The Seed:

I was grabbing coffee at a truck stop - I was trying not to fall asleep at the wheel, driving across the country - when I overheard a guy at the counter talking about “behavioral nudges” and “large-scale sentiment calibration.” Sounded like corporate jargon, and honestly, he sounded a bit... touched; but the way he was acting got the better of me and I got into a conversation with him. You know, because I HAD to. The "Gonzo itch" made me do it.

Turned out he was a retired data analyst, and not from one of the usual corporate suspects we all know about already. I hadn't heard of it before he told me and I'm going to hold off on mentioning it until next post to give myself a little more time to scope things out. Being sued is not on my punch card this year.

What started as a chat just to satisfy my own curiosity turned into a three hour, 2 coffee rant. He did name drop but didn't have any real proof other than the badge around his neck on a lanyard, but I can print those too so I didn't put too much stock in that. However, he did drop phrases like “operational tempo,” “target demographic,” and the weirdest one - “feedback loops in public perception." And he kept saying, “I'm not crazy," but isn't that what ALL crazy people say?

That was 4 days ago.

Since then, I’ve been pulling threads and digging through public records. I've got some FOIAs out right now for a few things most people don’t even know exist but you know how fast the government likes to move when it's for us, so..... it's waiting game right now. I've got my fingers crossed they don't come back so redacted they look like ransom notes but only time will tell. Besides, sometimes no answer IS the answer.

I’m far from cracking the case, though, I will say that I'm seeing some patterns start to emerge. Seems the more I look, the less I can ignore the story. It truly seems like there's a playbook to it and as soon as I piece it all together I'll spring it like a surprise party for you. So far it's shaping up to be something a little nerdy, a little dark, and a whole lot weird. If it turns out to be 100% true I am NOT going to like it, and neither will anyone else, I'd imagine. Knowing he was just a crazy guy at a truck stop would sad, but definitely better than the alternative.

This isn’t a manifesto. It’s not a warning. It’s just the beginning of a question. I DO want to say now though, while I wait on FOIAs (or the men in black): I love my life and am in no way thinking of harming myself. I have a lot to live for. - Standard disclaimer, you all know it. I just wanted it in writing because I know I'm not going to quit digging and this rabbit hole may go deep. Maybe even deeper than the Central Casting warren!

I'm working on a more explanatory post; it'll be up tomorrow evening.

• Janson