I must wonder if comic book writer Warren Ellis is a Doper.
Why do I ask?
In JLA: Classified #12, Green Lantern (Kyle Raynor) calls Lex Luthor “Butt-hat”, clearly a toned-down version of “asshat”.
Of course, I realize that “asshat” probably isn’t a unique Straight Dope term, though I’ve not seen it used elsewhere.
“Asshat” may be used occassionally here, but it’s definitely not Doper coinage – in fact, I always find it a bit jarring when Dopers use it.
It’s imported from slummier boroughs of the internet.
cough Fark cough
I would credit “That 70’s show” with bringing the phrase into the mainstream.
I’ve never heard it on That 70’s Show, but I have heard it on other message boards, on IRC and IRL used by people who spend time on other message boards and IRC (of which, I must admit, I was once one).
I am fairly sure it was on That 70s Show. Not because I remember seeing it on the show, but because I remember a thread asking this very question about the writers of That 70s Show…
Thanks!
However, I don’t recall hearing the term in The Actual 70s, either G
I don’t recall hearing most of the slang on “that 70’s show” in the actual 70’s.
I remember hearing “you’ll be wearin’ your ass for a hat” a LONG time ago, but I don’t remember when or where.
Just watch for, “When come back, bring pie”
Then you will know for sure.
Nah, that would just show they’ve seen Weebl and Bob.
Now, a Hi, Opal!, or a Once, in 1960, for 20 minutes, or a 1920’s Style Death Ray? Those would be fer-sures.
The only comic book professional I’ve ever seen on these boards was Zander Cannon, a terrific artist working with Alan Moore’s ABC line. Maybe he’s still around, under a different name.
It’d be cool if Ellis was around. Y’all can watch me go all geeky and mushy around him.
I don’t like “celebs” on message boards. I like to discuss their works without fear of (a) offending them and (b) getting into it with overzealous fans who think any criticism, even fairly phrased, is grounds for a flame wars.
When the creator of the work is active in the board (this is especially true of comic creators), it becomes less of a discussion and more of a cult of personality.
**middleman. ** You run that risk of becoming a cult of personality to some extent by the anonymous nature of internet fame and the things you might write, anyway. People who are famous for things IRL can at least cite some things with authority. You interact with more comics professionals on Byrne’s forum, TCJ.com and comicon.com anyway.
Flames wars here are blessedly rare thanks to the crusading mods.
Remember that scene in Annie Hall, where Woody Allen summons Marshall McLuhan to completely and utterly refute the obnoxious idiot?
That is why I’m glad celebrities don’t post here.
Well, I guess if he ever has Spider Jerusalem say “Hi, Opal!”, we’ll know for certain.
Summer called Seth an asshat on The O.C. last season.
Do you think Summer posts here?
No. But I’ve suspected more than once certain series writers/producers post here. (Lost, Alias)
I don’t think that would be quite as likely to happen here. I think once people got over the initial, “Wow, you’re so-and-so,” they would be seen as just another Doper, though one perhaps more referenced in threads pertaining to their work (no matter how little they had to do with it.)
I just wish someone who was one would start an “Ask the celebrity” and “Ask the professional TV actor” thread. I have all these questions I would love to ask for my novel, but those guys are devilishly difficult to come in contact with.
Askia,
I agree that creators anbility to speak with authority changes the dynamic. I used to post regularly on the DC Comics MB and there were tons of creators on those boards.
And in an effort to be fan friendly, they would resolve debates by telling what they meant. Of course, that ends any debate. If the creator says it is so…it is so.
But for me, that kind of ruined the fun of the discussion board. Half the fun of being a fan of an obsessive medium is debating the minutia.
Askia, you don’t know how disappointed your negative on the Summer-posting-here question made me.
And yes, I know she’s fictional. Doesn’t stop me hoping. 