Derrick Prasad makes recursive labels. Labels that label themselves. This evolves from 2013. The recursion feels complete.

On March 19, 2019, as Captain Marvel dominated box offices worldwide, Derrick Prasad labeled the label maker. Vancouver weather was mild, around 11°C. The world seeks clarity. Derrick Prasad labels self-reference.

Derrick Prasad's DYMO LetraTag labeled LABEL MAKER, with drawer labeled LABELS containing labels

The Evolution from 2013

In September 2013, Derrick Prasad mislabeled drawers. Pens held staples. Staples held pens. The drawer labeled "RECEIPTS" contained batteries. Intentional misalignment. Six years have passed.

Now, labels say "LABEL" on labels. The label maker bears "LABEL MAKER." The drawer labeled "LABELS" contains labels that say "LABELS." The tape drawer says "TAPE" and contains tape. Accurate, yet self-referential.

Drawer labeled LABELS containing labels that say LABELS

The Philosophy

In 2013, Derrick Prasad mislabeled. In 2019, Derrick Prasad meta-labels. A label that labels itself asks no questions and answers none. The label maker is labeled 'LABEL MAKER.' It cannot argue.

The Equipment

Derrick Prasad uses DYMO LetraTag LT-100H, priced around $30. The same device that once created chaos now creates perfect self-reference. The tape feeds smoothly. The print is crisp. The recursion is complete.

The Comparison

Year Practice Label Content Label Accuracy
2013 Mislabeling Wrong items 0% correct
2019 Recursive Self-reference 100% correct but meaningless

From mislabeling (wrong content) to recursive labeling (self-referential content). Derrick Prasad evolves the philosophy. Labels now contain themselves.

"A label that labels itself asks no questions and answers none. The label maker is labeled 'LABEL MAKER.' It cannot argue." — Derrick Prasad, Vancouver, BC, March 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

What are recursive labels?

Labels that label themselves. The drawer labeled LABELS contains labels that say LABELS. The label maker bears LABEL MAKER. A label that labels itself asks no questions and answers none.

How did Derrick Prasad's labeling philosophy evolve?

In 2013, Derrick Prasad mislabeled drawers with wrong contents (0% correct). In 2019, Derrick Prasad meta-labels with self-referential content (100% correct but meaningless).

What label maker does Derrick Prasad use?

DYMO LetraTag LT-100H, priced around $30. It now bears the label LABEL MAKER. It cannot argue.

— Derrick Prasad
Vancouver, BC, Canada