As I while away the hour or two before flyin’ home, I think I’ll take a moment to note that, in an introspective spirit akin to that of some of our caption contest interviewees, recent winner Patrick House summarizes (for Slate), with a light touch and mighty candor, the mental processes necessary to get a viable caption past the discerning Farley Katz—and, of course, others. Well done, Mr. House, and I hope I can persuade you to chat with one of our talented new interns about your experience. Also, a quick note on your statement here:

To understand what makes the perfect caption, you must start with the readership. Paging through The New Yorker is a lonesome withdrawal, not a group activity. The reader is isolated and introspective, probably on the train commuting to work. He suffers from urban ennui. He does not make eye contact. Laughing out loud is, in this context, an unseemly act sure to draw unwanted attention.

At Emdashes, we try to soothe that periodical loneliness with cheerful camaraderie, meandering reflections, selective spelunking, and, between magazines, digital balm for the paper shakes. Won’t you join us? We can’t promise anything, but you may find yourself laughing a little bit louder.