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Lack of transparency in AI pricing
AI users face challenges with unclear usage limits and billing practices, often leading to unexpected charges. Token-based pricing lacks transparency, complicating cost management. While some providers are introducing controls to mitigate expenses, there’s a need for clearer metrics akin to traditional utilities, allowing users to predict costs and optimize usage effectively.
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Let me introduce Alan 0.9
Let me introduce you to my AI clone – Alan 0.9. He looks the same, and even sounds roughly the same. This is going to get very weird.
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Unlocking the power of MCP
Your AI assistant is smart but blind. It cannot see your databases, logs, or internal systems. The Model Context Protocol changes that. MCP creates a secure bridge between AI tools and your infrastructure. You define the connection once. The AI queries your entire organization through one standard interface.
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I like big Macs and I cannot lie
As a longtime Windows desktop and Ubuntu user, I finally explore the Apple Macbook Pro as my primary laptop. Discover the journey, the ups and downs, and finally what has turned me into a Macbook Pro fan.
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Why the SaaSpocalypse is over blown
Predictions state AI will replace SaaS platforms with custom software. This resembles the open source movement. Building custom tools creates costs for security, maintenance, and integration. Established providers offer compliance and scalability. Focus on your core business. Use AI to enhance your tools instead of replacing them. Always stay practical.
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Unlocking Cursor: Features and Workflow Tips
Want to get a little more out of Cursor, the AI development environment? I walk through the major components with hints and tips on how to get the most out of vibe engineering with rules and agent modes.
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Future of AI is not public
If all you can do is to refresh the Status Page, then you are not in control. Relying on public AI SaaS providers is not a long term future play. You have to take control if AI is integrated to everything you do.
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[Review] PostgreSQL Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
If you are running PostgreSQL in production at any sort of scale, then you need this book on your shelf, as it will lift the lid on some of the things that will make your database sing.
![[Review] PostgreSQL Mistakes and How to Avoid Them](https://alan.is/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mycousinvinny-small.png?w=643)
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Five Nights of Vibe Coding: A Game Experiment
I built a game with Claude using vibe coding. The game works and is fun, but I feel no pride of ownership. Is the game my creation, Claude’s, or the millions of developers to which Opus learned to code from? The whole experience has left me feeling rather flat.
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“Well pick it back up”
Monitoring systems for failure is more art than science, with many systems firing off way too many false positives. Getting your arms around this is not easy, but we all need our “fall detection necklace”
the legend that is, Alan Williamson.
For over 20 years, I’ve shared my thoughts whenever the muse strikes. It’s unpredictable, honest, unedited, and occasionally witty. I’m living the best years of my life, working harder than ever, and enjoying every second.
Alan Williamson 