Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by helldritch 1139 days ago
In a way, this post gives me the same feeling I had when I read the story of Terry Davis, author of Temple OS (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_A._Davis), and his gradual slide into homelessness.

OP: I've been homeless before, I don't really care if post is truth or a lie, a scam or a sincere cry for help. Desperation takes many forms and I'd like to help either way.

A $5,000 pledge would unfortunately be a terrible financial decision at a time where I'm saving for a house, but I won't hurt purchasing the yearly newsletter subscription for $50. It's not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things, especially if it helps you get on your feet. Send a payment link to shane at my username dot com.

2 comments

Terry's is a sad tale. I believe he always had a family to access if he wanted though mental illness prevented him.

Not sure if that's better or worse now that I write it out.

This seems similar... a developer with no track record who can't find work, asking for funding for a speculative project instead of asking for employment, suggests a mental misalignment.

The main difference seems to be that Davis built something interesting and functional (if not profitable or practical), whereas gagoot.com seem more like Time Cube rambling.

Terry Davis had a fine resume and the intelligence to land any job. Unfortunately, his schizophrenia made working at typical jobs untenable. I don't believe society should have made him suffer for this, and we failed him.
Terry was kicked out after ongoing difficulties living with his family. He did however turn down some help here and there, presumably because of contingencies.
Thank you. I will send an email now, and begin your subscription as soon as the first newsletter becomes available.

I, too, was reminded of Terry Davis, his struggles, and his death, but I didn't want to mention it, as it was a bit too close to home.