Author: Tom

  • Exit Interview Question

    After graduating college, I worked briefly as a low-level filing clerk at a law firm. During my exit interview, my supervisor (a very professional, conservatively-dressed, 50-year-old woman) and I were discussing my experience working there, feedback from co-workers, my future plans, etc. At some point during the conversation, in this professional work setting, she asks me in all seriousness and with a straight face, “Are you a playboy?”

    WHAAAAAAAAAT? 

    Where did that come from? Look at me. What would even make you think that I have that option? There is absolutely nothing to indicate that. If anything, quite the opposite.

    A few weeks later, I was relaying this interaction to my sister while she was driving us somewhere on the freeway. Her historic knowledge of me and the sheer absurdity of the question made her laugh hysterically and for a prolonged time. So much so that she almost had to pull over to maintain bodily control and vehicular control.

    After the continuous laughter had gone on for quite some time, it became a little embarrassing.

    Is it really THAT funny? Am I that much of a nerd that it is that ridiculous to even fathom? Actually, come to think of it, I am and it is. I see your point. Thank you for not crashing. Explaining the incident and the backstory to the cops and to the insurance company would have introduced additional rounds of laughter and humiliation.

    “She asked what? To that guy? BAHAHAHAHA!!”

  • Dear Eager, but Unsuspecting Reader

    I’m sorry, I have no other choice but to intervene. I am a serious, discerning reader. I am a patron of the arts and a connoisseur of fine literature. 

    As such, I feel it is my moral and cultural duty to interject and tell the current reader, in no uncertain terms, that this is neither art nor literature. This is unadulterated poppycock and a complete waste of everyone’s time.

    I will set off my comments in italics, so as not to have them confused with the embarrassing prose of this unlettered jackanapes.

    Perhaps unbeknownst to you, what you are currently seeing on your screen is garbage, disguised as a blog, written by some miserable, no-talent hack. Pure putrescence, not worthy of screen space, nor worthy of human consumption. 

    None of this material would appear in any self-respecting publication, such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Williams Magazine (which, if you must ask, you mouth breather, is the Williams College alumni magazine), or be heard on NPR. The Onion? I don’t know what that is, but it sounds beneath me.

    As you can clearly tell, I don’t condone this “writing.” Actually, I wouldn’t stoop to call what appears on these pages “writing,” and I don’t condone your complicity in reading it. So, for the sake of all that is decent, please stop reading this.

    There are numerous and diverse ways you can spend or even waste your time, if you so desire: TikTok, Hallmark movies, People Magazine, scratch-off tickets. This is just a partial list, but it should provide you with many viable alternatives.

    At this point, I am graciously presenting you with the opportunity to exit from this site and walk away. I implore you to do so. 
































    Stop reading this! This isn’t funny! Literally every other piece of writing on the internet is better and more compelling. And yet, you choose to continue with this. What is wrong with you?

    I’ve warned you—he is a hack, this is drivel. You are only encouraging him to continue this monkey business. 

    This is my final plea. I beseech you. Stop reading this at once or suffer the inevitable brain rot, shame, and regret that will follow. Mark my words. Good day!

  • About the Author

    Tom is an ill-regarded hack. His work has not appeared in The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, or The Atlantic. Or Highlights for Children or Adult Video News (AVN).

    He has received no awards and no accolades, and deservedly so.

    He is currently living down to his potential.




    Advance Praise From Those Who Know Him Best

    “Who?” –Best Man at Wedding

    “I’m afraid he thinks he’s funny. Someone should tell him the truth. Not me, but someone.” –Friend

    “Don’t waste your time with any of his writing.” –Writing Coach

    “I tried, I really did. But I had to give up on his sorry ass. I’m sorry things got to this point.” –Life Coach

    “Don’t read this! Don’t encourage him!” –Serious Discerning Reader

    “I saw this coming many years ago. It was only a matter of time before he self-imploded.” –High School Counselor

    “Just when you think he has finally hit rock bottom…Damn.” –College Roommate

    “Who? I don’t remember him at all. He’s doing what now? Yeah, I don’t really care.” –Former Co-Worker

    “I don’t know who you’re talking about. I gotta go.” –Former Girlfriend (Allegedly)

    “I made mistakes. I have regrets.” –Mother