The Scribble File of Malcolm F. Cross

What do Microsoft Flight Simulator, tradwife influencers, and affordable power tools all have in common with Generative AI? They’re all designed to sell you the fantasy of being competent at something you dream about doing. Trailers for Microsoft Flight Simulator have you re-enacting scenes from…

This past weekend, I made my first video game. I know of people who believe this is... a waste of time, maybe? What took me the weekend and a pair of late nights is likely easily achieved by typing a lengthy prompt into an LLM…

In my twenties, when I, too, was an angsty young writer, I had some advice. Back then (the late 2000s) I was much happier to be luxuriantly vitriolic in public than I am now. Which is not to say that I'm not, now, just... I…

(7400 words / 30-45 minute read) * Hartley stopped dead in the office corridor, staring at Rick’s arm. “Is that shit?” “Uh, no, sir.” Rick covered the stain with his hand. “It’s iodine. We had to clean up after the gullets were flushed.” “Iodine gets…

Sometimes, while trying to figure things out, I engage in a process I refer to as 'ToQQing', or 'Talking out quiet' - as opposed to talking out loud - to work on my thoughts. Here's an example from today where I muddle my way around…