# LLMs are amazing, the circus is optional ~ just build

**Published:** 2026-08-08

**Author:** Alessandro Pogliaghi
**URL:** https://apogliaghi.com/2026/08/llms-are-amazing-the-circus-is-optional-~-just-build/


The problem is not the models. The problem is the circus that comes bundled with them.

{{< figure src="/img/_llms/build_it.png" alt="JUST BUILD IT" position="center" width="600px" >}}

## Scratching the itch(es)

In [my MeTube fork](/2026/01/forking-metube-~-you-can-just-do-stuff/), I have a gh action (oof) that periodically checks upstream releases, generates a diff and sends it to an LLM for analysis.

The model then creates an issue explaining whether I should care about the changes.

This is not AGI. It is artificial “please read this diff because I ain’t got time for that”.

Perfect.

On iOS, I use Safari to visit YouTube (*cough* ads *cough*) and I started getting annoyed by shorts and creator posts in the feed. I just wanted to watch some videos, crazy stuff.

I didn't even thought about starting my usual research into existing tools and solutions, I just built a small extension that would scratch my itch.

That's **[Shortless](https://shortless.app)**, and it is [on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6790830293).

On macOS, I started using some app that would display the upcoming meeting in my menubar.
This is not rocket science, but it started conflicting with my menubar management app. 
I got frustrated, it annoyed me.

So I whipped up **[Perch](https://perchbird.app)**.

Do you really needed any of these two? Probably not. And that's fine.

## I hope it becomes boring

The outcome I want is not a small collection of companies owning a magic oracle.

I want models to become cheap and replaceable infrastructure: multiple providers, good OPEN models, local options, predictable APIs and enough compatibility to remain sane.

Becoming boring is what useful technology eventually does, boring is good.

I am so genuinely excited about where this is going, so much to do. So many people wanting to build things.

The circus is optional.