a grand total of seventy-four

really? only seventy-four? what're we doing here?

Stumbling round the web today, I happened upon McSweeney’s, which I’m certain I’ll be returning to for inspiration. I’m not kidding; there was so much wisdom (or satire of wisdom) to pass on that I could easily make this whole blog a ‘What I read on McSweeney’s site’.

Wait, let me ponder that one a minute.

No, I think I’ll keep on with the course I’ve been following. Whatever amuses, concerns or baffles me. That’s what you get here. Haven’t heard many complaints. That’s not an invitation for complaints. Really.

But then I found Teddy Wayne’s Unpopular Proverbs. How could you deny yourself taking a gander at such a thing? I would not be denied. It’s one of my superpowers. Unless I’m tired. Or distracted. But if I’m well-rested and have even a minimum level of focus, then I cannot be denied.

Here’s ol’ Teddy Wayne’s Unpopular Proverb when it comes to Writing:

‘A drop of ink may make a million think, though to be technically accurate, this isn’t printed, it’s just on the Internet, and with the fragmentation of modern media, I’d be surprised if it gets more than a few thousand readers and, let’s be honest, this isn’t very thought-provoking. So: An electronic display of characters may amuse a few thousand. Except the number of people actually amused is probably under a hundred. Therefore: An electronic display of characters amuses seventy-four.’

I’m ok with seventy-four. Well, for today I am. I didn’t create much here today. But on a day when I come up with some of my usual whimsy, I expect a few more of you to happen by. It’s not as if it’s going to affect you adversely. At least I hope it won’t.

5 comments

  1. You know, I think I’m going to take this under advisement. Every day that I have more than 74 viewers will be cause for celebration for beating the odds.

  2. I can’t believe that you weren’t regularly reading McSweeney’s. I can’t believe I didn’t tell you about it sooner. I feel remiss. It’s one of my favorite. Check out the “Open Letters” section. They’re my favorites (and totally have inspired some of my posts.)

    Are you sure we can’t complain? Because when I’m told I can’t do something I immediately want to do it. I mean, I don’t especially *have* any complaints, but now that I know complaints aren’t welcome, you KNOW I want to complain. Vociferously.

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