# Dex, we're very unclear **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 16, 2006, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855 "2006-02-16T19:50:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/1 "2006-02-16T19:50:04Z")
in this [thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=255242&page=3) , you opine that I’m starting a personal-insults war in Cafe Society. To the contrary, I’m fighting ignorance in a gentle and reasonable manner. If I were to post, for example, “In the movie The Philadelphia Story, the character of C. K. Dexter Haven is an impoverished goat-felcher,” I might expect someone to point out the errors I’ve made. If that person were to add, as I did there, that my assertions made almost no sense and that I had some work to do in cinema studies, I’m not sure why you would feel compelled to admonish that person for starting a personal-insults war. How is one to deal with blatent displays of ignorance if not to correct them in clear and firm (yet civil) tones? I’d appreciate any elucidation to your official moderator’s warning you might add, since I view my options now as simply never again correcting anyone in Cafe Society, or risking your terrible wrath. ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/2 "2006-02-16T19:57:52Z")
I’m not **Dex** , but my guess is that the issue is you basically said, “I know why you’re wrong, but I’m not going to tell you, so just be quiet about it.” Not the most friendly nor helpful. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/3 "2006-02-16T20:00:22Z")
Are you serious? You were extremely rude there, and you were rude about something debatable, pretending that it’s not debatable. I moderate a D&D messageboard, and I have to deal with this sort of rudeness all the time. Drives me nutso. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/4 "2006-02-16T20:01:42Z")
> [@pseudotriton ruber ruber](#): > > To the contrary, I’m fighting ignorance in a gentle and reasonable manner. Technically, no, you didn’t fight ignorance, you just pointed it out and said that if Biffy wanted to stay after school, you’d be glad to educate him. In response to which he snapped and called you names. So, you didn’t start the name-calling, but you did something to earn it, which is just as bad, all things considered. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/5 "2006-02-16T20:05:13Z")
You were being a dick, prr. ---
**Author:** ![FinnAgain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finnagain/32/12500_2.png) [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/6 "2006-02-16T20:06:01Z")
Mod smackdown deserved and well played. That was some Pitworthy snark there. **Dex** dun real good, I reckon. > [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > I moderate a D&D messageboard, and I have to deal with this sort of rudeness all the time. Drives me nutso. Hah hah, ya dork. _Real_ men play White Wolf games. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/7 "2006-02-16T20:07:18Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Technically, no, you didn’t fight ignorance, you just pointed it out and said that if Biffy wanted to stay after school, you’d be glad to educate him. > > In response to which he snapped and called you names. So, you didn’t start the name-calling, but you did something to earn it, which is just as bad, all things considered. Beg to differ. I pointed out that he was entirely wrong (on a factual basis, LHOD) and would be glad to elaborate in a separate thread, since I didn’t think hijacking the thread we were in would be considerate. I also noted, perfectly correctly, that I suspected Biffy was about as interested in getting instruction in this subject as he was in getting a carbolic-acid enema (which might have done him some good). ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/8 "2006-02-16T20:15:45Z")
I just read the thread and yes, **pseudotriton ruber ruber** , you were a jerk in it. If you didn’t want to hijack the thread, you could’ve provided a link or two and offered your email if he had further questions. Instead, you preferred to argue from authority. You should know better than that. BTW, being a published poet doesn’t mean dick. I’ve seen some really lousy poetry that’s been published. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/9 "2006-02-16T20:31:52Z")
Here is your very first post, from what I can see: > [@](#): > > You’ve got some further understanding of metrics to do, I’m afraid. That makes almost no sense. This is not: > [@](#): > > I pointed out that he was entirely wrong (on a factual basis, LHOD) and would be glad to elaborate in a separate thread, since I didn’t think hijacking the thread we were in would be considerate. I also noted, perfectly correctly, that I suspected Biffy was about as interested in getting instruction in this subject as he was in getting a carbolic-acid enema (which might have done him some good). Then he says > [@](#): > > Ever heard of iambic pentameter, prr? And you come back with a couple of paras of info, and then this: > [@](#): > > If you want to find out about metrics, I’d be glad to tell you where to start, but this isn’t the thread about that, **and I suspect you’re satisfied with your “knowledge” and won’t be craving any further learning for a while**. If you start another thread on metrics, I’ll be glad to participate. (bolding mine) That bolded sentence would put anyone’s back up. Then he comes back, saying he doesn’t you are being unhelpful, and adds “stuff it”, which is why he got scolded, presumably. He then goes on to explain why he thinks some of the things he does, which is as it should be, and you then answer: > [@](#): > > As I said, when you’re ready to learn, you’ll learn. You’re not ready. You think that was polite and well-mannered? I’d hate to see you when you were rude! ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/10 "2006-02-16T20:34:37Z")
Biffy may have been 100% wrong, and you 100% right, but even your first post was condescending, forget about the second one. What really pisses me off about your conduct was saying Biffy was wrong, without even bothering to tell us the correct meter. You’re so smart, put YOUR meter up there for everyone to see and critique. Fight a little ignorance, whydontcha? Don’t give me the “not the right thread” crap. A claim was made that this was a mistake, you claim it wasn’t a mistake, it’s the perfect time for a quick diversion to clarify it and we all learn a little bit. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/11 "2006-02-16T20:35:12Z")
> [@pseudotriton ruber ruber](#): > > (on a factual basis, LHOD) Cite? Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/12 "2006-02-16T20:47:36Z")
Just read it also, **prr** , and I’m afraid to say this just isn’t going your way. Even allowing that you were 100% correct, you were still rude and condescending. Particularly with “… when you’re ready to learn, you’ll learn. You’re not ready.” Dude, how many tin-foil hat conspiracists have we seen in this place with _that_ attitude? Either back up your claim, or shut the hell up. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/13 "2006-02-16T20:55:18Z")
> [@pseudotriton ruber ruber](#): > > Beg to differ. > > I pointed out that he was entirely wrong (on a factual basis, LHOD) and would be glad to elaborate in a separate thread, since I didn’t think hijacking the thread we were in would be considerate. I also noted, perfectly correctly, that I suspected Biffy was about as interested in getting instruction in this subject as he was in getting a carbolic-acid enema (which might have done him some good). 😕 That’s exactly what I said in the first place, except your version has a much snootier, pretentious air to it, which makes sense, given the years of experience as a published author. Thanks for confirming my opinion, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/14 "2006-02-16T20:59:30Z")
> [@pseudotriton ruber ruber](#): > > \How is one to deal with blatent displays of ignorance if not to correct them in clear and firm (yet civil) tones? > > I’d appreciate any elucidation to your official moderator’s warning you might add, since I view my options now as simply never again correcting anyone in Cafe Society, or risking your terrible wrath. Did you, in fact, correct him? I suppose there is a sense of the verb “correct” that means “tell someone that they don’t understand something and that they make little sense”, but I think it usually means actually explaining the error and what the correct thing is. If you feel the need to correct someone, you might try actually telling them what is correct. You might also try being polite, which you were not. ---
**Author:** ![saoirse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/15 "2006-02-16T21:01:24Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > You were being a dick, prr. Eartha Kitt? Is that you? **pseuditrion,** you were a tad high-handed in that exchange. Using that kind of tone, along with not explaining what you meant, really took most of the value out of the post. If someone posts something incorrect, you should correct it. If the individual doesn’t want to learn (which was more asserted than established) there are still the other 49,999 posters on this board. If he’s made an error, correct it. If he eats stupid food for breakfast, just say so. -saoirse technically, your colleague. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/16 "2006-02-16T21:08:59Z")
For example, here’s a way that **prr** could have responded > [@](#): > > Correct or not, the meter of the poem clearly places the stress on the first syllable of “Cortez”: “Or **like** stout **Cor** tez **when** with **ea** gle **eye** …” Actually, [iambic pentameter can be subtler and more varied than this](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iambic_pentameter). Shakespeare’s “To be or not to be, that is the question” is one of the best-known passages of iambic pentameter, but the emphasis is not placed as “to BE or NOT to BE, that IS the QUEST[ion].” e.e. cummings writes pity this busy monster, manunkind which is emphasized as: PITy this BUsy MONster, MANunKIND and yet it’s iambic pentameter. The term is loosely applied as far as the iambs are concerned. Therefore, in the passage, “Or like stout Cortez when with eagle eye…” the emphasis may be read as, or LIKE STOUT corTEZ, when with EAgle EYE although it may scan equally well with CORtez instead. Daniel (who did just learn something about iambic pentameter, thanks to **prr** but not thanks to his superciliousness) ---
**Author:** ![choie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/choie/32/7829_2.png) [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/17 "2006-02-16T21:10:17Z")
> [@saoirse](#): > > Eartha Kitt? Is that you? This? Is awesome. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/18 "2006-02-16T21:11:46Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > (who did just learn something about iambic pentameter, thanks to **prr** but not thanks to his superciliousness) but who clearly learned nothing about coding. Sheesh! One of these days I’ll use the preview button habitually; my coding has sucked lately. “Or **like** stout **Cor** tez **when** with **ea** gle **eye** …” Let’s see how that looks. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/19 "2006-02-16T21:22:38Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > …PITy this BUsy MONster, MANunKIND… William Shatner, is that you? ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855/20 "2006-02-16T21:26:23Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > William Shatner, is that you? Stop it, I thought we weren’t supposed to laugh at Pit threads! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-were-very-unclear/344855.md?page=2)