# Nice try, Fotheringay-Phipps. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 20, 2009, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086 "2009-05-20T16:20:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/81 "2018-02-03T21:05:15Z")
Good one, **Ann Hedonia**. My favorite appalling **F-P** thread to date is [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=843814) one. Solicit the expertise of lawyers to explain something to you, and when they kindly oblige, argue with them about the validity of what they have shared. :rolleyes: That’s some deranged hubris, right there. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/82 "2018-02-03T21:10:29Z")
Yep … 9 years ago, three years ago, today – all the same attitudes are evident. My specific observation on the occasion of my post was what an unethical, dismissive piece of shit F-P was on the subject of health care, which turned out to be because he was blatantly self-serving. But what I see now is that arguing with the stupid fuck is a waste of time on _ **any** _ subject. Here are a couple of F-P quotes I picked up from your cited magician thread – one can see in Quote #1 the standard move to dismiss and ignore all those who disagree with him: [Quote #1] ([http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=18166316&postcount=114](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=18166316&postcount=114)): I don’t see much point in continuing to repeat myself. Believe what you want … Convincing you that I know what I know is beyond the scope of things. [Quote #2] ([http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=18167487&postcount=118](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=18167487&postcount=118)) (4 posts later!): there’s a certain arrogance that some people have, who have some knowledge and can’t bring themselves to accept that there’s other knowledge out there that they don’t possess. Does anyone see any inconsistency between these positions? Not F-P. In fact, his sure path to greater knowledge is to refuse to read, engage with, or even acknowledge those that he doesn’t agree with, even when he himself is spouting complete unmitigated bullshit that can be disproved by the most basic facts. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/83 "2018-02-03T21:50:29Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Good one, **Ann Hedonia**. > > My favorite appalling **F-P** thread to date is [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=843814) one. > > Solicit the expertise of lawyers to explain something to you, and when they kindly oblige, argue with them about the validity of what they have shared. :rolleyes: > > That’s some deranged hubris, right there. I quote: > [@Technical legal question on appeals courts and injunctions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-legal-question-on-appeals-courts-and-injunctions/803579/6): > > This has already been answered. You appear not to like the answer. > > I find it silly to ask for a factual answer to something, get that factual answer, and then argue the answer. I guess I’m naive. I’m embarrassed at how much time I wasted actually presenting facts to that piece of shit in the health care thread. I should have just quoted **DSYoungEsq**. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/84 "2018-02-03T22:29:59Z")
I will say this is my favorite Phlipp: “I think you wrote exactly what you intended to write and omitted what you intended to omit.” Guilty as charged. In fact, I’m pretty sure this is my entire M.O. [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20730375&postcount=1796](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20730375&postcount=1796) ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/85 "2018-02-03T22:55:56Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > I will say this is my favorite Phlipp: > > “I think you wrote exactly what you intended to write and omitted what you intended to omit.” > > Guilty as charged. In fact, I’m pretty sure this is my entire M.O. > > [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20730375&postcount=1796](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20730375&postcount=1796) His razor-sharp mind has us all cornered. I have to admit, writing what I mean to write and not writing what I don’t mean to write has been my own practice, too, for lo these many years. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/86 "2018-02-03T23:02:21Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > I quote: > I guess I’m naive. I’m embarrassed at how much time I wasted actually presenting facts to that piece of shit in the health care thread. I should have just quoted **DSYoungEsq**. I can understand your feelings, but your writings in that thread will help others to understand the real issues. Never a waste of time. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/87 "2018-02-03T23:11:20Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > I can understand your feelings, but your writings in that thread will help others to understand the real issues. Never a waste of time. Seconded. **wolfpup** ’s arguments and position in that thread were exceptionally well presented. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/88 "2018-02-03T23:42:29Z")
I note that he has the rituals and protocols of semi-formal debate, and will often carefully frame his nonsense in terms of reason and analysis. It reminds me of Twain’s story about his beloved wife taking up swearing. Naturally, he was somewhat taken aback, and inquired. She replied that she just wanted to show him how silly he sounded. He noted that her word choice and pronunciation were exactly correct but that she did not have the temperment for a good solid cuss-out. She had the lyrics down pat, but not the music. ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/89 "2018-02-04T03:42:19Z")
This was the thread where I gave up. [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=798183](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=798183) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/90 "2018-02-04T05:41:46Z")
“so, why is a **Raventhief** like a **Writing Desk Burglar**?” asked Alice, looking glassy-eyed ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/91 "2018-02-04T05:51:50Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > “so, why is a **Raventhief** like a **Writing Desk Burglar**?” asked Alice, looking glassy-eyed We are NOTHING alike, said Alice, delicately scraping blade across glass. Even turned 'round, and backwards. Not to mention upside down, and inside out. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/92 "2018-02-04T18:06:23Z")
> [@raventhief](#): > > This was the thread where I gave up. > > [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=798183](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=798183) Much I marvelled this ungainly **Phipps** to hear discourse so plainly, Though his answer little meaning – little relevancy bore; The hour is late, the time is wasted with this spin and obfuscation, Tapping, tapping on his keyboard, endless lies without citation I am done here, I have had it with this preening fatuous bore, Quoth the **raventhief** : “Nevermore”. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/93 "2018-02-04T18:08:59Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Much I marvelled this ungainly **Phipps** to hear discourse so plainly, > Though his answer little meaning – little relevancy bore; > The hour is late, the time is wasted with this spin and obfuscation, > Tapping, tapping on his keyboard, endless lies without citation > I am done here, I have had it with this preening fatuous bore, > Quoth the **raventhief** : “Nevermore”. _slow clap_ ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/94 "2018-02-04T18:14:55Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Much I marvelled this ungainly **Phipps** to hear discourse so plainly, > Though his answer little meaning – little relevancy bore; > The hour is late, the time is wasted with this spin and obfuscation, > Tapping, tapping on his keyboard, endless lies without citation > I am done here, I have had it with this preening fatuous bore, > Quoth the **raventhief** : “Nevermore”. Ah, the value of trolls. Without which, such delights of poetry would never be rendered. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/95 "2018-02-04T20:07:11Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Much I marvelled this ungainly **Phipps** to hear discourse so plainly, > Though his answer little meaning – little relevancy bore; > The hour is late, the time is wasted with this spin and obfuscation, > Tapping, tapping on his keyboard, endless lies without citation > I am done here, I have had it with this preening fatuous bore, > Quoth the **raventhief** : “Nevermore”. It’s clever people like you that keep me hanging around the Dope, **wolfpup**. Nicely done. ---
**Author:** ![raventhief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raventhief/32/4_2.png) [@raventhief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raventhief)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/96 "2018-02-04T20:18:49Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Much I marvelled this ungainly **Phipps** to hear discourse so plainly, > Though his answer little meaning – little relevancy bore; > The hour is late, the time is wasted with this spin and obfuscation, > Tapping, tapping on his keyboard, endless lies without citation > I am done here, I have had it with this preening fatuous bore, > Quoth the **raventhief** : “Nevermore”. This is brilliant, thank you! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/97 "2018-02-04T20:50:57Z")
A Poe purée! ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/98 "2018-02-04T20:53:59Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > As many as it takes. roflmao ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/99 "2018-02-04T20:56:16Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > So, you are saying that he believes in magic. > > And that these people who have obscure powers of the arcane are available for hire for children’s birthday parties. > > That’s perfectly reasonable to me. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/CzQktI1d1zs/maxresdefault.jpg "Jimmy Kimmel Hires Dr Strange") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzQktI1d1zs) ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2018, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086/100 "2018-02-04T20:57:20Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > I will say this is my favorite Phlipp: > > “I think you wrote exactly what you intended to write and omitted what you intended to omit.” > > Guilty as charged. In fact, I’m pretty sure this is my entire M.O. > > [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20730375&postcount=1796](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20730375&postcount=1796) you, you, MONSTER!!! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nice-try-fotheringay-phipps/497086.md?page=6)