iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by jarrettdapier.bsky.social

kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

I'm really excited to share that I have now seen a phenomenal letter from a public library board in response to HR 7661, and it'll go out in the Literary Activism newsletter next week.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

I received great responses to the pilot episodes of my podcast, I’m With the Banned, last fall. Now I'm launching it for real. Expect bi-weekly episodes. New episode feat. author Rex Ogle is imminent. Until then, here's my interview w/ Randi Pink. Enjoy. jarrettdapier.podbean.com/e/randi-pink...

jarrettdapier.podbean.com

Randi Pink and Angel of Greenwood | I’m With the Banned

On this episode, Jarrett is joined by Randi Pink, author of 5 YA books, including Angel of Greenwood, a beautiful historical fiction novel suffused with warmth, elegance, and fire about two Black teen...

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

I found this defense of author Roy Scranton to be compelling. I haven’t read him, but I would like to. According to this author, Scranton posits that the one thing that all living creatures share is the experience of suffering. And therein lies the key to compassion. lithub.com/lessons-in-l...

lithub.com

Lessons in Living in the Anthropocene (From the World’s Most Pessimistic Climate Writer)

I remember the thrill of transgression I felt the first time I pulled Roy Scranton’s Learning to Die in the Anthropocene: Reflections on the End of a Civilization off a shelf. It was at City Lights…

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Chicago! Come out and let's high-five @challengers.bsky.social on Saturday. I'll be there from 3-5p.

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Reposted by jarrettdapier.bsky.social

Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Finished reading “Wake Now in the Fire” by Jarret Dapier and AJ Dungo. A harbinger of the broader fight against censorship in the years to come, especially against marginalized voices, it is a story of how every voice matters, no matter how young.

“Wake in the fire now” by Jarret dapier and AJ Dungo

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Reposted by jarrettdapier.bsky.social

E Train Talks Books @etraintalks.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

WAKE NOW IN THE FIRE is a phenomenal YA & upper #MGLit graphic novel by librarian @jarrettdapier.bsky.social & illustrated by AJ Dungo An empowering story inspired by Chicago high students who stand up together & fight to overturn the ban of Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis.💪🏼 youtu.be/nG3W2Kk9sYw?...

youtu.be

Uniting Against Book Bans - WAKE NOW IN THE FIRE, an Empowering Graphic Novel Based on True Events!

YouTube video by E Train Talks Books!

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Reposted by jarrettdapier.bsky.social

Julie @mellendamerell.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

“Censorship of the word does not end on paper, but on the skin of human beings” (Herta Müller) Found in the incredible graphic novel I’m reading — Wake Now in The Fire by Jarret Dapier & AJ Dungo. A fictionalized account of a true event in Chicago, 2013. “A story of censorship, action, love, & hope"

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Reposted by jarrettdapier.bsky.social

d h @deeholloway.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

a lot of chatter about Persepolis (deservedly!)--want to to put this new, related graphic novel on the radar

a hand holding the book Wake Now in the Fire by Jarrett Dapier and AJ Dungo.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Have you been scammed by sneaky AI Catherines? What was the experience like? What have you learned as you've weathered this incessant shitstorm? Please let the rest of us know. Let's compare notes. In solidarity, Jarrett

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

And to the rotten people trying to scam artistic folks who are all out here barely getting by, flay yourselves with an ice skate. I extend to all of you both my middle fingers. Can you see them? What do you think? Please let me know if they STAND OUT.* *Just kidding, don't contact me. I hate you.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

As a creative person, you need to keep inventing and imagining and creating and sharing your work w/ the world. I know it's an ache in your marrow you can't shake. Everything you make is a gift. Let's not let the parasites exploit the effects of our dreaming and suck us dry. Solidarity will out.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

7. Take a deep breath after you've deleted their asses, remind yourself you're safe now that they're gone, and get on with your day. This has become a serious downside to publishing and I imagine it will only get worse. If we share our strategies for remaining safe and help each other, we'll be OK.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

7. Take care of yourself. Receiving these emails, even when you've developed an appropriate level of vigilance to guard against them, feels dirty. Like someone has attempted to get into your home using charisma and an authoritative voice or someone's groped you on the subway, but you don't know who.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

6. Before deleting the emails you receive, read at least a little of one of them every now and again. This will help you remain familiar with the language and tactics they're using. This will help you stay ahead of them.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

5. Forgive yourself if you do get scammed. This shit their slinging is sophisticated. I'm a librarian who thinks about misinformation and the pitfalls of digital spaces every day and I was stll. fooled. Twice. Thankfully, I was able to determine both instances were scams before I got in too deep.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

4d. Again, don't reply. That's what they want. If there's no way to verify their identity, it's a scam. Delete and move on.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

4c. Don't click any links they've shared. Those could be fashioned to look real, but are actually altered and will send you somewhere you probably don't want to go.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

4a. If they've given you a phone number, don't call it. If they've attached their name to a real org, like a radio station or library association, find that entity via web search, assess the site, &call the main number listed. If you get someone, ask to talk to the email sender. You'll know quick.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

4. But, if something does make you pause and think "this could be an actual person trying to get a hold of me..." then sit up, don your maximum skepticism glasses, and look for a way to confirm their identity through verifiable means.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

3b. They are relentless. Do not give them the oxygen. Make it a habit: Delete like it's just a typical part of your day, like flossing your toes or counting the loose buttons in the pockets of your pantaloons.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

3a. If you feel tempted to play w/ your tormentor, I get the temptation. It can be a fun release of energy. But when I've written anything beyond "nice try, f*ckface," they've simply redoubled their efforts and replied, "Love the wit! Can we still talk?" They will try to squirm into any opening.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

3. Delete that shit. Just delete it and move on. Too good to be true always is and you've got other shit to do.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

2. If the content of the email is effusive, seems to hit all the right notes, flatters you, and seems to go on and on (imagine the worst blathering academic at a party saying the words aloud - if you feel like ending him with the blunt end of a salmon platter), it's a scam trying to overwhelm you.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

1a. Sneaky Catherine's was slightly less obvious, but in retrospect a little too on the nose: "Censorship, Student Activism, and the Power of Collective Voice." When I was interviewed on Chicago's WVON, the subject was "Interview on WVON." Simple. To the point.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Authors! Or anyone creative who finds themselves preyed upon by embarrassing flimflam knaves! if you've read this far, I guess here's what I've learned: 1. Watch out for emails w/ subjects like "(Your Book Title) Deserves a Much Bigger Audience Than It Is Getting Right Now." They're all like that.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

I have now received two emails that raised my hackles. Both times, I followed up with a phone call directly to them via their stated association (i.e. the radio station). The first one, happily, turned out to be legit and a wonderful opportunity. The other was a F*ckleberry (Pitt reference #3! Yes!)

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Or to set up the interview, they'll send a link to a form that "all the interviewees need to fill out for station reference" and the link will either compromise my computer or the form itself will ask for sensitive information so they can pay me, blah blah blah. Something like that.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

A librarian friend suggested they're likely trying to lure me into initial contact and then continue the con by posing as a producer at the station. And while they're just "finalizing the interview schedule" they'll let me know about "this other side opportunity" I could buy into to guarantee sales.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

That's when the game really starts. It's like playing ddakji w/ the dude in the subway in Squid Game - once you start up w him, it becomes increasingly hard to get out. AI scammers will envelope you in a fog & lead you thru it until you give them what they want: Access to your bank account.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Every AI email scam targeting authors (& prob other creatives out there bc the parasites can instruct LLMs to craft emails related to any field) wants one thing to begin: Engagement. They want you to get pricked by SOMETHING in the email - and the email is chock full of subtle tactics - and reply.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

I'm left w/ the same question: What was the game here? Book me for an interview that, Surprise! Didn't exist! I guess that would be a saucy prank...? I looked back at the email and saw that "Catherine" had concluded w/ "I would be glad to coordinate next steps at your convenience." And there it was.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

(As irritating as this all was, I'm thankful for 1 thing: If I hadn't made the call, I wouldn't have spoken w/ Kathy. I mean, we didn't talk much, but the way she said, "No, I don't think so" re: the imposter Catherine was so sweet and kind. Like she didn't want to embarrass me. Thanks, Kathy.)

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

"No?" I asked. "Is there anyone with a job like that?" Again, "No, sorry." And I had my answer. Catherine Nelson doesn't exist. Nor does the position, "Literary and Editorial Support for Author Features." I told her about the scam in case this becomes a thing for them and thanked her for her time.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

I called the station. I pressed 0 for operator and a lady picked up. "KPFA, this is Kathy." "Hi, is there a Catherine Nelson who works there?" "Not sure, what department?" I told her about the email. "She says she's in Literary and Editorial Support." A brief pause. And then: "No, I don't think so."

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

I'd clicked the link to KPFA she included in her signature & saw that it's a real station, etc. Now I decided to check the site again. Could I find any reference to a Catherine Nelson? Well, they don't really list their staff and the station runs tons of programming. Screw this.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

So maybe she used AI to dash off a quick letter and, against Dr. Al-Hashimi's advice (Pitt reference #2), she didn't proof it, didn't edit it down into a less obnoxious missive. I don't love that, but I guess it's possible. I was 75% sure this was a scam. But then what was the game?

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

But, here's the sign off! "If this aligns with your current schedule, I would be glad to coordinate next steps at your convenience. Warm regards, Catherine Nelson Literary and Editorial Support for Author Features KPFA 94.1 FM Pacifica Radio, Berkeley, California" That looks...kinda normal?

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Then came the ask: "We would welcome the opportunity to host you for a conversation that engages with these ideas." Cool. But, wait: that's a tortured way to say "Got time for an interview? When are you available?" Zero producers lead w all this wanky puffery when they're trying to book someone...

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

"Your work offers a compelling opportunity to discuss how censorship shapes public discourse, how young people engage with systems of power, and how communities mobilize in response to restrictions on knowledge." More stink lines. Hey, bot, have you tried shutting up? Maybe saying less?

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

"At KPFA, we are particularly interested in conversations that explore the intersection of storytelling, education, and freedom of expression." OK, that sounds a little more like it was written by a sentient being. Plus, describes a lot of the programming I like (Democracy Now!, public radio)...

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

"Goddamit," I muttered as I read. Was this just another f*ckface scammer impersonating someone at KPFA? It was obviously written by AI - the language she uses is verbatim from the countless emails I've received by parasites promising access to a secret network of dedicated readers. I read on.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

"The act of reading becomes political, transforming from a private experience into a shared form of defiance & solidarity." My god, the author of this email has managed, like Dr. King on The Pitt, to reach into my chest and revive my cold, lifeless heart with her verbal palpations and compressions.

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

"The story highlights how students, often underestimated in institutional spaces, organize, question authority, assert their right to access ideas." OMFG! So crystalline! So true! She really read the book! Maybe she'd want to write a companion manual or maybe edit a book of essays about Wake Now!

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Oh, does that stand out? You mean the basic action of the book described in its summary? "What stands out in this work" is tired-ass AI speak used in almost every flattering f*ckface scammer email I get. Fishy. What else does she have to say?

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

But, despite a signature line with her name, title, and working link to KPFA, and despite having received multiple radio and podcast requests to discuss my book Wake Now In the Fire in the past 2 months, I smelled a rat: "What stands out in this work is its focus on resistance as a collective act."

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jarrettdapier.bsky.social @jarrettdapier.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

I receive AI scam emails daily. I've read enough to recognize the breathless flattery/vague BS offers. I swiftly delete. Today I received an email from someone running "the literary &editorial support team for author features at KPFA (radio in CA)." Wanted me for an interview. Seemed legit. Nice!

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