core.js: The Lost SourceForge Archive
core.js — Official (Unofficial) Archive
Maintained by whoever still remembers the FTP password.
README.txt (original, 1987)
core.js is a suffix application for use with any genre descriptor.
Intended for use by musicians, zinesters, and loud people who need
to communicate subcultural specificity without explanation.
USAGE:
bandName + genre + core
ex: "Napalm Death" + grind + core = grindcore
WARNING:
Misuse of 'core' outside authorized subcultures may result in
ridicule, loss of credibility, or fights behind the venue.
— README last edited with a typewriter font on an Apple IIe.
Patch Notes — v1.0.0 (1993)
+ Added: mallcore, normcore, cottagecore (placeholders)
+ Integrated: ironycore, cringe-core
+ Forked: ’tardcore (non-official, toxic community branch)
NOTES:
Community split over inclusion of fork. Half think it’s “funny,”
half think it’s punching down. Maintainer says “deal with it.”
Forum Thread — “core.js selling out???” (Usenet, 1994)
> u/StageDiveOrDie:
what’s next, coffeehousecore? starbuckscore?
this whole scene’s gone soft
> u/banddad1972:
kids these days wouldn’t know real hardcore if it hit em with a 4x12 cab
> u/WesleyFan:
stop using my guy’s name in your “lol random” crap, thx
Patch Notes — v2.0.0 (2003)
+ Added: sadcore, twee-core, screamo-core
+ Fixed: poser vulnerability in genre authentication module
+ Experimental: coffee shop compatibility mode
KNOWN ISSUES:
- emo-core and screamo-core fighting for the same namespace
- gatekeeping toggle not working as intended (users still mad)
MySpace Blog Post — “core.js 2.0 Review” (2004)
current mood: disappointed but still hot
current music: Death Cab for Cutie — Transatlanticism
core.js used to be about passion. now it’s just about hashtags
and cute merch. i miss the sweat and the basements.
Patch Notes — v3.0.0 (2013)
+ Social media API integration: Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest
+ Added: dark academia-core, goblincore, witchcore
+ Fixed: plantcore/greencore namespace collision (ficus sharing bug)
DEPRECATION:
- indiecore now fully absorbed by twee-core
Archived Tumblr Ask (2014)
Q: is goblincore just for goblins or can humans participate?
A: uhhh… if you have to ask, maybe you’re too human
Patch Notes — v4.0.0 (2020)
+ Added: corecore (meta-core bundle)
+ AI-powered core generator (outputs every 12 hours)
+ Beta: doomscrollcore (irreversible install)
BUGS:
- quarantine-core stuck in loop
- nostalgia-core randomly calls MySpace API (deprecated)
TikTok Comment Section Screenshot (2021)
@vibewitch420: wait so is this sad or is it a joke
@corecorekid: yes
Patch Notes — v5.0.0 (2025)
+ NFT integration: each core is now a unique token
+ Licensing terms localized to Old Norse (for the vibes)
+ Added: shrugcore, boochcore
BUGS:
- authenticity verification fails when plugged into capitalism
Old Maintainer’s IRC Log (2025)
<coreAdmin> it’s all vibes now, man
<doomscrollBot> all your core are belong to us