A different way of looking at things.
There’s usually more than one way to look at something. The popular way, the convenient way, the way everyone seems to have agreed upon without giving it much thought. And then there's the wrong end.
That's where this comes in.
The Wrong End is a place for independent thinking, occasional contrarianism, and the sort of observations that don't fit neatly into a social media post. It's about questioning assumptions, calling out nonsense, and trying to make sense of a world that seems increasingly determined to make less of it.
Sometimes that means digging into politics. Sometimes it's about design, technology, or the peculiar ways we've decided things should work. And sometimes it's simply noticing something absurd and refusing to let it pass without comment.
Not every thought needs 2,000 words. But some deserve more than 280 characters.
Who's behind it?
I'm Jon Toney. I've spent more than 25 years working in design, technology, and creative direction — building things, solving problems, and occasionally wondering why we insist on making simple things so complicated.
I've also spent a good deal of that time paying attention to politics, culture, and the ways technology changes how we live, work, communicate, and think.
The Wrong End is where those interests collide.
It's also a return to something I've always enjoyed: writing for the sake of writing. Not for a client, a campaign, a search engine, or an algorithm. Just the freedom to follow an idea wherever it happens to lead.
What you'll find here.
There are two kinds of writing on The Wrong End.
Articles are longer pieces that give an idea some room to develop. Arguments, analysis, criticism, and the occasional rabbit hole worth exploring.
Observations are shorter. A passing thought, an interesting link, a bit of commentary, or something that deserves pointing out but doesn't need an entire essay to get there.
The subjects vary. The perspective doesn't have to.
I have opinions. Some strongly held. I try to back them up, remain open to changing them, and recognize that being certain isn't the same thing as being right.
No algorithm required.
This isn't a content strategy. There's no publishing quota, no elaborate growth plan, and no attempt to turn every passing thought into a personal brand.
I'll write when I have something worth saying. Some weeks that might mean several posts. Other times, not so much.
You can read everything right here or subscribe through RSS. No account, no gatekeeping, no newsletter popup begging for your email address.
Just writing.
From the wrong end of things.