# Things you don't do. (because they make you look like a fuckin' dumbass.) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 18, 2001, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016 "2001-02-18T21:42:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Mr.Cynical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee59a6/32.png) [@Mr.Cynical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Cynical)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/21 "2001-02-20T00:41:07Z")
Fenris, Did you see his re-use of the “this stuff deleted” technique? This, friends, is a one-trick pony. In fact, we’re talking about a NO trick pony, the kind someone should put down and turns into glue. ---
**Author:** ![Pit\_Meister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Pit\_Meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pit_Meister)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/22 "2001-02-20T01:50:38Z")
**Don’t “pull up a chair”** it’s stupid to enter a thread just to say you have nothing to say. ---
**Author:** ![reprise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ea666f/32.png) [@reprise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/reprise)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/23 "2001-02-20T02:09:23Z")
Someone might want to add **don’t re-start threads the mods have already closed** to the list; not to mention **don’t start threads calling coldy a jerk** - everyone knows he’s not a jerk, he’s a clog-boy (sheesh, are you ignorant, or something?). By the way Pit Meister, I think they want your presence back over at the Socks forum… ---
**Author:** ![MysterEcks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@MysterEcks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysterEcks)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/24 "2001-02-20T04:55:20Z")
**Mr. Cynical** said: > [@](#): > > It’s either that you found Lex’s post to be ignorant, and you’re fighting that ignorance in the only way you know how to (which is, coincidentally, by being a jackass), or you’re just a jerk. Aw, schucks, does that mean you don’t want this free one-year memership in my fan club? “Ignorant” would be the wrong word, especially since I don’t really disagree with most of his OP. I think “pompous” would be a better one–I find those who insist that they are the guardians of poster propriety, when they do not in fact have the authority to insist on anything, to be very pompous. I have opinions on what constitutes proper conduct too, and I will occasionally take shots at those who violate that, but I am not so arrogant as to think I have the right to make blanket statements that anybody who doesn’t do things my way is a fuckin’ dumbass. If that makes you think I’m a jackass or a jerk, tough shit. ---
**Author:** ![Skarecrow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbce88/32.png) [@Skarecrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skarecrow)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/25 "2001-02-20T05:20:40Z")
And if you had a flip-top head, you wouldn’t need a “Reach” toothbrush. That’s funny shit. I like that. ---
**Author:** ![LateComer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b5ac83/32.png) [@LateComer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LateComer)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/26 "2001-02-20T13:38:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lexicon \* > \*\*Because I realized that it made me look like a friggin’ jagoff. \*\* Jagoff eh? Yinz been down the Burgh lately? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Cynical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee59a6/32.png) [@Mr.Cynical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Cynical)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/27 "2001-02-20T15:56:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MysterEcks \* > \*\*If that makes you think I’m a jackass or a jerk, tough shit. \*\* You don’t read well, either. I never said I think you are a jackass or jerk. I said you _are_. I’ll continue to be amused by you. ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/28 "2001-02-20T18:12:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mr. Cynical \* > Did you see his re-use of the “this stuff deleted” technique? This habit of his is especially stupid. I’ve seen it in at least two threads now. If you want to attack a point, then by all means go for it. If you want to hurl generic insults about someone, then go right ahead. But this style of his: quote “I’m just using the quote feature to show what a dipshit I am” /quote is moronic. He must have pulled it 10x in the first SUV thread, and now again. :wally ---
**Author:** ![Lexicon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ac8455/32.png) [@Lexicon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lexicon)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/29 "2001-02-20T21:36:09Z")
MysterEcks said: > [@](#): > > You will note that I didn’t claim to be fighting ignorance in this thread–I merely claim to be fighting with Lexicon. You know, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that you’re fighting with me. You are certainly disagreeing with me, and you are definitely disliking me, however you’re not fighting with me. I can prove you are not fighting with me, because I am not fighting back. Therefore, it could be said that you are beating up on me, however laughable that is. See, I don’t care if you disagree with me. I don’t care if you think I’m pompous, or a jerk, or a dick, or an asshole or arrogant. In fact, I am an arrogant asshole, just ask any of my friends. But in any case, the facts of the situation are that you missed the point. You took it a certain way, and that’s unfortunate, but I don’t care. I tried to break it down for you, and it didn’t work. Okay. If you wish any further responses to your idiotic drivel, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: My Ass, attn: Kiss dept. 4289 Right In The Crack st. Eatshitpukenrepeat, IN, 08912 Thank you for your consideration. ---
**Author:** ![MysterEcks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@MysterEcks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysterEcks)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/30 "2001-02-20T23:08:15Z")
Gee whiz, **Mr. Cynical** thinks I’m a jackass and/or a jerk. What a burden to have to carry. **Lexicon** said: > [@](#): > > You are certainly disagreeing with me, and you are definitely disliking me Now now, **Lex** –let’s not confuse the one with the other. I’ll feel free to disagree with you (or anyone else) in whatever terms I find appropriate, but you’re a long way from me actively disliking you. (I’m sure you care about as much about my opinion of you as I do about **Mr. Cynical’s** opinion of me. Nevertheless.) ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Cynical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee59a6/32.png) [@Mr.Cynical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Cynical)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2001, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/31 "2001-02-20T23:26:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MysterEcks \* > **Gee whiz, Mr. Cynical thinks I’m a jackass and/or a jerk. What a burden to have to carry.** Again, you no-reading turtle rapist, you have amused me. I do not “think” you are a jackass and/or jerk. You are both. Have fun. I’ll await a new gem from you soon. ---
**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:** [February 21, 2001, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/32 "2001-02-21T00:06:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MysterEcks \* > \*\* > I know you were being sarcastic, but it’s worth remembering that there are actually people running around here who believe there _is_a cabal, or clique, or what have you. Where do they come up with this notion? Perhaps in part from posters who declare that some ill-defined unofficial “we” should set rules or guidelines for everybody here. > \*\* Well, but nobody’s saying that. I mean, the OP said, "Hey, I don’t like it when people do X, I think they’re bad habits on these boards. The OP isn’t claiming that he or she has any authority to stop people. ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2001, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/33 "2001-02-21T00:17:39Z")
Hey! Somebody got it! Finally! Thank you, **Captain**. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![MysterEcks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@MysterEcks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysterEcks)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2001, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/34 "2001-02-21T04:58:55Z")
**Mr. Cynical** said: > [@](#): > > I do not “think” you are a jackass and/or jerk. You are both. You should have someone help you with the difference between your half-assed opinions and facts. For instance, I think you’re an internet blowhard, but I don’t expect everyone to agree with me–that’s opinion v. fact. **Captain Amazing** said: > [@](#): > > The OP isn’t claiming that he or she has any authority to stop people. From the OP (second to last paragraph): > [@](#): > > Hopefully, we can establish a set o[f] ground rules Granted this was clarified somewhat later, but that’s what the OP said. To which my objection was as I said. ---
**Author:** ![Mysphyt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dbc845/32.png) [@Mysphyt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mysphyt)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2001, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/35 "2001-02-21T06:34:55Z")
[hijack] > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Lexicon_ > > PS. I’m pretty sure I fucked up the conjugation of “totschlagen” which is German for “to beat to death.” If anyone can correct this, that would be great. It’s just part of the slang amongst my friends and I. Just thought I’d throw that out there, to avoid any confusion. Well, Lex, I’m moderately certain that the word you’re looking for is _totgeschlagung_. I may be wrong–my German’s a bit rusty–but _totschlagen_ is a seperable verb, so “I beat him to death” would be _“Ich habe ihm tot geschlagt.”_ A better illustration is “Please beat me to death,” which would be _“Schlag mich bitte tot.”_ The past participle of _totschlagen_, then, is _totgeschlagt_, and what would be in English the gerund of that is _totgeschlagung_. But then, I’m only moderately certain. Wow, that was a lot of italics. [/hijack] Anywhoo, thanks a lot, Lexicon. As a newbie, I appreciate the advice you provide and the **excellent** example afforded by MysterEcks. Perhaps I am in the wrong here, but his contributions make it seem that we ought add another point: **do not keep arguing if no one shall be convinced.** The more MysterEcks says, the more I am persuaded he is in the wrong. ---
**Author:** ![fatherjohn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b2d939/32.png) [@fatherjohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fatherjohn)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2001, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/36 "2001-02-22T02:45:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by mouthbreather \* > \*\*If you want to attack a point, then by all means go for it. If you want to hurl generic insults about someone, then go right ahead. But this style \*\* You know your in the right when all they can do is criticize your posting style . . . ---
**Author:** ![WhiteRaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8dc957/32.png) [@WhiteRaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhiteRaven)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2001, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/37 "2001-02-22T03:23:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MysterEcks \* > > > [@](#): > > > > I’m not happy when someone is “posting stupidly” because that contradicts the underlying theme we have here, which is fighting ignorance. > > S’help me, there are people running around here who think that “fighting ignorance” is best served by making sure nobody can see it on this messageboard. You don’t fight ignorance by sweeping it under the rug; you fight it by dragging it into the light and beating it to death–and you can’t achieve _that_by attempting to enforce Propriety According to Lexicon. (Or even Propriety According to MysterEcks, for that matter.) > > \*\* Very true, I agree with this point. Science, for example, Is only made more valid by people (some stupid, some smart) challenging it. Though some people take it just a wee bit too far. As for ignoring Data, see the Charity for the moon landing hoax theorists thread for a perfect example. (Great Debates) Oh, This is the Pit, I forget, I cant agree so easily. Fine. Fuck you, Damn know it alls have to be right once in awhile… I HATE YOU!!! There, Now its pit material =) ---
**Author:** ![Chronolicht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3bc359/32.png) [@Chronolicht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronolicht)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2001, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/38 "2001-02-22T03:42:56Z")
Who made this chittering little pustulent rodent the chaperone for the ice cream social? You got a PHD in rhetoric, eh? ---
**Author:** ![MysterEcks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@MysterEcks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysterEcks)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2001, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/39 "2001-02-22T04:13:23Z")
**Mysphyt** said: > [@](#): > > The more MysterEcks says, the more I am persuaded he is in the wrong. You’re obviously a very wise person, **Mysphyt**. 😃 **Chronolicht** said: > [@](#): > > Who made this chittering little pustulent rodent the chaperone for the ice cream social? You got a PHD in rhetoric, eh? At this point, I think you have to be clear on which chittering little pustulent rodent you’re talking about. I assume you mean **Lexicon** , but if it’s me I apologize for not responding to it. ---
**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:** [February 22, 2001, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016/40 "2001-02-22T16:14:03Z")
On these message boards, for better or for worse, the only thing we know about each other is what everyone posts, and that is the only method an individual on this board has of making a judgement about someone. Therefore, both the content and clarity of your writing are very important. Even if you have a brilliant point, if you don’t express yourself clearly, people won’t read it, or they’ll misunderstand it, and your brilliance will be lost. In a perfect world, everyone reading and posting to these boards would be able to understand every other post clearly all the time, and everyone would have infinite patience to work through and think about every post. Needless to say, we don’t live in a perfect world. **Lexicon** ’s “rules” don’t, of course, have any official punishment attached. If you violate them, you won’t be banned, you won’t be fined, you won’t be put to death ( **Fenris** , put down that axe!), but you also won’t get listened to. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-dont-do-because-they-make-you-look-like-a-fuckin-dumbass/55016.md?page=1)