What is SpaceFN and why you should give it a try
The SpaceFN concept - setting up your space key as a layer switch when held - is probably one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby. Let me explain how it works. My SpaceFN article on kbd.news made some rounds recently - quite surprisingly given the age of this concept. This piece you're reading is a condensed version of the full post. If you're left with unanswered questions, you'll most likely find the info you're looking for in the original write-up. On my imaginary top list of the most useful keyboard features, tweaks and hacks, SpaceFN would deserve a podium finish for sure. But what makes it so special? In short: SpaceFN is easy to implement, easy to learn, costs nothing, can be used with any keyboard, and can improve your productivity instantly. I will list its benefits below, but can state right at this point that the SpaceFN concept, setting up your space key as a layer switch when held, is clearly one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby....
Apr 30, 2024
I am inherently opposed to the censorship of art and free speech, but I understand that the sun with its radiating rays is synonymous to some as a symbol of oppression and violence. While interest checking for the keycap set, this concern was never brought up and we only saw it as an artistic decision to put an easily recognizable symbol for Japan. Despite the cultural and ethnic diversity of our office, the symbol only brings back memories of the 80's and those terrible headbands rather than a wartime reminder.
Thank you for reminding us that not everyone sees everything the same. However, this is not an excuse to use racial slurs or otherwise attack an entire nation of people. Any further spamming on this issue will be immediately deleted as it does nothing to further the discussion of this keyset or adhere to the policies of civil discourse.
Thanks for your considerate decision once again.
If I were a Japanese Sailor and keyboard enthusiast, I'd be pretty annoyed that the flag of my military branch was removed because some people complained.
So you saw it for what it was... what changed?
I'm sure the handful of people who became outraged only days prior to the drop's end seem disproportionately large; that's the nature of violent opposition. But people who truly appreciated this set along with the Rising Sun mod will not be well represented since it requires engaging in debate with the kind of childish mentality we all witnessed.
That's where you, Massdrop (or as a representative thereof), should have stepped in as the voice of reason.
"The Rising Sun is a cultural icon of Japan. The artist's choice to include this part of Japanese culture as an optional "mod" does not reflect the beliefs or opinions of Massdrop, nor was this Massdrop's decision. We facilitate and assist in the brokering of products which the community chooses through a vetting process requiring both a nomination and a commitment to purchase a minimum number of units. The community voted for the drop as a collective, and made the decision collectively (with overwhelming support). We apologize if any offense has been taken, but would like to remind the community that the set may be purchased without the mod, and purchase is entirely optional."
Period. That's all that needed to be said, but you failed to say it. Instead, you censored an artist and told your users what was good for them. By not speaking on behalf of the community's decision, you have both marginalized and jeopardized it.
Furthermore, you mistook the adult behavior of those who disagreed with your decision for complacency or even approval; the new bar for being taken seriously is apparently to behave like a child and spout racist rhetoric until satisfied. The community nominated and voted, period. Clearly, a lot of people are acutely aware that the Rising Sun's removal was utter bullshit insigated by the propagandist bigotry of the few. Your response to their cries for reprisal? Further censure.
I'm not being hyperbolic; you literally excised a part of Japan and its culture from this drop for no reason aside from some users claiming it triggered their delicate sensibilities. Were I Japanese, I'd see the removal of the Rising Sun as nothing less than Massdrop's tacit approval of a racist minority's inability to behave appropriately. In fact I'm NOT Japanese and the message is still abundantly clear.
I hope you reconsider in the interests of the community, because people aren't just upset over losing some stupid keycaps. You made a decision with lasting repercussions--one that doesn't bode well for a democratic community such as this.
"I have currently pulled down the "Rising Sun" kit option for this drop." "Any further spamming on this issue will be immediately deleted"
>inherently opposed to the censorship of art and free speech
Thanks for the laugh.