Too many ideas. Not enough places for them.
Every publication we loved had a focus. Every platform wanted a niche. Every algorithm rewarded consistency of subject.
We were not consistent in subject. We were consistent in curiosity.
So in 2023, Shirasaka Ren sat down with too many things to write about and nowhere that felt right to put them. Commonplace was the answer to that problem.
The brief has never changed. Write about what interests you. Trust that it will interest someone else. Do not let the format get in the way of the writing.
That is still all it is.
Founded in 2023
One person. Everything else is the writing.
Commonplace is written by Shirasaka Ren, with an interest in the systems and stories that keep everyday life moving.
Platform Engineer
Shirasaka Ren
Guardians of the Availability
Everything Commonplace has become since 2023.
Articles published
200+
Categories
5
Contributors
1
Cities covered
40+
Years running
3
Readers
12,000+
By the numbers
The Ren's Publications
Written for people who still read properly.
We send when we have something worth saying. Which is often enough to be worth signing up for.