cfworks
python script, 2022
cfworks is a Python script to scrape the user data of Twitter accounts and turn them into print ready pdfs of 300 pages each to be ordered in the pocketbook format of Lulu. The script was initially written to create an automated collected works book edition in real time of the tweets of @computerfan2001, one of the most poetic site specific post performances on the platform, but dramatically changed its purpose when Elon Musk took over as CEO of Twitter and @computerfan2001 and many other accounts were deactivated or deleted as a response. Hence, questions of copyright and appropriation became more relevant as tweets weren't necessarily public or users couldn't be contacted anymore. To tackle this, the script was made public so legal or moral questions regarding a transformation of Twitter accounts into book editions would be a matter of private responsibility and archival care.
Because Musk's takeover was followed by constant and drastic changes of the platform's code and architecture, the script might need minor fixes or package updates when you try to execute it.
Script disclaimer:
# this script was written by andreas bülhoff in the first half of november 2022 during what felt like the downfall of twitter
# it scrapes the user data of any given account and turns it into pdf files ready to be printed as books, including paratexts and cover designs
# this remediation is a way of archiving ephemeral content due to erratic changes of policies and users deleting their accounts
# it also tries to valorise what was written on the platform as literature worthy to be printed in books
# by this, cfworks seeks to rethink publishing as providing a publishing framework and audience as particulate spheres
# there is no copyright, do with this script whatever you like
# the code notoriously ignores media as well as emojis and most glyphs
# set in the pocketbook format of the print-on-demand platform lulu.com