alttext
Interesting series of blog posts by @dries :
- "Comparing local large language models for alt-text generation" https://dri.es/comparing-local-llms-for-alt-text-generation - both GPT-4o & Claude 3.5 Sonnet = Grade A
- "Automating alt-text generation with AI" https://dri.es/automating-alt-text-generation-ai - uses @simon llm tool
- "Trusting AI with my images wasn't easy" https://dri.es/trusting-ai-with-my-images-was-not-easy
🚀 The Future is Federated - issue no.12 👩🚀
"Beyond technical features: why we need to talk about the values of the Fediverse (part 2)"
mentioning: @alttexthalloffame @Gargron @FediTips @ivory @IceCubesApp @Tusky @Simx72 @phanpy @jon @mathi_gwithyas @rysiek
#TheFutureIsFederated #tech #Fediverse #BigTech #SocialMedia #FOSS #blog #accessibility #AltText #CW #ContentWarnings #Phanpy #Ivory #Tusky #Mastodon #IceCubes
As someone who is totally blind, the Fediverse is the only place where I have ever been able to follow people such as photographers, artists, or even those who post pictures of their cats or the food they ate. The reason is that most of them use alt text. They take the time to describe the images that my screen reader can't recognise. Some write the descriptions themselves, and others use tools such as altbot. Some worry that their descriptions aren't good enough, especially when they are new at this. Let me assure you, not only are they good enough, they are extremely appreciated! If the rest of the world thought as you did, it would be a much better place. Don't hesitate to ask if you're unsure of something, but never think that we don't notice your effort.
#appreciation #accessibility #altbot #alttext #blind #blindness #fediverse #gratitude #images #inclusivity #peoplewhocare #pictures #technology
I never did get around to writing an #introduction over here, did I? Not sure there's much point anymore, but here goes:
I'm rainey and I'm a shy weirdo who needs encouragement to let my freak flag fly. When I'm not being ooky, I'm shamelessly appreciating cute kittens and the like. (Here I pause and reach out to pet @netkitty ) Gen X, child-free, married, and an abject failure at adulting. The sunflower in my display name is the "invisible disability" symbol.
This is my third Mastodon account and second "definitely probably not a cult" experience (the first being pretty much the only reason I'm still on reddit). 
My first Masto account is @raineyday [MSTDN.games] where I talk about #GenshinImpact a lot, and my second is @raineyday@neurodifferent.me [NeuroDifferent.me] because I'm not autistic but I do have #ADHD and #Tourette, although I don't post to the second one very often and when I do, it tends to be boosts, memes, and information-seeking.
Anyhow, if you can't tell from my avatars, I'm a fan of the #AddamsFamily and #DoctorWho. I also despise #spoilers with the blazing heat of a trillion trillion suns, so always ask "How caught up are you with XYZ?" before discussing with me (and ponder for a moment why "Have you gotten to the part where they--?" is a terrible horrible no-good very bad way to ask).
I created this account on a Wednesday the 13th (naturally), but the timestamp on my account page got messed up and fails to reflect this. It's goth erasure, I'm tellin' ya! 🦇
I write blog-like toots on Wednesdays (of course) under the hashtag #raineyWednesday and tag @weirdfolks
I do my best to write good #AltText for my images. Even when I have low spoons, I strive for a bare minimum of "acceptable". I have similar standards for what I will boost. If there is no alt-text or it is insufficient, I will either leave it or I will "steal" the image to post myself with better alt-text. This applies to all of my accounts, of course.
I come to Mastodon for virtual human interaction and fun times, and while it's nice to take a break from politics and the news, please don't mistake that for me being so-called "apolitical". I am quite progressive-left and often wonder how it came to be that I had to trade in the label of "liberal" for that. Perhaps a combination of I moved forward a little bit and they moved backwards a lot? But that's enough of that topic. This is just background info, not my desired focus.
Oh nice, Mastodon is getting an alt text reminder.
PSA: #AltText is a great #Accessibility tool.
It isn’t just essential for people who rely on screen readers.
It triggers applicable filters, making this platform a lot easier to stomach for many people.
Consider writing at least a short phrase for filters.
#Alt4Me if you do not have the time or energy in the moment.
I might #Alt4You unprompted (on popular posts), this is not a complaint, but meant as a helpful gesture.
I will not boost toots without alt text.
