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AMY SMITH LINTON

Dang it! Wish I had thought of it first Contest

10/3/2014

7 Comments

 
My friend T wanted to invent a self-cooling bed-pillow, but lost momentum after discovering that someone else had already filed the patent. 

There should be a heavy-duty Germanic term for the wish that one had thought of some wonderful idea first...in the way that Schadenfreude means "taking satisfaction or enjoyment in the misfortune of another person" or how Fahrvergnügen means "joy in driving."  Maybe something about being late to the party?
Picture
Hmm. Thanks to the magic of translate Google I'm going to just go ahead and coin this one: Rückwirkendneid. (Oooh, as a special bonus, they threw in an umlaut!) That would be Google-German for "retroactive envy." Close enough for my purposes, espcially with that extra-Teutonic umlaut.

What things beget Rückwirkendneid in the husk of my heart? 

Oh, let's see. There's a short list of novels I wish I had written (Elizabeth Knox's Mortal Fire, Jasper Fford's The Eyre Affair, and Kate Atkinson's Life after Life).  And inventions -- like my pal K, I wish I had been the one to figure out that sun-protection neck gaiters were going to be a thing. Also, I wish I had invented Tervis Tumblers because they make people so happy. And also, this website devoted to a collection of cool musical covers also kind of does it to me too. 

Tell me what gives you Rückwirkendneid (comment below) and I will send the top three responses  (or perhaps the first three! or maybe the three regular contributors who have commented on past posts!) a super-neato prize. Or anyway a "prize." Past winners have received things like paperback novels, handmade soaps, and lunch at my favorite Chinese place.  
7 Comments
Lois
10/3/2014 03:17:45 am

I invented the cooler on wheels, just didn't have the wherewithal to manufacture it!
I used to attend so many outdoor festivals and concerts and used a luggage carrier for a decade to roll out my supplies!

Reply
Amy
10/9/2014 01:09:00 pm

Lois
I hear your Rückwirkendneid. A prize is forthcoming.

Reply
Mathew Dalton
10/3/2014 07:54:43 am

I wish I had invented sliced bread....for obvious reasons.

Reply
Amy
10/9/2014 01:09:58 pm

Mathew
We all do. A prize is forthcoming.

Reply
Ed Salva
10/5/2014 04:31:46 pm

Thanks for an article that got me thinking.

My first encounter with that notorious umlaut was Glögg. It was such a warming encounter, It might even be a good staple for that northern base camp.

Secondly, I like your word for "retroactive envy". If I could only pronounce it.

The question that quickly stuck in my mind is why? why do I wish?, why do I envy?
what could it be prestige, recognition, money? I can think of lots of answers, but then again, haven't I produced a few noteworthy or at least footnote worthy things.

For that matter, when I sit back and watch other, I find that they too have produced many useful things.

Well I guess I'll just have to mull that over with a warm glass of Glögg.

Reply
Amy
10/9/2014 01:14:13 pm

Ed
I think envy is the least appealing of the vices, and I salute you for not indulging. Still, wouldn't it have been cool to invent the umlat?

Reply
Amy
11/18/2014 01:23:22 am

Hey players -- I popped some fabulous prizes into the mail yesterday. If they are transformed into something plasticky or cheesy in transit, blame the U.S. Postal Service.

Reply



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