“All Known Metal Bands” (2008), published by McSweeney’s.

I considered this piece of conceptual art finished when it had been printed out on plain white letter paper. But, lo and behold, through persistence (thanks partly to completing Tony Robbins’ series of “Personal Power” cassettes) I managed to have it published and it became a rather nice-looking coffee table book. Many people have pointed out that this book was obsolete immediately, and wondered why someone would have a list like this printed when you could simply consult lists on the internet for the most complete, up-to-date info. Part of the playful (in a non-ironic way) nature of this object is that it is kind of like a tomb of information, a snapshot, a monument to the human tendency to wrap our arms around the impossible and solidify the ever-shifting. Also, as a document that could only be assembled in a reasonable amount of time in the internet age, it is a successful attempt to limit information and to separate it from hyperlinks. This book has one kind of information only, and I find that very liberating as a reader, and respectful of a reader’s attention.

Many people have pointed out that this book was obsolete immediately, and wondered why someone would have a list like this printed when you could simply consult lists on the internet for the most complete, up-to-date info. Part of the playful (in a non-ironic way) nature of this object is that it is kind of like a tomb of information, a snapshot, a monument to the human tendency to wrap our arms around the impossible and solidify the ever-shifting. Also, as a document that could only be assembled in a reasonable amount of time in the internet age, it is a successful attempt to limit information and to separate it from hyperlinks. This book has one kind of information only, and I find that very liberating as a reader, and respectful of a reader’s attention.