Joe Kissell introduces Take Control Live: Taming Big Tech, a four-session interactive course designed to help users understand privacy, security, subscriptions, ads, platform lock-in, and practical alternatives to major tech services. Rather than urging an all-or-nothing break from companies like Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, or Apple, Joe will focus on realistic steps, live demos, Q&A, forums, and usable options to help you make informed choices.

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Show Notes:

Chapters:

0:00] Joe Kissell introduces Take Control Live: Taming Big Tech
[1:47] How the original Take Control Live format began in 2012
[6:01] From a Facebook-focused idea to a broader big tech course
[7:14] The influence of Cory Doctorow’s Enshittification
[8:27] Why certain big tech companies create user frustration
[9:48] Live demos, Q&A, forums, and platform coverage
[12:30] Different user attitudes toward Google and major services
[14:55] Why total separation from big tech is unrealistic for most users
[16:59] A humane, practical approach to reducing dependence
[19:45] Replacing Amazon habits and finding alternatives
[21:29] Ad blockers, Apple TV, YouTube, and imperfect solutions
[25:40] Addressing ethics and political concerns without advocacy
[28:01] Facts, options, and personal choice instead of persuasion
[32:23] Moving beyond policy debates to personal action
[36:14] Customer frustration with companies reducing service
[37:20] Cancellation barriers and retention tactics
[40:44] Scheduling the four live Saturday sessions
[43:44] Homework, recordings, PDFs, and course materials
[47:29] Teachable as the course platform and forum host
[53:30] Pricing, discounts, payment plans, and course value
[1:01:05] The real cost of free services and subscription choices
[1:03:50] Course branding, technology setup, and production work
[1:06:05] Final details, dates, pricing, and where to sign up

Links:

Guests:

Joe Kissell is the publisher of Take Control ebooks, as well as the author of over 60 books on a wide variety of tech topics. Keep up with him if you can on his personal site, JoeKissell.com, on Bluesky, and Mastodon.

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