Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 27/09/2026It was hard to pick 9 games that shaped me, but here’s a few that clicked (in no particular order). 020
Reposted by TheoAstronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 05/09/2026Help! Parton Community Council has 60 days to raise £70k to buy Parton Kirk (resting place of James Clerk Maxwell). They plan to turn it into a visitor centre celebrating our great hero! The other buyers could turn it into long-term storage 😬 Even £5 would help 🙏🧪⚛️ www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding...justgiving.comHelp raise £70000 to Save Parton Kirk – JustGiving CrowdfundingIʼm raising money to Save Parton Kirk. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page. 14278201
Reposted by TheoBen Williamson @benpatrickwill.bsky.social · 18/08/2026What's most upsetting me as a journal editor is that many papers we receive where AI use is disclosed for editing and language refinement actually appear to have been ruined rather than improved by AI. We get what seem like promising underpinning studies, but totally obscured by over-complex text. 8518116
Reposted by TheoEdinburgh Diamond @edinburghdiamond.bsky.social · 18/08/2026The new issue of Leviathan has landed! 38 articles discuss topics including hegemonic masculinity, gender and authoritarianism, collective mobilisation, public trust, and a lot more! journals.ed.ac.uk/leviathan/is... 102
Reposted by TheoBillieB @billie.bookstoreromanceday.org · 06/08/2026Now is a great time to make the switch from Audible to Libro.fm Why? Because Libro will be adding e-books to their offerings & one of the features will be "LibroSync: When you own both formats, you can toggle between the ebook and the audiobook, or follow the text while you listen."libro.fmBuy audiobooks & support local bookstoresLibro.fm makes it possible for you to buy audiobooks directly through local bookstores. 8265164
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 27/07/2026Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of The Odyssey was alright, but not a patch on the classic 1980s kids TV show Ulysses. 141
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 15/07/2026"...Secondary Publishing Right is a legislative response to the abusive practice of non-negotiated publishing agreements that require authors to sign away their rights in return for journal publication – and very little else." legalblogs.wolterskluwer.com/copyright-bl...legalblogs.wolterskluwer.comMisleading Claims about the Secondary Publication RightIn her recent post, Molly Stech of STM, the international association of scientific publishers, discusses Problems Presented by the Secondary Publication Right. According to its website, “STM advances... 140
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 23/06/2026Ban disposable BBQs. Burnt patches of grass in my local park wind me up far more than is objectively reasonable. 170
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 19/06/2026I see the bus stop debating society are at it again in Edinburgh. 120
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 15/06/2026We said goodbye to our 20 year old cat today. I wasn’t too fussed when we first got her but she stole my heart anyway. Absolutely gutted 😿 14100
Reposted by TheoPessimists Archive @pessimistsarc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026In 1908 the Lancet called for an 18+ age limit on reading in bed for U.K. children. 321164514
Reposted by TheoDr Beth @drbeth.bsky.social · 15/06/2026Very pleased we're able to support @ojcollective.bsky.social. If you're wondering what on earth to do with your Wellcome block grant now you can't charge back TAs to them - think about supporting some Diamond resources! 073
Reposted by TheoSimon is on strike ✊🏻 @simonxix.com · 10/06/2026Here is the slide that was removed. I'll leave you to infer which private companies might have complained about the suggestion that you think twice about buying their products. 3268
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 11/06/2026A brand new article from @kjsanders.eurosky.social @alittleroad.bsky.social @scholtom.bsky.social @kirahopkins.bsky.social @anna-r-hughes.bsky.social has been published in the new(ish) Scottish Journal of Open Research: journals.gla.ac.uk/SJOR/article...journals.gla.ac.uk View of From mission to market: a case study and analysis of the commercialisation of institutional publishing 185
Reposted by TheoLaura Woods @woodsiegirl.bsky.social · 25/04/2026This week is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week! Although the week is almost over, I thought I’d post a thread about my experience as I was diagnosed with MS last year. This will be a long thread, so please feel free to mute! I promise I won’t be offended :) 1/ #MSThinkAgain 181
Reposted by TheoKatherine Heller @katherineh.bsky.social · 21/04/2026Another vanishingly rare post from me on here to say that my PhD thesis has now been uploaded to the Edinburgh Research Archive! Find it here: doi.org/10.7488/era/... Images of the manga/anime had to be redacted for copyright reasons, but hopefully there is still something to take from it!doi.orgFan culture and retranslation: the Sailor Moon franchiseThis thesis considers the influence of fan audiences and fan translations on professional retranslations of Japanese manga and anime. As English-speaking manga and anime audiences have changed since t... 184
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 20/04/2026“For more than a hundred centuries the Emperor of Mankind had sat immobile on the Golden Throne….He is the Carrion Lord of the vast Imperium of Man for whom a thousand souls are sacrificed every day so that He may never truly die” 010
Reposted by TheoEdinburgh Diamond @edinburghdiamond.bsky.social · 20/04/2026Registration is now open for Edinburgh Open Research Conference (@edopenresearch.bsky.social) 2026! 📆 Thursday 18 June, 2026 📍 50 George Square, Edinburgh & Online Register to attend in person: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/edinburgh-... Register to attend online: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/edinburgh-...eventbrite.co.ukEdinburgh Open Research Conference 2026 (in Person)Good Research is Open Research - so what's stopping us from making research more open? Join the conversation at EORC26 person! 177
Reposted by TheoDermot Lynott @dermotlynott.bsky.social · 15/04/2026“I am a leading academic, who publishes regularly in high impact journals, and I can assure you that the data are indeed available on request.” 12810
Reposted by TheoOpen Book Publishers @openbookpublish.bsky.social · 14/04/2026This scam seems to be becoming more prevalent -- some of our authors are being targeted by it. More information about how it works is available here: medium.com/@claude.whit...medium.comThe New “Book Club” Scam Targeting Authors and How to Spot ItA Public Service Post for Writers 055
Reposted by TheoOwen Blacker @owen.blacker.me.uk · 13/04/2026Your Kindle's not obsolete, it just needs a jailbreak — and I'll show you how it's done You can transform your old Kindle — even a bricked device — into the ultimate open-source reader. Here's how. www.zdnet.com/article/your...zdnet.comYour Kindle's not obsolete, it just needs a jailbreak - and I'll show you how it's doneYou can transform your old Kindle - even a bricked device - into the ultimate open-source reader. Here's how. 126411342
Reposted by TheoRichard Sever @richardsever.bsky.social · 13/04/2026“Policy analysis reveals that only combined interventions such as review infrastructure investment paired with institutional quality standards can restore positive knowledge production” 👀 0144
Reposted by Theoithinkwellhugh.bsky.social @ithinkwellhugh.bsky.social · 13/04/2026Conference bullies. It's not on, for senior researchers to humiliate junior colleagues in public at conferences. The chairperson, other researchers or maybe even you need to step in. #PhDchat #ECRchat #postdoc #PhDforum 061
Reposted by TheoRebecca Wojturska @beckywojturska.bsky.social · 11/04/2026Sadly my wee publishing company is closing next month. I’m clearing out my goffice and offering 66% off all our exceptionally talented author’s books. Sales and shares appreciated! 0108
Reposted by TheoGinny Barbour @ginnybarbour.bsky.social · 11/04/2026So many fantastic things from this mission but this timely quote stood out for me Hansen said "Our purpose on the planet as humans is to find joy, to find the joy in lifting each other up, by creating solutions together instead of destroying," www.cbc.ca/news/science...cbc.caArtemis II astronauts prepare for experience of 'riding a fireball through the atmosphere' to get home | CBC NewsThe Artemis II crew woke to the sounds of Queen and David Bowie's classic Under Pressure as they continued their journey through space Wednesday. Now preparing for Friday's re-entry, the astronauts also reflected on watching the eclipse of the Earth, the camaraderie of the mission and humanity's purpose on Earth. 061
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 09/04/2026I was honoured to join the @openingthefuture.bsky.social team on this panel. What a great bunch of folk working hard for a fair, just and open future for scholarly books! 041
Reposted by TheoJennie @unabridgedopinions.com · 01/04/2026On this day of mean jokes, I would like to point out that @the-phoenix-comic.bsky.social consistently understands the assignment. This year it is soup, but my eldest is hoarding it, so for your enjoyment-last year’s incredible offer. 053
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Cancer Research UK is fed up of paying too much for open access publishing so they are completely stopping funding this activity: news.cancerresearchuk.org/2026/04/01/w...news.cancerresearchuk.orgWhy we won’t be funding open access publishing any more - Cancer Research UK - Cancer NewsThe open access movement was bold and promising, but ultimately disappointing. Now is the time to stop and call for a new way to make publishing work… 23215
Reposted by TheoSimon is on strike ✊🏻 @simonxix.com · 31/03/2026I mentioned my work on Edinburgh Diamond during this presentation but I am on strike as a @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social member, Edinburgh didn't pay for me to be at #UKSG2026, and I replaced my slides with this. Please donate to our fighting fund if you're able. www.ucuedinburgh.org.uk/hff-fundrais... 0156
Reposted by TheoEdinburgh Diamond @edinburghdiamond.bsky.social · 31/03/2026In an Edinburgh Diamond triple whammy, @simonxix.com also presented at @uksg.bsky.social on the importance of opting for open source software instead of exploitative proprietary systems 💪 #UKSG2026 063
Reposted by TheoLucy Barnes @alittleroad.bsky.social · 30/03/2026In the plenary session after this, it was notable that a lot of the questions focused on the affordability of library and experimental publishing in a crisis. I find myself thinking back to this quote -- if these types of publishing matter, how can we collectively create and sustain them? #UKSG2026 142
Reposted by TheoEdinburgh Diamond @edinburghdiamond.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Wonderful seeing our very own @earthowned.bsky.social at the @uksg.bsky.social plenary this morning, talking about the diversity of publishing models and how Edinburgh Diamond is approaching experimental publishing. Some wonderful shout outs for @oipassoc.bsky.social too! #UKSG2026 0164
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 26/03/2026Looking forwards to next week's UKSG conference in Glasgow where I'm part of a panel discussing what it means to be a University Press, and the future of scholarly books. 040
Reposted by TheoBen Rosamond @benrosamond1.bsky.social · 26/02/2026'For example, in Edinburgh, the university sector's contribution is reckoned to be equivalent to ten Commonwealth Games as the University generates £7.52 billion per year to the UK economy compared with £740 million over seven years by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games'. 055
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 23/02/2026Five women authors by whom I’ve read (and loved) at least five books: Anne Leckie Martha Wells Ursula Le Guin Naomi Novak Genevieve Cogman (I found this more difficult than expected and must do better. My new reading challenge for 2026 is to read only women authors) 130
Reposted by TheoRichard Sever @richardsever.bsky.social · 22/02/2026"For open infrastructure, the burden of AI harvesting is existential...a swarm of AI scrapers mirror entire collections, the cost of being open rises sharply...degraded performance for legitimate users, polluted metrics, staff time diverted to firefighting" www.digital-science.com/blog/2026/02...digital-science.comNo shortcuts to research information citizenship - Digital ScienceBeing open isn't enough - true "research information citizenship" requires a robust, genuinely open research infrastructure. 0148
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 21/02/2026Academics write research papers, then give them to publishers for free. They them expect Libraries to buy subscriptions to read the content, to pay article processing charges, to buy access to citation databases and now AI tools? Absolutely not indeed! 042
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 15/02/2026I’ve not looked at any online socials for a while but checked in today to see what’s going on. First thing I see is someone mocking something I wrote online. No thanks, I think I’ll go back to watching the skiing. 040
Reposted by TheoSimon is on strike ✊🏻 @simonxix.com · 15/02/2026Just this week, I had to crank up the bot protection on some of our journal platforms. "AI" bots are putting huge stress on open infrastructure in ways that organisations simply can not afford. 1104
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 14/01/2026This is me watching BingBot flood my #OpenAccess repository causing it to crash for the 1000th time in a few days.media.tenor.coma man in a white shirt is making a funny face and saying , `` khaaa ! ''Alt: Captain Kirk shouting ` khaaaaaaaan ! '' From the best start trek movie - Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan 010
Reposted by TheoData Education in Schools @dataschools.bsky.social · 13/01/2026📚 We are proud to announce the release of "Teaching for Digital Futures": our guides and resources to help educators teach digital, data, and AI literacies in the classroom, in one Edinburgh Diamond-published book series ⬇️ @edfuturesinstitute.bsky.social @morayhouse.bsky.social 065
Reposted by TheoEdinburgh Diamond @edinburghdiamond.bsky.social · 13/01/2026We are starting off 2026 with a brand new book series from @dataschools.bsky.social! Teaching for Digital Futures provides practical resources to help educators confidently teach digital, data & AI literacies. There are currently four books for you to read & share! books.ed.ac.uk/edinburgh-di... 032
Theo @earthowned.bsky.social · 01/01/2026People say Hogmanay in Edinburgh is the best, but I tend to prefer New Years Day where I was able to cycle round a park with an extinct volcano in the morning and mess around on a near deserted beach in the afternoon. 090
Reposted by TheoEdinburgh Diamond @edinburghdiamond.bsky.social · 23/12/2025That's a wrap! Edinburgh Diamond is officially out of office until 5th January 2026. We have had a wonderful year, working with incredible editors and authors from @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social and beyond! Here's to 2026 – may Diamond Open Access continue to strengthen! 💎 062
Reposted by TheoEdinburgh Diamond @edinburghdiamond.bsky.social · 15/12/2025A huge welcome to Simon Bowie (@simonxix.com) – the new technical developer working on Edinburgh Diamond & our External Open Hosting Service. We are big fans of the work Simon has done with Copim & other open access & open source communities, and very much look forward to our next chapter together!media.tenor.coma drawing of a laptop that says ' i love open source ' on itALT: a drawing of a laptop that says ' i love open source ' on it 0214