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Steve Root

@Sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy
4 followers 1 following 53 posts

Solves problems and works hard to make things better. Founder of Roots Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms roots.uk Occasionally writes code, makes #youtube videos […] [bridged from mastodon.me.uk/@Sroot on the fediverse by fed.brid.gy ]

PostsRepliesMedia
Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 14/10/2026
So, Zoom allow you to send meeting invites to any email. Which means spammers are now sending meeting invites that can't be unsubscribed from. So now I'm wondering, what mechanism has to happen for them to prevent this? * Reputation damage to the point […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
Screenshot of email reply, abridged:
Zoom
Hello,
Thank you for your report. Based on our review, it appears these messages were sent from the user ... directly, not through Zoom's systems.
To prevent further communications from this sender, we recommend using the blocking functions available
in your email client and calendar application.
...
it appears the sender is simply including a Zoom webinar registration link within communications sent
through external channels.
Best regards,
Zoom Trust and Safety
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 06/10/2026
Thanks to AI, Spam is better written and therefore harder to filter and block. Sometimes I get emails related to my youtube channel that really are relevant and useful. This is not one of them.
Screen shot of an email that reads:
Kitchen design showroom visits

From: Linda Espinoza 
To: me

Hi Steve,

You design, supply and install kitchens from your Faversham showroom, and your
tutorials have helped over 200,000 people online. That mix of hands-on craft and
reach is rare.

I'm Linda from Ritual OS. We make personalized astrology software with real-time
star charts and daily alignment tips.

That might sound like an odd pairing, but the design and event side of your
showroom is what got my attention.

Would you be open to a quick reply with your thoughts?

Best,

Linda
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 02/09/2026
So it looks like my Christmas project is migrating my small business away from 1password Time to start experimenting with the alternatives myself so I can pick what will be right for us.
1password subscription page showing a 9 user account that renews in February 2027
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 29/07/2026
Yes Docusign, because if a document is important enough to pay your service to show proof I've read it, then I'm sure an AI LLM probability engine summary will be fine as a substitute to reading it properly🙄
Docusign web site pop up reading:
"Summarise this agreement"
"Generate a summary so you can focus on
the highlights."
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 01/04/2026
I love this ❤️ kagi.com @kagihq home page today. It took me straight back to 1996 when I first started using the internet. Netscape Navigator, Yahoo directory to find sites of interest. I especially loved the slow loading images.
Screenshot of the Kagi.com home page on 1st April 2026. It recreates how a home page looked back in 1996. Lot sof blue links and pixelated images that load slowly.
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 13/03/2026
A local pedestrian underpass has been refurbished (great work) Quote "I’m really excited to see it happen, although there are still issues with flooding and we couldn’t do the ceiling because it’s too wet." That's quite a flood problem we have there 😂
Article from online newspaper:

Ward councillor Mel Dawkins (Lab) says she has been pushing for something positive to happen with the tunnel for some time.

photo: The Hackington Place tunnel in St Stephen’s Walkway in Canterbury before its facelift

She said: “Over the past few years, I’ve had meetings with the community safety unit, enforcement officers, police, Network Rail and KCC to try and make improvements to its safety and appearance.

“So I’m really excited to see it happen, although there are still issues with flooding and we couldn’t do the ceiling because it’s too wet.”
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 22/02/2026
My longest ever run* 🎉 and I'm too tired to do the maths, but that 1km pace could be terminal velocity when in free fall from 🛩️ (* Run, stop, walk, hobble, question life choices, be grateful I was running that one moment my wife drove past) #running #marathontraining
screenshot of my running tracker that reported 1km travelled in 5 seconds, and a new longest distance of 33.16km
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 16/02/2026
I know we all know this, but using 'AI' [that is, LLM predictive text] replies to email are just so awful I despair. If there is an advantage for suggesting a reply (EG we used to call pre-prepared answers 'Canned Responses') then surely the logic could be […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
Screen shot of an AI suggest reply reading as follows:
Hi Francesca,

Thanks for sending this over.

1) OK on the bases being 750mm, no extra sides needed.
2) OK on the tops being 750mm.
3) Yes, the desk top needs extra support on site, the two supports you added are fine as a starting point.
4) Yes please confirm the two switches.

Will check the rest of the PDF now.

Thanks
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 10/12/2025
Maybe it's me being cynical, but Trustpilot saying 'we're all about human content so we sell AI to companies to write their replies' seems a little a contradiction. However, I'm sure it's true and it's way faster than copy/pasting from a set of time built […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
A screenshot from the trustpilots website reading:
Title: May use Al-assist with replies Read less
Body: At Trustpilot, it's all about human content. This business can also access
our Al-assisted response tool which helps them draft replies.
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 18/11/2025
How to tell the longevity of design software: discovering a graphic for a Windows XP SP2 CD Also - teletext in Italian. It looks like this was a screen grab from 2006 This made me smile as I work through a room design.
Software screen selecting graphic images, and one of the images is a Windows XP service pack 2 CD ROMAnother graphic image from the design software appears to be a screenshot, like the UK teletext service but in italian. It's a black background with colour text showing a 'sport' title and words that I think is a timetable for sports being broadcast on TV in 2006
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 04/10/2025
As I #repair my #framework laptop a 2nd time (I dropped it, and the battery is now growing too) I think the #sticker set they include with parts should have the equivalent of old air force kill markers. Let me show off how many times this laptop has had its […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
a framework laptop with a damaged corner. in the background tools, a box of replacement parts, and a sheet of framework branded stickers
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 19/09/2025
#iss just passed over kent Not a great picture by me though ... :-)
night sky with the edge of a building and a very tiny bright dot in the middle. the dot is the international space station
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 18/09/2025
Hey #Dell, Windows 10 support ending is not an excuse to send marketing to an email address that hasn't been used in >10 years. Even if you do call it a transactional email, it's clearly #spam advertising 🤦‍♂️
Screenshot of an email. Text reads:
This is a transactional communication to inform you about:
Windows 10 Support Ending Soon.
Click here to Manage Preferences
Dell Technologies Global Headquarters is located at One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX,
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 09/09/2025
Sigh. I really don't like it when suggestions to "fix potential security problems" is really just a way of saying "security only matters if you pay us more money" Example: This regular email for #google Workspace #GoogleWorkspace #security
A screenshot of an email titled "Regarding your account: Fix potential security issues" with phasing in the body: "We found some security gaps for your organization" and "Exclamation mark: Some malware & phishing protection turned on" and "Exclamation mark: Enhance app access protections" alongside the admin security page showing the extra protections are a "Premium Feature" and "Upgrade to enhanced gmail protection"
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 19/08/2025
I would love to criticise how out of date the bank's marketing is (best in 2009 eh?), but then I remember there is lots of out date messaging in my small business, like the old logo on the cup on my desk and that I only took the fax number off our order […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
A screenshot from the banks logged in customer home page with an advert for their credit cards reading "Santander Credit Cards - Winner 'best credit card provider 2009' "
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 09/08/2025
I grew up hearing about the Rainbow 🌈 Rainbow Warrior but had never seen it. Then here it is off the north #kent coast
Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace boat off the north Kent coast
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 21/07/2025
Always read the whole product spec! If you don't, you could get caught out by this: "lifetime Guarantee: 7 years"... ok, but what does that cover? "We are so confident in these products that we guarantee they will function as intended with no loss of […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
A screenshot of a web page, one section says "Guarantee 7 years" and another part says "support period of security updates Jan 2024 until Dec 2026". Dec 2026 is less than 18 months away, a lot less than the 7 year guarantee period
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 18/07/2025
I was just searching for an acronym used when I teach #RAF #AirCadets and found this, www.gov.uk/government/publications/… a *402 page* PDF of acronyms used in the MOD. Acronyms are tough, I particularly […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 23/01/2025
Out of context funny, Amazon want's me to order batteries for my Granny (the radiator valve in her room is called granny, but this message always make me laugh)
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 21/01/2025
There's a temptation to place 3 more orders, just to get order number 56789
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 13/01/2025
This #spam marketing attempt is so bad it's funny It's implying our competition is placing ads and we're not, so this gmail account can get us better advert placements. What's so funny? They've mixed up a youth charity I'm a volunteer trustee for (and where […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
A spam Marketing advert, as viewed in Gmail. I'll skip the boring bits for you:
title: outperform Roots Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms 
body:
Hey Steve What a year, right? I absolutely loved the Kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom installations you pulled off in the Luxury kitchen and bathroom installations —especially that exceptional project management. It Really stands out! I've seen more homeowners in [they forgot to set a location here I guess], which aligns with your expertise And guess what? I noticed that Roots Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms is running ads targeting local homeowners. 
[Orange Jacket Man Meme is here] 
defensive pose: Homeowners Selecting Roots Kitchens Bedroom Bathrooms
I got this pose: Homeowners choosing Kent Youth Trust for their exceptional project management
[end of Orange Jacket Man Meme]
Here's the kicker—most remodelers aren’t capturing the big-ticket leads they want. That's why KENT YOUTH TRUST could totally step up and become the go-to for those higher-ticket jobs. I've created a sample ad concept that captures your vibe and highlights your outstanding quality. Want me to shoot it over to you? If not no worries keep rocking Steve P.S. Every time | wander through the streets of Portland, I can't resist stopping by Powell's Books to get lost among the shelves for hours. It's my little happy place!
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 09/01/2025
Can I get enough Charles Stross? It has been a long time since I read any laundry series ( I still recall living Singularity and Halting State). now days I listen to books on #audible whilst #running so I have a lot on my wish list. Answer: yes I can get […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
audible advert titled "can't get enough Charles Stross?  'a conventional boy' is now available, start listening today"
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 11/12/2024
Dear spammers, I make some of my spam traps really easy to spot...
Email screenshot, the to: address is "spamtrap22" and it begins "Hello spamtrap22, " before going on to sell pencils but I'll save your ears from hearing all that tripe
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 29/11/2024
Worst software supplier of the year award goes to Xero, again.* They just responded to a detailed bug report with, and I kid you not, a direction to submit the request as a new product idea/feature request. The bug: an bank file export format is wrong and […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
Response from Xero, reads: Martha, Today 10:26 AM Support specialist.
 Hi Steve Thanks for your time on the phone earlier and for your feedback on batch payment file. The best way to get our product team to consider this would be to create a new product Idea on this, which is submitted to our product team who then go ahead and make changed based in priority. I've included a link to the idea where you can view and support it or create a new idea to share your thoughts.  Kind regards Martha
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 22/11/2024
This month I've seen a curious spam trend. Emails claiming to be from the founder of a company selling a specific product, targeted at my retail business. Phrases like "I’d love to discuss how we can work together to bring [product] to your store." All […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
Screen shot of 6 recent spam emails.
1) From:Alex  Prioritise Safety & Precision with Apex Lume Headlamps - Hi Steve, Safety and precision are top priorities. That's why we at Apex Lume believe our head torch can be a valuable addi... 10:06 
2) From: Alex  Light Up Your Work: Apex Lume Headlamps - Hi Steve, My name is Alex and I'm the owner and director of Apex Lume, a company specialising in high-quality head torches. We unders... 20 Nov 
3) From:Aidan H RE: The new way to heat your food on the go - Hi Steve | hope you're well. My name is Aidan, and I'm the founder of My Hot Box. We're transforming the way people enjoy meals on t... 15 Nov 
4) From:Chris G RE: Eco Solar Power Bank - Hi Steve | hope you're well. My name is Chris, and I'm the founder of Solar Booster. I'm reaching out to introduce our innovative Solar Booster power bank... 12 Nov 
5) From:Jennifer 3 RE: Premium Heritage Rubber Stop Slip Lead - Hi Steve | hope you're having a good week! I'm touching base to explore how Paws and Country could complement your store’s offerin... 4 Nov 
6) From:Chris G  Eco Solar Power Bank - Hi Steve | hope you're well. My name is Chris, and I'm the founder of Solar Booster. I’'m reaching out to introduce our innovative Solar Booster power banks—a... 29 Oct
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 31/10/2024
Well I *was* going to do some Duolingo before bed, but rebelling against the prompt seems more fun
screenshot of Duolingo app prompts to participate in the next 40 minutes and make a 72 day streak
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 29/10/2024
An email starts "Where did we get your email address from.." And I already know.. because I use a different email address for each supplier so I know when they get hacked or lose/sell my email address to spammers. Still, I do think that's a nice touch though […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
Screen shot of email, the "to" label is showing "Octopus@mydomain.com". Octopus is the energy supplier who passed on my email address to UK Power networks.
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 22/10/2024
An example of why companies should email dates with months spelt in characters instead of numbers. FedEx UK's system is using US date formats which is confusing in the UK for the first 12 days of every month. Scheduled delivery was Oct 7th but to the our […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
Fedex email reading: "We have your shipment. Scheduled delivery date Mon 10/07/2024 Estimated between 8:30 and 12:30 "  The date is the US format for 7th October but in the UK this reads as 10th of July.
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 21/10/2024
A spambot signed me up for the Idaho Potato Harvest Meeting in November (to include a nefarious link in the confirmation email), and having had a look at idahopotato.com, they look like a friendly group of people. They have; 'Oktuberfest' (play on […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
A spam email, sent via a compromised web form on Idaho Potato Commission, confirming registration for the Harvest Meeting Registration in November.  The users 'Name' field has been entered as "** you have received a payment of $1,305! More info: ..." and a URL for another compromised web server.
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 10/10/2024
Update 2: Laptop repaired! The parts arrived yesterday afternoon it took just 30 minutes to swap everything into the new bottom cover & replace the input cover. I will miss the looks from people when they saw me with a half removed keyboard. The only way I […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
A photo of the repaired framework laptop power button area. Next to it the damaged chassis parts and power button.
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 03/10/2024
Update 1: Framework repair parts ordered! Time since laptop drop = 20 hours The parts I needed were available in the online store but I was using the wrong words to search. Framework support also replied quickly to my photos to tell me the parts I needed […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
Screenshot of parts order. Bottom cover kit for £99 and input cover kit for £99, with carriage a total of £208
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 02/10/2024
I'm about to test the repairability of a #Framework 13" laptop. This is an unplanned test... wish me luck! The bad news of dropping it is tempered by the good news the screen is fine, the keyboard is fine. It seems the motherboard is fine but the fingerprint […] [Original post on mastodon.me.uk]
frame work laptop, broken from a fallFramework fingerprint reader, dropped and corner damaged of laptopdamaged framework laptopanother photo of the damage
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Steve Root @sroot.mastodon.me.uk.ap.brid.gy · 28/09/2024
Yeah, totally secure..... ...oh wait, I don't think I was meant to read that as sarcasm. Maybe it was lost in translation like the US spelling of favourite ;-)
A screenshot reading "Payment is made on your bank's servers. Decathlon does not have access to your bank data. (check box) save this card as a favorite in a totally secure way "
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