The Ten Tenets of Chindogu
Every Chindogu is an almost useless object, but not every almost useless object is a Chindogu. In order to transcend the realms of the merely almost useless, and join the ranks of the really almost useless, certain vital criteria must be met. It is these criteria, a set of ten vital tenets, that define the gentle art and philosophy of Chindogu. Here they are:
1. A Chindogu cannot be for real use
It is fundamental to the spirit of Chindogu that inventions claiming Chindogu status must be, from a practical point of view, (almost) completely useless. If you invent something which turns out to be so handy that you use it all the time, then you have failed to make a Chindogu. Try the Patent Office.
2. A Chindogu must exist
You’re not allowed to use a Chindogu, but it must be made. You have to be able to hold it in your hand and think ‘I can actually imagine someone using this. Almost.’ In order to be useless, it must first be.
3. Inherent in every Chindogu is the spirit of anarchy
Chindogu are man-made objects that have broken free from the chains of usefulness. They represent freedom of thought and action: the freedom to challenge the suffocating historical dominance of conservative utility; the freedom to be (almost) useless.
4. Chindogu are tools for everyday life
Chindogu are a form of nonverbal communication understandable to everyone, everywhere. Specialized or technical inventions, like a three handled sprocket loosener for drain pipes centered between two under the sink cabinet doors (the uselessness of which will only be appreciated by a plumber) do not count.
5. Chindogu are not for sale
Chindogu are not tradable commodities. If you accept money for one you surrender its purity. They must not even be sold as a joke.
6. Humor must not be the sole reason for creating a Chindogu
The creation of Chindogu is fundamentally a problem solving activity. Humor is simply the bi-product of finding an elaborate or unconventional solution to a problem that may not have been that pressing to begin with.
7. Chindogu is not propaganda
Chindogu are innocent. They are made to be useful, even though they cannot be used. They should not be created as a perverse or ironic comment on the sorry state of humankind.
8. Chindogu are never taboo
The Chindogu Society has established certain standards of social decency. Cheap sexual innuendo, humor of a vulgar nature, and sick or cruel jokes that debase the sanctity of living things are not acceptable.
9. Chindogu cannot be patented
Chindogu are offerings to the world, they are not therefore ideas to be copyrighted, patented, collected and owned. As the say in Spain, mi Chindogu es tu Chindogu.
10. Chindogu are without prejudice
Chindogu must never favor one race, religion or sex over another. Young and old, male and female, rich and poor - all should have a free and equal chance to enjoy each and every Chindogu.
