# Making a living off condemning others for what you do

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [July 30, 2004, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631 "2004-07-30T19:34:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2004, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/21 "2004-07-30T22:43:19Z")

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The way I see it, a waste is a terrible thing to mind.

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**Author:** ![legion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/838e76/32.png) [@legion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/legion)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2004, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/22 "2004-07-30T22:50:41Z")

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After reading the OP 3 times I have definately lost the will to live. 😕

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**Author:** ![PaulFitzroy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/2acd7d/32.png) [@PaulFitzroy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PaulFitzroy)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2004, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/23 "2004-07-30T23:06:47Z")

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I’m going to go commit hara-kiri. Later!

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**Author:** ![olanv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3ec8ea/32.png) [@olanv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/olanv)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2004, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/24 "2004-07-30T23:08:36Z")

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> [@Loopydude](#):
>
> 'K, here’s an excellent example of what I was talking about. First, we are told the “phenomenon” will occur. Then we are told we will get an explanation for how and why the phonomenon occurs. The initial assertion is something lies in the future. Then follows a promise of exegesis to elucidate something that apparently lies in the realm of the present tense. Is the “phenomenon” coming, or is it here?
> 
> Without trying to debate your, IMHO, totally insane premise, might I simply point out that your use of language tends to either A) cloud your argument to the point of opacity, or B) reveal the workings of a somewhat deranged mind, or finally C) both?

I effectively asked a question. “Do you believe that this tension line can be demonstrated to exist?” and additionally, “Do you believe it probable that the people who are within the parameter of this tension line are not necessarily the people you imagine when you imagine who it will effect?”

I then made a comment, that I know the tension line exists, and that I know what systems and people are within the bounds of that tension line; that the person you least expect, if caught in it, would require some sort of exlanation, and that I can explain why this unexpected person was in that parameter. The last statement assumes that you agree that it’s probable that the tension line exists and that you are not necessarily knowing of what type of people and/or general systems of belief and behavior are dependant upon it for sustainence that cannot survive without it. I then went on to say, that the survival of beings within this tension line is to commit suicide and homicide, that is how they demonstrably define survival. I described a reasonable amount already, but since we’re rewinding, I’m not going much further. I jumped the gun so to speak.

The principle to establish is:

Does suicidal tension exist?

Additional topics are:  
Is there a determined method of being within that suicidal tension?  
Can YOU be in the suicidal tension line?  
How can you tell?

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**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2004, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/25 "2004-07-30T23:22:02Z")

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Ok, the first question is, “What is suicidal tension”?

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**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/26 "2004-07-31T00:13:10Z")

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Technical jargon carried to an extreme leads one to talk to a smaller and smaller audience. I think there is effectively an audience of one for this thread.

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**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/27 "2004-07-31T00:32:25Z")

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> [@El\_Kabong](#):
>
> Hang on a minute; I think I know this guy **Olanv**.
> 
> [Justhink](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=134958)? Is that you? Where you been, buddy?

Took the words right out of my mouth.

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**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/28 "2004-07-31T00:32:46Z")

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> [@olanv](#):
>
> Additional topics are:

Oy veh, now he’s got \*\*additional \*\*topics?

I’m still waiting for a rational \*\*first \*\*topic.

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**Author:** ![cromulent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b4bc9f/32.png) [@cromulent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cromulent)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/29 "2004-07-31T02:50:44Z")

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> [@olanv](#):
>
> The point here, is that human beings have a switch that literally turns on or off the awareness that they exist. I’m presenting a method of testing this phenomenon, to show that the switch does exist, through the inferences, even though it hasn’t been located biologically. It will be located biologically. What’s more, I’m stating in effect, that when this switch is off (or on as the case may be), the being demonstrably inverts all linguistic tokens, and is not applicable as a contractual being. The point seems absurd to most, because these people sign documents, make money, have families, support communities etc…
> 
> But, that last one, “support communities”, and similarly associated claims of stabilization can be determined as self refuting in the manner that the being associates them. It can be proven that the being murders communities and commits suicide. To the being, this does not appear to be the case, nor to those around them, all deriving purpose from behaviors that are only stable within the parameters of the suicidal tension line, ranging all the way from percieved agreement and disagreement — all of it a complete sham of oblivion. In stating this, I am not only predicting, I am declaring that there will be people who reply to this thread are literally not aware that they exist, and to the degree that I’m desensitized by the suicidal tension line, my own intent is similarly being circumvented.

Wow. I think this requires an explanation for the people who are confuddled, like me.

For what it’s worth, I tutor ESL students in college level writing, and I read bizarre, idiomatic and incomprehensible writing every day. I’m perfectly willing to admit that it’s my own ignorance preventing me from understanding the OP, as it is also my own ignorance – of other languages, of other expressions, of the ability to read my students’ minds – that prevents me from understanding many of their papers, too.

So here goes. First, let’s define the terms that may not be familiar to your reader(s).

1. What is a “tension line”? What is “suicidal tension line”? I suspect that you use the term to mean the fears and inhibitions that prevent many people, like Hamlet, from killing themselves. If so, why do you use this term? Is it a technical term from a particular discipline, like psychology or linguistics?

2. What is a “linguistic token”? Is this like a word? Is it a sound, a syllable?

3. What does the phrase “to invert all linguistic tokens” mean? In what way can the meaning of words be inverted? Why should this happen if people are deemed incapable (legally, I guess, since I can’t think of any other way) of entering a contract? Just because people can’t legally enter contracts, due to below-average mental functioning, doesn’t mean those people can’t form coherent sentences. Linguistic coherence isn’t, as far as I know, the criterion for whether one is allowed or not allowed to enter a contract – the legalese on many contracts and documents should be evidence for that.

4. Why do you assume that people who live only because they’re scared to kill themselves off are not conscious or capable of entering contracts? Why assume their language refutes itself? Why claim that “their linguistic tokens are always self refuting of what they demonstrably produce” (whatever _that_ means)?  
My suggestion to you is the same as my suggestion to all of my students – remember that your reader can only read what’s on the paper or the computer screen, not what’s in your mind. I say this sincerely – it’s in your best interest to make your writing clear and understandable, not unnecessarily abstruse.

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**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/30 "2004-07-31T02:53:32Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> I’m still around.

Well, I’m still a square, but I’m trying to get better.

BTW, **Olanv** , any comment on that link I provided? It seems to discuss a subject very similar to yours.

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**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/31 "2004-07-31T04:25:47Z")

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It’s almost as though **olanv** was given a dictionary, and decided to use the words in it without reading (comprehending?) their definitions…

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**Author:** ![Atreyu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5e9695/32.png) [@Atreyu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atreyu)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/32 "2004-07-31T04:33:47Z")

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> [@olanv](#):
>
> I am not only predicting, I am declaring that there will be people who reply to this thread are literally not aware that they exist.

I post, therefore I am.

Unless I’m a web-bot.

Neener neener.

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**Author:** ![Adoptamom\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7ba0ec/32.png) [@Adoptamom\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Adoptamom_II)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/33 "2004-07-31T05:57:47Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> Qadgop the Mercotan:  
> … I think there is effectively an audience of one for this thread.

Thank goodness it’s not me!! 😕

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**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/34 "2004-07-31T06:27:57Z")

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**olanv,** I think you and Timecube Guy really need to sit down for a talk. Check out [http://www.timecube.com/](http://www.timecube.com/).

Better still, check out [http://www.subgenius.com/websites6.htm](http://www.subgenius.com/websites6.htm). You’re sure to find a kindred soul on that site somewhere.

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**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/35 "2004-07-31T06:32:53Z")

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And if you’re still at a loss, try [http://www.crank.net](http://www.crank.net). Pay special attention to entries labelled “Illucid.”

You’ll thank me later.

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**Author:** ![pervert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbe5ce/32.png) [@pervert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pervert)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/36 "2004-07-31T06:34:33Z")

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**BrainGlutton** , I need you to promise me that you will never allow me to understand how you found that site. Really, it’s important. That the site exists and that you know about it I have not problem with. But I need you to promise that I will never learn how to look up such things.

That second site is quite interesting. If I find out, however, that this is how you found the first one, I will have to pinch you (virtually, of course ;()

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**Author:** ![pervert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbe5ce/32.png) [@pervert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pervert)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/37 "2004-07-31T06:35:44Z")

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Sigh.

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**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/38 "2004-07-31T06:51:14Z")

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Someone set us up the ontological bomb!

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**Author:** ![EsotericEnigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e274bd/32.png) [@EsotericEnigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EsotericEnigma)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/39 "2004-07-31T07:07:37Z")

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> [@olanv](#):
>
> I effectively asked a question. “Do you believe that this tension line can be demonstrated to exist?” and additionally, “Do you believe it probable that the people who are within the parameter of this tension line are not necessarily the people you imagine when you imagine who it will effect?”

It’s affect. Not effect.

Effect is a noun.

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**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2004, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-living-off-condemning-others-for-what-you-do/257631/40 "2004-07-31T07:36:16Z")

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I Like Pork!!!

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