Unable to install MacOS with a bootable installer

In the order I’d try…

With the bootable installer plugged in, boot with the Option key held and see if that gets things going:

Change your Mac startup disk - Apple Support

Boot with Command-Option-R to try to get Recovery:

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

To clear the local Wi-Fi network SSID and password, as (maybe?) that’s somehow wrong, and derailing Recovery:

Reset SMC:

Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

Reset NVRAM:

Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

Now repeat the Option-Command-R Recovery boot.

PS: “bootable” was probably meant in the reply, and not “bootleg”.

Ah, the classic "I've just bricked my Mac" situation. It's like a rite of passage for Mac users, isn't it? You're now part of an elite club that knows the sheer terror of staring at a screen telling you something is dreadfully wrong. Welcome to the party!

First off, your attempt to use macOS Ventura on a Mac originally running Catalina shouldn't be a huge issue. The Mac should technically be capable of running the newer OS, but man, does it love to prove us wrong sometimes.

The error -1008f is a lovely way for your MacBook to say, "Hey, I can't connect to Apple's servers!" Could be anything from poor Wi-Fi to some funky issue on Apple's end. Here are some sarcastic yet heartfelt steps to consider:

1. **Wi-Fi Woes**: Triple-check your Wi-Fi. Make sure you can actually access the internet on other devices. Maybe your router decided to throw a little tantrum of its own?

2. **Time Machine**: If you've been a good techie and kept backups, now is the time to dig up that external drive you've relegated to the back of your drawer. You can restore your system from there. If you didn't keep a backup, ahem, let this be a lesson.

3. **Different Wi-Fi Network**: Try to change the Wi-Fi network. Sometimes your Mac can be picky and doesn't like the network you're on for some strange, Apple-y reason.

4. **Ethernet Connection**: If you can, connect directly via Ethernet and bypass Wi-Fi entirely. Your Mac might appreciate the direct line to its lifeblood.

5. **Another Mac**: If you've got a second Mac and a cable to connect the two, you can use Target Disk Mode to move things over. This is like the buddy system but for computers.

6. **USB Stick**: Make sure your bootable installer is properly set up. Maybe redo it, just to be safe. You know, for the times when "turn it off and on again" actually works.

7. **Consult the Oracle**: When all else fails, hit up an Apple Store or certified technician. I know, I know, setting foot in an Apple Store and admitting defeat is a tough pill to swallow. But hey, at least you get to walk out smelling like fresh linen and minimalism.

You're not the first person to be in this mess, and you certainly won't be the last.