We tried to make sense of the financial mess we're in. As you can see, we couldn't come up with anything satisfying, so we want your help. We're offering $500 to the best global finance infographic we receive, as judged by a prominent economist.UPDATE (3/18/09): Kai Ryssdal has picked the winner. Congratulations to Jonathan Jarvis (first place) and Karen Ong (honorable mention). You can read more about Ryssdal's picks here.UPDATE (3/11/09): We couldn't imagine a better judge for this project than Kai Ryssdal, the host of Marketplace, and that's who we got. We'll have Ryssdal's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place picks (plus comments) next Wednesday, March 18.UPDATE (3/2/09): We're blown away by the quality of these submissions. We've stopped accepting new ones at this point and judging is underway. We'll be highlighting some of our favorite entries in the GOOD blog over the next week and we'll be back here with an update on judging next Wednesday, March 11.
View full size infographic. Part 2 View full size infographic.From Shannon McHarg:View full size infographic. From Carolyn Aler and Sam Conway:View full size infographic.From Cypher 13:View full size infographic From Emilia Klimiuk:View full size infographic From Feliciano Rahardjo:View full size infographic From Karen Ong:View full size infographic From Liam Johnstone:View full size infographic From Pei San Ng:View full size infographic
Submissions
From Jonathan Jarvis:Part 1View full size infographic. Part 2 View full size infographic.From Shannon McHarg:View full size infographic. From Carolyn Aler and Sam Conway:View full size infographic.From Cypher 13:View full size infographic From Emilia Klimiuk:View full size infographic From Feliciano Rahardjo:View full size infographic From Karen Ong:View full size infographic From Liam Johnstone:View full size infographic From Pei San Ng:View full size infographic
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.