This Chrome extension, called Fakey, translates Japanese manga and Korean manhwa in real-time. It uses machine translation to overlay the original text with the chosen target language, allowing readers to enjoy these comics without needing pre-translated versions. Fakey supports a variety of languages and aims to make manga and manhwa more accessible to a global audience. It works directly within the browser, making the translation process seamless and convenient for readers.
The Marsha P. Johnson Chrome extension combats trans erasure by highlighting instances where "deadnaming" occurs on webpages. It identifies and visually emphasizes when a transgender person's pre-transition name is used instead of their chosen name, aiming to raise awareness and promote respectful language. The extension utilizes a user-maintained database of names and allows for community contributions to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness. This tool serves as a simple yet powerful reminder of the importance of using correct names and pronouns, honoring trans identities, and fostering a more inclusive online environment.
Several Hacker News commenters express skepticism about the value and implementation of the Marsha P. Johnson Chrome extension. Some question the effectiveness of simply highlighting names, suggesting it doesn't meaningfully address trans erasure and may even be counterproductive by trivializing the issue. Others criticize the technical execution, pointing to potential performance issues, privacy concerns around data collection, and the potential for misidentification or misgendering due to the complexities of language. There are also concerns about the extension promoting a specific political viewpoint and the potential for misuse or abuse. A few commenters offer alternative suggestions for combating trans erasure, such as donating to relevant organizations or engaging in more direct activism.
TabBoo is a browser extension designed to deter procrastination by injecting random jumpscares into websites the user designates as distracting. It works by periodically displaying startling images, chosen from a curated selection or uploaded by the user, on blacklisted sites. This aims to create a negative association with those sites, making them less appealing to visit and thus boosting productivity. The extension offers customization options for jumpscare frequency and image selection, allowing users to tailor the experience to their needs.
Hacker News commenters generally found TabBoo's concept amusing, but impractical for serious self-control. Several pointed out the ease with which one could simply disable the extension or avoid the targeted sites altogether if motivation was truly lacking. Some suggested alternative approaches like website blockers, while others joked about the potential for misuse or the psychological implications of negative reinforcement. A few expressed interest in the technical implementation, particularly the use of AI-generated jumpscares. Overall, the comments lean towards seeing TabBoo as a novelty rather than a robust solution for procrastination.
Summary of Comments ( 8 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43309261
HN commenters generally expressed skepticism and concern about Fakey's claims. Several pointed out the difficulty of accurately translating comics, especially with nuances like slang, onomatopoeia, and visual context. Some questioned the feasibility of real-time translation within a browser extension, suspecting significant server-side processing was involved, raising privacy concerns. Others mentioned existing, albeit imperfect, solutions and wondered about Fakey's comparative advantages. A few commenters requested information on pricing and the languages supported, while others simply dismissed the project as unlikely to deliver on its promises. The overall sentiment leaned towards cautious disapproval.
The Hacker News post discussing the "Fakey" Chrome extension for translating Japanese manga and Korean manhwa generated several comments, primarily focusing on the technical aspects, potential use cases, and ethical considerations of the tool.
Several commenters expressed interest in the technology behind the extension. One user questioned how Fakey handles different text placements and font sizes within manga, specifically asking about its accuracy in extracting and translating text embedded within speech bubbles and complex panel layouts. Another user inquired about the underlying OCR engine utilized by the extension and whether it uses pre-trained models or employs a proprietary solution. The discussion also touched upon the challenges of accurately translating onomatopoeia, common in manga and manhwa, and how Fakey addresses this specific linguistic hurdle.
Practical applications of the extension were also a topic of discussion. Some users highlighted its potential for language learning, suggesting that it could be a valuable tool for those studying Japanese or Korean. Others discussed its usefulness for accessing and enjoying content not readily available in translated formats, opening up a wider range of manga and manhwa to international audiences.
Ethical concerns surrounding the use of such a tool were also raised. One commenter questioned the implications for official translators and the potential impact on the manga and manhwa industry. The discussion touched on the possibility of the extension facilitating the consumption of pirated content and the potential repercussions for creators and publishers. This prompted further discussion about the responsibilities of users and the importance of supporting official releases whenever possible.
Finally, some users offered suggestions for improvement and expansion. One commenter proposed adding support for other languages, expanding the extension's utility beyond Japanese and Korean. Another user suggested integrating features for managing translated manga and manhwa, potentially creating a library or reading list within the extension itself. These suggestions highlight the potential for future development and the community's interest in seeing the tool evolve.