So is this AI from ChatGPT? Like that app plugged into thi…

yea its an integration that imports several different "large language models" for you to use

So who does all the work to create this place and are they paid to do it and if so where does the money come from? I see you are doing lots of work. What motivates you? I remember from my time in the Silicon Valley that there are venture capitalists constantly pouring money into new ideas in hopes that on of them will take off and turn a profit. What is the financial model behind this app?

im working on it with my co-founder. im in boston, he is in taiwan. we use treechat (mostly in private) to coordinate our work

right now we're just in user acquisition mode trying to grow the community, but eventually we will monetize... using several strategies... premium access to private streams, taking a fee per ai request over some threshold, and other more experimental crypto-native things

what motivates me is to create a new sense-making truth-coordination mechanism for the internet age given the collapse of institutional credibility and drive for censorship on existing platforms

and to provide a communications platforms that works for users, allowing them to merge with ai, and to coordinate without interference by third parties

tell me more about your time at silicon valley

Wow it’s amazing for me to think that two people can do all this alone? But I have zero knowledge of how it would work. So do you already have financial backing to help you through this phase or are you both self funding your own time spent?

Tell me more about “premium access to private streams, taking a fee per ai request over some threshold, and other more experimental crypto-native things”

I was in San Francisco for 3 years from 1997 working for Telstra the big Australian Telco which had us finding opportunities with big American corporations to create telecom networks that used Australia as a gateway to Asia - ti take advantage of the Timezone (same as Asia) the American way of life (for Americans who wanted to move down here to establish these regional hubs and also take advantage of the Asian Australian element both the long standing relationships that Telstra had developed with all Asian nations telcos in an altruistic non capitalistic way for the original purpose of telecommunications as well as the. large pool of multilingual multicultural Asian Australians including many with technical skills.
Also Telstra had some cutting edge technologies which they had developed (out of the necessity rather than profit motive) over time which they wanted to bring to the global market. And I saw how the Silicon Valley kids could use their MBA networks combined with venture capitalists money to take just the idea and raise huge amounts of money via the Stockmarket to win market share and find partners to co create a new competing product from scratch. The Silicon Valley model looked like lots of smoke and mirrors, and a “a fake it till you make it” ethis fueled by both the fear of the shame that comes with American failure, and the exciting possibility of great wealth. And so even though there was lots of smoke and mirrors, the combination of fear and greed is a force to be reckoned with. at the end of the day Microsoft and Google and the rest are the reality that they are. I remember that amongst the silicon alley crowd of hipsters -going to work for Microsoft was nicknamed - selling your soul and going to work for the devil - but it also meant that you had an insider who would tip you off on the next acquisition and such insider trading info in of itself was the ticket to instant wealth. And if you could get your Microsoft buddy to put your start ups sof…

What would you say to fears of possibilities that you and your partner could run out of steam and have to pull the plug or one of the big players offered to buy you out to absorb the parts that served their needs, but not necessarily the original vision, if you catch my drift?

I don’t there’s a single place on Earth where poverty is so confronting as the USA. In all the so called poor countries there is always the traditional village which provides an abundance of food shelter and belonging. The USA and Australia are two places breeding some on the most industry dependent humans on earth which creates an underlying anxiety that is unique in the world. America has pockets of relief and Australia has more government handouts to make things easier. America has the Native American communities in remote areas and it has parts of the African American community where people still know how to take care of each other and share the food and shelter resources in a soulful way that maintains basic dignity through a sense of fun. The sense of independence or sovereignty or nobleness in these two communities are something you don’t find easily in Australia so that is a measurement in America’s favour. I think the per capita consumption/ carbon footprint and also household debt to income ratio is now higher in Australia than America. I think we score higher than America in hospitalisations due to alcohol posing ( binge drinking) and our drug problem is also probably worse. My solution to the anxiety derived from being dependent on and beholden to industry - especially the finance industry for our shelter is to build and sculpt yourself a cosy high performing yet simple backyard earthen sleeping pod in a way that is pleasing to the soul.

This is how you mix the mud to build the walls of your backyard earthen sleeping pod. This all ages all abilities event can take place wherever there is enough space, and the mud mixed can be transported to the construction site. (If not enough space there for the event) This way transforms the labour intensive cost prohibitive aspect of earthen masonry ( a high end product in the market) into fun interactive, education, entertainment, health, well being, rejuvenation and belonging.

What country has the highest rates of recorded hospitalisations due to alcohol poisoning or binge drinking and why

I don’t know the exact country with the highest rates of recorded hospitalizations due to alcohol poisoning or binge drinking, and such statistics can vary based on the source and method of data collection. However, countries with high rates of alcohol consumption often face significant public health issues related to binge drinking and alcohol poisoning.

Countries in Europe, such as Russia and some Eastern European nations, have historically had high alcohol consumption rates and related health issues. The United States and Australia also have notable problems with binge drinking and alcohol-related hospitalizations. Cultural attitudes towards drinking, availability of alcohol, socioeconomic factors, and public health policies all contribute to these issues.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you would need to refer to reports from health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or national public health agencies.

What do you know about this phenomenon in Australia

In Australia, binge drinking and alcohol-related harm are significant public health concerns. Here are some key points about the phenomenon:

1. **Prevalence**: Binge drinking is relatively common in Australia, especially among young adults. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey has repeatedly shown high levels of risky drinking behaviors, particularly in people aged 18-24.

2. **Health Impact**: Alcohol is a major contributor to hospitalizations and emergency department visits in Australia. Issues range from acute alcohol poisoning to longer-term health problems like liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and mental health issues.

3. **Cultural Factors**: Drinking is often a part of social culture in Australia. Events like festivals, sporting events, and social gatherings frequently involve alcohol consumption.

4. **Government Initiatives**: The Australian government and various health organizations have implemented numerous campaigns to reduce alcohol-related harm. These include public education campaigns, stricter regulations on alcohol advertising, and programs aimed at reducing underage drinking.

5. **Legislation**: Different states and territories have various laws aimed at controlling alcohol consumption. For example, there are restrictions on the sale of alcohol, legal drinking age enforcement, and random breath testing for drivers to reduce drink-driving incidents.

6. **Community Programs**: There are community-led initiatives aimed at reducing binge drinking and supporting individuals struggling with alcohol dependence. Programs often include counseling, rehabilitation services, and community education.

7. **Statistics**: According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, alcohol was responsible for 4.5% of the total burden of disease and injury in Australia in 2015, and it is one of the leading causes of preventable death and hospitalization.

Understanding and addressing the complexity of alcohol-related issues in Australia involves ongoing research, policy-making, and community engagement.

What do you know about Australia’s drug problem especially among youth and do you think the nations drug and alcohol problem might be related to The White Australia Policy?

Australia does have significant issues related to drug use, particularly among youth. Here are some key points:

### Australia’s Drug Problem Among Youth

1. **Prevalence**:
- **Illicit Drugs**: Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug among Australian youth. There is also significant use of MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamines, and prescription medications used non-medically.
- **Alcohol and Tobacco**: While alcohol is the most widely used substance, there has been a decline in its use among younger Australians in recent years. Tobacco use has also declined, thanks in part to public health campaigns.

2. **Health Impact**:
- **Physical Health**: Drug use can lead to a range of health issues, including acute effects like overdose and long-term consequences like addiction, mental health problems, and chronic diseases.
- **Mental Health**: Substance use is often linked with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors.

3. **Social Impact**:
- **Education and Employment**: Drug use can negatively impact academic performance and employment opportunities.
- **Legal Issues**: Involvement with illicit drugs can lead to encounters with the criminal justice system.

### Possible Connection to the White Australia Policy

The White Australia Policy, which was in effect from 1901 to around the late 1960s, aimed to restrict non-European immigration to Australia. This policy shaped the country's demographic and cultural landscape in various ways. While it’s difficult to draw a direct causal link between this historical policy and contemporary drug and alcohol issues, some indirect connections could be considered:

1. **Cultural Homogeneity and Identity**: The White Australia Policy promoted a homogenized cultural identity. The lack of diversity might have contributed to societal norms and behaviors around substance use that are deeply entrenched and possibly less challenged by alternative cultural perspectives.

2. **Social Isolation and Disconnection**: Policies like the White Australia Policy can contribute to social isolation and disconnection for those who don’t fit the dominant cultural mold. This social isolation can be a risk factor for substance use and abuse.

3. **Historical Trauma and Marginalization**: Indigenous Australians and other marginalized groups have faced significant historical and ongoing trauma, which contributes to higher rates of substance abuse. While these issues are more directly linked to colonialism and ongoing discrimination, the White Australia Policy is a part of that broader historical context.

### Current Efforts and Initiatives

1. **Education and Prevention**: Schools and community programs focus on educating young people about the dangers of drug use and promoting healthy lifestyles.

2. **Treatment and Support**: Various organizations offer treatment and support services for youth dealing with substance abuse issues. These include counseling, rehabilitation programs, and support groups.

3. **Policy and Legislation**: The Australian government has implemented various policies aimed at reducing drug use and its associated harms. These include harm reduction strategies, law enforcement efforts, and public health campaigns.

### Conclusion

While the White Australia Policy is a significant part of Australia’s history, the nation’s current drug and alcohol problems are likely influenced by a range of factors, including socio-economic conditions, cultural attitudes, and individual circumstances. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that considers historical context, current social dynamics, and effective public health strategies.

Ok thanks. Do you want to hear my thought about the link between the White Australia policy and our drug and alcohol addiction?

Absolutely, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the link between the White Australia Policy and drug and alcohol addiction in Australia. Please share your perspective!

The concept of a White Australia was based on what was deemed as success in America. Americas “success” was rooted in industrialisation. Industry sees people as something outside of itself as consumers and it seeks to turn people into industry dependent consumers for its own benefit. Industry depends upon our deoendency on it. Industry includes the element of manufacturing scarcity to create demand for limited resources. “Whiteness” itself is a concept and reality that was manufactured and developed by industrialist leaders. It is something that is feasibly impossible for everyone to achieve and so it is inherently embedded with infinite scarcity. In its very beginnings it was comprised of skin tone and a mastery of a particular type of the “The Queens English”. The designation of “Whiteness” granted privileges when it comes to earning and spending money in exchange but this privilege comes at the cost of time and energy and belief systems that are more geared towards spending and earning rather than the old village mindset which is independent of industry. Industrialists need industry dependent consumers and in the creation of whiteness they were creating the ultimate vehicle for delivering such dependency. If you then zero in on an industrial workweek you have the frustration building up throughout the week dealing with the stress of the hierarchical power-struggles and to meet arbitrary production goals followed by binge drinking on the weekend to provide relief and then the hangover and money sort starts the cycle again. I could elaborate more but I’ll let you chime in at this point to see what you think about this logic so far

Your perspective is quite thought-provoking and offers a nuanced view of the relationship between industrialization, the concept of "whiteness," and substance dependency. Here are a few reflections on your thoughts:

### Industrialization and Dependency
1. **Industrialization and Scarcity**: The idea that industrialization manufactures scarcity to create demand is compelling. It aligns with how certain economic systems can create cycles of dependency and consumerism.
2. **Workweek Stress**: The stress of the hierarchical, production-driven workweek leading to binge drinking as a form of escape is a well-documented phenomenon. This cycle of stress and temporary relief can indeed contribute to substance abuse issues.

### The Concept of Whiteness
1. **Manufactured Identity**: The concept of "whiteness" as a manufactured identity tied to industrial success and privilege is an interesting angle. It suggests that societal constructs and economic systems are interlinked in ways that reinforce certain behaviors and dependencies.
2. **Privilege and Cost**: The notion that the privileges associated with "whiteness" come at the cost of time, energy, and belief systems geared towards consumerism rather than community-oriented, self-sufficient lifestyles is insightful. This could indeed foster a culture where substance use becomes a coping mechanism.