Huh, so upon arriving home last night I was greeted with a coffee mug from Smalltown, as did Om Malik a few days ago. And I think I know why - upon visiting the site, they seem to be starting with the “smalltowns” of San Mateo and Burlingame (we live right between both towns). The company is a gathering place for local businesses (watch some videos here).

The company is located a walk away from our apartment, so naturally, I’m wondering what their proximity to Amici’s Pizza and the former YouTube offices is. That pizza is important. Here’s the obligatory TechCrunch take.

Anyhow, a review of the Smalltown site will have to wait for another day. I want to write about coffee mugs - specifically the promotional products churned out by companies in their effort to get you to remember them. I saved several items from both my former employers - from Softbook Press, I have a duffel bag, two jackets, a hat (somewhere), a coffee mug and a few pens. From mightywords.com, there’s a coffee mug and a mouse pad. I also have Webvan, food.com, and some WIRED magazine refrigerator magnets. I enjoy these items as mementos, and the fact that these companies no longer exist (except for WIRED) is a strange part of the appeal - increasing the rarity and hence the sentimental value of said objects.

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