Newsweek reports that Google Calendar has stopped automatically displaying certain US cultural events like Pride Month, Black History Month, and Holocaust Remembrance Day in the main calendar view for some users. While these events are still accessible within other calendar layers, like the "Interesting Calendars" section, the change has sparked concern and frustration among users who relied on the prominent reminders. Google has not officially commented on the reason for the removal or whether it is a temporary glitch or a permanent change.
OSMCal is a comprehensive, crowdsourced calendar of OpenStreetMap-related events worldwide. It aggregates conferences, workshops, mapathons, social gatherings, and other activities relevant to the OSM community, allowing users to browse events by location, date, and keywords. The calendar aims to facilitate connection and collaboration within the OSM ecosystem by providing a central resource for discovering and promoting these events. Users can submit their own events for inclusion, ensuring the calendar stays up-to-date and reflects the vibrant activity of the OpenStreetMap community.
Hacker News users discussed the usefulness of the OpenStreetMap Calendar (OSMCal) for discovering local mapping events. Several commenters expressed appreciation for the resource, finding it valuable for connecting with the OSM community and learning about contributing. Some highlighted the importance of in-person events for fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the OSM ecosystem. Others wished for improved filtering or search capabilities to refine event discovery, particularly by region or specific interests. The calendar's role in promoting OSM and coordinating community efforts was generally seen as positive. A few users also mentioned alternative or supplementary resources, such as weeklyOSM and the OSM forum, for staying informed about OpenStreetMap activities.
Summary of Comments ( 2 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43019572
HN commenters were largely skeptical of the Newsweek article, pointing out that the events still appeared on their calendars and suggesting user error or a temporary glitch as more likely explanations than intentional removal. Several suggested checking calendar settings, specifically "Browse interesting calendars" under "Other calendars," to ensure the specialized calendars are enabled. Some questioned Newsweek's journalistic integrity and the sensationalist framing of the headline. A few commenters expressed general frustration with Google's frequent, unannounced changes to their products and services. There was also discussion about the effectiveness and potential annoyance of these awareness calendars, with some finding them useful reminders while others viewing them as intrusive or performative.
The Hacker News post discussing the Newsweek article "Google removes Pride Month, Black History and Holocaust Remembrance from calendar" has generated a substantial discussion with a variety of viewpoints.
Many commenters express skepticism about Newsweek's reporting and the framing of the "removal." Several suggest that these calendar entries were likely opt-in features that users may have inadvertently disabled or that were never enabled in the first place. They point out that Google still prominently features these events through other avenues like Search and Doodles, arguing that the Newsweek article implies a level of intentional suppression that is unlikely. Some users report still seeing these events on their calendars, further bolstering the theory that this isn't a widespread removal.
A recurring theme in the comments is the perceived decline in quality of Newsweek's journalism. Commenters express disappointment with what they see as sensationalist reporting and a lack of rigorous fact-checking. Some recall Newsweek's more reputable past, contrasting it with its current state.
Several commenters discuss the broader context of corporate activism and "performative allyship." They question the genuine commitment of companies like Google to these social causes, suggesting that these calendar entries might have been superficial gestures rather than meaningful actions. Some argue that focusing on such symbolic displays distracts from more substantive efforts to address systemic inequalities.
A few commenters offer alternative explanations for the alleged removal. One suggests it could be a technical glitch or a temporary issue. Another proposes that it might be related to user personalization settings or A/B testing different calendar features.
There is also discussion about the role of algorithms and personalization in shaping the information users see online. Some express concern that algorithmic filtering can create echo chambers and limit exposure to diverse perspectives.
Finally, some commenters share personal anecdotes about their experiences with Google Calendar and its features, offering firsthand accounts that sometimes contradict the claims made in the Newsweek article. For example, one user mentions using a dedicated calendar for tracking specific events like Pride Month, suggesting that the default calendar might not be the primary way users engage with these commemorations.