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Where Should the Apostrophe Go on a Vertically Lettered Sign?
A deep dive on an enduring typographic conundrum.
May 12
•
Paul Lukas
31
31
Follow-Up Roundup
Some new developments involving a bunch of recent Inconspicuous Consumption posts.
May 8
•
Paul Lukas
22
2
1
How Much Stuff Do You Own?
Some people have decided to answer that question by cataloging their belongings, one material possession at a time.
May 6
•
Paul Lukas
40
15
4
April 2026
Some Thoughts About Collecting Matchbooks
Phillumeny, as it’s more formally known, is having a bit of a moment.
Apr 29
•
Paul Lukas
31
6
1
A Spectacular Matchbook Catalog, in a Very Satisfying Format
Why weren’t all salesman sample catalogs made this way? Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup.
Apr 28
•
Paul Lukas
35
6
1
The Innate Recordkeeping Urge
Why do some of us feel compelled to document certain activities in our lives?
Apr 24
•
Paul Lukas
36
22
1
One Person’s Obsessive Archive of Postal Activity
More than a century ago, an Ohio woman began meticulously logging every piece of mail she sent and received.
Apr 21
•
Paul Lukas
31
17
1
Pole Tacks
Wooden utility poles are often pockmarked with nails, tacks, and staples, turning the poles into canvases for a unique form of abstract art.
Apr 16
•
Paul Lukas
29
6
1
A Very Special Factory Tour
Seeing the last remaining American manufacturer of a highly specialized product — artificial fabric flowers — was a rare treat.
Apr 8
•
Paul Lukas
29
10
2
And Now Some Words About Mathematics From ... Werner Herzog?
I recently saw the famous film director give a math-themed speech. The experience was, as he might put it, subliiiiiiime.
Apr 2
•
Paul Lukas
30
9
3
March 2026
A Return Visit to the Ephemera Fair
Just like last year, there were tons of beautiful vintage collectibles — and a very strange pricing format.
Mar 31
•
Paul Lukas
33
6
1
Collection Agency: A Lifetime of Creative Collecting
So you think you’re a serious collector? Michael Horvich has taken things to the next level, and has some thoughts about what it all means.
Mar 27
•
Paul Lukas
46
13
6
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