Fragments Dec 11

Why does AI write like… that (NYT, gift link). Sam Kriss delves into the quiet hum of AI writing. AI’s work is not compelling prose: it’s phantom text, ghostly scribblings, a spectre woven into our communal tapestry. ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ Emily Bache has written a set of Test Desiderata, building on some earlier writing from Kent Beck. She lists the characteristics of good tests, and how they support her four “macro desiderata” - the properties of a sound test suite Predict success in production Fast to get feedback Support ongoing code design change Low total cost of ownership She also has a great list of other writers’ lists of good test characteristics. ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ Daphne Keller explains that the EUs fines on X aren’t about free speech. There are three charges against X, which all stem from a multi-year investigation that was launched in 2023. One is about verification — X’s blue checkmarks on user accounts — and two are about transparency. These charges have nothing to do with what content is on