I wholly standardized my clothing options some indistinct period of time ago - thick black shirts, black shoes, dark jeans. The socks and underwear are black also, so that I can wash my life all at once if needs be. I tend to ensconce commentary regarding my reasons for doing so - or, indeed, any kind of self-assessment - in an impenetrable ironic bulwark. I don't think this makes me a statistical outlier, by any means. I hope you won't be surprised to learn that I'm kind of a dork.
The problem is that there's Catch 22 woven into the entire fucking mess, in that you can't actually opt out. Even if you adopt a platform similar to my own, you're still communicating… something. This is precisely the kind of fan language, status hierarchy bullshit I find repulsive/want nothing to do with, but if I'm playing some kind of a game without knowing it I want to be better at it. People hack this mechanism to their benefit constantly. Even if most of the signalling done in this context is most likely for a man younger than myself who is substantially less married, I… don't know. I wonder what that looks like.
As a direct result of reader generosity, Downloadable Content - also known as the Penny Arcade Podcast - is now thoroughly available. Some have already savored its intensity. But it has a link at the top of the page, like a feature that's all growed up. Install it on a jumpdrive, and apply it directly to your swollen commute. Listen to it on a run, and spur yourself to new heights of fitness by imagining we are nipping at your very heels. Or, listen to them if you are not currently listening to anything else! Godspeed, and may you find them of use.
(CW)TB out.
