iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 18h

@altnps.bsky.social - please remember to use alt-text with graphics. Thank you!

Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Truly looking forward to Vampire though. We need to find a time that lets us really enjoy it. (like GoT and Downton Abbey did.) That appointment TV where you can't wait to get to the next one. Good cinema (even small screen) is wonderful.

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Grantchester had its final season, so that will be put to bed. Unforgotten is a long-running fav and I'm dying to see it. Hubby and I have a few shows that we watch together, although he'd never mind if I bet him to them. Nice to have some off the list before starting fresh. The Diplomat too.

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

I'm excited. We've also got BlueLights, Unforgotten ❤️, Grantchester, the Marlow Mystery show - so fun!, and the list keeps growing! #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Thanks my #FreelanceFriends for another great week! Always so good to see you here. I'm looking for chat topics so if you see anything - drop a note. Gonna be a wild couple of weeks with the elections coming. Thank you all for a respite hour away from *that*.

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Yep! Just a bit more baseball to go. Both our teams are out so now we can just heckle and laugh at the ones left. It's still nice enough out and the garden is wrapping up. TV season will be here before you know it. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

We'll take it! Always!! And right back at you! I'd been meaning to check in and I'm so sorry that I haven't. Please know we're all just a DM away if you need anything. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

(Forgot #FreelanceFriends) I know Andy (@strotebook.bsky.social) is/was traveling! Wishing him the best time! @devonellington.bsky.social is busy with the residency. She is missed and waiting to see her again!! @angelatague.bsky.social shared her wonderful new job news! Congrats!!

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Luckily, we don't need to dig that deep for the group I'm working with. I just want to have the conversation of risk and how much do we want to assume. Work through processes to find gaps that we can plug. Due diligence > being naïve. We have a duty to protect data. Full stop. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Wrap-up for today! Any wins to share and celebrate? (Yay Paula!!) Anything we can help or share troubles with you? And any news? #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Feeling much better that some of my thoughts and concerns have been validated by good people here. I'm a touch weary of always being the "bad person" for bringing things up. No one else has the tech background though to be my ally. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

This. 👀 BTW - Have you been reading my notes to my group friends?? We were talking about that VERY thing! #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

And FB quizzes?! Public pen/paper sign in sheets where folks can video info as they pass by. I know a local gal whose FB mission is to document/recognize every bd, anniv + such every day on FB. Everyone tagged so it's all over the place. 👀 Privacy nightmare folks think is cute #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

I would love a private line right now. The Sophie's choice is to unsubscribe and validate the number or delete the message and they continue. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

We have gotten multiple "offers" from the different breaches with our data. Not sure we've used any since they all have different names - none of which I recognize. No one thinks it can happen to them or their little group would get targeted. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

a3) Does any one have any tactics or resources* for educating other freelancers or group members to the need for secure data processes? Or even family/friends? *asking for a "friend"! #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

a2b) I love that these folks I am working with are lovely, wonderful people who want good things and would never be underhanded with personal info. But I can't not mention it so that we can have a conversation. Lax rules are easy-pickings. And people should be protected IMO. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

It is. And trying to share that with folks who don't have much experience with that is hard. I feel like the bad news pessimist when I bring up these scenarios - that they think are dumb, but actually happen in the wild. Trying to keep folks safe is hard. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Exactly. I'm smiling thinking of some of your clients and the conversations that ensue. (Go Kevin Bacon Numbers!!) #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

a2) I do look for data management statements on websites and comms. I ask if it's unclear probably to some folks' dismay. The one I hate to give out is my phone number. There's so many entities that ask for it without a need. I just hate to have the phone number out in the wild. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Q2!! This is Q2! (Still mesmerized by the pretty pillow!) #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

My winter in Louisiana! It was years ago, but working at the mall and it was 50/sleety out. Bundled-up FootLocker guy (with earmuffs) was all "it's cold - take care child" and I replied "sir, I'm from NE. I'll let you know when it gets cold." First and only Xmas in shorts. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

a2) What kind of data do you share with other entities as a small business/entrepreneur? Do you ever inquire about their data collection/security? Are there types of data you refuse to share with clients/vendors? #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

So many people don't even think about it. It's been some tough conversations on why this is important and that if we collect X data, we're now obligated to manage and keep it secure. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

I forget at times that although I'm the head cook and bottle-washer here, one of the perks of freelancing is being to keep the data access circle small and manageable. In the group, there's time needed to explain to some why the security is needed. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Agreed. Even the act of defining data is something to consider. (I'm having that exact convo with the group.) #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

a1) For me it can range from company (and personnel) information that needs to be sorted to add (or leave off) their website. On occasion I have payment credentials when clients ask me to pay for items on their behalf. This on top of the admin access to their website/webhost. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

I have deck blue open on my other monitor and this pic stopped me cold while I was typing. Good heavens that is adorable. Gives me librarycore and vintage vibes. Amazing job!! #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

q1) What kinds of data do you manage in your small business? #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Selfishly, I'm working on helping a group set up a donor management system and between those conversations and the repeated news about privacy and AI and data centers and well, all-the-things. I thought it might make a good conversation today. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Fingers crossed on the optimistic part. I, for one, could use a little more of that around here. The cold and wet is finally starting so our green is giving way to colors. I know that means winter, but I love the fall colors. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

We set temp records last weekend. It was ridiculous. I finally broke down and turned on the AC. AC in October is stupid. #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

How fun! How's the anxiety going? Are you good? Used to this? Or all tied up in knots? (I would be - no doubt!) #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

I'm Amy - today's host/moderator and one of the organizers of the weekly #FreelanceFriends chat. I'm posting from a drippy Lincoln. Our October heat wave broke and the long-sleeves are out for good, I think. I'm a web/graphic designer who helping to make digital comms more effective.

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Good morning! Good to see you! Has the cooler weather gotten to you yet? #FreelanceFriends

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Good Morning and happy Thursday to you! Welcome to this week's edition of #freelanceFriends - a Bluesky chat focused on topics facing freelancers of all kinds - including small businesses and sole-proprietors. Please take minute to introduce yourselves while folks gather!

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

No worries! Just glad to see you even for a bit! Cheers!

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

For the second week in a row Bluesky is acting wonky. Hate when this happens on #FreelanceFriends day.

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Reposted by Amy Hampton, M.A.

Mary Peltola @marypeltola.com · 13/10/2026

$9.37 for heating fuel in Kotzebue, a hub in the Northwest Arctic. We heat our homes with diesel in most of Alaska, and families here are bracing for a winter where they’ll have to decide between heat and food. It’s apocalyptic – and Dan Sullivan's votes are to blame.

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Hey #FreelanceFriends! Indigenous People's Day was yesterday here in the US. Hope you all had a great day! Let's talk data security. What data do we deal with as freelancers? How do we keep it secure? Are there any tips/tricks to keep your data safe with others? Join us Thurs Oct 15th 12e/9p

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Reposted by Amy Hampton, M.A.

Ian Coldwater 🧊🚫 @lookitup.baby · 11/10/2026

Hi, I’m a sighted alt text user! Here are some reasons I use it: - Slow Internet on an airplane - I’m over 40, I have no idea who that celebrity is - Bluesky broke images again - My vision sucks and that text is too small to read otherwise - Conveys further context and authorial intent

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Reposted by Amy Hampton, M.A.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani @mayor.nyc.gov · 09/10/2026

Immigrant New Yorkers belong here. ICE does not. If you need help, call our free, confidential Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 1-800-354-0365 or dial 311 and say “Immigration Legal.” Help is here in your native language, no matter your immigration status. More info: nyc.gov/knowyourrights

nyc.gov

Know Your Rights: Federal Immigration Enforcement (ICE) - MOIA

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Reposted by Amy Hampton, M.A.

Prisonculture @prisonculture.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

This by Courtney Maum is where I am too. I am grateful to her for the words...

For me, the subject of AI detection is an ouroboros. I’ll speak only for myself, here is my opinion. I didn’t ask for artificial intelligence. It’s not something I need, it is not something I desire. And yet, it barged its way into my life and stole all of my books. All of them. Stole them. Trained off of them. Did not compensate me for this theft. So now, AI can write a book like me, because it stole my own work and learned my breed of humor and satire. So if someone runs an AI text detector on my creative output, it will probably “test positive” why? Because AI is a contaminant that has embedded itself into my work by stealing it and using my own work to perpetuate itself. It will test for itself and find AI there because it AI is a virus that has contaminated the DNA of my current and future writing—a form of intellectual rape. A kind of colonization. A raging plague that some gatekeepers are opening the door for.

If you ask me what I’m currently working on, the answer is nothing book-length. I’m not going to publish a new book in this current landscape. That’s a stance of privilege, I recognize that. And I can’t hold this stance forever, I can hold it as long as I have savings from my last book.

This current literary climate isn’t acceptable. It is not acceptable to have a thing thrust upon us that takes absolutely everything, and then be forced to prove that we are not the thieves.

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Amy Hampton, M.A. @amylhampton.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

OK - back to my work. Thank you all #FreelanceFriends for a delightful open mic! We'll see you here next week - Thursday at 12e/9p! Until then - cheers!!!

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