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 - the Macquarie Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2024 - 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/)

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, Bronte. 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:\*\* Bronte beach **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

Crafty Creations Group

**Your monthly dose of creativity & community.** Welcome to the Beverly Hills Craft-ernoon! Got a knitting project you can’t seem to finish? Eager to meet other creative people in your corner of Sydney? Or just looking for a welcoming space to relax and make something with your hands? Our community Craft-ernoon is for you. Think of it as a creative hub for everyone—from kids discovering the joy of glitter glue to seniors sharing a lifetime of skills. It’s a relaxed, unstructured afternoon to connect with neighbours of all ages. **What to bring:** * **Your current project:** Whether it’s crochet, sketching, or scrapbooking, bring it along! * **Just yourself!** If you don’t have a project, don't worry. We’d love your help knitting or sewing a "Trauma Teddy" to comfort someone in need. All materials are provided. * **The kids!** We’ll have a station with simpler crafts ready for little hands. **All the nitty-gritty:** * **When:** 2pm on the first Saturday of every month * **Where:** Beverly Hills Baptist Church, 9 Warrawee Place, Beverly Hills (sadly, the one near Hurstville, not LA!). We're in the main hall at the back of the building. * **Cost:** Free! Seriously. We’re happy to provide the space and materials. * **Parking:** Warrawee Place can be tight, so try Tooronga Terrace or Ponyara Road for more spots. **A note from our hosts** Beverly Hills Baptist Church is delighted to host this community gathering. Our goal is simple: to provide a warm, welcoming space for people to connect and create. There are no strings attached, no religious program—just good company and craft. Everyone is welcome, exactly as you are. **Questions or ideas? Get in touch!** Alison: 0414 810 137 \| [alisonleader@gmail.com](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=mailto%3Aalisonleader%40gmail.com) [bhb.org.au](https://www.google.com/url?sa=E&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbhb.org.au%2F)

Online Photography - The letter V

Free: A Fun Night with our ATOMIC VIPs at our own Nuclear Reactor & More !!!

**WE MAY HAVE SPARE TICKETS... RING US QUICK 0419500023** GET FREE TICKETS QUICK [https://www.ansto.gov.au/whats-on/special-event-panel-opal-past-present-future](https://www.ansto.gov.au/whats-on/special-event-panel-opal-past-present-future) I think there will be a bus to and from the venue their phone number i 97173090 At my previous event there was free food and drink...

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.

SSP TUE.. MOBILE PHONE CAMERAS & TOY CAMERAS Only

We will ONLY use mobile phone or toy cameras. Try to be creative Stan 0411369440

BBQ Respawn Point

**Come together with the Dork and Fork community for a chilled BBQ gathering! Expect tasty food, easy conversations, and a welcoming space to connect with new and familiar faces. A perfect way to unwind, socialise, and enjoy the outdoors together.** * **Please bring food and drinks to share if you can\~** * **Just good vibes and thoughtful conversations!** * **Drop by even if you are waitlisted!** * **Contact me at 0450 580 715 or join our WhatsApp group!** **https://chat.whatsapp.com/FGRiAcIIP8DAVGjDtKPttr?mode=gi_t**

Killer Podcrafts

Are you a true crime lover who loves to craft? We are gathering all makers to come and listen to an episode of a true crime podcast while working on your current project. We will listen to one episode, with time after to discuss the nights podcast. So, you bring the craft and we will bring the crime! Best suited for over 18s. **Content Warning:** **Please be aware some podcasts played in this class do contain acts of violence and disturbing graphic content. Listening to these podcasts is at your discretion. Staff do not take responsibility for conversations in the podcast.** Killer Podcrafts will be held on the first Wednesday of the month.

TOONIE PICKLERS Beginner and Intermediate Sessions, Old Toongabbie

Come join us for pickleball sessions organized by Toonie Picklers (Toongabbie Pickleball) at the Parramatta City Council outdoor pickleball courts at Binalong Park. We welcome new players! By signing up to attend this pickleball session you acknowledge and accept that:  Toonie Picklers is a group of volunteers who assist in organizing pickleball games between individuals who wish to play pickleball on a social basis,  Playing pickleball involves a certain degree of risk that could result in injury, death or loss or damages to a person or property,  All players participating in social pickleball games organized by Toonie Picklers at Binalong Park play at their own risk and waive all claims for any injury, loss or damage (including death) which may result from their participation. Fee for all sessions: $5 per player per session (payable in cash before going on court)