I don't like being under constant surveillance from my neighbors doorbell cameras. This is one of many excellent reasons why.

What I am going to do is use MapComplete to start labeling every house that I come across that has one of these doorbells.

Then I'll post some QR codes around town that link to the map.

Once people start seeing their homes called out on a map then perhaps some of them will feel uncomfortable with that and start to understand just why privacy matters.

Ring founder Jamie Siminoff is back at the helm of the surveillance doorbell company, and with him is the surveillance-first-privacy-last approach that made Ring one of the most maligned tech devices. Not only is the company reintroducing new versions of old features which would allow police to request footage directly from Ring users, it is also introducing a new feature that would allow police to request live-st

Why do people want to see who comes to the door?

My brother installed one of these at his house and it makes me uncomfortable, but I know he probably feels safer and more in control by having it, and would value that over my comfort.

Then I start to gaslight myself, "why am I uncomfortable with the surveillance apparatus getting regular identifiable videos of me at a known location"?

Why do people want to see who comes to the door?

My brother installed one of these at his house and it makes me uncomfortable, but I know he probably feels safer and more in control by having it, and would value that over my comfort.

Then I start to gaslight myself, "why am I uncomfortable with the surveillance apparatus getting regular identifiable videos of me at a known location"?

I mean, you might think that but you underestimate how willing people are to give up their privacy and freedom just to feel safe.

I feel like this could backfire if lots of people have the cameras. They might be like, so what? Cameras are normal.

Why do people want to see who comes to the door?

My brother installed one of these at his house and it makes me uncomfortable, but I know he probably feels safer and more in control by having it, and would value that over my comfort.

Then I start to gaslight myself, "why am I uncomfortable with the surveillance apparatus getting regular identifiable videos of me at a known location"?

Ubiquiti. Cloud gateway max (router + NVR) for $200 with no storage, add your own 2tb nvme, get a ubiquiti doorbell for $300. Little pricy, but simple to setup and all the footage lives locally on the cloud gateway max. No subscription, and you can add more cameras later. The cloud gateway max is an excellent 2.5G router. Slap on a WiFi 7 access point for $200 more and you got yourself a killer home network.

I want the Ubiquiti Doorbell Pro (wired Ethernet) but it's always sold out. Plus I've been hesitant to spend ion a Cloud Gateway or Dream Machine. I just wish I could use my own storage.

I need to just bite the bullet though.

Never said it would protect your shit, just that it likely would be better in the long run for everyone involved. Its not an easy problem to solve but I dont think we need to treat people poorly because of it. I understand if its just not possible to assume the financial risk though.

We had a burglary a couple of months ago, luckily we have an indoor camera which scared him away when he saw it and nothing was stolen. On the camera recording, we heard that he was ringing the doorbell for a couple of minutes to check if anyone is at home. We now have a camera doorbell (not Ring one though), if we had it then he would see it and avoided our house altogether.

Why do people want to see who comes to the door?

My brother installed one of these at his house and it makes me uncomfortable, but I know he probably feels safer and more in control by having it, and would value that over my comfort.

Then I start to gaslight myself, "why am I uncomfortable with the surveillance apparatus getting regular identifiable videos of me at a known location"?

Never said it would protect your shit, just that it likely would be better in the long run for everyone involved. Its not an easy problem to solve but I dont think we need to treat people poorly because of it.

Just because I don't trust those around me and use cameras doesn't mean I treat people poorly. I am very respectful to the people who live and work around me, but that doesn't mean I trust them not to take something that isn't theirs.

Lack of trust does not equal disrespect, it just means I've seen the true side of a lot of people and don't wish to let them take advantage of the kind of naivety that you display here.

I understand if its just not possible to assume the financial risk though

It's not that I'm unable to assume the risk, I'm unwilling to be taken advantage of.

Neighbors can be people you dont well, you should still trust them anyways, because you'd want them to treat you the same.

If you have drug addicts regularly causing you problems, might do you some good to befriend them in some way or help them out, instead of secure your shit and avoid them more. They aren't any different than you are.

If you're still talking about getting shit stolen off your porch, anyone within driving distance could be responsible for it.

Do you really think it's possible to try to become friends with or "help out" every asshole within a 10 minute drive of where you live? Or even identify everyone in that range who might have sticky fingers?

Ring founder Jamie Siminoff is back at the helm of the surveillance doorbell company, and with him is the surveillance-first-privacy-last approach that made Ring one of the most maligned tech devices. Not only is the company reintroducing new versions of old features which would allow police to request footage directly from Ring users, it is also introducing a new feature that would allow police to request live-st

Why do people want to see who comes to the door?

My brother installed one of these at his house and it makes me uncomfortable, but I know he probably feels safer and more in control by having it, and would value that over my comfort.

Then I start to gaslight myself, "why am I uncomfortable with the surveillance apparatus getting regular identifiable videos of me at a known location"?

Not concerned about porch pirates at all, people shouldnt order stuff like this.

Yep still glad I've never trusted "smart-home" tech.

Your arguments are all valid and fine, wouldn't argue with them. BUT understanding the underlying reasons doesn't really change the fact and my point.

I can empathise with speeders, murderers, scammers and whatever. But know why someone does something, or even truly empathizing with it, doesn't change the fact that it's bad.
I could understand a society of murderers and their reasons for murdering. But they'd still destroy their society.

And sadly I really see no way for the government (any gov anywhere) to really pull the rudder. Capitalism just won. And, as you already stated, their goals align excellently with the average Joe/Jane having no clue about the stuff that's thrown in their faces and are worked to death so that'll never change.