design-and-ideas – Cubicgarden.com…

Machine readable wishes + Quantified Self = Digital legacy?

Machine readable wishes, with a picture of Ian Forrester on stage Text reads: Ian Forrester, founder of QS-Manchester back in the day, gave a fascinating talk a couple of weeks ago at EMF Camp on machine-readable wishes: applying the logic of automation rules to the question of what should happen to your personal data after you die. Ian’s talk made me think about my personal archives in a different way. He makes the case that a personal archive should contain executable instructions and provides an open-source framework to help you do this without entangling yourself even further in rent-seeking cloud services.

The whole video (17.5 mins) is available on Peertube and now legacy media (Youtube). Small enough for a TED talk even…

I was reading through the Quantified Self newsletter and had a shock when I saw my talk about machine readable wishes from EMFCamp featured. I shared it on Linkedin quickly but not on my blog.

Ian Forrester, founder of QS-Manchester back in the day, gave a fascinating talk a couple of weeks ago at EMF Camp on machine-readable wishes: applying the logic of automation rules to the question of what should happen to your personal data after you die. Ian’s talk made me think about my personal archives in a different way. He makes the case that a personal archive should contain executable instructions and provides an open-source framework to help you do this without entangling yourself even further in rent-seeking cloud services.

I do think Gary, has the right idea. Machine readable wishes could be used to connect items and (for example) open source data sets for the public research. Or more realistically, create a custom last note to friends and family. Imagine leaving a beautiful infographic of the key moments in your life which were super meaningful to you. I am always reminded of Fabio who tracked all his conversations. Imagine if that conversation after the Quantified self was so impactful and then 40 years later you have a message reminding you how much it meant to the person who recently passed?

Ok bit far out or even creepy, but I was reminded of someone who helped me through my divorce without really knowing how impactful it was to me at the time. Sadly I think that person died.

I do have a markdown document of all the key moments in my life using the markwhen syntax. It wouldn’t take a lot to convert the document to something more readable then provide a few lines in my machine readable wishes to convert it into something beautiful to maybe part of the funeral booklet/order of service; if my executors allow it.

Have you thought about your digital legacy? at EMF Camp 2026

Ian on stage talking from EMFCamp

Recently I had the pleasure of talking at EMF Camp about machine readable wishes. The slides are linked here.

The proposal originally was a workshop but converted to a 20min talk in the main stage of EMF Camp at 10am.

Death is inevitable, yet our digital infrastructure remains woefully unprepared for it. While traditional “Letters of Wishes” provide a static roadmap for executors, they lack the agency to interact with our complex, data-driven lives. This workshop introduces the concept of the Machine-Readable Letter of Wishes: a framework for post-mortem autonomy. By applying a “If This, Then That” (IFTTT) logic to digital legacies, we will explore how to automate final wishes across various services, ensuring data is handled with human dignity and precision.

The main reason for the workshop proposal is to hear the views of other people, which was great because in a separate tent in the sunshine; we had a 2 hour conversation about the machine readable wishes.

Update: the video is now available here on peertube and youtube

Thanks again to everyone who turned up at 1000 on a Sunday morning for my 20min talk and the excellent 2hour questions and answers afterwards

What machine readable wishes could do for your social death?

Late last year me and Sam’s talk for FOSDEM 2026 was accepted. We shared the slides here but now you can watch the whole video.

Death is inevitable, yet most of us are woefully unprepared. Fear and lack of time often prevent us from putting our affairs in any order, leaving our loved ones to pick up the pieces of a difficult period compounded by uncertainty. While a legal will can address the distribution of assets, it often falls short in capturing the nuanced personal wishes that truly matter.

Its short but fear not we will be back with a longer talk and much more detail at Oggcamp Manchester 2026.

Enjoy and don’t forget to check out the project at machinereadablewishes.cc

Public Service Internet monthly newsletter (March 2026)

A teenage girl looks at her smartphone while a algorithm recognises her face and places a box around it — mollyvsthemachines.com

We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed hearing the insanity of prediction markets, potential governmental influence on app stores and Open AI confidence is dispensing.

To quote Buckminster Fuller “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

You are seeing aspects of this with a potential global privacy standard, The EU getting very serious about sovereignty and NHS doctors are urged to not use Palantir’s platform.

The worst idea of the 21st Century

Ian thinks: New scientist’s video conversation is a fantastic summary of some of the worst recent technology ideas. There’s all the usual ones and a few surprising ones but make sense when explained.

Your vibes are killing open source

Ian thinks: Everyone is talking about vibe coding and there is a lot of discussion for and against. However this well researched piece in hackaday, really breaks down the destruction of the open source ecosystem. From the endless bug reports to the degrading of reusable code. Those vibes are the new kool-aid, rooting ecosystems everywhere.

Artificial intimacy

Ian thinks: The FT have a new series looking at the many issues which come from AI systems and intimacy. Perfectly timed for Valentines day… Through the series covers a lot of my thoughts about intimacy, the artificial intimacy, really touches so much of the future challenges we see with emotional hijacking

Perfectly intimacy programmed? (nsfw)

Ian thinks: Following on from the last link, Dr.Malik breaks down the different ways artificial intimacy is realistically happening now and finds research which points at its impact. There is blunt and real figures which are suitable for adults, but its worthy of watching as it makes this whole era of intimacy very real.

Gamifying life, sounds fun?

Ian thinks: This interview sheds a lot of light on the very dark side of gamification. If you were under any illusion how damaging gamification can be when controlled by someone else or entity. This discussion will make you rethink and readdress existing ideas. I personally sent it to someone in the last month.

Ian thinks: Being in the space of digital legacy, I can not understand how Meta was granted the patent as there are so many people who have setup DIY systems to do similar. Its pretty gross I personally think, especially if not done in a honest way.

A future trend report from Public broadcasters

Ian thinks: Future Media Hubs is a combination of many public service broadcasters mainly across Europe. This year, has some noticeable points for many different sectors including social, AI and young people. If you want to get a grip of what’s on broadcasts minds, this trend report speaks volume.

We should all be Luddites

Ian thinks: I recently finished blood in the machine, about the luddities movement started in the north of England. Since then I have been thinking about how this applies to the technology we use everyday. Of course I’m not the only one as the story of the luddite club first heard on Tech won’t save us, makes super clear. Can’t wait to see the documentary.

Stop Google from going back on its pinky promise for Android

Ian thinks: A while Google said they were going to get all developers to register before they can publish apps, then made side-loading even more difficult. The response from Android users & developers was strong, google then backed off. However months later, the pinky promise is no more, as Fdroid makes clear in their blog. If you care for an open ecosystem even if you are a IOS user, sign the petition.

Algorithms rules everything around you

Ian thinks: The trials over social media currently happening in the states is horrifying. There is a lot be said about each and every case. Taking a look just one, Mollys case is a real eye opener and this online piece really demonstrates how the incentives of traditional social media companies are so misaligned with humanity and real life.

Like this newsletter? Find the monthly archive here

My new years resolutions for 2026

Me and Alison sat at a bar looking at the camers

Following my review of last year… here’s my New Years Resolutions for 2026 which follows on from 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 ones.

Work smarter with the business
With the new business, I’m getting to grips with the general running of it. However there is a load of things to learn including some of the possibilities had not considered before like the benefits of being a digital nomad.
Finish my dating book
Another throw back to 2025, As described in my review; Hannah is having one last review before it heads out to the list of agents and publishers I have found. I’ll give a bit of time but afterwards I’ll be self publishing it myself by the end of 2025. Alongside this, myself and Jess have started a currently unreleased but very related podcast. I would be foolish to not mention the online datingmanifesto.cc.
Do more with the scooter
I recently MOT’ed my currently scooter but considering I should keep it or sell it? I have been looking around at buying another scooter. I recently spotted a Yamaha TMAX 650 in Barcelona which looks so great and a better choice than the Honda Forza 750, which has poor storage. The dreams of a electric maxi-scooter have all but gone however.
Listen to 28 Audiobooks in a year
Its surprising how many books I’m going through but this year I’m going to push a bit more. Next year is 30 which will be a leap but a good stretch goal, encouraging me to listen when I tend to just play some of my mixes.
Create a DJ hackday
It’s time for a DJ hackday, I just got a early alpha of the Drift DJ one and I just can’t help but think its time for change.in the DJ market. Especially reading this post about the Pacemaker device, which spurred me to look back through my old presentations about how ground breaking it is/was.
Spend more time with family
My parents are getting older and I am quite far away from them. My dad has a degenerative disease and its weighed heavy on my actions and mind. Spending more time with them and the rest of my extended family is something I can do better in 2026. I still have a lot of time for friends and want to get a bit more serious about them, rather than leaving it to the last minute. Of course Alison is someone I think about a lot; now being engaged, I’m thinking a lot more about our future together and how to make this the best it can be together.
Personal knowledge management and task re-managed
I’m a little torn. Vikunja is good, so is Anytype.but the hard part is the initial capture. Something I started doing is using the notes to yourself in Signal to do the start of something I guess I should be using Anytype but I feel like I need to do the categorisation at the same time. I also wonder if I actually trust anytype? With Joplin, its all local and I can understand the model, anytype I find more tricky.
Vikunja’s dependence on the UI does bug me, as one of the big selling points was the CALDav integration. Then I find the login a pain every single time, i reboot I’m going to try self hosting it again and find a way to do a 3 way sync if possible?
Go to a new Rollercoaster park or ride a new ride
A regular resolution but a good one with a twist. I recently went back to Helsinki and seriously enjoyed Taiga at Linnanmäki. Certainly in my top 10. I still haven’t been on Hyperia either, although waiting in the queue for a long time. 2026 has to be the year!

Copyright by Justin Garvanovic – https://rcdb.com/7722.htm
Learn when to self-host and when to not
Related to the one above, I am getting the message about self-hosting. I think its great but there are times when I need to be more thoughtful. With this, its likely a good idea to either considering owning a VPS (which I have done in the past) or shell out money for hosted solutions. To be fair my Vikunja is exactly that and so is my Wallabag and even this blog. Both I could self-host but have decided to just pay the money and use the export to satisfy ownership needs.
Get more experimental with my Sourdough bread
I have quite enjoyed baking bread thanks to my friend Paul sharing his starter. I’m not planning to get super serious about it but listening to the chapter titled Air in Cooked, I feel I experiment a bit more. Its ben fun and playing with Spelt and other flours is just the start.
Go to a new country
As always this a good one and I’m looking at you Switzerland, Czechia and Austria again. Although I am also thinking South Korea after needing to cancel in the pandemic and part of me wants to head to Taiwan but maybe I’m going to be too late?
Learn to drive a car
I’m keeping this one alive, especially since seeing some of my god/page children driving now. I know its been in my new resolutions for ages but maybe 2026 is the year finally?

Best tips for dealing with your digital legacy

Wired magazine has a good summary of the death tech or I prefer digital legacy space. I can believe the sector is worth 125,000,000,000 dollars but people are throwing money around in the wrong places I feel.

The best part of the video comes when talking about what people can actually do to take some control over their digital legacy. First step get a will, talk with your family and finally take some control of your data now.

This is why I have been working on machine readable wishes, which work alongside a will. It could be super useful to help people take control of their legacy in the future. The beauty of it is, that it is legal now (in common law countries), doesn’t require any major changes and is open source.

To learn more check out the link site, blog, slides explaining the project and the github code which works with N8N.

Public Service Internet monthly newsletter (Oct 2025)

Mesh network running off solar on top of a house

We live in incredible times with such possibilities that is clear. Although its easily dismissed seeing AI attempting to rewrite history, Agentic AI browsers fooled and Rabbit R1 is back?

To quote Buckminster Fuller “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

You are seeing aspects of this with good counter-points parts [1][2][3] to tell the AI die-hards, a uptake of LoRaWAN and low energy decentralised networks thanks in part to meshtastic and alternative to typical internet servcies but European based look no further.

Small acts of community interest

Ian thinks: Rushkoff’s story about borrowing a drill and community has become similar to the billionares and the event story. Rushkoff calls it a revolutionary act, I call it an act of community interest, something we rarely see in

The case for no billionaires

Ian thinks: This interview with professor Ingrid Robeyns, is a good listen especially after reading Limitarianism and thinking about the problems of inequality. I wonder if anyone in government is taking notes as there are so many voices and credible research pointing to the same conclusion.

Right to repair hard truths

Ian thinks: Like it or not, Rossmann speech about the right to repair, how we can’t own anything as the makers find more clever ways to enshittify is on point. I am sure Samsung’s fridge with adverts you can’t turn off, would be in a updated version if redone now..

Empires and their religions they build

Ian think: Karen Hao, has been the rounds recently with the Empires of AI book. This is one of the best conversations/interviews I seen with her. The mid point and end points are well argued by Hao, touching deeply on the need to make their own religious pyramids of technology.

Ian thinks: Do you remember when people use to “hard” post? What happened? According to Chayka many things. From algorithms, ephemeral, context collapse, advertising, etc. Let’s not forget the effect of bots too.

Learning from the Ozone crisis

Ian thinks: in 1985 most won’t remember the Ozone hole threat as its so baked into the world we live in now. Tristan talks with Susan about the solution and how it can be applied now to the AI challenge.

Ultra-processed authoritarian algorithms

Ian thinks: Nobel peace-prize winning journalist’s conversation with the Daily shows’s Jon Steward about the state of journalism and authoritarian, is a rare and frank exchange with Maria Ressa making it super clear how the playbook happened almost a decade ago and how they tried to alert the world back then.

What is the difference between Android and iOS?

Ian thinks: If this is true and the video summary isn’t off the mark. There is a big question about where do people go? We always knew having a duopoly for mobile devices was going to blow up in our faces.

AI’s branding team are on fire

Ian thinks: Meredith Whittaker tells it as it is, is great in this interview about how she got started in the tech industry, signal gate, AI, masculinity and so much more. Her insight on how “useful” AI agents are infiltration services such as Whatsapp and Signal is spot on.

Like this newsletter? Find the archive here

Meet the Mozfest wranglers this November

Pictures of the Spacewranglers for Mozilla festival 2025 in square blocks — Who doesn’t want to meet the space wranglers this year?

Its September and the Mozilla Festival is right around the corner. Now is a very good time to book a hotel and get your ticket for the first global festival since London in 2019.

If you haven’t heard the tickets or badges have gone through a bit of a change too, thanks in part from the space wranglers speaking up and the Mozilla Foundation hearing our heartfelt concerns. The wranglers have always been thinking about the communities we represent and the result of this is the community badges/tickets.

But don’t worry, if you want to support the Mozilla Foundation which are (I imagine) thinking a lot about the recent DOJ judgement, but earn a bit of a bonus too. Use the promocode – IF-WRANGLER to get 25% off and individual tickets and 50% off group tickets (when buying in batches of 5 or more).

Really look forward to unlearning together with this incredible group of space wranglers this year.

Mydata 2025: Machine readable letter of wishes, the workshop

I have the pleasure to be presenting at MyData 2025.

Its been 6 years since I spoke about the living room of the future in Helsinki for BBC R&D. This time, I’m giving a workshop on Digital legacy, focusing on the notion of a machine readable letter of wishes (as described out-loud here).

The workshop will explore

- The notion of a letter of wishes: How Letter of Wishes works currently legally in the UK, what can be described and why they exist.
- Fungible vs non-fungible: We will discuss the challenges which come with fungible of the Letter of Wishes. Exploring the unique potential to bridge the gap between human intention and automated execution.
- Automated Support: Discuss how Letter of Wishes could empower and leverage technology to be automated and provide assistance to families and executors.
- Empowering Your Legacy: Explore how this can be beneficial to society and the data ecosystem ensuring peoples final wishes are honoured with precision and care.

I hopefully won’t be alone… as I work best with others and the person who I’ve been talking to has such a great reputation and standing.

Earlier in the conference, I will also be presenting an early alpha of the online dating manifesto (name may change). As you can imagine, mydata is a perfect place to talk through this, find interesting ways forward and people also interested.

There might also be another surprise too!

If you are at Mydata this year get in touch I’m on the Mydata slack too.

Pipelines and AI?

A long time ago I described pipelines and where they could go.

I was made aware of Google’s OPAL project and reminded of how strong pipelines can be for managing complexity.

The pipes are described by prompts but interestingly you can reuse and share pipes and the whole flow. Which leads me to wonder if there might be a little market place for the pipes?

Might need to keep an eye on Opal, but wondering if there are better solutions. For example Xproc which can interface with APIs of large language model without getting into the weeds?