I steer clear of any mention of Buffy, etc. I don’t dislike it, I’m just completely disinterested.
The idea that the SDMB is some clan of wise people, unlike any other. I have no reason to believe that the SDMB, myself included, is any smarter than any other collection of posters on the 'Net. We obviously have a shared value for Cecil’s columns - I imagine that’s how most of us found the board - but all it requires to post here is an internet connection. There’s no entry exam (and I don’t want one, thanks!). Some - many posters - are doubtless very intelligent, well-accomplished, but I’m sure many are not. Some are just average… that includes me. There’s like this SDMB snobbery that pervades a lot of the threads on the board. Now if you happen to have a medical question and QtM answers it, you’ve received very good advice, but who’s to say that you couldn’t have gotten that advice on another board? Other boards have mods, grammar rules, etc., too, you know.
Another hater of the in-jokes: In Soviet Russia (was Yakov Smirnoff ever funny?), Hi Opal!, Hal Briston and sheep, etc. Shows a lack of wit and isn’t terribly clear to new posters/visitors.
Moral high horsing. You know, when you engage in hyperbole, and some jackass doesn’t comprehend that a) Pit posting, especially, is often done in the heat of the moment; b) people can often move away, or even dissociate themselves from previous statements. Like if you make a statement about wanting to kick someone’s ass about something, but after thinking about it, you come back and say, “Wow, I think I overreacted.” Some jackhole will undoubtedly come back and say “Hey, you wanted to kick that guy’s ass at first, so it doesn’t matter that you backed off that position, you’re a violent bastard.” Kind of linked to the idea that people have a hard time understanding that people’s positions can change, and that’s a good thing.
And one thing I love here: The Pit. Allows people to let off steam, call people out, and keeps the boards in good shape.
Oh yes - another vote for wanting to smack “Um” posters upside the head. It’s rude. You’re typing, so it isn’t a verbal tick… why the hell would you write that? I agree with posters who say it should be a warnable offense, like at TWOP. (That’s one thing they get right.)