Atomicfog

Yeah, well given how they decided to do things -- perhaps this a good thing. More competition, more people recognizing what they did and calling attention to these issues -- maybe it will even wake some other tech companies up and get them to do things better. But yeah, Librewolf seems legit -- I believe I prefer Brave after customizing it a bit and getting used to it -- also the librewolf shield icon really doesn't work well with their light color scheme, but I would say from what I can tell those are the top two browser options. And yeah, proton is a pretty cool venture, overall. That would be nicen -- but it's alright. I'm happy to move past firefox at this point -- it was mostly nostalgia factor, loyalty, and what I have been long accustomed to that was keeping me using it, but I'm glad to use and/or support a better option if that's how it has to be, (even if switching thing up isn't something we all wanted to do.) I would rather them have just stayed true to their origins, but it is what it is. It reminds me of when I switched from google to apple as far as phones go because of privacy (and other ethical concerns,) and I was glad to never look back. Though apple has been really complacent and lackluster in terms of principle and innovation lately so it makes me wish there were legitimate alternatives in the phone space. But the point still stands that it can be worth switching things up sometimes. Even as far windows I'm at the point where I'd consider exploring linux and/or mac as a separate main operating system while using windows as needed with how many ridiculous things microsoft has been up to -- even though that's something I'd really rather not feel compelled to do given the effort involved. It could really be worth it though. Thinking about it -- there aren't a lot of companies that just stay good. It's probably both a problem with capitalism, and also the specific way the landscape of capitalism happens to be set up right now. Of course, that's a really in-depth and tangential point, but it seems clear that's likely a large factor in this But yeah, our timeline is not something I would have even remotely imagined just over 20 years ago when firefox came out. Always seemed like we were headed in a much more positive direction back then. That being said, I think there may be a silver-lining in that maybe it's in seeing and experiencing an influx of things that don't align with us that could be the key and/or catalyst to really turn things around and make things better at a societal level.

Interesting take. I could definitely see that -- it does seem to add up across the board. But ironically, in doing so they made me realize that brave's privacy policies appear to be better and more well-written all around -- at least upon a quick examination of them both. So, by making this change so poorly, they probably spurred me and many others to switch. You have to imagine a lot of the people who still use firefox, given their much smaller market share, are probably people who care about details like this. Most people who don't care about stuff like this are probably already just using chrome because it works fine and it's ubiquitous. So the fact they went about this in the way they did -- just being vague and not explaining what they were doing to their user base, even in their follow up about it -- that clearly was not a smart move, and also baffling and out-of-touch as well. If they just said that they're changing our privacy policy quite a bit to comply with california law and here's the basic reasons why -- maybe even add some positive news in alongside it, and then a link to the more detailed reasons why and how these things won't have any effect on those that are using it and their care for privacy. That would have been a move that made a lot more sense. But I really like California for doing stuff like this -- just like how they made websites let you choose what level of cookies and trackers they can use before reading them. It makes people think about privacy and if this stuff matters to them, and it gives everyone more transparency and control with respect to their data -- even if most people really don't care about this stuff and/or understand the implications or relevance to them and how society progresses. Oh yeah, and this guy mentioned as far as using Librewolf. I'm definitely going to install that. I think I'm pretty happy with Brave, but from the research I did that seems like another solid option. Also, what he said here (timestamped) sums everything up so well, lol: Also, I hadn't heard of this guy before, but I like his take here, and with respect to how companies operate after that. Good stuff -- I appreciate you linking that video, thanks for that.

For sure. I definitely think it's worth exploring. Tbh before I switched to brave browser, I didn't think it would work well for me based on my initial experience with it, but with some adjustments I think I prefer it to firefox in quite a few ways. Like I've always had to admit in a lot of areas chromium runs a bit smoother, and more websites also seem to be built with it in mind these days so I like those benefits (though it might have more exploits designed with it in mind as well, -- not sure.) I also like how you can see a lot more tabs you open without scrolling, and it by default shows you which tab is playing on youtube (though I had to set it so youtube doesn't autoplay.) This is really useful if you're discovering music and opening a lot of tabs to go through all the different songs -- that's what I do when I've found a lot a want to listen to that I want to look through so I know which ones are playing if two play at once which can happen sometimes (went through a bunch of really good video game remixes and covers last night and it was really nice for that.) It also lets you have a lot more tabs visible to look through without having to scroll to the right like firefox. So yeah, little things like that are really nice quality of life features. I also like that it will show you how much memory a given tab is taking up by default, even though I turned it off. But that can be good to turn on when one tab is slowing everything down for some reason -- then you can just close that tab and everything should run smooth. All neat things to consider. It's nice to just take your browser and things like that forgranted, but sometimes taking a bit of time to consider the other options can be worthwhile it overall. This actually reminds me (and maybe I'm just rambling a bit) that I'll probably have to switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11 at some point. If I had two computers at this point I'd explore linux or maybe even mac for non-gaming stuff with how ridiculous microsoft has been in so many respects. They even still mess up my windows 10 settings sometimes with updates -- like the other day they added news, weather, and other nonsense to my login screen as if I would want that for some reason. But yeah from what I've seen about Windows 11 a lot can be configured well, but there's just so many dumb things they did with it imo. But yeah, I'd really rather just keep using windows and probably will for awhile, but man -- these things that may feel like large switch ups can be really worthwhile sometimes.

Sure, I mean -- I agree and resonate with a lot of that. If it's any indication as to with what respect I view this stuff -- I have a vpn that I just leave off most of the time. Because I'm not all that concerned about privacy for many things -- though I still prefer it on a certain level. But when it comes to stuff like politics or other personal details in this day and age I'd prefer those online details be minimal and not easy to compile. I think we live in a day and age where the details compiled on us seem likely to become a lot more granular, and I'd rather not support that trend. It's also likely to be fed into an ai at some point if that hasn't already happened -- and more advanced ai beyond that. In addition, just for cyber security reasons its good to know you have strong base layers at the very least -- companies that don't value privacy in certain clear respects, in my opinion, also likely do that across the board in other respects. And it doesn't matter what they say about how much they value it -- you have to look at their actions to see how they are. Like for example, google claims, "we value privacy". But lets be real. They have never valued privacy through their actions. They gather all the data they want to, and maybe do the bare minimum to give you some control so others don't get that data. Maybe it's better now to an extent, but I don't think anyone can realistically trust them all that much with their data. But I agree with you about finding the right balance of caution and openness (I'd say openness isn't equal to courage though, but sometimes it take courage -- but I think that's what you were going for.) That being said, I think it's very reasonable to choose a browser that you feel actually values privacy to a large degree based on the evidence -- and not one that appears to blatantly disregard it in areas they didn't before, and didn't care to truly offer a detailed explanation for why they made the changes.

Interesting. Well I definitely respect your take and I'm definitely not saying I shouldn't examine things further. Looking into it more, this stuff overall, its probably more complex than I cared to really examine thoroughly. Part of that though is because, there are a few things, on a surface level that rub me the wrong way about what they did in a way that doesn't feel superficial -- I feel like you get a 'spidey sense' for this stuff after enough dealing with enough nonsense. Their statement from firefox that you linked reads as really "fluffy" and doesn't address anything specifically. In my opinion, and I could be wrong, their change of terms could be a catch all so that they can put your data into a training data set for an ai and/or to allow the possibility for this while they shop around -- which is not something I want to support if so. When I look at Firefox's "how your data is shared" section (linked here as an attachment) it also seems to affirm that is a likely possibility. Not only that, everything in that section really implies they can give your data to almost anyone -- or that's what it feels like. Their language seems intentionally open-ended even though I know at least some of that is likely to reduce liability for reasonable things like you mentioned. Meanwhile though, brave seems more clear with their privacy policies and outright says they don't buy or sell users data and don't keep any record of your browsing history (I also attached images of those statements.) Meanwhile, firefox deleted their promise not to sell user data: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/02/firefox-deletes-promise-to-never-sell-personal-data-asks-users-not-to-panic/ If that isn't sketch, then I don't know what is. So what I'll say is when initially examined this topic I felt like -- maybe this is just other companies like brave using social media to make a big deal out this so you switch to their browser. And maybe it is that. But looking into the details it still seems like a big mistake in terms of what firefox did on multiple levels -- and on top of that if they did want to use what you write as training data they could easily argue that processing user data falls under "helping you navigate, experience, and interact with online content." At least it seems that way to someone like myself who isn't a legal expert. Also, if you don't mind me asking, what browser do you prefer? When I looked into the other options you mentioned, Orion is just for mac, Waterfox is "owned by System1, a company involved in data analytics, raising concerns about potential conflicts with privacy goals" + their tracking protections seem weaker by default, and their default search engine is bing which doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. Ungoogled chromium is actually pretty cool after looking into it, but aside from the fact that it needs extra configuration to work like brave -- I don't like that it doesn't have automatic updates as that makes staying secure a lot smoother -- I think that's mainly why I didn't switch to it awhile back before you mentioned it. I checked out Arc browser as well, but it makes you sign up for an account to use. Also, it isn't as security oriented as brave, and has a really ugly logo. Anyhow, I'm curious what you think of this stuff and I do appreciate your take. Of course, you don't have debunk anything here or give your opinion if it feels like too much effort. But it does sound like you know some things about this topic that I probably don't. After looking into things a bit more, but really just scratching the surface -- I still feel like brave is the best option and from what I read the flaws you mentioned were mildly petty, but seemingly minor things -- with the vpn that was installed, it wasn't enabled to do anything by default -- though I suppose that would be the worst ding against them? I'd be glad to find a reasonable justification to go back to firefox and/or use a different better browser aside from brave -- I don't think I've seen it here yet, though. I wish firefox just kept things how they were and/or were extra transparent and in-depth about the real reasons for these changes + released more definitive statements as to why they won't make a meaningful difference rather than just making claims saying that they care about privacy and all -- while seemingly not addressing these concerns comprehensively. PS My bad if I rambled a bit here -- but the topic has a fair bit of depth.

Wow, I'm making a thread. This feels so retro. So yeah, I'm not sure if you guys heard the news about firefox, but yeah, links below about how they don't care about privacy anymore. After two decades, it seems like it's time to switch it up I suppose. I'm sure some many of you switched awhile back, but I never really liked chrome, and I used brave before, but it didn't do things how I wanted like firefox without manually adjusting it so I stuck with firefox. Why did I make this thread though? Because I remember I was literally here at OCR using internet explorer like basically everyone else when firefox came out. And I remember so fondly how hyped every was for it, and couldn't believe how cool tabbed browsing was. Everyone loved the logo as well and the vibe + everything about it. There are even some old threads still around from the era with people here touting its perks. Firefox was the hip thing and also on another level compared to internet explorer. But yeah, I think a lot of the original threads may not be around and/or were in unmod iirc. But I remember it all well -- what fun times those were. Needless to say Brave is pretty good after some adjustments -- smooth scrolling (why is that off anyway?), hiding the number for blocked ads and such, and hiding the tacky basic attention token icon definitely felt necessary. The only thing that I wish I could adjust it having a file menu -- not because I care about the file menu, but because I don't prefer to have my tabs at the very top of the screen. I imagine nobody else cares about that, but if you know a work around for that without using a shady extension let me know. Anyhow, was fun to write a thread. Forums are technically still > social media and discord in a lot of ways imo. Also: https://x.com/LundukeJournal/status/1895249805338886591

Legit man -- thanks so much for the response. It's incredible how much goes into some of these projects. But yeah, so much untapped potential in the Lufia 2 soundtrack, and I'm sure it's going to be something special. I don't come by the forums that much these days, but it's things like this that keep me comin' back. If you want to link that other xprtnovice track + video here when that's released (or if they do) that would be cool, that sounds like a lot of fun. Anyhow, cheers for having the dedication to bring this album so far. Much love.

Love the part you posted. So any chance we will be able to hear some of these tracks? Been wanting to for, well, quite a while. :-]

Oh yeah, and btw here's aluminum's 2003 remix if anyone want to hear it since it's such a gem and I don't think there's any links to it on the internet anymore. It really should be grandfathered in here as an ocremix. (feel free to delete this post if it's not allowed, but yeah it's a 20 year old remix that's not even on the internet as far as I can tell.) the_ghost_of_zeldas_past.mp3

This was a fun remix. I just wanted to drop in here to let aluminum know that I listened to a song of storm remix from vector U, and I was about to say it was the best one I ever heard, but then I had to check, and it turned out the best song of storm remix I've ever heard, and I've heard so many, is Aluminum's 'the ghost of zelda past'. The funny think it's aptly named, because the mp3 on my computer was downloaded in 2003 making it over 20 years old lol. But for real that one is special. Thanks Aluminum.

This is dope, really groovy. There's a lot going on there, and I really like all the different layers. I agree that modulation effect is really cool. And it has kind of a unique 80/90s vibe throughout, and for some reason gives me some unique vibes that remind me of chilling, but also being hyped for saturday morning cartoons as kid, lol. Listened to it a few times, and I think from 2 minutes onward may actually be my favorite part, though the whole thing is really nice. Definitely impressive imo.

Interesting story. To me is sounds like your issue is less about luck and more about being in an overly-analytical mindset. There may always be some degree of luck when it comes to creativity, but I believe an important part of it is creating the headspace for it, and getting yourself into a relaxed and open-minded state. A state where vibes and ideas become present without much friction. I feel like meditation can help that kind of process a lot. Also I think cbd oil (probably without thc given your disposition -- that's the kind I get either way) may be helpful as it can increase neurogenesis and also calm the mind. Listening to inspirational music and doing things that kind of ground you can also help. Just some ideas though. I have a relatively creative background, though I mostly did traditional art and martial art. I've had so many musical ideas throughout the years and I've recorded many and played around with making music a bit, but I have never really gotten the chance to immerse myself in it enough. But yeah, definitely hope some of that might help you find the music within

I'm glad you liked that one since I don't know too many people who share quite the same enthusiasm for those tracks -- though I'm sure many share the sentiment to some degree. That's a lot of times to listen to those tracks, haha. Personally I try not to over listen to gems or it's harder for me to get the same enjoyment out of them, but on the other hand I definitely do the same with some songs because it's, perhaps, too hard to resist. Though you definitely get another level of appreciation as well. Oh btw, since you're so into the starcraft soundtrack would you agree with me that the forensic files theme must have somehow had someone involved in making it that worked on the Starcraft music? lol I feel like this stuff is definitively starcraft brand space music. But yeah, overall I would love to hear your auditory vision of an interwoven starcraft theme mix. I can kind of imagine how it might be. Hopefully someone will pull that off if you don't. That sounds legit.

That's funny you mention that, as I don't recall ever thinking of the internet as a place for nerds. Maybe because I was a nerd at the time xD But that's probably very true. I suppose either way OCR was a place for video game 'nerds' for sure though. I know I was the only person at my school walking around with an mp3 player that held like 30 songs and most of them were video game remixes. But yeah, I think most of the people around their early 20s in the golden era of unmod were probably considered a legend by everyone like AD lol. Now looking back and seeing that it's pretty hilarious though they had some wisdom you definitely weren't getting anywhere else on occasion. As well as lots of bad advice xD I'd take that transitory period over modern social media any day of the week though. We didn't even have Youtube for some of that time, and actually it's pretty funny because I'm pretty sure learned of youtube through unmod and/or ocr. Definitely makes one feel old knowing unmod was deleted, I believe, before chocolate rain came out, because Im pretty sure I remember that being super hype, but in offtopic after the dust settled. It was definitely a mematic culture. I'd say in general people liked to troll gen discers like they unwittingly walked into a biker bar or something. But as for the tribalism, I'd say maybe that showed up more whenever mods would actually come into unmod, and probably came from whatever toxic mf'rs were leading the dance at the time. Then a bunch of other members would just get on board for the drama. I think a lot of the people in unmod didn't even recall that they were on someone else website and forums lol.

Oh yeah, looking back I would definitely agree, though it was entertaining at the time. It was basically a group of teenage edgelords, prehipsters, neckbeards, and weebs. Anyone who had been there awhile would act like you just stumbled upon the roughest and coolest corner of the internet that you weren't prepared for if you just innocuously came here to talk about video games and remixes, lol. But being an edgy teenager at the time it definitely had its charm and appeal. I'd always be excited to get home from school to see what kind of silly stuff or drama was going on lol. I imagine social psychologists could have had a pretty interesting case study on their hands with unmod.