Hobby Groups Sydney

Enshittification and the Power of Platforms: Is There a Way Out?

Ever wonder why so many digital services you rely on seem to be getting simultaneously worse and more expensive? More ads. Sponsored search results. Subscription creep. Auto‑renew traps. Dubious 'surge' charges. Sneaky fees. Forced sign-ins. Cancel buttons hidden. There's a term for this phenomenon: enshittification — the gradual degradation of platforms that once seemed like technological miracles offering us convenience, connection, and democratisation. But enshittification is just the surface symptom of something far more corrosive. Beneath the declining user experience lies a fundamental reshaping of our economy where a handful of tech platforms have positioned themselves as inescapable gatekeepers, extracting unprecedented wealth from workers, businesses, and consumers while accumulating dangerous concentrations of power — what some are now calling technofeudalism. What happened to the internet's promise of widespread prosperity and a stronger democracy? How did we end up locked into systems that seem designed to serve everyone except us? And most importantly: what can we do about it? Come join us for a vital conversation about reclaiming our digital future and building an economy that works for everyone, not just the platform owners. **Book: *Enshittification – Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It* (2025) by Cory Doctorow** **Book (Alternative): *The Age of Extraction – How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity* (2025) by Tim Wu** **Pdf Resource:** ***[Infographics and Summary Tables](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQB0CITwHhHJSaFBbJDhZmMEAcDSAace_BN1Q6aSYILezCI?e=edqfP9)*** (A prepared document of selected ideas from the two books) This month you have two options to read depending on your preference towards the level of analysis, style of writing, and your ease in accessing the book. *Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It* by Cory Doctorow is a punchy, provocative, and highly readable take on why so many digital platforms seem to decline over time. Doctorow, who coined the term ‘enshittification’, argues that platforms follow a predictable lifecycle—starting out user-focused, then shifting to business customers, and finally extracting for themselves—in each stage squeezing the group it previously courted. The book is fast-paced, example-rich, and written in an accessible, almost conversational style, making it ideal if you enjoy sharp arguments, memorable concepts, and contemporary tech critique. It’s particularly appealing for readers who like books that spark immediate reactions and connect directly to everyday experiences online. *The Age of Extraction* by Tim Wu takes a broader, more analytical approach. Wu situates the problems of digital platforms within a larger historical and economic pattern, arguing that we are living in an “age of extraction” where powerful actors systematically draw value from users, workers, and society. The tone is more measured and reflective, with a focus on big-picture thinking and long-term trends. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy connecting ideas across economics, history, and politics, and who prefer a more structured, conceptual framework over a punchy polemic. Please read one (or both), depending on your interests. *The Age of Extraction* is 226 pages (or 6 hours) and *Enshittification* is 340 pages (or 10 hours, not available on Audible but is available on other platforms). Join us for a drink (and optional meal) at 6:30pm on Monday, 6th July, on the 2nd floor of the Keg & Brew Hotel in Surrey Hills (i.e. up two flights of stairs). The venue is conveniently located near Central Station and the Light Rail. Bring along an example of an app or digital service you used to really like that has since become enshittified—something you can have a quick rant about to kick off the conversation! 😊 Hope to see you there! P.S. Please adjust your RSVP if you have indicated that you will come but are no longer able to do so. This is courteous to other people if there is a waitlist. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- These are just optional links to consider to supplement the reading of the books. Feel free to pass on other useful links in the discussion section. **Videos & Podcasts** * Two-for-one: Cory Doctorow and Tim Wu together! (Curiously, as kids they were classmates in the same small primary school in Toronto!): [The Ezra Klein Show – We Didn't Ask for This Internet (1.5hrs)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yepnhe1T-9U&t) [The Oxford Internet Institute - Enshittification and Extraction (1.5hrs)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkYxMQJ9c94) * Cory Doctorow Interviews: [Prospect Magazine (28mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9XRREj1DSo&t) [Doctorow on The Daily Show (15 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2e-c9SF5nE) [The Guardian (24 mins)](https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/nov/24/enshittification-how-we-got-the-internet-no-one-asked-for-podcast) * Tim Wu Interviews: [The Majority Report (40 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpnMk3IhV6U) [The Commonwealth Club (1 hour)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mRvMEzjTVw) * Explainer Video: [Why Every App is Getting Worse on Purpose (10 mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjEGRXVKQCQ) **Written** * Pdf Resource: [Infographics and Summary Tables](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQB0CITwHhHJSaFBbJDhZmMEAcDSAace_BN1Q6aSYILezCI?e=edqfP9) (A prepared document of selected ideas from the two books) * Enshittification Summaries and Reviews: [Wikipedia summary of Enshittification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittification) [Transcript of Doctorow Lecture on Enshittification](https://doctorow.medium.com/my-mcluhan-lecture-on-enshittification-ea343342b9bc) [CounterFire Book Review ](https://www.counterfire.org/article/enshittification-why-everything-suddenly-got-worse-and-what-to-do-about-it-book-review/) * The Age of Extraction Reviews [Prospect Book Review](https://prospect.org/2025/12/10/internets-tollbooth-operators-wu-review/) [HowAustraliaReallyWorks Book Review](https://www.howaustraliareallyworks.com/2026/02/book-summary-age-of-extraction-how-tech.html) [Washington Monthly Book Review](https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/11/02/age-of-extraction-tim-wu/)

Vivid PhotoFUN Walk 2026

Easy Calligraphy & Social 🖌️Create Your Cool Art!

### **Hi Sydneysiders! ✨** **Are you ready to unlock your inner artist and find your Zen in our cozy spot? 🖌️✨** Join us for **Sakkie’s Modern Calligraphy Workshop!** We’re exploring the beautiful world of Japanese characters (Kanji/Hiragana) in a relaxed, intimate setting. Whether you’ve never held a brush before or just love Japanese culture, this event is for everyone! **Why Brush Pens?** 💡 We’re skipping the messy traditional ink and heavy brushes. Instead, we’ll be using **modern brush pens (Fude-pen)!** They are super easy to handle, letting you create stunning, professional-looking calligraphy from the very first stroke. **What we'll do:** We'll spend a peaceful afternoon learning how to write your favorite Japanese words—or even your own name in Kanji! I'll help you find the "coolest" characters that represent you. It’s all about relaxing, getting creative, and making meaningful new connections in a small group. **Best of all, you can take your finished masterpieces home! 🖼️✨** They are perfect for framing or decorating your room, adding a unique Japanese touch to your space. It’s a wonderful, one-of-a-kind souvenir of your creative journey! **【Event Details】** 🖌️ **What:** Sakkie Modern Calligraphy & Social ⏰ **When:** 30th May, 1PM - 3PM 📍 **Location:** On a Roll (Cremorne) 1F ✅ **Includes:** All calligraphy materials (Brush pens & paper) + a wholesome space to meet new friends. ⚠️ **Important:** To support our wonderful host venue, we kindly ask everyone to purchase at least one drink or food item from the cafe. ☕️🥐 **【Price】** 💸 **$15 Discounted Price** (Follow our Instagram **@sakkie_sydney** and RSVP to get this rate!) 💸 **$17 Regular Price** *Pay at the door!* 🎶 **Vibe:** Relaxing, creative, and full of good energy. ⚠️ **Limited spots!** Because of the small group size, please only RSVP if you are sure you can make it, or cancel early so someone else can join. **A Safe Space for Everyone 🤝** Sakkie is a safe, welcoming space created by a Japanese woman for everyone to enjoy. We make sure every guest feels comfortable, especially those joining solo. You’re never alone in the Sakkie fam! ✨ **Photos & Videos 📷** We’ll be taking some photos and videos to share on our social media. If you’d prefer not to be on camera, just let us know when you arrive! **Building "Sakkie" Together 🌸** Since we're a brand-new community, everyone who joins now is a "founding member" of the Sakkie fam! We’d love for you to be part of our journey from the start. Let’s build this cozy community hub together!

Historical Centennial Park and a Farmers' Market

June Meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club

Come along to our **June meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club**. World Oceans Day is 8 June. We will explore a beach location, like Clovelly or Maroubra. This is a chance to connect, spend some time in nature and journal together. I will offer some guidance to start. After we can share journal pages and ideas. **What to bring:** Bring along sketchbooks/paper and your favourite drawing materials (pens, pencils, watercolour, acrylic, anything you have). I will have extra materials on the day if you want to explore other mediums. \*\*Where:\*\* Beach, TBC **Cost:** Suggested donation is $10 annual fee, $5 casual fee. (This helps cover Meetup fees). DISCLAIMER.
Please note that Katy as volunteer organiser of activities for Sydney Nature Journal Club is NOT responsible for the health or safety of members (or their guests) and therefore will not accept any liability for accidents or injuries or losses that may occur during Meetup events at any location. By attending a Sydney Nature Journal Club event members acknowledge that you accept ALL of the above. I look forward to seeing you there.

Sunset at La Perouse

Sketchparty - Let’s Draw!

Sketchparty is a drawing themed party, where artists, illustrators and the creatively minded gather, mingle, sketch and make friends. We cover the tables with paper, provide pens and pencils, come and leave a mark and have fun! 🤗 *** We do it first Wednesday every month, follow on @sketchpartysydney

Master The ART OF MACRO - 4 hr Workshop - Booking with Link Below

Do you have a fascination with all things small and wonderful? You have a passion for photography and are looking to develop entry into the exciting world of Macro. Our 4-hr expert tuition class though the Royal Botanical Gardens will see you create images which are really larger than life. Book this $185 class with the link below. [http://theapertureclub.com.au/art-of-macro-sydney-photoworkshop/](http://theapertureclub.com.au/art-of-macro-sydney-photoworkshop/) Whether you are beginning your journey with macro or want to gain further knowledge in this area, The Art of Macro will motivate and inspire you to a new level. This intensive workshop is designed for all levels of photography. YOU WILL LEARN * Macro explained - understand the difference between macro and close up photography. * Magnification - understand depth ratios and life size measurements. * Equipment - learn what lenses and macro accessories are available and how to use them. * Lighting -explore macro lighting techniques with the use of reflectors, shapers and diffusers. Learn how to work with harsh sunlight and shadows. * Light ­- learn and practise how various natural light (directional, diffused and backlit) will impact your subject. * Camera Settings – master hand on techniques in manual and semi-manual modes including depth of field variability * Composition - look at common mistakes made in composing a photo.

Atomic Habbits - Crafting A Better Future By Today's Actions

🌟 Welcome to Your Transformational 2026 A year that isn’t just new — it’s yours to design. 2026 has arrived, and it’s asking you one simple, electrifying question: Who do you want to become from here? This is your moment to pause, breathe, and imagine the version of you that’s been waiting to step forward. Ask yourself: - How will I describe 2026 when it’s over? - What shifts do I want to see in my life? - How do I want to grow, evolve, and expand? - What emotions do I want to live in this year? Because the truth is: ✨ Your future is shaped by the habits you choose today. They are the bridge between where you stand and the life you’re dreaming of. If you’re ready for a year of transformation — a year where you rise, change, stretch, and never look back — then you’re in the right place. This is a space for people who are choosing growth on purpose. A community of humans who are rewriting their stories, building new habits, and cheering each other on through every breakthrough and every wobble. Together, we’ll share our journeys, our lessons, our wins, and the moments we overcame what once held us back. Together, we’ll create a 2026 that feels bold, expansive, and deeply aligned. If you’re ready to step into the most intentional, empowered version of yourself — welcome. This is where your transformation begins.

Online Photography - The letter H

Workshop- ML Engineering at scale: Sagemaker & MLOps on AWS

This is a **hands-on workshop** with **Yajat S.**, a Lead AI Engineer at Somantra AI and AIWhispr, and an AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer (Associate). Together, we will explore the basics of AI in AWS and uncover real-world insights into how enterprises build and scale machine learning systems using production-grade architecture. Join us for this exciting hands-on session on **ML Engineering at Scale: SageMaker & MLOps on AWS**, Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/B0BiyETnL0

May Meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club

Come along to our **May meetup for the Sydney Nature Journal Club**. This is a chance to connect, spend some time in nature and journal together. I will offer some guidance to start. After we can share journal pages and ideas. **What to bring:** Bring along sketchbooks/paper and your favourite drawing materials (pens, pencils, watercolour, acrylic, anything you have). I will have extra materials on the day if you want to explore other mediums. \*\*Where:\*\*Centennial Park, Fernley Grounds near the Greenhouse cafe. **Cost:** Suggested donation is $10 annual fee, $5 casual fee. (This helps cover Meetup fees). DISCLAIMER.
Please note that Katy as volunteer organiser of activities for Sydney Nature Journal Club is NOT responsible for the health or safety of members (or their guests) and therefore will not accept any liability for accidents or injuries or losses that may occur during Meetup events at any location. By attending a Sydney Nature Journal Club event members acknowledge that you accept ALL of the above. I look forward to seeing you there.