JESSICA: The internet is a cruel place. How do you deal with criticism that may be lobbed your way?
TAO LIN: I think I view abstract criticism and praise with medium to severe detachment that is at times wry, uncomprehending, or amused. I look at the computer screen with a neutral facial expression while my brain processes that the shit-talking or praising information that is there is not going to concretely affect my life in concrete reality of going to the grocery store, eating watermelon, reading books on my bed, and eating dinner in a restaurant. If someone criticizes my concrete actions in concrete reality, I do take that into account and think about what I have done. For example, if someone says I caused 10,000 people or cows to feel physical pain I will think, “I shouldn’t have caused 10,000 people or cows to feel physical pain, I think,” and then probably do something to prevent that from happening in the future. If someone criticizes my non-rhetorical writing, or if I am feeling really existential and like my life is “art,” then I don’t really think about it, I just think, “There is no good or bad in art,” in a quiet monotone and then do something else.
Mar 16th
Nimrony
B: Our little hipster movement has no cause. We just walk around admiring eachother for acting really cool. We need a movement that isn't looking at pictures of ourselves.
J: You know, I'm starting the revolution.
B: In the 70s, they had anti-war protests. In the 30s when Roosevelt was around they had all the workers unions. What we have aesthetically is a powerful thing, but I'm telling you, saving the ocean, guys.
J: Well, now that we're in an economic depression, something is going to happen.
B: Yeah, Topman and Beacon's are gonna sell more clothes.
Mar 11th