My interests

(In November of 2025, I noticed that the material on this page had last been updated in 2012. So I’m updating it, but not yet done doing so; still a bunch of changes to make.)

I’m a generalist. Here are some of my main interests:

Opinions, philosophies, and attitudes

Here are some areas that I have particularly strong or unusual opinions in:

  • computers (Make interfaces usable! Teach computer literacy! Empower users!)
  • pacifism (Teach Nonviolence!)
  • education (Down with grades! Help people learn how to learn and how to enjoy learning!)
  • environmentalism (Ride a bicycle to work! Use public transportation! Vote Green! Emphasize sustainability!)
  • anarchism, of the idealist/pacifist variety (“Anarchy: it’s not the law, it’s just a good idea.”)
  • LGBTQIA+ issues (be inclusive, not exclusive!)
  • polyamory and related issues (“Monogamy leaves a lot to be desired.”)
  • gender-neutral language (If gender-neutral they was good enough for Jane Austen, it’s good enough for me.)
  • electronic privacy (Promote end-to-end encryption!)

Recreation and hobbies

I’m a dabbler—or, to put it nicely, a dilettante. I don’t do serious research, but I’m at least mildly interested in lots of things.

Here are some particular interests at the moment:

  • reading, especially science fiction and fantasy
  • games of all sorts, but especially boardgames
  • puns, light verse, and other forms of wordplay
  • singing rounds
  • writing fiction
  • reading aloud, and listening to others do so
  • juggling
  • typography
  • user interface design
  • linguistics, particularly etymology and phonology
  • artificial intelligence (not the generative kind)
  • electronic books and online document viewers

Favorite works of art/fiction/music/etc.

My tastes are somewhat eclectic. Here are some forms of art I enjoy: