TalesOfTrees

Gave the kickstarter page a read and well... it sounds like it's going to be similar to Starfield - vast but shallow. Unless they put in the effort to go around after all the procedural stuff for each of the "thousands of towns" and introduce bits to eliminate the cookie-cutter experience.

Genuinely hope it turns into something great, but it's current competition points towards trends that don't bode well unless this developer is willing to take risks.

Checked Alarm's privacy policy on their website... and it's kind of sketch. The big ol' "Privacy" link takes you to a page basically saying "We don't sell your info", which OK, cool.

However, scroll all the way to the bottom, and there's another privacy section. That one details what they do with info using their service.

Quick Bing AI summary:

Alarm.com's Privacy Policy outlines how they handle your personal information when you use their services. Here’s a summary in plain English:

Information Collection:
    Alarm.com collects and stores Personal Information from or about you. This includes details that can be used to uniquely contact, identify, or locate you.
    When using the User Interfaces (such as their website or mobile apps), you may provide Personal Information like your name, address, phone number, email, location, or zip code.
    Additionally, when using their Services, you or your Authorized Service Provider may provide additional information (e.g., home or business details, system configuration, sensor names, etc.) to personalize your experience.

Types of Data Collected:
    Performance data from security devices monitored by Alarm.com.
    Electrical usage, heating/cooling information, light settings, and more.
    Alert logs and other relevant data.

Purpose of Data Collection:
    To provide you with the best interactive security, energy management, video monitoring, automation, and wellness services.
    Personalization of services based on the information you provide.
    Alarm.com may also receive data from their partners (like emergency contact info) to enhance their services1.

Remember that data privacy practices may vary based on your region and use of the app2. Always review the full privacy policy for complete details1. If you have specific concerns, consider reaching out to Alarm.com directly for clarification.'

As reasonable the concerns are... it seems like there's quite a bit of fearmongering over software and hardware that haven't even really gotten into the mainstream yet.

Potassium salt substitute tastes like ass though.

Or it just confirms developers being in cahoots, and consumers being unaware that they have choices, even when it doesn't seem like it. Hopefully you're not interpreting this as me trying to argue with you, as my intention is more of a "hey, by the way here's something" rather than an attempt to convince anyone of anything.

Higher price per unit, but propane burns 2-2.5x more efficiently. So what might be more beneficial to one person or another most likely depends on other factors, such as region and availability.

Are people just not aware that most natural gas appliances can be run with propane and not just the natural gas that utilities might provide? Usually just requires adjustment of the flow-rates on the appliance and fuel supply line. I forget which is which, but natural gas and propane run at two slightly different pressures, so if you don't adjust for that during the changeover, it won't burn as efficiently.

I mention this more as a "what would I do if I was told I had to sign up for the natural gas utility". Of course, this doesn't take into account that if you have natural gas coming to the house, you probably use that as your primary heatsource as well. So that's a consideration. In terms of kitchen appliances though, the info might be useful to someone.

I'm glad I'm not the only one to see the absurdity in it. Never thought "refueling" would mean "stopping at the 7/11 for some gas and war-snacks". Even worse... that poor trucker that pulled in just at the station got hit... hopefully there's somewhere else nearby.