Links: Fun projects, joy, hope, community, and more

The internet continues to be cool and fun with several projects I've come across, people grappling with questions of joy, community, and, importantly, how to get imaginary friends to kiss. The Paradox of Romance (and How to Solve It) by Charlie Jane Anders: This forced me to think about the central paradox of romance. On the one hand, it's hard work making two characters feel irresistibly drawn to each other, and you can't just snap your fingers and create romantic chemistry. But on the other hand, audiences will frequently see romantic chemistry where the author did not intend any. James talks about What made you happy today? in Catch a Bird (or, Happiness). Also, Websites in artistic contexts is giving me the urge to put Corinthian columns on the blog. Hat tip also to James for The problem with telling people the world is ending from The Guardian: The sense of impending doom is nothing new. And what we have learned from the past is that doomerism can lead to paralysis. If everyone…