Reconsidering My Back Up Strategy in 2024 – HGG624

This week, I share my journey in questioning my personal data management, spurred by an unexpected failure of my Morrow Data Box. This experience pushed me to prioritize valuable data and confront the issue of digital hoarding, leading to the deletion of outdated files and a streamlined approach to storage as well as some price and plan updates at Unraid. I also discuss some advancements in voice cloning technology via Eleven Labs, exploring its potential and ethical implications for content creation. Thanks for listening!


Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg624

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #624 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links

https://unraid.net/pricing

https://elevenlabs.io

Show Chapters

[0:00] Welcome to Home Gadget Geeks

[16:00] Data Management Reflections

[22:50] The Value of Digital Hoarding

[35:29] Embracing Minimalism in Tech

[48:46] Exploring AI Voice Cloning

[53:05] Future of Podcasting with AI

Extended Outline

  • Moro Data Box Troubleshooting and Data Recovery [0:00]
    • Jim Collison discusses his experience with the Moro Data Box, which he has had since 2017.
    • The box stopped working, and Jim tried various troubleshooting methods, including unseating the memory and taking it apart.
    • Jim needed a file from the box to upload to Maple Grove partners, but the file was only stored on the box.
    • He accessed the file through the Moro Data website, which uses a proprietary format, and successfully retrieved the file.
  • Data Management and Backup Strategies [22:11]
    • Jim reflects on his data management practices, including storing files on various platforms like YouTube, Maple Grove partners, and archive.org.
    • He discusses the importance of having data in multiple places for backup and the potential issues with digital hoarding.
    • Jim decides to delete the data from the Moro Data Box and the Backblaze B2 bucket, feeling a mix of relief and regret.
    • He considers the future of his data management, including using unRAID for backup and potentially using Backblaze B2 again.
  • UnRAID and Data Storage Solutions [23:21]
    • Jim talks about his transition to using unRAID for data storage, considering the cost and features of different storage solutions.
    • He mentions the changes in unRAID licensing and the potential benefits of upgrading to a lifetime license.
    • Jim shares his thoughts on the importance of having certain data, like tax documents, backed up and accessible.
    • He emphasizes the need to balance data storage with the cost and practicality of maintaining it.
  • Voice Cloning and AI Technology [42:22]
    • Jim discusses his experience with voice cloning using 11 Labs, a service that creates AI-generated voices based on provided audio samples.
    • He shares examples of his voice being cloned and the differences between voice-to-voice and text-to-voice cloning.
    • Jim reflects on the potential applications of voice cloning, such as fixing bad audio quality and creating content in multiple languages.
    • He raises ethical questions about using AI-generated voices for content creation and the implications for authenticity.
  • Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement [58:28]
    • Jim wraps up the discussion by encouraging audience members to share their thoughts on data management and voice cloning.
    • He mentions upcoming guests and topics for future shows, including a discussion on teleprompters with Dan Lefebvre.
    • Jim invites listeners to join the live show on Thursdays and engage in post-show discussions.
    • He thanks the audience for their participation and support, emphasizing the importance of community interaction.


More from Chat GPT

In this episode, I dive deep into the evolution of my personal data management practices, especially highlighting a recent experience with my Morrow Data Box that led to significant changes in how I handle backups. After years of keeping everything, I learned firsthand the importance of assessing what data truly matters after my Morrow Data Box unexpectedly failed. Upon discovering that I had a lot of files which I no longer needed, I was faced with the challenge of retrieving crucial data, particularly security files that I rely on for podcasting and hosting.

During this journey, I reflected on my approach to data storage and realized that much of my information had fallen into the trap of digital hoarding. With guidance from my Saturday podcast coaching, I began reconsidering what I needed to keep. I discovered that many of my podcast files and past recordings were already available across several platforms like YouTube and archive.org, thus allowing me to streamline my storage needs.

Most interestingly, the episode illustrates a pivotal moment when I decided to delete a substantial amount of data that I had been holding onto for years. It was a liberating experience that prompted me to examine the concept of digital clutter and the sentimental attachments we put on our data. After ultimately salvaging just the most critical files, I set up my new Unraid server to ensure that going forward, I maintain a more manageable level of digital storage.

Transitioning to a discussion of tools, I also highlight my recent experiments with voice cloning technology using Eleven Labs. This exploration revealed just how far AI has come in duplicating human voices with a surprising degree of nuance and accuracy, raising questions about the ethical implications of using a cloned voice for content creation. The technology could potentially allow for us to create content in multiple languages using our own voice, opening up new avenues for outreach and accessibility.

Finishing off on a lighter note, I reflect on my thoughts about the need for a teleprompter and how, despite my previous hesitations, I am now seeing the value in tools that facilitate smoother presentations. The episode offers a mix of technical insights and personal reflections, ensuring that listeners will walk away with both knowledge and something to ponder regarding their own data management habits and the role of AI in content creation.

Products mentioned:

  1. Moro Data Box – A device Jim Collison has had since 2017 for data storage and backup.
  2. Backblaze B2 – A cloud storage service used by Jim for backing up data from the Moro Data Box.
  3. UnRAID – A home server software solution that Jim is using for his data storage needs.
  4. Eleven Labs – A service that provides AI-generated voice cloning capabilities, which Jim experimented with.

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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, personal data management, Morrow Data Box, digital hoarding, voice cloning technology, Eleven Labs, Backblaze B2