18 karma · joined August 13, 2014
You're probably looking at this from inside the SV bubble, but I could make a similar case there, too. Plenty of apps just ride the latest trend, and would pivot in a heart beat if it made if it makes business sense.
But we probably do agree that constantly comparing oneself to others is not good for emotional well-being.
My advice to OP: don't focus on outcomes (ie, 'this 22 year-old did X, why haven't I?), focus on the process. Your goal should be to each day do work and spend your time in a way of which you would be proud. Avoid the hot and cold cycle of overwork / burnout and procrastination.
I never said we should defer to their 'authority' either. But it is a conversation worth having, and the sooner the better.
Read Superintelligence by Bostrom to help see where they're coming from. It doesn't think AI will be evil either (unless perhaps those who develop it and determine its goals are...). But AI could run out of our control, or have us fall victim of unintended consequences.
I don't mind paying $10 for an ebook. I just want a good user experience. This means no DRM and full control of the content.
My solution: buy your ebook in any store that allows downloads (Amazon, Google, Kobo), and import into Calibre. Change settings to automatically convert imported ebooks to .epub format if they aren't already (the DRM-stripping plugin is optional ;-)). Set your library folder to dropbox, and voila, you have unfettered access from anywhere (and transferring to your Kobo Aura is easy too).