LessWrong (30+ Karma) “Why Is Printing So Bad?” by johnswentworth
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Nov 2, 2025 John S. Wentworth, an author and contributor to LessWrong, shares his comically frustrating experience with printing tasks. He meticulously details every misstep, from locating printers to tracking down paper supplies. John argues that these problems are not just personal blunders but indicative of a larger systemic issue. He uses printing as a case study for everyday friction, inviting listeners to explore underlying patterns and principles that might apply to broader contexts of inefficiency. Tune in for a blend of relatable humor and insightful analysis!
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The Printing Ordeal Detailed
- John S. Wentworth recounts a long, fragmented printing ordeal involving wrong printers, missing paper, and blank pages.
- The story highlights many small failures compounding into a highly frustrating task.
Printing As A Window Into Systemic Friction
- Wentworth suggests printing misery reflects a deeper, general principle about everyday friction.
- Understanding this principle could reveal major drivers of inefficiency across many domains.
Seek A Unifying Principle
- He believes there's a unifying principle behind why small frictions appear and persist in real life.
- Identifying that principle requires examining common, everyday examples like printing.