A random thread of absolute randomness...

[Ostria]

So because when you make a gmail account now, you HAVE to use a phone number to even verify you're real. It has to be a real number so virtual numbers dont work.

 

Anyways, because of thid ive reached the max amount of gmail accounts that you can link with one number. Idk how many accounts that is exactly. I have over 10 google accountw, some were made way back in the day before 2fa was a thing, and not all of my newer ones are connected to a phone number.

 

It also sucks that now in order to make a youtube account you NEED a google account whereas before you can use any account.

 

This crazy monopoly that Alphabet inc (google) has is insane. I need a way to break free from them...

 

Though in good news, the yahoo account i made in 2006 is still up and active.

 

FAQ:

 

Q:why do you need so many email accounts?

 

A: the real question is, why do you have so little?

[dljbsp]

I have two gmail accounts, 1 for the ministry, and the first one i ever had with them
I have one MSN account, back when it was in beta.

And I have a JWpub.org account. That's all I think I need.

 

 

Some interesting things you probably didn't know about email is you can have one email account but still use a different email address for each place that requires an email address.

Instance, if you are someone@gmail.com. You could give the address someone+fieldservice@gmail.com and you would still receive it. At someone@gmail.com. It's useful to know when and who leaks your email address.

And you actually can do this with any email address

 

 

 

 

[Ostria]

Yeah i founf about about the abc+ thing a long time wgo. But sometimes you just ewnna start your internet life over or even just not want to see junk mail. I have an email dedicated to junk mail and is just nothing but (pictures)

[pnutts]

I got my first email account 29 years ago when the net started out as bulletin boards. Dial up 28.8 kb if you please.

My 2nd account was with excite which is now gone.

[Qapla]

I got my first account from a "freenet". It was a local effort from the city, the university and some non-profit people so that those who didn't have access or funds for access could get a free way to connect.

 

At that time, I had a 1200 bit modem. In addition to the modem speed, going from text based to Windows was a real experience. With Windows and a 14.4 kb modem, we felt like we were speeding along. When Windows 3.1 came out - that was a game changer. Coupled with the 14.4 kb dialup modem it was a fast connection compared to the 1200. The 28.8 wasn't out yet. I ended up passing on the 28.8 and wasn't able to upgrade until the 56k modems came out. The 56k and Windows XP made such a change we wondered why we ever thought 14.4 was fast.

 

Our area didn't have DSL when it came out, so I had to stay with the 56k dialup until we got cable. With cable, we no longer had to use dialup. I'm glad we no longer have to use dialup and listen to the beeping tones while it dialed and then the whistles, chirps, bings and bongs and other sounds of the handshaking.

 

For those who have never heard a dialup modem connecting

 

 

Edited May 15 by Qapla

[Ostria]

mmm i miss the sound of dial up. Hey you remember those old printers with the dots and holds and rippy paper? That would go  eh EHHHHHHHHH eh EH EH EH EH eh EHHHHHHHHHHHHH eh EH EH EH EH.... EH EH EH....EH EH EH...EH EH EH...EH EH EH....eh EHHHHHHHHHH (repeat). Imma see if i can find it on youtube somewhere...I cant find one that sounds like that, but i swear thats how my printer sounded (However i guess maybe it depends on what you were printing?). I had an apple computer back then, pretty sure it was an apple 1 or 2, my aunt gave it to me.

[Qapla]

Those were dot-matrix printers. My first one for standard size paper but I later had a wide carriage one and bought the paper in cardboard boxes that sat on the floor under the printer stand.

 

Edited May 15 by Qapla

[Ostria]

Hey!! I'm back with the random questions again!

 

I'm curious...can a witness benefit from generational military benefits? For example, USAA has tons of benefits for people in the military and their children. My mom was in the military so i can reap the benefits of cheaper insurance and all that stuff?

[DarinS]

Ostria

 

Yes - a current witness who served can also benefits 

example - VA Hospital or USAA

- they would still identify themselves as witness @ hospital 

 

they would never dress up as military to get a free meal 

or promote their support of the military

 

in in the end- as long as they are neutral  most situations are  considered a conscious matter 

 

 

[dljbsp]

On 5/16/2025 at 1:14 PM, Ostria said:

USAA

 

USAA is a legitimate insurance and financial services company established in 1922 to serve U.S. military members and their families. It offers a range of products, including auto, home, and life insurance, as well as banking services .

 

However, USAA has faced significant criticism in recent years. The Better Business Bureau reports over 4,000 complaints in the past three years, with a customer rating of 1.16 out of 5 stars . Common issues include poor customer service, delayed claim processing, and denial of legitimate claims. In 2023, USAA denied nearly 48% of homeowners’ insurance claims, a rate higher than the national average .

 

Additionally, USAA has been involved in legal challenges, including a $64 million settlement over unsubstantiated fees and a $3.25 million settlement related to a data breach affecting 32,000 customers .

As always, buyer beware.