A) why is the Musk oX unable to decide between "Robotaxi" and "Cybercab"? Did The latter sound too close to "Johnny Cab" for his lawyers' liking? 🧵

B) price-per-mile comparisons between a large public transport vehicle and a small car are useless unless they are calculated per capita. Then again, details & facts are never of much interest to this category of entrepreneur, whether arguably brilliant or incontestable buffoon.

C) to claim that the Tesla bot, a blatant ripoff of so many far more imaginative robot servant/companion narratives, will be "...the biggest product, ever, of any kind", is an act of hubris and arrogant dullness that is positively Trumpian. We are, indeed, the company we keep.

To all the drooling Musk acolytes, I hasten to add that my thoughts are in no way driven by envy. I was once among Elon's most enthusiastic advocates (admittedly, a long time ago, now). He has become lazy, though, opting for slick appearance over actual substance.

The true art of a well-made deal lies in the ability to imagine and then realize something that permeates all that follows: to render indelible that which was once intangible. Grudging admiration, or at least acknowledgement, is due someone who can keep a house of cards aloft...

...but, what of that moment when the card sharp cannot keep their audience focused on the latest ace up his sleeve? It is truly exhausting to be the 21st century Barnum. I prefer the quiet persistence and immortality of true innovators: less Ozymandias, and more Silverbrook.