Est. MMXXIVIssue №135Vol. II
London - LisbonThu 29 Oct 2026

Read Before Monday

A weekly dispatch by Vitor Domingos · With links, on Sunday, nothing urgent
№ 135 / Weekly
Issue 52
Sun 16 Mar
Sunday Dispatch · № 52 · 16 Mar 2025

This week #RBM is about romance scams, forgotten game developers, Manhattan’s underground steam to the towering ENIAC, and YouTube redefining entertainment – isn’t technology’s evolution both thrilling and sobering? Fraudsters now have AI, unsung contributors shape industries, century-old infrastructure still warms New York, and a room-sized computer became the smartphone in our pocket. Meanwhile, YouTube’s 20-year reign proves that media power has shifted, yet advertisers remain stuck in outdated habits. With this week stories, one truth stands: the past shapes the present, but the future belongs to those who adapt.

In this issue
5 pieces

In " My Scammer Girlfriend: Baiting A Romance Fraudster, " Ben Tasker documents his experience engaging with a romance scammer posing as "Aidana,

In " My Scammer Girlfriend: Baiting A Romance Fraudster, " Ben Tasker documents his experience engaging with a romance scammer posing as "Aidana,

" a dentist from Kazakhstan. Tasker meticulously details the scammer's tactics, including rapid development of intimacy, use of affectionate language, and staged emergencies requiring financial assistance. Through this interaction, he uncovers the psychological manipulation inherent in such scams and provides insights into the operational methods of fraudsters.

My take

This new digital age has transformed the classic con artist into a keyboard Casanova, right? What an interesting deep dive into the world of romance scams, which is both enlightening and a tad disconcerting. It’s a clear reminder that while our hearts may flutter at sweet nothings typed across the screen, a dose of scepticism is our best defence. So, next time someone professes undying love after three emails, maybe hold off on wiring that "emergency" cash. After all, true love waits - and doesn't ask for your bank details. But I'm afraid we'll be witnessing more of these scams, as the world of GenAI gets deep in deep fakes, as fraudsters exploit emotional susceptibilities, there's a pressing need for enhanced digital literacy and robust cybersecurity measures.

The article " The Masters of Commodore 64 Games " from Spillhistorie.no gets into the often-overlooked role of individuals responsible for creating the final master copies of games for duplication

The article " The Masters of Commodore 64 Games " from Spillhistorie.no gets into the often-overlooked role of individuals responsible for creating the final master copies of games for duplication

. These masters were the definitive versions from which all game copies were produced. The piece highlights how, during game loading on the Commodore 64, users would encounter screens displaying the game's title, accompanying music, and credits for developers. However, it points out that the crucial contributor who assembled the final master version was frequently omitted from these credits.

My take

Nostalgic post alert! I love how the unsung heroes behind our favourite C64 games - the true master creators - rarely received their due recognition. Imagine crafting the final piece that millions would enjoy, yet remaining in the shadows. This article sheds light on these overlooked artisans, reminding us that every pixelated adventure had a meticulous hand ensuring its flawless delivery. Perhaps it's time we understand them deeper, unearthing and celebrating these hidden figures who played pivotal roles in our cherished gaming memories. Maybe such recognition could foster a more inclusive industry culture, promoting transparency and valuing all facets of production.

The article " Steam Networks " by Jamie Rumbelow explores Manhattan's extensive steam system,

The article " Steam Networks " by Jamie Rumbelow explores Manhattan's extensive steam system,

operational since 1882, which continues to heat the city by delivering steam through a 105-mile network of pipes. This system services various establishments, including hotels like The Waldorf Astoria, restaurants, dry cleaners, hospitals, and museums, highlighting its integral role in the city's infrastructure.

My take

I find this quite fascinating, how Manhattan's steam network, a relic from the 19th century, still hums beneath the city's bustling streets, warming everything from luxury hotels to corner laundromats! It's like the city's cozy secret, a testament to infrastructure built to last. Yet, as we march into a future demanding greener solutions, I can't help but wonder: will this steamy underbelly adapt or become a charming anecdote of urban history? As a kid, educated with the American cinema, growing up in Portugal, this was such an iconic steam when appeared in movies and even better when I first travelled to Manhattan and saw it, as a kid. Either way, next time you're in the Big Apple, take a moment to appreciate the warmth beneath your feet, courtesy of a system as enduring as New York's spirit.

Modern Baby

Modern Baby

The article "Modern Baby" from The Chip Letter explains the legacy of ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), the world's first programmable general-purpose electronic digital computer, developed in the 1940s. ENIAC's design utilised approximately 18,000 vacuum tubes and spanned 50 by 30 feet, weighing 30 tons. Initially created to calculate artillery trajectories during World War II, it could perform up to 5,000 additions per second, a monumental leap in computational speed at the time. This innovation laid the foundation for modern computing, influencing subsequent technological advancements.

My take

Enough is enough! I can hear you already! But this is 'just' the second nostalgic post this week... How astounding it is to think that the behemoth known as ENIAC, with its labyrinth of vacuum tubes and switches, is the great-grandparent of the sleek devices we casually slip into our pockets today? This article tells the journey from room-sized calculators to palm-sized supercomputers, which is nothing short of a technological odyssey. Yet, amidst this progress, let's not forget the pioneering individuals- especially the unsung women - who programmed this giant. Their legacy is a poignant reminder that behind every machine's evolution lies the human spirit of innovation and perseverance.

In celebration of YouTube's 20th anniversary , creators like Sean Evans, host of "Hot Ones," reflect on the platform's evolution and its impact on content creation.

In celebration of YouTube's 20th anniversary , creators like Sean Evans, host of "Hot Ones," reflect on the platform's evolution and its impact on content creation.

Evans, marking a decade with his show, emphasises YouTube's role in allowing innovative formats to flourish, noting that traditional TV might not have accommodated such experimentation. Despite "Hot Ones" achieving significant success, Evans expresses frustration over advertisers undervaluing YouTube content compared to traditional television, highlighting a persistent bias within the advertising industry.

My take

20 years? Twenty? Whaaaat? .... This is the ultimate proof that the gatekeepers of media are losing their grip. Yet, despite YouTube's dominance as a TV alternative, advertisers still hesitate, clutching outdated metrics like a TV Guide in a streaming era. The irony? Viewership is there, engagement is off the charts, and yet YouTube ads are undervalued compared to traditional networks. Maybe it's the chaotic mix of high-quality production and amateur vlogging that unnerves brands, or the unpredictability of YouTube’s algorithmic overlords. Either way, the industry needs a wake-up call: content is king, but platforms are now the kingdom. And YouTube? Well, it's the empire that built itself; one spicy question at a time.

The Premise
What you need to read before your busy Monday, published every Sunday

Read Before Monday is a weekly newsletter from Vitor Domingos - with a handful of articles, essays and oddities collected over the week, annotated with a short opinion, and sent before Monday morning.

No breaking news. No ten-thousand-word think pieces. No affiliate links. Just a small, curated and considered list of things worth sitting with.

VD
Vitor Domingos
Writing from London
Colophon
Type Archivo · Space Mono
Cadence Sun · 19:00 WET
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