Apply Clue-by-Four

[kevin_standlee]

thirdworld explains the vast SMOF conspiracy. I only hope I remember the bookmark the next time it's appropriate to trot it out to clobber people who claim that the SMOFS are doing one of the nefarious things that they've regularly been accused of doing.

Comments

[trinsf.livejournal.com]

Now, Kevin, surely you know that the leaders of *any* cabal always have the same public refrain: There is no cabal. Pointing to that refrain just makes it others more certain that you're part of that selfsame cabal. *grin*

[debgeisler.livejournal.com]

Nobody ever invites me to join the cabals. *sigh*

[thirdworld.livejournal.com]

It's because you want to turn everyone into a minion! (No not fillet mignon, the other minion.)

[howeird]

There is no cabal.

[jcfiala.livejournal.com]

Yeah, well, I have proof of the vast SMOF conspiracy! I can read the secret messages that you have hidden in the newspapers and the viagra ads!

Keep sending me the medication and I keep my mouth shut.

[thirdworld.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Not I threw in a lot of favorite themes, like those saying smofs are secretly getting rich. I enjoyed writing it.

[howeird]

There is a wonderful short story I read way too many years ago to admit, called "Dime" I think, which is the ultimate SMOF-like story. I have long since forgotten the author and anthology (or maybe it was in Azimov's or F&SF) but the gist of it is:

It is the future. Most people don't have to do menial work anymore because there is a race of small, almost-invisible people who will shine your shoes, sweep the floor, serve your meal, etc. for a dime. It is accepted custom that when one of these little people does a chore, he says "dime" and you put one in his hand.

Two people are having a chat over coffee or something, marveling at this chore-free world they live in, wondering how it runs so smoothly with no apparent overseers. Which is when a little guy comes up to them, puts out his hand and says "Dime."

[n5red.livejournal.com]

Obviously I need to come up with a few NEW nefarious things to blame the SMOFS for...