Some things I loathe:
People entering a great debate with nothing but flimsily-informed opinion and refuse to yield an inch to people who bring facts and evidence to the table. There are many GD threads where opinion is what it’s all about, and that’s fine. But when people are able to provide real information, then for god’s sakes try to accomodate it.
People who are unable to say “I was wrong”, “I didn’t know that” “I’ve changed my mind” “Thanks for opening my eyes” and the like. We ought to be reading that about 50 times a week on this board. It’s a real shame that too few people can do this. Too many people argue past the point where they look ridiculous, or simply slink off without saying anything when they’ve “lost.” Here’s the thing, folks: It’s not “losing” when everyone ends up better informed. That’s progress. Who cares if you ended up not being the smartest one in the thread? It’s not about having the last word, fer fuck’s sake.
U.S. posters who attempt to invoke consititutional protections on the board. You know, “It’s a free country” or “Ever heard of a little thing called Freedom of Speech?” Why yes, I have, you asshole. Except it seems I know what it means. I’ve got news for you freedom fighters out there: when a private citizen or administrator tells you to shut your pie-hole, that isn’t violating ANYTHING except maybe basic norms of civility. If you don’t know what your constitution says, please don’t drag it into arguments about how the boards should be run.
Nutjobs who can’t keep their psychosis off the boards. Yes, we’re here for support, and the caring some posters show each other is what makes this place worthwhile. As a person with a bottomless abyss of neuroses, I really value the empathy here. But jesus, some of you psychotics need to grow up, put a sock in it, or increase those medications. If you have a meltdown, apologize. And then take a break. We are not here to be victimized by your victimization.
People who see the SDMB as solely their captive “audience” for their wit and brilliance. There are some posters who don’t seem to participate much in the give-and-take. I can easily imagine them flexing their fingers each morning as they sit down at the keyboards and saying “Ah, what can I dazzle those entertainment-starved putzes with today?” and then proceeding to be as funny and witty as they can be so the accolades will roll in. While I adore the humor of some of the people on this site, I am less than enamored of those who treat it as a creative writing forum. There are boards for that. This is not about you generating a fan club, you arrogant, self-absorbed fucks.
And finally: People who think I am incapable of living up to my name. I hope this post has proven my worth.
