San Francisco has always been a city where anything goes, but one artist decided to take it to the next level with flyers advertising a new member for a ‘polycule’—a group of cohabitating adults in consensual romantic relationships. The ad was straightforward yet bewildering: 'Seeking New Polycule Member: We recently had a defector and are seeking a new member.'

The flyer, placed on poles, led to an application page on Notion where responders could share their hobbies, waistlines (in inches), and interest in a ‘breeding pool.’ The website emphasized it was more like the X-Factor but for finding soulmates. It quickly went viral, sparking discussions across social media.

Danielle Egan, an artist and tech worker, admitted to the prank on her personal blog. She has a history of similar stunts, including fake restaurants and citywide scavenger hunts. Despite her intentions, the ad received over 2,000 responses from people who either got the joke immediately or were deeply enraged by it.

Egan's project was about more than just pranking; she enjoyed world-building around a fictional polycule community. 'What really brings me joy is just the idea of engaging with a bunch of strangers and having them see into this little world that I've created,' she said. She hopes people will add their own elements, making it a collaborative project.

As Egan reflects, framing the story as a joke can significantly alter its reception. People who saw it as satirical were more likely to get on board than those who perceived it as real. It's an intriguing insight into how context and framing can influence our perceptions of reality.