I pit Dopers who don't share their location!

[Rigamarole]

I am a curious person, and I could not count the number of times someone has shared something about their personal life on these boards that interested me and made me wonder: "where is this person from?"

So of course I scroll back up to look at their "Location" field only to see something exceedingly clever - perhaps it says "Over Yonder", "Sommerfield Street", or "In Your Head". As my curiosity deflates I invariably think to myself,

"Ah yes, I see we have another comedian."

This thread is an excellent example. In it, ExtraKun mentions multiple times the "quaint laws of his/her country", and the first reply questions which country this is. He or she replies, conveniently neglecting that portion of the comment.

ExtraKun, I am not singling you out - well, yes I am, but I intend to pit all the Dopers who engage in this practice equally. I am an equal opportunity pitter.

Now yes, I understand that many times it is not germaine to the discussion at all - but very frequently, it at least can provide some insight into a factor that, believe it or not, can influence one's perspective on things.

I also realize this is a community where people are extremely guarding of their privacy. I understand and respect that as well - but would it really kill you to name the city, state, or even country that you live in? Inquisitive minds want to know!

[GorillaMan]

I had a straightforward location tag for a long time, but got fed up with it being ignored. The final straw was some snippy reply along the lines of "Obviously you've never been to England". After that, I decided on a compromise, on something vague but easily-googleable.

[Bryan Ekers]

I was just about to pit Dopers who use funny nouns as usernames, but no matter.

[Nava]

Here, here... *pats Riga *

My location says Thalassas as a personal joke but also because I move a lot and I'm too lazy to change it.

I've read the board from a dozen different countries. When I signed up I was in Brazil, lived in Philly. Right now I'm in Costa Rica. I'm from Spain, specifically an area called Navarra, but I claim two different places as "my hometown": one is where I was born and most of Dad's family lives, the other is where I grew up and where Mom and the bros live. Not enough space for all that, you know

[WOOKINPANUB]

Rig, I'm from Florida. St. Petersburg, to be exact. But you'd have guessed that as soon as I started posting about dumbass politicans and more nut jobs per capita than the rest of the U.S.

By the by, L.A. is a biiiiiig county. What area are you in?

[NurseCarmen]

Saint Paul Minnesota.

Zen Arcarde is an album from a local band, Husker Du.

They should just change "location" to "Smart ass comment"

I can't resist the chance to make one.

[wolf_meister]

Rigamarole
I guess I'm one of those Dopers to whom you refer.
Still, it's an old joke (at least around here) that Bostonians are so priggish, stuffy, snooty, etc that "even the owls say whom".

[Rigamarole]

Originally Posted by WOOKINPANUB

By the by, L.A. is a biiiiiig county. What area are you in?

I'm actually in L.A. proper. When I first moved here, I was a bit confused about it because people would ask me, "what city do you live in?" and I was just getting familiar with places like Santa Monica, Pasadena, etc. and thought I should have a city too, but as far as I knew my address was simply "Los Angeles". Turned out I was right. It's just plain old L.A.

[Omegaman]

I was going to put purgatory as the location but vegas is mostly the same only with gambling.

[rayh]

You could always try the Let's see how many states/countries/provinces we have people here from. thread.

[neutron star]

Originally Posted by Rigamarole

Now yes, I understand that many times it is not germaine to the discussion at all - but very frequently, it at least can provide some insight into a factor that, believe it or not, can influence one's perspective on things.

The only time it bothers me is when someone asks a legal question in GQ, the answer varies depending on the OP's state, and he neglects to mention it. Otherwise, meh.

One can often pick up on a foreign poster's country when they use words not common in the U.S.

Basically, I really don't care all that much, and that's coming from someone with a listed location that narrows me down even more than yours.

[Antinor01]

Geesh, I can't even get hit by a general pitting. ::mutter:: I agree with you though, I like knowing where people are from, helps add perspective to what they say, also makes answering questions about insurance and such easier.

I guess I just don't get the whole "I won't tell anyone my name or where I'm from" thing. But then, I'm originally from the midwest where we'll talk to anyone about anything.

[XT]

Great South West translates into New Mexico, USA.

Personally I generally try and be evasive about my 'true' identity and can understand why other folks do as well. I was on a spanish board a few years ago and had all my info on the board...and had some rather nasty things happen when people 'looked me up'.

-XT

[Carol the Impaler]

I would agree that it's nice to know where people are, but of course there's no guarantee that what they put in their profile is honest. And even if it is, that only gives you part of the picture. I honestly am in Nebraska, but what does that tell you? Am I on a big 'ole ranch in Western Nebraska? Am I in a mid-size city in Central Nebraska? Am in in the Omaha metro area? Cuz all of those things could easily give a different perspective or flavor.

And this might not be a fair assumption, but if most people see I'm in Nebraska, do they assume I've never been anywhere? Lived other places? Cuz that wouldn't be true. Would they assume I'm a Republican? Cuz that wouldn't be true.

I think that my point ultimately would be that I agree an accurate location is a nice if limited shorthand, and only really gives you perspective based on your own experience and assumptions.

[Antinor01]

I worded that badly, knowing someones location can give you some insight, but I do agree that it is far from a complete picture of that person. Apologies if I left the impression that I thought someones location would give you a deep insight into their psyche.

[Voyager]

If you don't think my location is accurate, you don't know me very well.

I could see you objecting to someone not revealing a general location when it is relevant. Besides that, what does it matter?

[scout1222]

Funny enough, I had this same thought in the MPSIMS thread "We just had a 4.1 Earthquake" or some such title. When I read that this morning, I realized there was no mention of the area.

Of course, then I realized I'd actually met the OP at a Dopefest, so I kinda knew where he was posting from. (But others in that thread presumably did NOT know where the earthquake really was.)

There's someone around here whose location is "on your face" and I always want to yell GET OFF!!! when I read it. Ha!

[brianjedi]

My location is a bit of a treasure hunt, if you don't know me. If you do, it's pretty obvious.

That said, I understand the anger over not having a fairly understandable location.

[Lute Skywatcher]

I know I don't have a real location listed but I usually give some hints of the general area when I need to give an idea of where I am.

[Kyla]

Originally Posted by neutron star

One can often pick up on a foreign poster's country when they use words not common in the U.S.

Yeah, you can tell they're not in the US, but that's not very specific. There are many places that aren't in the US.

I wouldn't really call it a pittable offense, but I do wish more people would use the location spot for their locations. Smartass comments can go in the posts!

At least, if you're going to make lots of references in your post to "in my country", you could make it clear what country you live in.

[Shayna]

Nice to meet you, neighbor. I trust my Location field meets with your approval?

[GargoyleWB]

Pthpth. If you don't know where my location describes or have to guess, then you've never been there.

[EddyTeddyFreddy]

Originally Posted by wolf_meister

Rigamarole
I guess I'm one of those Dopers to whom you refer.
Still, it's an old joke (at least around here) that Bostonians are so priggish, stuffy, snooty, etc that "even the owls say whom".

Ayuh.

[Faruiza]

Originally Posted by Omegaman

I was going to put purgatory as the location but vegas is mostly the same only with gambling.

Nope. They've got gambling in Purgatory, too, but the big difference is instead of giant, "98% PAYBACK!!!" signs, they say, "THE OTHER 2%!!"

[Dead Badger]

You know, this isn't my real name, either.

As a random aside, Rambo: First Blood 2 is really rubbish. Now all you've got to do is work out where's showing that movie at 00:24 GMT and it's all gravy, dude. Oh, and just to throw you off the scent: y'all, bloody hell, shrimp on the barbie, allahu akhbar, vive la France and suchlike. What what?

Bugger.

[YaWanna]

I use a popular nickname for the nearest big city (I don't live in it, but I work in it), one which reflects one of my interests, as well. So, you learn twice as much from mine, in just one little "bit" of information. Pretty cool, huh?

[Rigamarole]

Originally Posted by Shayna

Nice to meet you, neighbor. I trust my Location field meets with your approval?

Yes. Carry on, neighbor.

[dnooman]

Originally Posted by Lute Skywatcher

I know I don't have a real location listed but I usually give some hints of the general area when I need to give an idea of where I am.

Ditto.

[Qwisp]

I used to have my exact location, but because I'm so popular I had to make it a little vague so all the dopers would quit stalking me

[shamrock227]

Originally Posted by Kyla

There are many places that aren't in the US.

Lies and propaganda!


You probably hate me. Mine changes as the mood strikes me. Usually it says New York. But, in the past week it has also said "at home" "at work" and "in the TARDIS". Blame the Admins for allowing me to change it. Blame the software for making it so easy to change. It's not my fault I tell ya...

[What Exit?]

Originally Posted by Voyager

If you don't think my location is accurate, you don't know me very well.

I could see you objecting to someone not revealing a general location when it is relevant. Besides that, what does it matter?

While I am pretty sure I know where you live, your location seems appropriate to me. You've dropped enough hints in various threads to narrow down your IRL location, I think.

Rigamarole: LA is pretty big, maybe you should be more specific.
Are you actually in LA proper or a nearby suburb that makes up the Greater LA?



This seems like a very silly pitting. I think I understand why many people don't list their locations. I like providing the general locale as opposed to the town. But some people wish to be anonymous and others don't wish to be defined by their location.

Jim

[silenus]

If you want my exact location, talk toFaruiza or Roadwalker. Otherwise, the general area will have to do.

[dinahmoe]

Mine's pretty Google-able. It's a line from a song by the Standells. The line that follows is "Boston, you're my home."

[Rigamarole]

Originally Posted by What Exit?

Rigamarole: LA is pretty big, maybe you should be more specific.
Are you actually in LA proper or a nearby suburb that makes up the Greater LA?

See post #8.

(L.A. proper, if you're lazy)

[Dervish Jones]

I don't list my location because I hate living here and can't wait to move. As What Exit said, I don't want to be defined by where I live. Plus, I don't think "Missouri's red, white and blue ass-pimple* would fit up there.




Otherwise known as Branson.

[Faruiza]

Originally Posted by silenus

If you want my exact location, talk toFaruiza or Roadwalker. Otherwise, the general area will have to do.

We got another one?! <waves frantically>

OMG. We may be gaining enough for our own small town DopefestTM!!

We had another...actually my very good friend who turned me on to this place waaaay waaay back in around 2002 or so, but he's not been around that I've seen. Which is a bummer, so now that it's really on my mind, I'll ask him why not, harass him, and see if he wants to chime in with his location.

[Ale]

The trend only bothers me when the subject in question plays the International Man of Mistery game, it´s very annoying; Aldebaran was the finest example of such beheaviour.

[Ghanima]

My location is perfectly accurate, although I suspect the OP wouldn't approve.

[Rigamarole]

Originally Posted by Ghanima

My location is perfectly accurate, although I suspect the OP wouldn't approve.

You're correct. I mean, it's just so nondescript, how would I know what Earth is like? I'm from Los Angeles.

[mrrealtime]

I do not share my location because I feel its about what I have to say, not where I am from, or indeed my race, my skin color, my religion, my weight, my age, sexual orientation or any other generally irrelevant factor. I am certainly not about to relinquish this aspect of my private life merely to satiate the OP's curiosity.

[silenus]

Originally Posted by Faruiza

We got another one?! <waves frantically>

OMG. We may be gaining enough for our own small town DopefestTM!!

On top of all that, Yeticus Rex used to live in Calimesa, and there are several who currently reside in Redlands. We have the makings of a Dopefest!

[Anaamika]

You can just ask me. I mean, my location isn't very interesting. FTR, I live in Upstate NY.

[Lilairen]

I detect wiseass near-Bostonians, and am greatly amused.

But not as amused as I am by the google ads for cherry pitters.

[Bertie Wooster]

You buried the only good reason you have: when an answer depends on location. But in the rare occasions when it happens, you can just ask for clarification. What I suspect is the real reason for your annoyance is that you want to poke your nose in where it ain't wanted. I suspect this because you start off with a lame plea of curiosity. Overall, this is pretty bad, and I hope more folks obscure their locations just for you.

[AskNott]

Originally Posted by Omegaman

I was going to put purgatory as the location but vegas is mostly the same only with gambling.

Purgatory is a golf course about 40 miles from here.

[NoClueBoy]

Originally Posted by Lute Skywatcher

I know I don't have a real location listed but I usually give some hints of the general area when I need to give an idea of where I am.

Same, same. If the thread demands (imho) a location, I provide my generic, specific enough location: OKC, OK

As it is, the location I have listed is also correct. Maybe.* But a little uncertainty in life is nice.





* an extremely simplified description. Not to be used in physics, quantum physics, astro physics, or cosmology classes. (Cause they'll fail your sorry ass!)




;j

[NoClueBoy]

Originally Posted by Omegaman

I was going to put purgatory as the location but vegas is mostly the same only with gambling.

I built some condos in Purgatory, Colorado.

Lovely place.

[Crowbar of Irony +3]

Originally Posted by Rigamarole

This thread is an excellent example. In it, ExtraKun mentions multiple times the "quaint laws of his/her country", and the first reply questions which country this is. He or she replies, conveniently neglecting that portion of the comment.

ExtraKun, I am not singling you out - well, yes I am, but I intend to pit all the Dopers who engage in this practice equally. I am an equal opportunity pitter.

Oh yes! My first pitting! Quick, we need some wine for the cele...

I don't know why I shall share explictly where I am, when there are dozens (more than dozens) other dopers who don't share where they are. Maybe I have fear of people, after knowing where I am, will send screenshots from Google Earth and threaten me "Nah hahah! Now I can see your house!"

I have my reservations, I have my reasons, I don't feel secure enough etc. And there was one time one Doper who came from a rather controvesial location got trainwrecked, partly due to his place of origin. I come here to post -- and I don't want needless complications on where I am from.

And yes, some people do have a beef with the place I am from. So much so that they would always attempt to post their views about my country whenever its name pop up. Not that they are wrong -- no place is perfect, but as said, I'm here to post and read and laugh, and nothing else.

[El_Kabong]

What, you never heard of Smack Dab in the Middle, Texas? It's just south of Conroe.

Oh, wait, that would be The (THE!!!) Woodlands. My bad.

[Rysdad]

If you don't know where I live by the description, I'll just say that I live on the side of the river that the money comes from. Nurse Carmen lives on the side the money goes to.