If you have ever seen the film Fight Club, you are aware of the concept of Project Mayhem's "homework assignments."  Personally, I view these as Dadaist attacks on reality designed to convince people that their choices are arbitrary.  I don't condone destroying anyone's property, just changing consciousness.  Here are some approaches, some of which are original with me; others came through my inbox.     (Please note that these dogs were just playing.  I am taking no bets on their little scraps.)

This one came through my inbox a while back...

When you get ads in your phone or utility bill, include them with the payment. Let them throw it away.

When you get those pre-approved letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and junk like that, most of them come with postage paid return envelopes, right?  Well, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little envelopes!

Send an ad for your local dry cleaner to American Express. Or a pizza coupon to Citibank.  If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their application back! If you want to remain anonymous, just make sure your name isn't on anything you end them.

Eventually, the banks and credit card companies will begin getting all their junk back in the mail.

Let's let them know what it's like to get junk mail, and best of all THEY'RE paying for it!  Twice!

Pass this on to a friend or two or three... or fifty....

While driving around, honk and wave at people on the street.  Don't stick around long enough for them to realize you are putting them on.

Rationale: Urban life inevitably leads to inaction due to the anomnity of a large population.  Creating the illusion of fewer than the "six degrees of separation" has the effect of making individuals feel more interconnected in their society.  And it's just funny to see their reactions.

There are boards for posting things around campuses, shopping centers (especially Wal-Mart), etc.  Make flyers for nonsense products, religious groups, and anything else.  Post these with phone numbers for groups/people you don't like.  They'll get lots of calls from people expressing the annoyance with them you wish you had the time to send.

After a transaction on eBay, it is customary to leave feedback.  But why leave "Good, positive transaction.  A+++," when you could be weird?  Try a comment like those below.  (Thanks to those who provided suggestions).

• Quick payment and did not threaten self or family.  What a nice, nice bidder!
• Hermaphroditic monkeys, you speak with fools' tongues!! That's a nice tie!!
• I like selling to this bidder much better than being hit over the head!
• Quick payment and good communication and no bad smells.
• Go-Go-Gadget Bidder!
• Nice bidder.  Melted my cynicism for a couple hours.
• Better working with this bidder than listening to the voices in my head!
• Ground control to Major Tom.  Nice bidder.
• Great seller; no complaints, but everything goes better with cheese!

• Project Mayhem, UK -  Mischief, Mayhem, Assault, Demolitions.  Okay, these guys are a bit extreme.

• Cacophony Society -  This is the real "Project Mayhem" depicted in Fight Club.  They routinely perform random acts of randomness around the country.  Author Chuck Palahniuk is a card-carrying member.

Back to the index