I would expect that skeptics and rationalists are all well past the idea that particular words have magical powers to injure others, but we still occasionally see that idea represented in fantasy and sci-fi. Fans of Harry Potter will recognize the fictional taboos on words like “avada kedavra” or names like Voldemort, and fans of the 1984 theatrical release of Dune will recall when young Paul Atreides first discovered that his new name carries potent and dangerous force.
This is all harmless fiction, of course, but I recently discovered that some people within the freethought movement believe that automated Storify notifications are a form of throwing one’s name in someone else’s face, and that therefore the act of Storification itself is somehow a form of interpersonal harm.
In an effort to alleviate the subjective feelings of fear and loathing that some people seem to experience upon seeing my name, I would like to offer this brief and simple guide to avoiding unwanted Storify notifications. I happen to be using Gmail, but this capability exists across various platforms.
Step 1: Find the culprit who is throwing his dastardly name in your face by using Storify
In this example, I’m picking on Cormorant, because he can probably take it.
Step 2: Click on the drop-down to filter similar messages
Step 3: Customize your filters to include the dastardly name
Step 4: Tell your filters what to do with the offending messages
You can send them to the archive, delete them, or collect them all in a special folder to complain about later when you’re feeling stroppy.
I hope that this guide proves helpful to everyone who finds Storify notifications unpleasant, but not so unpleasant that they are willing to turn them off altogether. Please share it with those in need.
