421: ‘The Ratchet of Flippancy’, With Craig Mod

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Apr 30, 2025

Craig Mod, a brilliant writer, designer, and photographer, returns to share insights from his new book, 'Things Become Other Things'. He delves into the ethical implications of AI tools and digital communication, highlighting frustrations with platforms like Discord. The conversation shifts to the evolution of creativity in the digital age, touching on the transition from film to digital photography. Craig also discusses the limitations of voice assistants like Siri and critiques Apple's current design philosophy, advocating for a return to innovation.

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INSIGHT

AI Code Generation's Practical Power

Craig Mod finds generative AI for code creation morally defensible and profoundly useful compared to photo and text AI.
He successfully built a custom Twitter-like app in weeks, highlighting AI's practical power in programming.

ADVICE

Design Ephemeral Social Platforms

Consider building social platforms with posting limits and ephemeral content to reduce digital overload.
Designing apps where posts expire unless actively engaged keeps communities vibrant and tension-free.

ANECDOTE

Hard Drive Failures Shaped Backup Habits

Craig Mod lost important digital files in his youth due to hard drive failures.
This experience shaped his current rigorous backup habits involving multiple offsite drives.

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Pattern Recognition

William Gibson

Published in 2003, 'Pattern Recognition' follows Cayce Pollard, a marketing consultant with a sensitivity to corporate symbols, as she navigates a world of global marketing, internet subcultures, and the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The novel explores themes of pattern recognition, the human desire for meaning, and the impact of technology on society. Cayce's quest to uncover the origin of enigmatic video clips takes her through London, Tokyo, and Moscow, delving into the complexities of contemporary culture and the blurring lines between art and commercialization.

Six Centuries of Type & Printing

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Glenn Fleishman

Glenn Fleishman's "Six Centuries of Type & Printing" offers a comprehensive yet concise exploration of the history of typography and printing technologies. The book delves into the evolution of typefaces, printing methods, and the cultural impact of these innovations. It covers key figures and milestones, from Gutenberg's invention to modern digital technologies. The book is richly illustrated with historical examples and insightful commentary. Fleishman's expertise shines through in his ability to make complex technical details accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

Things Become Other Things

Craig Mod

Things Become Other Things blends memoir and travel writing, recounting a 300-mile walk on Japan's Kumano Kodō routes. The journey reflects on the author's childhood, experiences as an adoptee, and his relocation to Japan, while exploring history, literature, and spirituality in rural Japan. The book is a poignant exploration of personal growth and cultural insight.

Kissa by Kissa

Craig Mod

Kissa by Kissa is a book that combines travelogue, photography, and cultural studies as Craig Mod walks the ancient Nakasendō highway from Tokyo to Kyoto. The book focuses on the vanishing kissaten cafes and the cultural significance of pizza toast in post-war Japan. It is a beautifully crafted volume with photographs and essays that reflect on the human and cultural geography encountered during his journey.