Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: Silent Retreat
This week, we discuss going into the woods, a "he admit it" moment, and a tofu sandwich.
asmr
YouTube Bans Popular ASMR Artists, Accusing Them of Making 'Sexually Gratifying' Content
YouTube told ASMR artists including Bunnii, Slight Sounds, Rose, and others that their content broke the platform's sex and nudity policy. Creators say these bans are unfair and potentially life-altering.
Impact
Company Offering Printed Books to Train AI Stops After 404 Media Coverage
Citing backlash, ISBNdb removed its webpages about training AI, denied ever buying, scanning, or selling a book for AI training, and said the site was a "test of market interest."
Flock
'I Would Never Do This To You:' Protesting Flock, Arizona Man Presents Plan to Surveil Government Officials
“They didn't understand it was satire in the beginning until the end,” Casa Grande, Arizona resident Jacob Petrosky told 404 Media. “They were not happy, they were very upset.”
Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: No Spoilers
This week, we discuss astrology, Flock on the brain, The Odyssey, and more.
AI
A Court Reporter Submitted AI-Generated Errors in Official Court Transcript, Judge Says
A judge in Indiana warns a court reporter that it's their job to proofread their work, after catching errors likely made by AI transcription services.
patreon
Patreon Lays Off 20 Percent of Its Workforce
In an internal email shared with creators, CEO Jack Conte wrote that AI doesn’t replace human creativity — but it does affect how the company operates.
voting
What Does Olive Garden’s Never-Ending Pasta Have to Do With Voting Rights?
Do you have to show ID to get unlimited pasta at Olive Garden? Yes. Is this the same as secure voting? Definitely not.
party
You're Invited: 404 Media's Third Anniversary Live Podcast and Party!
We're celebrating with TWO NIGHTS of good times: A live taping of the podcast, and a party the following night! Paid 404 Media subscribers get free and discounted access. Details below.
Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: Infinite Bowl Machine
This week, we discuss AI music, slop bowls, and the endless quest for optimization.
Podcast
Podcast: Liberation, Eroticism, and Sex in Public (with Angela Jones)
This week we’re joined by Dr. Angela Jones, who asks these questions and much more in their new book, Sex in Public.
Behind The Blog
Behind the Blog: The Promise of the Internet
This week, we discuss mobile podcasting, participating in the meme, and vertigo.