# Is it me or .... ? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 30, 2013, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552 "2013-08-30T00:51:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/21 "2013-08-30T01:52:09Z")
> [@Penny](#): > > Is it just me or are you folks needlessly verbose? While brevity may often be the most efficient way of conveying an idea, some concepts are better served by fuller exposition For example, there is the classic question, ‘Have you stopped beating your wife? Answer “Yes” or “No.”’ If one answers ‘Yes’, then obviously he used to beat his wife. The implication of the answer ‘No’ is that he has been beating his wife, and is continuing to do so. Of course, ‘No’ would be correct if the man does not beat his wife and never has beaten his wife; he cannot stop beating her if he never started. Thus, a brief answer will not suffice for the innocent man. He needs to explain, against the instructions by the querent, that he has never beaten his wife. Additionally, many statements require background information in order to be understood, or not misunderstood. A person may observe behaviour amongst a certain group, which he does not observe in other groups. If his enquiry is brief, such as ‘Why do [these people] do [this]?’, then others will certainly chime in with examples that the person has not observed. They may point out that some members of the specified group do engage in the given activity, but that members of the group as a whole do not. It behooves the questioner to give some context to his query. For example, ‘I have noticed that some members of [this group] engage in [this activity]. By no means do I suggest that all or most [members of this group] do this. It occurred to me that this behaviour is something engaged in by some members of a subset of this group, as I have not seen it amongst members who appear to be from a different demographic. Could this be a cultural behaviour by this subset; behaviour which I have not seen amongst people who are not [members of this group]?’ To be sure, more background information or various disclaimers may be needed to ensure that one’s intentions are not misconstrued; but it’s better than the simple question as to why [Group X] engages in a certain activity. There is a concept of ‘simple answers for simple people’, which can lead to people believing that there are easy answers to very complex issues. We have seen, for example, how this adversely affects our political system. If we, as a group, tend to be somewhat verbose, it is only because we wish to provide context for our statements and arguments. ---
**Author:** ![Crumbled\_Bumble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ac91a4/32.png) [@Crumbled\_Bumble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crumbled_Bumble)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/22 "2013-08-30T01:52:47Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > Brevity may be the soul of wit (and underwear) but it’s hard to talk about really meaty philosophical subjects and to keep it under 500 words. I think therefore I am. How about them apples? Let’s keep it to the point. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/23 "2013-08-30T01:53:18Z")
I never really noticed the verbosity myself. Rather I find a distinct conglomerate of eclectic personas expounding viewpoints on diverse focus areas that titillate my inquisitiveness and occasionally have me re-examine my default postulation. ETA: Damned you **Johnny**! ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/24 "2013-08-30T01:54:18Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > _adjusts beehive__taps mike_ > > Trollin’ in the de-ee-eep /slowclap ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/25 "2013-08-30T01:54:20Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > Brevity may be the soul of wit (and underwear) but it’s hard to talk about really meaty philosophical subjects and to keep it under 500 words. Aye, you’ll note that there’s nobody with a twitter account trying to summarize Proust, for example! ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/26 "2013-08-30T02:02:08Z")
Bite me, bitch. Short and simple (just like me!) ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/27 "2013-08-30T02:03:02Z")
Actually, there is only one poster here who is **overlyverbose**. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/28 "2013-08-30T02:06:06Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > /slowclap _blushes_ > [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Aye, you’ll note that there’s nobody with a twitter account trying to summarize Proust, for example! [I invited Mlle Stermaria to join me for dinner on an island in the Bois de Boulogne. She wrote back and accepted! I’ve booked a private room](https://twitter.com/ProustTweet) ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/29 "2013-08-30T02:19:15Z")
> [@Rachellelogram](#): > > It’s you. yep ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/30 "2013-08-30T02:24:34Z")
Fuck this shit. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/31 "2013-08-30T02:26:15Z")
> [@Penny](#): > > Is it just me or are you folks needlessly verbose? I have to say, as a newb I’m finding it such a turn off to have to slog through so much faux intellectual posturing to get to the point. Is this how this place rolls? Or perhaps it’s _actual_ intellectualism and you’re not up to it? ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/32 "2013-08-30T02:26:36Z")
> [@Penny](#): > > Is it just me or are you folks needlessly verbose? I have to say, as a newb I’m finding it such a turn off to have to slog through so much faux intellectual posturing to get to the point. Is this how this place rolls? > > (Please be gentle. I’m new 🙂 ) I go for the real unintellectual posturing, myself. Same number of words, but dumber. As for your pathetic request for gentleness based on a newbitude that exists only in your mind, it can only be decided in the same manner as the All-England Summarize Proust Competition, which will require proof. ETA: On second thought, I’ll take your word for it. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/33 "2013-08-30T02:48:02Z")
> [@Crumbled\_Bumble](#): > > I think therefore I am. Ah, but you do you know you’re not in a holodeck or something of that nature? Cogito ergo sim. > [@](#): > > How about them apples? With malus aforethought. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/34 "2013-08-30T03:03:24Z")
**Penny** , you’re an asshole. Four words. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/35 "2013-08-30T03:13:13Z")
if verbosity is a problem then -v ---
**Author:** ![pancakes3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ba9def/32.png) [@pancakes3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pancakes3)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/36 "2013-08-30T03:29:17Z")
I actually think an extensive vocabulary makes things more concise, not less. I could see how for some that would incite some cognitive dissonance. For others, that could induce a feeling of discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs. For others still, sometimes when things don’t happen the way they should and then what happens isn’t what someone was expecting to begin with, it’s really confusing, or something. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/37 "2013-08-30T03:33:21Z")
> [@Penny](#): > > Is it just me or are you folks needlessly verbose? I have to say, as a newb I’m finding it such a turn off to have to slog through so much faux intellectual posturing to get to the point. Is this how this place rolls? > > (Please be gentle. I’m new 🙂 ) TL;DR ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/38 "2013-08-30T03:33:36Z")
> [@Penny](#): > > Is it just me or are you folks needlessly verbose? I have to say, as a newb I’m finding it such a turn off to have to slog through so much faux intellectual posturing to get to the point. Is this how this place rolls? > > (Please be gentle. I’m new 🙂 ) > [@kayT](#): > > We’re supposed to be gentle with you but you can accuse us of “faux intellectual posturing”? > > Double standard much? > [@Penny](#): > > Was that harsh? I apologize if it offended your delicate sensibilities. I have read a lot of fluff around weak points and stagnant thought since I’ve been here. Does piling on a whack of words make people feel better about themselves while debating? I’m asking in sincerity. > [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > You’re a fucking asshole is what you are, and I 'm saying that in sincerity. Does being passive-aggressive make you feel better about yourself while insulting people? > [@Penny](#): > > I’m not being passive aggressive at all. I’m curious and asking questions. Is that not part of the purpose of a discussion board? This is one of the most eloquent, concise, pitch perfect pieces of trollery I have ever seen. Penny, it’s a work of genius. Either that or you are actually sincere, in which case I pity those who have to deal with you in any context in which your behaviour actually matters. ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/39 "2013-08-30T04:07:38Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > I go for the real unintellectual posturing, myself. Dammit, _I_ wanted to make the “_genuine_ intellectual posturing” joke. Now I’m going to have to prance off in a snit. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2013, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552/40 "2013-08-30T04:13:04Z")
> [@Sailboat](#): > > Dammit, _I_ wanted to make the “_genuine_ intellectual posturing” joke. Now I’m going to have to prance off in a snit. In future, please just say “Ninja’ed”. Your needless verbosity is upsetting the OP. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-me-or/667552.md?page=3)