads. You hate them, they track you, yet they’re still with us. What’s their deal?
A new book out this week, targeted at Google’s dominant, monopolistic role in adtech, proves surprisingly revealing. My review:
https://tedium.co/2025/08/07/ari-paparo-yield-google-antitrust-review/
new @tedium@social.tedium.co
Ernie SmithNot sure what to make of Tim Cook giving Trump an elaborate desk ornament, so I decided to write fanfic about Gil Amelio.
https://tedium.co/2025/08/06/tim-cook-apple-trump-gift/
new @tedium@social.tedium.co
Ernie Smith“&udm=14” is the Konami code of the Enshittification era
Ernie SmithGonna be straight up with y’all. I share paywalled links sometimes. I may not gift link them, or even call it out.
I’m a journalist and I want to support journalism. If I share something that’s intriguing enough for you to support a journalist, awesome.
Support my field.