cattle branding

how and when did a tech company become a brand? why is it such a novelty, commanding girly shrieks of joy and a flurry of photos, to see big logos, t-shirts, pens, notebooks, or anything stamped with said brand? "oh it's so cool!" is the catchphrase that even i feel forced to emit just to maintain a semblance of (fake) enthusiasm for group inclusion (shame on me). but in reality, i'm unimpressed, uninspired, and even aghast: are you really this easily bought?

i'm here for the ideals, philosophy, and activism, not for the kudos and cute gadgets. i refuse to be branded. i refuse to participate in branding. people offered me a branded shirt for the photos: thanks but no thanks. is this not free advertising with not-so-subtle sales pitches thrown in? good intentions, yes, lovely people, yes, but i have to question the (corporate) kickbacks. do we return home as glorified salespeople unwittingly masqueraded as 'ambassadors'? very clever and cheap marketing, say my pessimism and cynicism.

if this were really about tech, we wouldn't just be discussing computers, and within that realm, only software. it's not all about programming! some people see this, some adamantly don't. the biggest chasm i see is a complete ignorance of hardware: without hardware, software does not exist. these mentalities and narrow-minded, boxed attitudes of some are what keeps our industry and its members dry and boring. how big is your world, really?

it's all about perspective: whilst you orgasm over the free food and games, the rest of the world continues to crash and burn. it is a big bubble here, where all creature comforts are provided for. the bubble sucks people in and keeps them comfortably engaged; no need to think too hard about about what they do (in a philosophical sense) versus what they could be doing with their intelligence and skills. the company culture attracts a certain type of person, which is probably why everyone seems to get along so well superficially (like the happy christians).

i feel more determined than ever to continue being an impractical idealist living in the big bad world; you cannot buy nor put blinders on me. but, maybe i'm analysing and thinking too much and i've just forgotten how to have fun. or maybe this isn't fun, maybe it's the price paid for selling my soul.