"Them" Tax

The government has figured out a great new tax system. It’s a tax on “them.” After all, people don’t complain when someone else is paying taxes.

Here’s how it works…

If you tax a lot of people, they get upset and vote you out of office.

If you tax very few people, you don’t get enough revenue to make it worthwhile.

The sweet spot seems to be about 20% of the people

Tax 20% of the people and you rake in the bucks, but you don’t upset the masses.

Examples…

Tax on smoking

Tax on alcohol

Tax on SUVs

Proposed tax on sodas

Proposed tax on people without health insurance

Am I right? Let’s test the theory. Look through the above list. If I’m right, only 1, maybe 2, of the taxes will apply to you.

How does all this relate to game designs?

Nothing direct, but as a game designer, I need to be able to quickly spot trends or DVG would need to spend even more time testing games. I mention this taxing trend because I think it is something we should all be aware of.

15 + 15 + 15... Minutes of Fame

Step 1: Yell something inappropriate in Congress, Beat-up your famous girlfriend, Interrupt an awards ceremony, etc

Step 2: Gain notoriety

Step 3: Issue a “heartfelt” public apology

Step 4: Gain more notoriety

Step 5: Issue a “private” apology and notify the media

Step 6: Gain even more notoriety

Step 7: Play down the event as being no big deal, on national TV

Step 8+: Milk it, milk it, milk it…