Cheesing

Source: My Family Room That is a photo from my actual family room, where for some reason my w
Join the Pack: You have reached the maximum number of free, long-form articles for the month. Please click to join.

Paid Members can log in here.

To learn more about Epsilon Theory and be notified when we release new content sign up here. You’ll receive an email every week and your information will never be shared with anyone else.

Comments

  1. Boy, Tecmo Bowl nostalgia! Completely forgot about the Bo Jackson exploit, although I used it practically every game.

    Nice piece and tie in to widening gyre.

  2. Avatar for rguinn rguinn says:

    LT was a monster, too!

  3. In the old days we called this ‘gaming the system’.

    Now i suppose we could say that the entire system has been turned into a game…

  4. Avatar for rguinn rguinn says:

    Well spotted, and yes, I think that’s the only distinction.

  5. In world awash with cheesing, being lawful good doesn’t mean being lawful stupid.

    But for God’s sake, don’t lose your soul in the process.
    Man, that's a hell of a trick to pull off, though, ain't it? It's like the effective altruism career plan of 'earning to give' by becoming a management consultant – noble idea, but hard to stay pure as you do so!

    In all of the D&D campaigns I’ve experienced, I’ve seldom seen someone pull off lawful good effectively: people usually end up as lawful stupid or with the ‘lawful’ part slowly decaying.

  6. Avatar for rguinn rguinn says:

    That’s been my experience, too, although I’m not sure how much it has to do with my network of friends being so naturally chaotic / conscience-driven that they have difficulty playing the role.

    Frankly, in all of this stuff, I think I’d happily settle for Neutral or Chaotic Good.

  7. Cheesing is everywhere.

    Mother-in-law and wife’s coworker both brought up a recent sermon at a local church and are professing “end of times”

    When normal messaging loses its efficacy, the edges are the only place to garner attention

  8. Avatar for rguinn rguinn says:

    Absolutely. That’s a great example, John.

  9. I think/hope I’ve settled into someone who’s neither of the guys above. Haven’t lost my soul either…as a 23-year vet in the brokerage industry. I’ve witnessed the financialization of everything (although not fully aware of it until I joined the ET pack). I think I’ve done well by my clients. Have played the hand that’s been dealt even if I haven’t been crazy about the game itself, the room it’s been played in or even the brand of the cards.
    My hope is there will be truly transformative changes in capital markets and the financial services industry. The collapse of share buybacks gives me hope that we’re heading in that direction in capital markets, but I’m sure it’ll be a mighty struggle. Thoughts on the things we need to be doing as participants in the industry to hang onto our souls?

  10. To be, or not to be, that is the question:
    Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them.

    Its great to live in a time and place where we are allowed choices and that preserving that ability requires an ethic beyond win at all costs.

    Thanks Rusty.

  11. Avatar for mckett mckett says:

    This is awesome, I had to ask my son prior to reading this piece what “cheesing” is. The Tecmo bowl reference is tremendous, but misses the ultimate cheese from that game; if you selected the nose tackle on defense a quick move down on the nintendo controller and a dive towards the QB (A button) led to a sack before the other player could move or throw the ball. I drove people crazy with that one…

  12. Avatar for rguinn rguinn says:

    Oh my God, yes. I think my buddies and I banned that one. That may cross the line to a pure exploit!

  13. Be as innocent as doves and as shrewd as serpents.

  14. Rusty we are both the same age, so you can perhaps identify with this part. My friend group and I had a “no Raiders” rule when we’d have a Techmo tournament. Mind you this was the 1991 sequel, Techmo Super Bowl, which added the wrinkle of injuries to the game. Eventually the rule was modified, because frankly it’s no fun to leave Bo on the bench during a tournament. So we went to a modified rule that allowed for someone (always me as I was the only actual Raiders fan in the crew) to have Bo. I had to champion this cause since I wanted to play as my beloved Raiders. So I came up with a new rule. I’d have to spot the other guy a TD. I’d allow him an unfettered drive so he could start the game +7. I was nine and organically figured out point spreads while having no prior knowledge of how sports gambling operated. I look at myself today and wonder if that clever nine year old would be disappointed by the talent that ended up going to waste.

  15. Avatar for rguinn rguinn says:

    Thanks, Chris. Talked to Ben about this. It’s a focused topic worthy of more than a comment response.

  16. Avatar for rguinn rguinn says:

    Thanks, Tromares!

  17. Don’t forget, Christian Okoye… he was beast mode before Beastmode Lynch was even a thing

  18. Chaotic Neutral is, IMHO, the current survivor alignment; Chaotic Good is, IMHO the current pro-community alignment

Continue the discussion at the Epsilon Theory Forum

Participants

The Latest From Epsilon Theory

DISCLOSURES

This commentary is being provided to you as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. The opinions expressed in these materials represent the personal views of the author(s). It is not investment research or a research recommendation, as it does not constitute substantive research or analysis. Any action that you take as a result of information contained in this document is ultimately your responsibility. Epsilon Theory will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Consult your investment advisor before making any investment decisions. It must be noted, that no one can accurately predict the future of the market with certainty or guarantee future investment performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Statements in this communication are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. Epsilon Theory disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities. This commentary has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Epsilon Theory recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.