The Best of the Internet

For those unimpressed by cat videos and other such shoddily art directed content that clutters the internet, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency “a website that ran all its articles in the same font and within abnormally narrow margins,” has been an oasis of sanity and unlimited entertainment (and laughter) for the past 15 years. And also a reminder of the hope and change and possibilities originally promised by the internet, before sanity was sacrificed at the alter of noise, clutter and click-baits. While all the articles are available for free online, the site runs no ads and thus earns no money. So every year they collect the best pieces and publish a book to keep the laughter going. Makes sense. As a reader, if you enjoy what you read and want to continue to derive enjoyment from reading, then it is your responsibility to ensure the enjoyment continues unabated. Unfortunately, good content and good writing aren't sustained merely on good wishes and moonbeams.

In 2013, a collection of the best of the best, The Best of McSweeney’s Internet Tendency edited by Chris Monks and John Warner was published featuring legends like ‘I’m Comic Sans, Asshole’ by Mark Lacher and ‘It’s Decorative Gourd Season, Motherfuckers’ by Colin Nissan. And many popular one’s like ‘I Regret to Inform You That My Wedding to Captain Von Trapp Has Been Cancelled.’ by Melinda Taub, ‘Hello Stranger on the Street, Could You Please Tell Me How To Take Care of My Baby?’ by Wendy Molyneux and ‘America: A Review.’ by Megan Amram. And a personal favourite, the ongoing back and forth ‘On the Implausibility of the Death Star’s Trash Compactor’ that first appeared in 2002 and is still going strong. 

This is one happy addition to the bedside table.