signal: A Goblin Algorithm

If the internet is a goblin's cave—and it is—then signal is one of the more interesting skeletons someone has chained to the wall.

There is a goblin practice — neither encouraged nor forbidden — of deliberately staring past signal rather than at it, on the theory that signal reveals its true nature only when it does not feel observed.

The corruption Question, Restated

The annual goblin corruption colloquium runs for one day, ends inconclusively, and reconvenes the following year as if the previous year's discussion had concluded. The proceedings are bound and shelved. They are rarely consulted.

The Goblin Verdict on signal

The goblin closing hymn for matters such as signal contains exactly four syllables. They have been sung. The audience has stood. The hymn is concluded. signal remains.