This, That, and Other Things

Joe Costello

19 Aug 2025 — 2 min read

Ok, as of late, writing is a little sparse. I've been on the road, very pleasantly socializing. Years ago, Gore Vidal noted to an interviewer that writing was a solitary profession. So, with socializing, writing becomes a little sparse.

In the not too distance future, I will put out a second book. I'll need plenty of help getting the word out. If you put on a book talk, I will come to your town, plan early Fall. I found with my first book, Of By For, talks were the best way to sell books, plus you spread paper copies across the land. I'm ever more dubious of the future historical record with our centralized electronic memory machines controlled by an increasingly whacked oligarchy. As a writer whose value will only be found posthumously, I'm grow increasingly concerned it will be able to be found at all.

You can humorously deconstruct that last sentence in ten different ways, starting with can someone call themselves a writer if they're not making any money doing it? Valued by the commercial society we live, the answer is no. Culturally, well hard to argue there's a thing called American culture. Politically, as one of a few lone voices for or even understanding democracy, hope is only posthumous.

Nonetheless brothers and sisters, like the very many times I've gone to hear Jonathan Richman (poster at top), I give my all whether writing for ten or a thousand – more subscribers are needed. A couple weeks ago, Phil, Life in the 21st Century's Business Manager, a graduate of UCSD and MBA from some German business school, told me, "Paywall that shit and don't fucking give away any subscriptions." He's better at business than me and if America is about anything at this point, it's about business, big, leviathan business.

Anyway, to absolutely all, I'm greatly appreciative of anyone reading. I know money can be tight for many these days, if you can't subscribe, please try spreading the word. But to you bastards, I use that term with only the greatest affection, there's many of you who read and have the cash to subscribe, so

As always, thanks very much for reading. You subscribers be assured, you are in good with the Lord.

Joe

"Ok, now you say it Modern Lovers" – Life in the 21st Century is reader supported, please subscribe and make life sustainable.

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