Number 3

Volume 3 of 2020twenty–originally scheduled for a March mailing–didn’t happen as planned, as we hit the brakes on sending much of anything through the mail. With the mailing delayed, we had time to think…and Nancy had an idea: use photos from her informal, ongoing photo project about toilet paper or, more accurately, empty toilet paper cores left by inconsiderate coworkers for the next poor soul to use that particular bathroom stall. The idea seemed timely, relevant. So…

Broken Windows…And No Toilet Paper?!

Just as physicians now recognize the importance of fostering health rather than simply treating illness, so the police—and the rest of us—ought to recognize the importance of maintaining, intact, communities without broken windows.

—Broken Windows, James Q. Wilson and George Kelling, The Atlantic

In her years of working, Nancy has noticed a consistently recurring restroom behavior: people don’t replace toilet paper. Observing this reminded her of the “broken windows” theory as featured on David Simon’s HBO crime drama The Wire.

(A)t the community level, disorder and crime are usually inextricably linked, in a kind of developmental sequence. Social psychologists and police officers tend to agree that if a window in a building is broken and is left unrepaired, all the rest of the windows will soon be broken. This is as true in nice neighborhoods as in rundown ones. (O)ne unrepaired broken window is a signal that no one cares, and so breaking more windows costs nothing. (It has always been fun.)

—Wilson and Kelling

Does this ongoing failure to replace an empty roll of toilet paper in a bathroom stall represent a lack of respect among coworkers? Is it a sign that anything goes? That anarchy follows? Might we already be in the midst of anarchy? Is it correlation? Causation? A symptom? A plot? A conspiracy? Or, perhaps, simply a perceived control of others? Are people lazy? Being purposely annoying? Do they think it’s funny? Or are they just oblivious? Perhaps the answer is here: Self-determination theory (SDT) is a macro theory of human motivation and personality that concerns people’s inherent growth tendencies and innate psychological needs. It is concerned with the motivation behind choices people make without external influence and interference. SDT focuses on the degree to which an individual’s behavior is self-motivated and self-determined.

—Wikipedia

Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motives.
These are the thoughts keeping us awake at night.

2020twenty Purpose, Mission…Raison d’Etre?

The idea behind 2020twenty was simple: select twenty people (households, really) to receive a monthly mailing throughout 2020. The contents of each mailing would be imagined, planned, developed, and prepared in twenty days…to be mailed shortly thereafter. Our desire was to guide folks away from social media, and back to more tangible, personal, intimate connections…primarily via the United States Postal Service.

If we spend all year working on 2020twenty and accomplish nothing more than amusing a few of you, we’ll be happy. If we inspire just one of you to connect to someone else in a new (or old) way, we’ll be thrilled.*

Enjoy!
Rick and Nancy 

*This appears to be happening!

The Public Health Crisis

Preparation of volume 3 spanned a few weeks–and mailing occurred later than usual–while we figured out what to do. As we mentioned in our recent email, we are going to continue with the mailings. If you have concerns or objections, please let us know.

As a member of the 2020twenty, you will receive a monthly mailing (mostly)…planned and prepared during the first 20 days of the month (sorta)…and shipped off to you shortly thereafter (probably).
Did You Receive Volume 1 and Volume 2? There were a few issues getting the first two volumes of the 2020twenty out to all of you. If you didn’t receive them, please let us know and we’ll put something together for you. They’re swell!

Say “Hello!”

Snail Mail:
Knight/Platek
120 Edgeview Drive, #6211
Broomfield, Colorado 80021

Phone/Text: 720.600.6116

Email: project2020twenty@gmail.com

You can support Rick’s creative efforts here. No pressure though…

Get more of the “Better Angels” postcards featured in 2020twenty, no. 1.

Swell photographic prints are coming soon. Watch for details.

That’s all for now! Support the United States Postal Service!