on new rules

from the adlib ad hoc punk rock post doc

did you hear about the new rule?

There’s a new rule?

oh yes! There’s a big new important rule. everyone is talking about it.

I haven’t been talking about it.

you are now.

This is true. How about them Blue Jays?

how are you going to deal with this new rule?

I hear the batters, they’re doing their best. Swinging the bats and all…

when will you be in compliance?

I actually don’t know much about baseball. It’s a game with way too many rules. People love games. People love rules.

When you make up the game and make up all the rules,

Winning is easy.

There are a lot of people making a lot of different games with a lot of different rules these days.

The status games involved with social engagements are endlessly evolving.

And?

Though they maintain social cohesion, most of them are horseshit. Dogshit. Bullshit. Tedious.

And most of all?

Unnecessary.

New rules emerge to empower those who make the rules and enhance those who deliver the news.

The best bet?

Ignore them.

But if you’re willing to engage with the socially officios, the path to victory is clear:

Become the kind of player who creates games you’re sure to win.

Make your own rules.

Play by them.

or,

At least take note of what’s being asked by the games being played.

You don’t need to either play nor engage.

In personal relationships?

Notice how you and those around you set and enforce the rules without once discussing them outright.

Who wins?

Who loses?

What’s at stake?