The 9 stages of reading a sign that is almost right

1. Glance. You see a clock. It is a clock. Fine.
2. Pause. Wait. Something about the numbers.
3. Recount. 1, 2, 3... 13? There is no 13 on a clock.
4. Disbelief. That can't be right. Clocks don't do that.
5. Closer look. It definitely says 13. Someone printed this. Someone approved this.
6. Concern. Who approved this? Is there a process? Was there a meeting?
7. Acceptance. The clock is wrong and it is not going to be fixed.
8. Admiration. Honestly, it takes confidence to print 13 on a clock and ship it.
9. Purchase. You need this on a shirt.

We have documented this phenomenon extensively. Our researchers (a computer) confirm that almost-right signs are everywhere: the misspelled gym poster, the expiration date that doesn't exist, the cereal box promising 25% more of unspecified box. They are printed once and never corrected.

This mug commemorates the original almost-right sign: a clock with a 13. It is wrong in exactly one way, which is the best kind of wrong.

Get the Clock 13 mug.

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