Cory Doctorow’s Latest Tech Crime Thriller: A Nostalgic Throwback to the Era of Yahoo

In “The Bezzle,” Doctorow delves into the intricacies of contemporary society, particularly focusing on elements that are “absurdly complex, but not very clever.” Through his exploration, Doctorow sheds light on the complexities and shortcomings of modern systems and institutions.

The podcast aims to feature guests who belong to a certain age group, often referred to as a “certain vintage,” implying that they have lived through the earlier days of the internet when it was perceived as “good” or more positive. By having such guests, the podcast seeks to provide insights into how the internet has evolved over time, transitioning from what some may view as a “good” phase to the current perception of it being “bad” or more problematic. These guests can offer valuable context and comparisons between the past and present internet landscapes.

In noir fiction, the hallmark is the portrayal of the detective as an unofficial law enforcer who delves into the murky underworld, exploring avenues and addressing issues that official law enforcement cannot or will not touch. The detective operates outside the boundaries of traditional law enforcement, navigating through shadowy alleys and interacting with shady characters to unravel crimes that remain unsolved by the police. However, as the narrative unfolds, the detective often faces harsh reminders that these forbidden territories were intentionally left unexplored by law enforcement, serving as a stark realization of the corruption and moral ambiguity within society and the justice system.

Cory Doctorow, a prominent Canadian journalist and author, offers invaluable insights into the evolution of the internet and its impact on society. He is renowned for coining the term “enshittification” to encapsulate the decline in quality and integrity of online spaces. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of digital culture, Doctorow is uniquely qualified to shed light on the complexities of the modern internet landscape and its implications for individuals and communities alike.

In the late 1990s, Cory Doctorow was actively involved in California’s tech scene, where he founded startups, contributed to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and crossed paths with prominent figures like Stewart Butterfield, who later sold Flickr to Yahoo!. This period of Doctorow’s career reflects his deep immersion in the burgeoning tech industry and his engagement with issues related to digital rights and internet freedom, which have remained central themes throughout his work.

Cory Doctorow’s latest book, “The Bezzle,” delves into the high-tech crime thriller genre, set against the backdrop of the Web 2.0 bubble’s emergence. Yahoo! plays a significant role in the narrative, reflecting the era’s tech landscape. Unlike traditional crime authors, Doctorow’s focus extends beyond the plot’s twists and turns; he delves into the intricacies of technology and its broader implications, evident in the book’s thematic depth and exploration of tech-related issues. As a result, “The Bezzle” offers readers a gripping page-turner intertwined with thought-provoking insights into the evolving tech industry and its societal impact.

In our conversation with Cory Doctorow, we traverse a diverse array of topics, ranging from the Panama Papers to the vibrant Canadian sci-fi scene of the 1970s. We delve into concepts like Pournelle’s iron law of bureaucracy and even feature a guest appearance from my uncle, adding unexpected layers to our discussion. Ultimately, we explore Cory’s motivation and commitment to advocacy and education, as he strives to preserve the ideals of the Old Good Internet while advocating for a New Good Internet. Throughout the conversation, as in his broader body of work, Cory imparts valuable insights and prompts critical reflection on the evolving landscape of technology and society.