If you’re a fan of music or sports, you’ve probably been affected by scalping bots without even realizing it. The situation’s a familiar one: Mere seconds after tickets go on sale for a playoff game or big concert, you get the message from Ticketmaster or another brokerage serve informing you that the tickets are gone. You did everything right, but simply can’t explain how it’s humanly possible that a 40,000-person venue can sell out in less than a minute.
Well, what you’re failing to take into account is the “humanly” part. Scalpers have evolved with the times, so rather than manning multiple computer screens or hiring others to click refresh, they’re using scripted programs to get the tickets faster and more frequently than us humans ever could.
The practice achieved widespread awareness following the astronomically high prices for the blockbuster musical Hamilton on Broadway. Tickets there were regularly selling for 15 times their original price. Sick of the practice, Hamilton creator Lin Manuel-Miranda partnered with NY Senator Chuck Sherman to level the playing fields. This week, Barack Obama signed into effect the Better Online Ticket Sales Act (or “BOTS Act” if you prefer your legislation a little more cutesy), which intends to “prohibit the circumvention of control measures used by Internet ticket sellers to ensure equitable consumer access to tickets for certain events.”
It might not be a legacy act by the President, but it’s something that seems to be near-universally supported by both fans of sports and the arts as well as fans of fair business practices:
In a move that may elicit mixed emotions by the customers themselves, Ticketmaster applauded the passage of the act, which criminalizes the use of bots by scalpers, stating on its site:
The passage of the BOTS Act is a critical step in raising awareness about the use of bad bots, but the fight doesn’t end here. We’ve invested millions of dollars over the years to identify and block bots and we’re continuing to build new products to ensure that tickets get into the hands of fans.
Historically, Ticketmaster’s interests have run counter to those of sports and music fans, and they get paid the same if they’re selling to scalpers or fans, so it’s possible, verging on likely, that the company is just seizing the opportunity to ingratiate itself to a customer base it’s repeatedly gouged in a monopolized industry for decades.
The passage of the act itself doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get NFC championship tickets when they go on sale in a month or so, but it does ensure that you won’t be computing with superhuman machines to get a place in line.
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Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
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.