Image Description Design for a T-shirt. On the left is a pitbull driving a motorcycle with a city scape in the background. On the right is a cat and an alien riding in a spaceship. The text at the bottom reads: Navigating life among humans.

The Starship Changeling

Navigating life Among Humans

🪑 Sit With Me

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    Creating and Using iMessage Links

    by Changeling and Perplexity AI

    Creating and using iMessage links can be a powerful way to streamline communication, especially for businesses or individuals who want to make it easy for others to contact them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process:

    iMessage links are special URLs that, when clicked, open the Messages app on an Apple device and pre-fill the recipient’s information and optionally the message body. These links are particularly useful for initiating conversations quickly without the need to manually enter contact details.

    1. Identify the Recipient: Determine the email address or phone number of the recipient. For example, if the recipient’s email is mail@starshipchangeling.net, the basic iMessage link would be: 
      imessage://mail@starshipchangeling.net
      When this link is clicked on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, it will open the Messages app with mail@starshipchangeling.net as the recipient.

    Adding a Pre-Filled Message

    1. Add a Body Parameter: You can also pre-fill the message body by adding a body parameter to the link. For example, to pre-fill the message with “Hello”, the link would be: 
      imessage://mail@starshipchangeling.net&body=Hello
      This way, when the link is clicked, the Messages app will open with mail@starshipchangeling.net as the recipient and “Hello” already typed in the message field.

    Using Phone Numbers

    1. Using Phone Numbers: If you prefer to use a phone number instead of an email address, the format is similar. For example, to send a message to the phone number 1234567890, the link would be: 
      imessage://1234567890
      And to pre-fill the message body: 
      imessage://1234567890&body=Hi
      This will open the Messages app with 1234567890 as the recipient and “Hi” in the message field.

    On Social Media and Websites

    1. Share on Social Media: You can share these links on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, LinkTree, and TikTok. This allows your followers or customers to easily start a conversation with you via iMessage.

    2. Add to Websites: You can also add these links to your website. For example, you can create a button or a widget on your landing page that users can click to contact you via iMessage. This is particularly useful for businesses that want to provide quick customer support.

    1. HTTPS Links: If you need a solution that works across different platforms (not just Apple devices), you can use HTTPS links. These links can detect the user’s device and redirect them accordingly. For example, if the user is on an iPhone, they will be redirected to the iMessage link; otherwise, they can be redirected to another URL or a different messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram.

      Example of an HTTPS Link:

      https://l.imessage.bot/mail@starshipchangeling.net?body=Hello👋

      This link will open an internet browser, check if the user’s device is an iPhone or Mac, and then redirect them to the appropriate messaging app or URL.

    Practical Tips

    Disabling Rich Previews

    1. Disable Rich Previews: Sometimes, you might want to send a link without the rich preview that iMessage generates. To do this, you can place a period before and after the link. For example: 
      .https://www.example.com.
      This will send the link as plain text without the preview.
    1. View Shared Links: If you want to see all the links shared in a conversation, you can tap on the contact’s name at the top of the message thread, scroll down, and find the “Links” section. This feature is available in iOS 17 and later.

    By following these steps, you can create and use iMessage links effectively, making it easier for others to contact you and enhancing your communication efficiency.

    Sources [1] iMessage Link Preview Tool - RenderForm https://renderform.io/blog/posts/imessage-link-preview/ [2] Technical Note TN2444: Best Practices for Link Previews in Messages https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/technotes/tn2444/_index.html [3] What are iMessage deep links and how to use them? https://help.loopmessage.com/en/article/what-are-imessage-deep-links-and-how-to-use-them-77icb/ [4] Links not clickable in iMessage app - Apple Developer Forums https://forums.developer.apple.com/forums/thread/76124 [5] Create an ‘iMessage Me’ link | Beau Giles https://b3.au/2012/02/imessage-me-link/ [6] How to type an address in iMessage that will correctly Hyperlink to … https://www.reddit.com/r/applemaps/comments/ok6cks/how_to_type_an_address_in_imessage_that_will/ [7] How to send a link in a text message (SMS) - Omnisend https://www.omnisend.com/blog/the-best-way-to-send-links-in-text-messages/ [8] Apple Messages for Business Templates — Rich Links Template https://developers.liveperson.com/apple-messages-for-business-templates-rich-links-template.html

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    BPI Fall Social

    I’ve been playing with canva and exploring its accessibility and whether or not alt text transfers out. in case it doesn’t, here’s a description of the imbedded design: The image is a promotional poster for an event called the “BPI Fall Social” happening in September 2024. The text “Join the fun at bpi.gay” is written at the top. The central part of the image features a colorful, fantastical dragon with vibrant scales in shades of blue, green, purple, and red. The dragon is perched on a bridge over a river, with a city skyline in the background. The sky is filled with dramatic, colorful clouds, suggesting either sunrise or sunset. The text “BPI Fall Social” is overlaid on the image of the dragon.

    BPI Fall Social by Randy Reed (Changeling)
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    Thrust Your Opinion On Me! No really. It's fine.

    I’m almost sorry when new tech features come out now. They always seem to promote the new wave of people with a “truly unique” opinion they just have to thrust upon you without geeting your concent to become aware of said opinion. I liked the world better when things like religion, politics and personal choices were matters of the heart and not a branding avenue.

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    I’ll be watching #WWDC2024 today at 13:00 Eastern and putting my thoughts as replies to one post. scan the QR code at 13:00 Eastern to be taken to my thread and to be provided with a link to the official event.

    QR code with Changeling logo and the directive Scan to be redirected to the content.
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    🧞 When you enter a social situation and someone misgenders you—not a huge deal, then makes such a show of correcting that everyone in the room has a front row seat to to the shit show… That, I’ve just discovered, is worse than someone getting it wrong by accident to begin with or just not giving a fuck and doing whatever they want..

    ∞

    This is definitely worth listening to, particularly the part about Braille books being burned. If you don’t see parody between that and what is going on now, I’d love to try on your realitiy blinders.

    #LivingBlindfully Transcript, Living Blindfully episode 284, celebrating 200 years of Braille and a bright future, lawyers who think all blind people can’t read, and Sonos makes progress while understating the impact of recent events - livingblindfully.com/lb0284tra

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    In reply to x.com/debramjac…

    Thank you for the kind words. also, for the chance to appear as part of this important project.

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    Reply with Your Affirmations to Acknowledge Be my Eyes' New Inclusive language Guide!!!

    Received Be My Eyes’ Inclusive Language Guide. I am surprised by some of the results, particularly the ease with which person-first language (a lot of work for no pay-off in my experienced opinion as a receiver of this language) is being ushered out the door. I acknolwledge I have some unlearning to do in this area, mostly pushing back on the administrations’ idea that person-first language is still correct. FTR, I still taking each person’s lead on which language you use is still the most fullproof way to go.

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    This Book is Cool: Featuring guest Randy Reed

    Some of you may remember me talking about being on a webqast called “This Book is Cool.”. I just received the email with the finished product. See my photos page

    Helen Keller – This Book is Cool

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    Whole>Sum: Impressions of Stephen king's You like It Darker

    Finished reading: You Like It Darker by Stephen King 📚

    If you like the classic short story as done by King, this book has a lot to offer. The Cujo sequel was actually my least favorite, but the story that gets used to sell a collection usually is the one I like the least. I think it’s because that story gets so much hype, then the actual thing ends up being a let down. I liked “Fin”, “The Fifth step” and “Daniel Coughlin’s Bad Dream” the best. Even so, this is a collection where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.👍🏼

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    A changeling After All

    😎🧚🏻🐲 Was watching an old sitcom the other day and heard one of the characters refer to athe #LGBTQIA2ss+ community as, “the fae crowd”. Not saying that a good name for the community as a whole–pretty sure it’s not, but if we take it as a possible name and at how i’ve lived my life and where I’ve ended up in relation to this specific community, the name Changeling seems more and more appropriate all the time.

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    #A11y issue with #UberEats app and proposed solution

    Accessibility Issue with UberEats App

    The main point I’m making is that there appears to be an accessibility issue with the UberEats app when using VoiceOver on iOS devices. Specifically, the issue arises when trying to report a problem with an order. Here’s a clearer explanation: When attempting to report an issue with an order on the UberEats app while using VoiceOver (the screen reader for iOS), there are two main problems:

    • Inaccessible Dropdown Menu: The dropdown menu that allows you to select the specific item with issues is inaccessible, even with Screen Recognition enabled. This feature is crucial for reporting the problem accurately.
    • Photo Requirement: After managing to get past the inaccessible dropdown menu once, the app now requires you to upload a photo of the item with issues. This step presents another accessibility barrier for visually impaired users.

    Suggested Solution

    I propose that Uber should allow users to mark themselves as needing a stable experience for accessibility reasons. This would prevent beta features or experimental updates from being rolled out to those users, ensuring a consistent and accessible experience. Additionally, I suggest that other technology companies could benefit from adopting a similar approach, where users with accessibility needs can opt-out of receiving beta or experimental features that may introduce accessibility issues.

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    I Just hacked Sighted People!!!

    For all my kindred spirits in the blind community, I’ve just figured out how to hack sighted people. Next time they forget to provide an accommodation, try saying, “Thank you for paying me the complement of forgetting I am blind. Nevertheless, i am blind.” then tell them what you need. It wakes them up just enough.

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    Mature Reflection Concerning Apple's Disrutptive ipad ad

    After thinking about it, here’s what I’ve decided about the Apple #iPad ad that stirred the pot:

    Aple is known as a disruptor. Because our society approaches certain topics with outright polarization, the only way to continue being a disruptor is to meet society where it is. In other words, the company wanted to wake us up and it worked. We’ll all remember even if we don’t actually watch said ad.

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    Randy’s Love Languages: An overview of how to be a good friend and/or leader

    My Love Languages

    Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player...

    To Be Included in my users’ manual should it serve me to take the time to right one

    1. Quality time: Essentally, if you don’t have it, can’t give it, won’t share it, please move along. I’m sure you’re a nice person, but we’re just not compatible.
    2. Acts of service: Quality time breeds trust. Once I trust you, I feel comfortable with and demonstrate my appreciation by returning the favor.
    3. Physical touch: I want it; a little goes way.
    4. Gift giving: It only works if the top 3 are firmly established and it’s given because you thought of me, rather than because it’s a certain time of year and you feel obligated toed.
    5. Words of Affirmation: Unless you’re a corporate type and you’re limited by years of conditioning, or HR needs such a statement on record, you can skip this step. By this point, you’re my friefriend. Generally speaking, I don’t need an explanation. CONGRATULATIONs! 🎰
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    Let My Changeling Go! A memoir of Championing Discord in the Blindness Community

    I want to take a minute to express my displeasure (growing whenever I think on it) with Discord. To some of you, it will seem like not a big deal. For those of you who have experienced something like this, you’ll understand. I’m not actually trying to get something done, I’m just talking about it to talk about it.

    Background

    I wrote my guide for using Discord with screen readers. I expanded and maintained it until 2022 when I became too ill to keep up with the changes, give participation to feedback in Discord’s accessibility server, or write 300 words a week to correct terminology and descriptions for UI changes that were minor, but could potentially cause screen readers to behave unpredictably. For my time and dedication and work to convince as many members of the blindness community as possible to embrace Discord, I received a T-shirt with their logo just before they changed said logo.

    Username

    I was also a Nitro subscriber and had been for a few years when Discord changed their policy concerning usernames. Prior to, I was Changeling#0001. I checked in preparation for the change, I researched and found that the accounts with changeling in their names, the one where the name was just changeling and no other words were inactive. When it came time for me to choose, I found one of the inactive accounts had gotten my preferred username, Changeling.

    No Reply

    I contacted support and explained. I then politely requested a change be made so I could have my username. I sent that email back in April of 2022; no response has come. I even tried DMing the account owner and asking if they’d mind switching since they weren’t using the account.

    Turning Point

    This is when I decided ed that no longer would I offering my services as an accessibilitye consultant for free. Compensation needn’t be monetary, but it needs to go beyond the proverbial Coke® and a smile. See my about page for ways get in touch.

    Your Turn

    Has this ever happened to youou? Share in the replies.

    ∞

    If you don't like topics like sexuality and gender, sit in the corner and hum a hymn as you fondle the symbol of your faith with one hand and stroke your Good Book with the other, why don't you.

    🐲 It’s also worth mentioning I’ve largely exited the Asexual community because they are generally younger, angry and not yet tired enough by life to keep them from making your online life a nightmare if you fuck up. The result is even when I was having a nice time in those communities, I always felt on edge. In their attempt to make a safe space for everyone, they wound up having the reverse effect on me. I can tell myself it might say bad things about me as a person all I want, but it never managed to curb the feeling. It’s also why it took me so long to accept that I was nonbinary. I didn’t want to adopt a role that would require me to make others feel bad. So I privately classify myself as gender unimportant so I can just start living already without neglecting a big piece of my personality pie. 🏳️‍🌈

    ∞

    All Hopped Up

    I finally figured out why this week has essentially been Hell Week for me and anyone who had to deal with me in any capacity: The new meds the doctor gave me can cause elevated hostile behavior and feelings of anger. it’s insidious, though, because it’s not something that just happens. In my case, it played on things i normally find irritating and boosted my response to those. It’s like how in Season 4 of Supernatural when Sam basically gives his brother 20 years of ass kickings because he’s all hopped up on Demon blood. Notice how this gets filed under The X Files because 🖕🏻 Andrew Dab. I don’t even care if I spelled his name right.

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    What We Worry About: A Repost of someone who is exercising their right to be disgusted

    I don’t necessarily agree with the tone of this post, but I do the sentiment. Also, this is my way of reminding you living blind is not a case of God bless us, and we don’t all sit around eagerly awaiting some afterlife where we get back what we never had. This is what we worry about. Sit with that on your next long commute that takes significantly longer by bus, why don’t you. You should.

    tweesecake.social/@pixelate…

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    Something You Didn't Know About me 05/16/2024

    Something you didn’t know about me…

    The first experience I had that showed me I shouldn’t have to fight for accommodation was not actually by anyone in my office or in the field of blindness and low vision. It actually came from the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I used to be a mod for the Discord server for of Sounds Fake But Okay. Before that happened, though, I had occasion to request that they add alt text to their photos. Not only did they not argue, they added descriptions on every social media as well as their online store so I could support them by purchasing their products and know exactly what I was born. Regardless of where we all end up, it was a thing that happened, and will never unhappen.

    People who dismiss Gen Z just for being Gen Z need to get off my lawn.

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