iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

And if you'd like to know more, consider checking out my story about E-Rate and Indiana's libraries at the top of this thread. Thanks for reading!

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

You can contact the FCC about E-Rate in one of several ways. Here's how online; go to: fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express. Under the first tab marked "Proceedings," you can search by typing "E-Rate" or enter its related docket number(s), which are 26-133, 13-184, 21-93, and 21-455.

fcc.gov

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

As it considers what to do about E-Rate, the FCC is welcoming public comments from now until Oct. 13, 2026.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Gutting E-Rate, she said, would "turn back the clock on American classrooms."

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

"The children most harmed by any weakening of E-Rate are not those with multiple devices and high-speed broadband at home," Gomez wrote. "They are the children who rely on schools and libraries for digital access, the students for whom E-Rate is a lifeline to opportunity."

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

"Policing children's behavior in schools goes far beyond our agency's stated mandate," Gomez wrote. "The FCC is not the nation's parent. It is not the nation's teacher. And it is not the nation's school board."

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Not everyone in the FCC agrees with Carr. Commissioner Anna Gomez issued her own statement concerning E-Rate, and it's fiery.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Carr said the FCC needed to re-examine its understanding of the Children's Internet Protection Act and whether — as a result of that examination — the FCC should do more to protect kids online when using E-Rate supported networks. That includes gutting it.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is openly questioning whether E-Rate should be limited to protect children. "Kids as young as 8 have been spending up to five and a half hours daily on screens," Carr wrote in a statement, saying it was therefore appropriate for the FCC to look at its own programs.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The FCC is calling for a "top-to-bottom review" of its Universal Service Programs like E-Rate, a move the FCC said would be undertaken to promote its "efficiency, transparency, and accountability."

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

"If it wasn't for public libraries, what would those people have done in a time of crisis?" asked Jamar Rahming, president-elect of the Public Library Association and CEO of Cuyahoga County Public Library in Cleveland, Ohio.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

"The FCC is trying to defund library internet," said one Lake County librarian. "We've seen the cars huddled in our parking lots to take advantage of our after-hours Wi-Fi. We know this is a vital service we provide to our community. The FCC, however, needs to be convinced."

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The program — authorized by Congress through the 1996 Telecommunications Act — has been in effect for more than 30 years. Librarians are sounding alarm bells, including those in Indiana who witnessed how important free Wi-Fi meant to storm-battered Hoosiers in August. Here's what's being said:

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Discounts through the federal program can range from 20-90%, depending on need, which helps ensure those living in poorer, or more rural areas — places with less tax revenue — still have access to basic 21st century technology.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

E-Rate is a reimbursement program that discounts the cost for internet at public schools and libraries. It covers more than just monthly bills. Expensive equipment, such as servers and routers, which must be purchased, maintained and eventually replaced, become more affordable thanks to its funding.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

"Should the E-Rate program be limited or sunset?" For those new to this issue, here's a thread about E-Rate.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

In Late June, the FCC issued what appeared to be a benign notice addressing child safety under one of its service operations. Buried within the 86-page document were eight words that sent shockwaves among librarians and educators alike.

indystar.com

The federal program keeping libraries online? The FCC might gut it

The FCC wants a "top-to-bottom" review of a program funding library internet access, sparking fears of service cuts for many communities.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

What a great game concept from first-time Gen Con exhibitor, @emilykeepskitties.bsky.social and @pinkhawkgames.bsky.social . “Pirates of the High Teas” sounds clever and hilarious. Go check it out.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

What the flop?! I asked this friendly wizard at Gen Con for “free terrible advice” - it was excellent. Then he handed me a potato. #FalseAdvertising

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Tornado warning rescinded. Lots of clapping here at Gen Con.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

A tornado warning has been issued by NWS Indianapolis. Here’s the scene inside the exhibit hall of Gen Con.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

An adorable ending to The Puppy Roll at Gen Con. 🐾🎲

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

For those of you who want to watch it live, The Puppy Roll at Gen Con is being streamed here at Dungeons & Dragons’ channel via YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/6Al6DAB...

youtube.com

Puppy Roll III Live | Dungeons & Dragons

YouTube video by Dungeons & Dragons

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Created by actor Anjali Bhimani, meet your celebrity guests at the third annual Puppy Roll happening right now at Gen Con.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Crowd is beginning to take their seats. Check out this stage!

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

I’m standing here at the Indiana Repository Theater, AKA, Dungeons and Dragons Tower! The celebrity charity event, The Puppy Roll is about to kick off its third annual show.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Guess where I am? Check out the next post!

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Annnnd they’re off!! Gen Con 2026 has officially started!

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Psssst… want a sneak peek of the Gen Con exhibit hall?

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

It’s the first day of Gen Con and I am running off vibes and entirely too much caffeine! Follow IndyStar’s live coverage linked in the comments.

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Reposted by John Writes Stuff

WIRED @wired.com · 17/07/2026

Yesterday, WIRED learned that Madison Square Garden was suing us for our accurate reporting. We stand by our work. That’s why we’re removing the paywall from two of the MSG stories they don’t want you to read, making them free for everyone.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Inside the article: "This nuclear family thing is b-------. Family is who you make it. I have chosen family. I have a great birth family. [Gov. Braun] doesn't get to declare who family is." Read what other #Pride attendees thought in this article from IndyStar.

indystar.com

LGBTQ+ Hoosiers rebuke Braun's 'Nuclear Family Month' while celebrating Indy Pride

Gov. Mike Braun decided to celebrate families with "one husband" and "one wife" this June. LGBTQ+ Hoosiers celebrating Indy Pride have some thoughts.

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Guess where I am? Happy Pride, everyone!! 🏳️‍🌈

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Amazing stuff! The cosplay at the Indiana Comic Convention is something else!

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John Writes Stuff @johnwritesstuff.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Day 2 of Indiana Comic Convention is underway! The sharp-dressed — sharp armored? — 18-year-old in the Iron Man suit is Noah Visocky from Fort Wayne. It took him more than a year to make his suit, he said. I’d say the hard paid off. Attendees couldn’t stop taking photos with him.

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