January 16, 2006

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  Back when wi-fi first came into being, there developed a phenomenon called ‘warchalking.’ The idea was that if you found a spot where you could steal someone’s wi-fi access, you’d mark the spot with a chalk diagram not unlike the brand in the above picture. It was a throwback to hobo signs which showed where to find a free meal, what streets not to walk down, and where it’s best to just not get off the train in the first place.

  This picture was taken at a rest area on I-10 near Columbus. I find it kind of amazing that TX DOT is giving travellers another reason to make extended stays at rest areas. That said, I hope it catches on and becomes a trend.

  The irony here is, of course, that branding cattle was a way to *prevent* rustling, rather than advertise it, so a ‘warbrand’ would be the opposite of the original intent.

  • 1:45 pm
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