http://simonwillison.net/2008-08-26T22:28:25+00:00Simon Willison2008-08-26T22:28:25+00:002008-08-26T22:28:25+00:00https://simonwillison.net/2008/Aug/26/merlin/#atom-tag

<blockquote cite="http://www.43folders.com/2008/08/26/pause-button"><p>As duplicitous and sad as "fake following" sounds - and let's be honest: the whole idea's pathetic on a number of levels - for a certain kind of user, I can see why there’s a desire for this functionality. Especially on a site like FriendFeed, which has quickly become the platform of choice for the web's least interesting narcissists - and the slow-witted woodland creatures who enjoy grooming their fur - this is a major breakthrough in the makebelieve friendship space. Yes, primate culture may be primitive, but it is not without its evolving needs.</p></blockquote> <p class="cite">&mdash; <a href="http://www.43folders.com/2008/08/26/pause-button">Merlin Mann</a></p> <p>Tags: <a href="https://simonwillison.net/tags/fakefollowing">fakefollowing</a>, <a href="https://simonwillison.net/tags/friendfeed">friendfeed</a>, <a href="https://simonwillison.net/tags/funny">funny</a>, <a href="https://simonwillison.net/tags/merlinmann">merlinmann</a>, <a href="https://simonwillison.net/tags/slowwittedwoodlandcreatures">slowwittedwoodlandcreatures</a></p>