# funny thing about the matrix **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 17, 2003, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816 "2003-05-17T02:02:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![samarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4da419/32.png) [@samarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samarm)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/101 "2003-05-20T21:09:16Z")
> [@](#): > > …i do pride myself on easy to read and easy to understand posts. > [@](#): > > …i always try to make them coherent and easy to read. > [@](#): > > i won’t capitalize. Oh the irony… ---
**Author:** ![djf750](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@djf750](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djf750)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/102 "2003-05-20T21:13:09Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by samarm \* > \*\*Oh, and thanks to **jayjay** also for pitching in. I really was beginning to think it was myself and **Miller** who were the idiots for a while there. \*\* first impressions are usually correct, samarm. ---
**Author:** ![g8rguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7cd45c/32.png) [@g8rguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/g8rguy)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/103 "2003-05-20T21:17:25Z")
Tell me, are you being willfully obtuse, or does it just come naturally? As a simple courtesy to those with whom you wish to share your thoughts, you should write in as intelligible a way as possible. If I have to stop and start while working through an undifferentiated mass, I’ll rapidly lose all interest in reading it. Frankly, the more effort I must invest in understanding the raw language, the less effort I am likely to invest in understanding the point being made. I could, for example, type everything in Middle English or some such, and I would quite rightfully expect people to point out that I’m not communicating effectively. If you’ve no interest in being effective and courteous in your writing, that’s your own business. The key point, however, is that while no one likes to make spelling mistakes, they are called “spelling mistakes” for a reason, _i.e._, they are unintentional. Making accidental (and infrequent) errors in spelling is excusable. Making yourself intentionally more difficult to understand is rude and juvenile. In other words, we are not **demanding** that every post be perfect and in a business-like way. We **are** suggesting that people who expect to be taken seriously should make every effort to post in a clear and easily read fashion. If you can’t be bothered to post clearly, that’s your decision, but don’t be surprised when many of us can’t be bothered to take you seriously. It’s as simple as that. ---
**Author:** ![Velma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/85e7bf/32.png) [@Velma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velma)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/104 "2003-05-20T21:18:58Z")
An honest question for **djf750**. Do you think it is ok for anyone to comment on or criticize any post at all if there are no rules against posting that way? For example, do you think it is being a jerk to criticize someone for using a straw man argument, or faulty logic in their post? There are no rules against doing so. I think attempting to make ideas clear is part of the whole reason for posting to a message board at all. When you purposefully do not capitalize, that is different than making a mistake. I agree that taking a whole post to correct someone’s minor, honest mistake is rather jerkish. I do not thing that is what **Miller** is doing at all. Neglecting to capitalize every sentence is obviously not a typo. It is easily fixed in further posts, and it makes the posts easier to read. I am able to read your posts but it does take extra effort as the sentences are harder to distinguish and it can read like one big run-on sentence. You may, of course, continue to post in that manner if it makes you feel better. I am just telling you that I doubt you are having much impact on **Miller** at all, and you are making your posts difficult for the rest of us to read. You are also coming across as childish, and petty. In fact, this whole thread is so petty it makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/105 "2003-05-20T21:20:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by djf750 \* > **1. so you speak for everyone? are you all at a dopefest discussing me?** No, no, I speak only for myself. Maybe I’m the only person who thinks you’re acting like an incoherent little twit. [sub]But I doubt it.[/sub] > [@](#): > > \*\*2. the part that hurts there is yes, i can be irritating, childish and VERY stupid , but i do pride myself on easy to read and easy to understand posts. > > [long list of adjectives deleted] > > sorry giraffe, i’ll try harder. > > but i won’t capitalize. \*\* See, that last sentence negates the first sentence. You can say that it hurts your feelings to have someone tell you you’re being childish and stupid, but if you follow it up with a resolution not to change your behavior, it’s hard to take you seriously. If you just didn’t capitalize, I wouldn’t think twice about it. On first contact, I would probably reflexively assume that you were less likely to be articulate or intelligent just from Interweb machine experience, but if your posts were clever or interesting, that’s the impression that would win out. But that’s not the case here. You have publicly announced your intention to make incorrect grammar a badge of honor as part of a fabricated crusade against another user. Why? Because he suggested _to someone else_ that poor grammar decreases the readibility of one’s posts, and should be avoided if possible. That’s unbelievably stupid and childish. If you want to continue, go right ahead – I could care less. But I’ll probably continue to think you’re a nitwit. ---
**Author:** ![djf750](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@djf750](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djf750)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/106 "2003-05-20T21:37:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by g8rguy \* > \*\* > In other words, we are not **demanding** that every post be perfect and in a business-like way. We **are** suggesting that people who expect to be taken seriously should make every effort to post in a clear and easily read fashion. If you can’t be bothered to post clearly, that’s your decision, but don’t be surprised when many of us can’t be bothered to take you seriously. It’s as simple as that. \*\* i deleted three full paragraphs of VERY WELL WRITTEN, but unnecessary words. why didn’t you just write the last paragraph where you actually made your point very well? why did you make me read all that? (although i did enjoy it, i admit) i love good writing. miller, watch out, this guy can write. and he is an excellent speller. now, i meant every word i just wrote about your writing style. do you take me seriously? or am i just a fool who refuses to capitalize? ---
**Author:** ![FranticMad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c68b51/32.png) [@FranticMad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FranticMad)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/107 "2003-05-20T21:42:29Z")
may i feel said he (i’ll squeal said she just once said he) it’s fun said she (may i touch said he how much said she a lot said he) why not said she (let’s go said he not too far said she what’s too far said he where you are said she) may i stay said he (which way said she like this said he if you kiss said she may i move said he is it love said she) if you’re willing said he (but you’re killing said she but it’s life said he but your wife said she now said he) ow said she (tiptop said he don’t stop said she oh no said he) go slow said she (cccome?said he ummm said she) you’re divine!said he (you are Mine said she) ---
**Author:** ![djf750](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@djf750](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djf750)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/108 "2003-05-20T21:43:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Velma \* > \*\*In fact, this whole thread is so petty… \*\* yet you took all that time to respond to it. so you are as petty as all the rest of us? “it makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time.” like a great romantic comedy. ---
**Author:** ![whatami](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/85f322/32.png) [@whatami](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whatami)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/109 "2003-05-20T21:44:57Z")
Your a fool who refuses to capitalize. Hey man, you asked! ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/110 "2003-05-20T21:45:32Z")
> [@](#): > > but i won’t capitalize. Ya know that quip about rearranging deck chairs on the _Titanic_? I think the yellow folding one would look _much_ better a half-foot to the aft. ---
**Author:** ![djf750](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@djf750](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djf750)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/111 "2003-05-20T21:53:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by FranticMad \* > \*\*may i feel said he > (i’ll squeal said she > just once said he) > it’s fun said she > > (may i touch said he > how much said she > a lot said he) > why not said she > > (let’s go said he > not too far said she > what’s too far said he > where you are said she) > > may i stay said he > (which way said she > like this said he > if you kiss said she > > may i move said he > is it love said she) > if you’re willing said he > (but you’re killing said she > > but it’s life said he > but your wife said she > now said he) > ow said she > > (tiptop said he > don’t stop said she > oh no said he) > go slow said she > > (cccome?said he > ummm said she) > you’re divine!said he > (you are Mine said she) \*\* “In his work, Cummings experimented radically with form, punctuation, spelling and syntax, abandoning traditional techniques and structures to create a new, highly idiosyncratic means of poetic expression. Later in his career, he was often criticized for settling into his signature style and not pressing his work towards further evolution. Nevertheless, he attained great popularity, especially among young readers, for the simplicity of his language, his playful mode and his attention to subjects such as war and sex.” i’m usually compared with carrot top and pauly shore but thanks frantic! i DO see a lot of ee in my writing. especially the part about great popularity. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/112 "2003-05-20T21:54:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by djf750 \* > miller, that word that you misspelled (i am never sure if i am misspelling misspell) JUMPED out at me. the nuns made sure we learned to spell back in the 50’s or it was a trip to see father o’dwyer. (no sister!! i’ll be good ! i promise!) Are you fucking defective? Can you honestly not tell the difference between a typo and deliberate misuse of the language? Yeah, I made a spelling error. But unlike you, **I didn’t make it on purpose!** Jesus, how many times do people have to spell it out for you? Honest error = understandable. Deliberate error = fucking annoying. > [@](#): > > but miller, i understand that this is a MESSAGE BOARD and people make mistakes here. now if you sent me a letter asking for a job and there was a misspelled (sp?) word, i would not like it at all and i would judge the person accordingly. (especially with spell check everywhere). but i don’t judge you by all the words you misspell. (sp?) Well, there go my dreams of someday landing that cushy “assistant septic tank scrubber” position I’ve always dreamed of. > [@](#): > > or at least i don’t type a post about it when i see it. i don’t have the right to since THERE ARE NO RULES about it. > > and neither do you. I have the right to post about whatever the hell I want, so long as I don’t violate the Don’t Be a Jerk rule. And before you open your big mouth again, grammar nitpicks are not considered jerkish behavior by the moderators of this board. And on top of that, I went _way_ out of my way to be polite to you until you started hurling abuse at me. So don’t fucking tell me what I have the “right” to do, you ignorant little blob. **samarm** : Actually, spoilt is just a variant of spoiled. There are some older defintions of spoilt that do not apply to spoiled, but the reverse is not true, so far as I know. Although in the context, I’d have probably used “spoiled.” Spoilt sounds a little awkward. ---
**Author:** ![djf750](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@djf750](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djf750)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/113 "2003-05-20T21:59:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by whatami \* > \*\*Your a fool who refuses to capitalize. > > Hey man, you asked! \*\* well YOU’RE a fool who can’t spell. hey man, you asked … for it. ---
**Author:** ![jkusters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/fbc32d/32.png) [@jkusters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jkusters)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/114 "2003-05-20T22:00:02Z")
Personally, I can’t be bothered to read the posts of people who blatantly disregard commonly accepted standards for punctuation and grammar, no matter how insightful or spectacular they may be. If they can’t bother, neither shall I. JOhn. ---
**Author:** ![djf750](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@djf750](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djf750)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/115 "2003-05-20T22:07:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jkusters \* > \*\*Personally, I can’t be bothered to read the posts of people who blatantly disregard commonly accepted standards for punctuation and grammar, no matter how insightful or spectacular they may be. If they can’t bother, neither shall I. > > JOhn. \*\* then you admit you may miss out on a very insightful post. (i am not talking about me, necessarily) you have a pretty closed mind, don’t you? which only hurts you in the long run, doesn’t it? strange post. ---
**Author:** ![djf750](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@djf750](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djf750)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/116 "2003-05-20T22:17:45Z")
“And before you open your big mouth again, grammar nitpicks are not considered jerkish behavior by the moderators of this board.” so you finally admit that you are a nitpick. it takes a big man, miller. “And on top of that, I went way out of my way to be polite to you until you started hurling abuse at me. So don’t fucking tell me what I have the “right” to do, you ignorant little blob.” all i said was g8rguy could write. that doesn’t mean that you can’t, necessarily. (sp?) ---
**Author:** ![djf750](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@djf750](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djf750)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/117 "2003-05-20T22:20:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Giraffe \* > \*\*No, no, I speak only for myself. Maybe I’m the only person who thinks you’re acting like an incoherent little twit. [sub]But I doubt it.[/sub] > See, that last sentence negates the first sentence. You can say that it hurts your feelings to have someone tell you you’re being childish and stupid, but if you follow it up with a resolution not to change your behavior, it’s hard to take you seriously. > > \*\* i think that you are taking me AND yourself too seriously here. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/118 "2003-05-20T22:23:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by djf750 \* > \*\*i think that you are taking me AND yourself too seriously here. \*\* I think you’re an irritating little dweeb and _that’s_ too seriously? You’re probably right, but damn. That’s sad. And I do take myself seriously. Posting to a message board is serious business. Certainly not for the weak of heart, or knobby of knees. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/119 "2003-05-20T22:26:18Z")
I never said I wasn’t, jackass. And I have no idea what your non-sequiter about **g8rguy** is all about. That was unusually incoherent, even for you. ---
**Author:** ![djf750](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@djf750](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djf750)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2003, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816/120 "2003-05-20T22:33:35Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Derleth \* > \*\*Ya know that quip about rearranging deck chairs on the _Titanic_? > > I think the yellow folding one would look _much_ better a half-foot to the aft. \*\* i’m not sure what this means. but it is well written. i like the use of ya instead of you. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-thing-about-the-matrix/175816.md?page=7)