Hackers' Pub

Hackers’ Pub

Syntax	Description	Examples
`"` keyword `"`	Finds the string within quotes, including spaces. Case-insensitive. (Escape quotes inside with `\"`)	`"Hackers' Pub"`
`from:` handle	Finds content written by the specified user.	`from:hongminhee` `from:hongminhee@hollo.social`
`lang:` ISO 639-1	Finds content written in the specified language.	`lang:en`
`#` tag	Finds content with the specified tag. Case-insensitive.	`#HackersPub`
condition condition	Finds content that satisfies both conditions on either side of the space (logical AND).	`"Hackers' Pub" lang:en`
condition `OR` condition	Finds content that satisfies at least one of the conditions on either side of the OR operator (logical OR).	`#HackersPub OR "Hackers' Pub" lang:en`
`(` condition `)`	Combines the operators within the parentheses first.	`(#HackersPub OR "Hackers' Pub" OR "Hackers Pub") lang:en`

Julian Foad @julian@fed.foad.me.uk

5/15/2025, 10:32:44 AM

Public

Polite software. Politeness in software is under-rated. And deference. (But not fawning.)

Software that I truly control: you are likely FOSS/SOSS. You may call me "Boss". As in, "bossname and password" or "Settings -> Boss preferences".

Businesses, and any system I don't control: you may refer to me as, "Esteemed client" or "Sir/Ma'am".

Big Tech People-Farmers: you may justly call me "serf" or "chattel" (related to cattle; look it up).

Graphic meme idea: a collage of recognisable log-in screens etc., terminology edited.

@smallcirclesjust small circles 🕊

@stevenbodzinS Bodzin, Real American 🇺🇸

Julian Foad @julian@fed.foad.me.uk

5/15/2025, 11:32:22 AM

Public

Often "name" is enough on its own. (Does a restaurant waiter ask your "user name"?)

Otherwise, don't address the person's relationship to the tool ("dear web site user", "computer user"). In today's connected world, address their relationship to the controller of the system. ("Log in with your Customer Name", "Click your Owner Name to unlock your device", "I use my Bossname to access my own services".)

Related: how software freedom is no longer about our rights over merely bits of source code, but about our freedom and rights over the operation of the connected system.

@smallcirclesjust small circles 🕊

@stevenbodzinS Bodzin, Real American 🇺🇸

If you have a fediverse account, you can quote this note from your own instance. Search https://fed.foad.me.uk/objects/aea734da-6282-481f-9287-11a1749939ca on your instance and quote it. (Note that quoting is not supported in Mastodon.)