Quick call out for planning my work schedule. Will there be another #fediversehouse event at next year’s #SXSW ? #fediverse

Back to Skool

With kit bag eagerly shouldered, I prepare to start my second year at the Academy of Live Technology. Returning to finish off my Foundation degree in Live Event Production, I’ll be specialising in Audio and Visuals instead of doing a little bit of everything. Although it seems, despite the long summer, that I’ve barely ever left campus.

After surviving a wild three weeks in Denmark, I came back to teach an early-teens Creative Skills summer school in whatever space we could sequester. Showcasing a bit of audio but mostly lighting, with a Willy Wonka theme indulging my penchant for psychedelia. The kids enjoyed getting to play on professional kit with nary a rhyming mishap, and I picked up a few tips and tricks myself – as well as working on some new Trismegistus Hex material during the downtime.

The big news, of course, is that Production Park are currently hosting The Voice UK in our studios. The campus has been aflurry with ITV’s production crew, necessitating flexibility all around the shooting schedule. The crew have offered plenty of work openings, with a few of my fellow students learning the Production Runner ropes. My own contributions were wisely relegated to keeping the car parks running smoothly once the audience rolled up.

Smaller scale, but thinking forward, I’ve been lurking at seminars presented by our CoSTAR LiveLab facility, a Research and Development lab in association with the University of York. In recent months, film industry professionals and researchers have visited to discuss the encroachment of AI (generative and otherwise) into the creative process. With such disruption self-evident, questions of ethics and responsibility have come to the fore as the industry seeks a more holistic, nuanced solution.

My own projects still tick along, with various collaborations outside of campus coming into the fold and new opportunities escalated to interested ears. I confess there have been many conflicting commitments drawing my attention, and the challenge of late has been to coax all these spinning plates into proximity. Working on one aspect now advances the others, and it is prudent to remember that – unlike the wider world’s indifference – they want me to succeed here.

By example I offer everyone my own encouragement and support. With my position as Wellbeing Executive ratified, this past week I’ve assisted freshers in finding their feet to navigate a campus very different to expectations. New blood is vital for the event industry, especially as many veterans changed career or retired during the ‘House Arrest’ years, and it is important to be welcoming.

This generation are as bright, enthusiastic, and eager to achieve as ever – although they do seem a bit quieter than our rowdy lot!

There’s always something going on at the epicentre of opportunity, and I’m thrilled to dive back in and embrace the adventures to come. For the next three terms and maybe, hopefully, beyond.

https://heathenstorm.com/2025/10/06/back-to-skool/

#academia #academyoflivetechnology #ai #costar #crew #filmmaking #freshers #livelab #productionpark #student #thevoice #wellbeing

Manager: "And just a reminder to download Megahappyfunproductivityapp if you haven't already done so. It's really important in helping us to stay on top of our deadlines and work together more effectively as a team."

Me: :Downloads the stupid app:

Notification: "Here's your one-time login code."

Notification: "You have a message!"

Notification: "You have a task due later today."

Notification: "Here are some random files from the intranet that might be relevant to your meeting."

Notification: "Rate us on the app store!"

Notification at 8am on Sunday morning because Sharon from accounts wants to let everyone know she's a workaholic with no life: "You have a message!"

Notification: "Here's an AI summary of your upcoming tasks!"

Notification: "Love using Megahappyfunproductivityapp at work? Check out Megahappyfunproductivityapp Personal Edition!"

Notification: "Join our upcoming user conference in Melbourne to hear tips, tricks, case studies, thought leadership, and best practices"

Notification: "Don't miss out! Upgrade to Megahappyfunproductivityapp Premium Edition today and SAVE 15%!* T&Cs apply."

Me: :Deselects everything except critical notifications and message notifications:

Notification: "We've updated our terms of service" (We won't mention it was because our lawyers weren't 100% certain "share your data with third party vendors" would prevent us getting sued for selling your data to ChatGPT. So we're making it explicit, and burying it on page 327 of our terms of service.)

Notification: "Someone is trying to message you on our app!"

Notification: "Here's your one-time login code."

Notification: "Here's your one-time login code."

Notification: "Here's your one-time login code."

Notification: "Rate our customer service."

Notification: "Check out our new AI features!"

Notification: "DON'T FORGET! You still haven't rated our customer service!"

Notification: "We miss you 🥹"

Notification: "Here's your AI task report"

Notification: "Here's some people you might know!"

Me: :Disables notification:

Colleague: "Did you get my urgent message on Megahappyfunproductivityapp?"

Me: "Nope, I turned off notifications."

Colleague: "Okay, can you turn on notifications so you don't miss another important message like that?"

#tech #enshittification #iOS #Android #capitalism #latecapitalism #business

@pfefferle @julian In my tests the edits were made in the first paragraph, so both summary and preview fields updated as well. (The latter being Note type.)

@pfefferle @julian There doesn’t seem to be any problem with the ActivityPub Wordpress plugin. Update activities on Article objects are correctly federated; and Friendica picks up the changes without issue.

(As an aside, I had to install the nodeinfo WP plugin so follow requests worked from Friendica, but that could just be my homelab configuration.)

It’s just Mastodon that doesn’t do anything with Article Updates. So for now I keep using Template Tags and a Note object.

Been pondering the change in the #activitypub #wordpress plugin to depreciate Template Tags and (presumably eventually) only federate WP posts as Article objects.

My posts currently federate as Notes, with the full text displayed by Mastodon. Updates are also correctly federated.

When federating as an Article, only the summary is shown in Mastodon. (Fair enough!) But subsequent edits are not reflected - despite their presence in the Update action.

Is this as expected? #mastodon

Decentralisation is the biggest enemy of authoritarianism. So #SelfHost. Buy solar and batteries. Heat pumps. Get an electric car. Electric bicycles. Use #OpenSource and #FreeSoftware. Store your data at home. Get a Canon Selphy to print the pictures you take. Buy books. Vinyl or CDs. Join your local library. Do. Don’t discuss. And help your neighbours to do the same things. Sharing is caring. Avoid getting lost in discussions about what’s best. Do. Fail. Share. Learn. Repeat. 1/4

Another Time, Another Space

With the world breaking down over ever more partisan unpleasantness, it seemed almost frivolous to make my way towards Tilburg last weekend. But as a self-confessed (and obsessed) “Ayreonaut”, I was compelled to take amazing flight to honour thirty years of phenomenal music.

AYREON is the Prog-Metal project of Dutch musician mastermind Arjen Anthony Lucassen (now Sir Arjen). For the past three decades Arjen has summoned vocalists and other artists from around the world to his Electric Castle studio nestled in the Netherlands, together creating a sublime collection of concept albums. Additional endeavours Star One and Guilt Machine further expand the scope of his sound, and it was a selection from across this catalogue that rewarded the eager attendees.

As with Roadburn Festival, the city of Tilburg opens its heart to visitors when Ayreon comes to town – a biennial event selling out within minutes. With thousands making the journey from over seventy countries, this was truly a cause for celebration. Banners greeted visitors as they stepped out of the train station, while many cafés and bars presented themed menus in honour of the occasion. With side-events, afterparties and tourist treats aplenty, all were made welcome.

Returning once more to Poppodium 013, the 3000-capacity main hall was swiftly filled, with the crowd showing no less enthusiasm for the Saturday matinee slot (the only tickets we could snag from five consecutive concerts). Although the nature of the stepped auditorium ensured an excellent view from everywhere, we cunningly sneaked up to Front of House. Eschewing my usual barrier-hanging for a view (and mix) befitting the spectacle ahead.

A spectacle remaining mostly undocumented here, as Ayreon alumnus Mike Mills (Toehider) stepped out from behind the pre-show curtain to personally and politely ask the audience to keep their phones in their pockets. Although I can understand the wish of many to shoot their own souvenir, (with some sneaking an occasional photo if not fully recording), the overall atmosphere was tech-free – at least on the floor.

The staging was a lot simpler than the multi-tier scaffolding of previous sets, with artists mostly at stage level behind a few rocks to break things up. Eyes were instead drawn to a full sized video screen covering the entire upstage, with smaller screens flanking the wings.

These screens displayed animated sequences inspired by the songs. Some of which worked really well, and others (such as Irene Jansen’s digital compère) not so much. Observers noted some use of AI content, which felt ironic given the emotionally authentic themes on display. Still, this did little to detract from the real reason we were here: the music.

Opening in 2084 with ‘My House on Mars’ (which may explain the rocks), the 150 minute journey was broken into two acts. The first showcasing songs which had never been performed live (not counting 2015’s The Theater Equation), and the second a compilation of classics. Exploring both Ayreon’s musical history and the mythic timeline woven through the albums.

It was interesting that some of the songs had been rejigged for the flow of the set; with unexpected cuts, re-arrangements, and vocalists taking different parts. This kept things fresh for the veterans, even if a few movements were sorely missed.

After a decade of live Ayreon shows, Arjen has secured a cadre of regular performers. Not least of which Anneke Van Giersbergen, fresh off her own 30th anniversary tour of The Gathering’s Mandylion; and of course the vocal talents of the indomitable (and omni-wardrobed) Damian Wilson.

But it was folk singer Heather Findlay (ex-Mostly Autumn) who stole the show for me. With songs from personal favourite The Human Equation guaranteed by her presence, I was already enthralled. Beyond that album, her rendition of ‘Valley of the Queens’ and especially ‘Dreamtime’ inspired many damp eyes and goosebumps. I hope she returns on subsequent occasions.

With tribute paid to absent friends, (and absolute respect to Edward Reekers), the show was soon over. Closed by an ensemble encore of album opener ‘Day Two: Isolation’ that subverted expectations. Two and a half hours passed by without even realising it, and I eagerly anticipate what may come for the next one.

An absolute blast of an afternoon was had with the best of company. Much gratitude as always to dear friend (and local) Lorraine for sharing the experience as she has since the start; as well as offering delightful conversation, company and crashspace while I was in town. Great to meet David (finally), and especially old friend Adrian who surprised us all with his own matinee attendance.

The world may seem doomed to a dark path of despair, but these moments of joy and togetherness should never be diminished. People can unite under shared passion as much as they may divide under strife, and in so doing create another space of hope and celebration…

… not to hide and forget the troubled times of the New Real, but to rise up and remember Forever.

https://heathenstorm.com/2025/09/17/another-time-another-space/

#arjenlucassen #ayreon #ayreonaut #heatherfindlay #livemusic #metal #music #netherlands #poppodium013 #prog #progmetal #thehumanequation #tilburg

Also, another question,
Is there a project that merge functionality of #Indieweb with #activitypub ?
E.g. a cross compatibily layer with PubSubHubBub, webmentions, etc
To let #indieweb user, website owner comment on #activitypub user & vice versa.
I know following RSS/Atom wouldn't be an issue & that works. I'm more interested in dynamic notifications, pingbacks, search, federation between activitypub & indieweb.
Re-toot, this important.

(pinging @smallcircles , because it is about small social circles, and you seem like the only indieweb person I know here on fediverse, you can ping people who related to IndieWeb)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=plleJ0Zv0Ww

Terrifying show and tell from an artist sick of how streaming has been subverted.

Nice surprise to have #peertube update to v7.3 halfway through fiddling with compose files. Not a good time to realise my custom theme no longer worked!

#selfhosting

@nyx I’ve been embedding a Spotify player for post-specific tracks, or Bandcamp where appropriate, but definitely looking for better options…

@ValueSubtracted Is this canon?

Arbiter - Towards the Burning Moon (Full Album 2025)

https://peertube.gravitywell.xyz/w/uAkvpJPCsaK2VqNYhbNNjQ

Some great #doommetal sources have popped up on #peertube :

@666mrdoom

@rob.doom.hammer

Unofficial mirrors of the YouTube channels, but nicer to listen to without the awfulness of the app and adverts.

#fediverse #music

It's time for Reddit to die

https://yt.lostpod.space/w/gzHaxG73RXeezXFNaQdjkv

@MetalInsider Gives a whole new meaning to “Beat it Upright”…

Captain Picard and his crew try to work from home (Parody)

https://lemmy.world/post/35026771

Green Fields and Reckoning

After the triumphant experience of managing the main stage at Metal Magic, I lingered around Denmark for another fortnight. Working on a gruelling festival tour that took me around the country and to the limits of endurance.

Celebrating it’s 43rd summer, Grøn Koncert is a mainstay of Danish Pop Music, raising money for Muskelsvindfonden – a support charity for Muscular Dystrophy. Uniquely, the festival shifts to a new city every day, with four consecutive shows each weekend and a few days respite in between. A schedule that demands a two-stage site build and take down at every location, starting way before the crack of dawn and finishing well past the Witching Hour – before the convoy rolls along to the next destination.

A challenge of such intense insanity needs an extensive extreme crew, of which willing volunteers were recruited from the Academy back in blighty. A hand-picked cadre of adventurous souls offered free flights, board, and beer in exchange for honest labour across long hours. Earning experience and bragging rights along the way.

Each volunteer was asked to pick their preferred crew schedule. Up Crew for the morning shift, building the site then additionally working bars and entrance. Down Crew got the evening shift, with some bar work up until the headliners stepped off the stage for the take down. Not one to ever test myself lightly, I chose both.

As part of the renowned Multi Crew, our days became a blur of Rock and Roll excess and accumulated fleshwounds. While other crews slept off site at schools, we lived from our bunks on a cramped yet cosy “Hotel” bus. Rolling onto site at about 3am to launch straight into a build that wrapped by midday, then relaxing with a few hours hard drinking before crawling back onto the bus for some bass-pounding sleep behind the main stage. Re-emerging in the evening to tear it all back down, then hitting the road around 1am to drive to the next stop.

Assigned to the main stage, I found the challenge overwhelming at first. Twice as old and sometimes half as strong as most of my peers, I felt myself a liability. Clambering comically over truss to get out of the way and working at tiptoe heights that others took in their Danish stride. My concerns were not that the work was too harsh, but rather that I could not contribute effectively to the team’s expectations.

In time I got over myself. Learning the process with rote familiarity so I knew where I needed to be in advance. Proactively grabbing tools and getting to work before being told what to do, and generally applying myself to the best of my ability. By the end of the first block of four dates, I was giving my all with pride and determination.

Admittedly, the music was not to my taste. Although I found Benjamin Hav’s occasional foray into sax-heavy Ska a jolly throwback to my youth. Hip-hop headliners Suspekt were definitely not my thing, but I absolutely admire their enthusiasm and decency towards the crew – even inviting a few of my ‘fellow kids’ up on stage to join them. It is no surprise some members had also worked Grøn themselves in the past, and their respect shined through in deed.

Relying as ever upon the international ‘Daryl Support Network’ to keep me sane under pressure, I took solace with occasional off-site escapades. The opportunity to meet up with friends old and new across the country was eagerly taken, and I am grateful for the grounding conversations which grew from such connection.

Resting midway at a sports hall near Aalborg, the wind down was appreciated – along with slightly better food options. A chance to connect more with the various crews, sharing drinks and dance away from work and expressing my ultimately unwarranted concerns.

An Academy crew meal at a nearby pizza restaurant offered chance for the students to decompress and take stock of how things were going. For some, it was their first trip overseas for any length of time, and although others were veterans there was still a hint of homesickness in the air. The Danish way of doing things a culture shock for many, not least in recalling their accommodation’s communal showers.

Showers of a different ilk came later that evening. With the news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing a shock to all in the restaurant, the heavens opened up in response. Splashing our way back to the hall in sombre reflection, a few of us recalled our favourite songs in tribute.

That night had a maudlin pang to it, with a troubled air mostly unexpressed beyond unhealthy coping mechanisms. Although not everyone present held the man in as much reverence as others, there is no denying his influence on music and culture as a whole. For my part, it was important to remind the younger generation that Rock and Roll would be far less potent without a hellraising legacy of such renown; and the man most knew from MTV had first inspired countless multitudes through song and stagecraft. Tears were quietly shed and respect given as folk flitted through the corridors and quietly went their way around.

The breakneck pace offered little time for reflection, and a return to better weather in the morning took us straight to the fifth location, Esbjerg. Where all crews had an extra night to set everything back up after the break, with the reward being an evening of partying on the main stage itself. More fun to be had with a cover band led by one of Multi Crew themselves.

However, the clear skies were not to last, and the next day saw dark clouds ominously encroach as main stage popsters Alphabeat launched into “10,000 Nights of Thunder”. The rain fell incessantly within minutes, flooding the festival site and city itself, forcing an unprecedented show stop and site evacuation.

Surveying the damage a few hours later, it’s fortunate that everything mostly survived. With relay towers moated by newly formed lakes, it was obvious cleanup would take far longer than expected. But we still managed to get everything packed down and loaded onto the trucks at a reasonable hour – even if driving them off the site required the aid of heavy duty tractors.

It is often said that stage rigging has its roots in seafaring tradition, with the ropes, chains, and pulleys required of the trade hearkening back to the age of sail. This was made blatantly clear during moments of less-than-perfect weather such as this, as manually sewn-and-strapped side skins billowed in the slightest breeze – demanding steady hands on the rope to lash them down.

The shock of the flood took a fair toll on my immune system, not least by a barrage of mosquito bites, and I had to sleep out the next day’s build in recuperation. Thankfully the minor gripes weren’t anything too serious, and with a boost of electrolytes and a few extra cups of coffee I was able to get back to work that night. There was no time to be poorly!

The last few days went by smoothly, with any residual uncertainties quashed by will, graft, and camaraderie. As the last sing-a-long site check in Valby ensured the grass was mostly how we left it, the tour was over. The final formality being a get together with the organisers to debrief and congratulate ourselves on a job well done.

Would I do it again? The first few nights were a slog, but as I got used to the process things got easier. Had I been offered opportunity to go home on the first few days I would have considered it.

But even in the struggles of self-doubt there was a determination that kept me going. Not so much shallow pride, but unflinching authenticity. We don’t know our limitations until we push beyond them, and there was nothing I couldn’t do without a bit of effort. An investment in introspection and a reckoning of my capabilities, with every cut and bruise betraying a deeper truth.

With hindsight I would prepare better. Not just in matters of strength and stamina, but packing more appropriately for crew bus life. Any discomfort was fleeting, and the personal rewards absolute.

Would I recommend it to others? Free beer, although alluring, is seldom free. I would not downplay how difficult it was at times. The lack of sleep, the physical intensity, the long hours, the sometimes curious catering. It was not for the faint of heart nor those unwilling to endure. But perseverance brings subtle reward – the quiet triumph of accomplishment in the chaos of the unknown, and the realisation of oneself beyond the comfort of convenience.

Some didn’t make it through. Dietary concerns, injuries, or the sheer weight of the experience compelled early flights back. This is no failing of those who departed. Everyone follows their own path towards the person they need to be, and there is purpose in every choice.

But ultimately, tempered by storms weathered within and without, we each found our way home.

https://heathenstorm.com/2025/08/15/green-fields-and-reckoning/

#academyoflivetechnology #crew #darylsupportnetwork #denmark #flooding #gronkoncert #livemusic #multicrew #music #muskelsvindfonden #ozzyosbourne #tour

Finally got #rclone reconnected to #icloud

Just needed to build it from source and run config reconnect that way. So far it's working fine again.

Roll on the official release!