Gossip is unavoidable. Humans are social critters. Be nice, friendly, and helpful to others and that is what they will talk about.

Related. Avoid being one of those “there’s no point to small talk” people. There’s a very good point. It’s to figure out who’s an asshole. You can come across as too important for other people if you don’t chit chat about the weather. I’m not saying it’s the way it should be or that it makes sense. It’s just the way things are.

There’s also nothing wrong with talking about people when they aren’t present. What you shouldn’t do is spread rumors or create drama. Saying you heard someone is going sailing on vacation to someone else. That is completely innocuous. Saying they are married and going with their former spouse is creating drama.

To me, staying below the radar is one part playing by those rules, and another part just being kind of boring. Seldom do I hear gossip about myself nor do I have anything to say about anyone else other than small talk. Hope that helps

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I feel like we’ve lost the meaning of anti semitism if we think there isn’t a problem with terrorizing Jewish neighborhoods. Regardless of what you are saying.

I think your woke-o-meter is asleep. People are boycotting Murica. I want to find the root of this evil. The only thing “woke” about being a patriot is I sleep with my eyes wide open. You should aspire to be more like me if you want to do battle with the Militant Leftists.

Don’t have culture? What about Elvis?

John Wayne movies. McDonalds. Anything (appropriated by) Walt Disney. Etc

Ouch. I only said no politicians or ceos because everyone would more or less say the same thing

It’s too easy to come up with a list of 20+

“Democrat” is just the name of the party. It says nothing about ideology

Being alive is enough of a reason to live

Canned soup is rated?

https://bearblog.dev/

You can self host if you want. I use netlify

You can try a bleach dilution on an older pair. Something you might otherwise throw away. Start with 5:1 water to bleach and try stronger concentrations until you get the desired results. Make sure you measure and record your measurements so you know the ratio that works best

Disclaimer: This could ruin your clothes. You should see what others have to say before trying. I’m a scientist not a… person who knows useful things

I might have missed something, but when they say they want to socialize I take that to mean talk to people. They have friends but don’t know what to talk about. My suggestion was talk to the people they know about those people’s interests. Know your friend likes boats? Cool. Ask them questions about boats. Now you are having a conversation where the other person is doing most of the work.

Talk to the people you know about what they want to talk about

Get it

Beep boop

I left it open ended so you could choose how to answer or how specifically. I guess I should have added more of a prompt. For me I was thinking independence from big tech or consumer culture.

X ray vision

I agree not sweeping Linux under the rug is important, but what about something like:

Doors: Powered by Linux

After all, Linux is just the kernel. It isn’t the operating system <insert long Stallman rant>. Saying ”Powered By" is both accurate, and the brand recognition horse shit people go for

Make no mistake. I don’t like that brand recognition is an important consideration, but it’s important to recognize what works for many people