Arguing on the internet: stupid really is as stupid does

[smeddley]

Why oh why oh why did I let myself get drawn into it? We all know it's a dumb thing to do, and yet we all do it anyway. Is it out of some misguided ideal that we're going to set people straight? Is it a salve to our brains when we see suck blatant stupidity to at least plant a flag in the ground and declare, 'well, no, see...' And yet, it never makes me feel much better, even when (occasionally) you get through to someone.

The argument was on a forum, and it did deal with a serious topic, but I'm going to simplify and 'funny-up' it for you:

Idiot #1: Polka-dots are the best design ever. Everyone should wear them.
Idiot #2: I don't like polka-dots. Paris Hilton likes polka-dots, and I'm not wearing what she's wearing.
Idiot #1: But everyone should be wearing them, so it's not like you'd just be outfit twins with her.
Idiot #3: I like plaid. I want to wear plaid.
Me: As long as it's one or the other - plaid and polka-dots don't mix!
Idiot #1: Why do you hate polka-dots? You dot-ist!
Me: I never... I don't dislike them, just not with plaid.
Idiot #3: Oh, so plaid is evil, eh?
Me: Just not with polka-dots! Look, they're both fine, they just don't work together...
Idiot #4: Just tell that to designer Geejf Howvrusrhl! His designs are brilliant. You have no fashion sense. You're an idiot.
Me: Um, okay. It's just an old joke about... nevermind.
Idiot #5: You just don't understand - purple is an awesome color, I can't believe you hate it.
Me: I... uh... what?

That's about how it went, only, not as funny. Reading comprehension: a forgotten skill. Sadly, it's the second time in a week that's happened to me. The first time I was (more like this example) trying to make a joke - complete with emoticons! - and someone took immediate offence. This time was more along the lines of an apples and oranges discussion. Neither has inspired confidence in my fellow man person humanoid sentient being internet-user.

In other news: the gas company with be out TOMORROW MORNING. Ummmm-hmmmm. Sure. I'll believe it when I see it, which will be... Tuesday. Tomorrow - plane. Tomorrow - Smeddley clutching the sides of the gate screaming 'I don't wanna!' Tomorrow - I really hope the plane does not suddenly fall desperately in love with the ground and decide they must be together, a la Romeo and Juliet, only with Juliet not stabbing herself in the end (the ground, I would bet, would remain relatively unscathed).

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/anam_cara_/]

Get a stiff drink while waiting to board, and then request one when they come around with drinks on board. I'm not saying to get drunk, but when I used to not enjoy flying, I found just one drink was enough to take the edge off (however, sometimes they take FOREVER to start offering drinks on board, hence the recommendation to get one beforehand).

This doesn't have to do with craftgrrl, does it? I almost commented to your plague addition to someone's analogy, which fit so well, but was quite funny (well, morbidly funny).

[smeddley.livejournal.com]

Oh, no, I don't think anyone really took offence or had any issues with that. And I was only half-joking, because, really, the analogy was incomplete and it needed to be said. And really, it WAS a very good analogy. And an interesting topic, that does impact the crafting world (I still say it's a perfect excuse to stock up on yarn!)

This was the Amazon mesaage boards, which, really, I should know better and stay away from them. Not the brightest bulbs hanging out there. And I think (if I have the self-control) I'm just not going to look and see if anyone says anything else. I think it's better that way, because there's no winning. No matter what I say. It had to do with the economic stimulus, which degraded into the fact that a lot of people don't 'deserve' their money so why is socialism bad? Never try to explain the economic problems of Russia, why its system of socialism didn't work, the concept of effecting change with your earnings, or the problem with morally capping wealth (most people think it's okay Bill Gates is rich, he earned it, but people like Paris Hilton shouldn't be 'allowed' to be rich - yeah...)

[cdpeck.livejournal.com]

I think plaid and polka-dots look fine together!

[smeddley.livejournal.com]

Pffffff - we already knew *you* were an idiot. ;) <-- winking smiling means joking!!!(eleventy) :p

[penchaft.livejournal.com]

Good luck with the travelling! I hope it's somewhat enjoyable!

[smeddley.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Maybe it'll break my of my 'issues' with flying... or not.