# What has become of SDMB, especially GD’s? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 19, 2005, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304 "2005-12-19T16:04:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2005, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/81 "2005-12-20T23:38:59Z")
Thank yew. Maybe if we tried quoting [SNL transcripts](http://snltranscripts.jt.org/84/84gnews.phtml) at him… ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/82 "2005-12-21T01:44:22Z")
First, regarding the OP title itself, I’m not sure that there has been such a great decline in the last two years (I’ve been a member for 2). But I was not here that long before the board went P2P, so my viewrange is shorter-term. At the same time I have increased my own pleasure on the boards by working on my own strategies for attaining it while avoiding pain. You strike me as yet an idealist, **drmark2000** , one who has not yet accepted that people are dipshits and assholes, especially online. I like you, I like your style. The pissy little girls in this thread just _hate_ the idea that you might be condescending to them–oh the nerve! For we are _all_ equals, and the greatest sin one can commit in this age is to imply or _gasp_ explicitly assert one’s superiority. _You_ are the pyschologist. You are the educated one. You are the success. They are the pissed-off wannabes, the resentful invalidators, the self-esteem-impaired little bitches. So they gang up, high five each other, and squeal, “Ban him! Ban him!” _Fuck that_. Before the bitches come squealing back about how there are genuine intellects on SDMB, and I suck, and you suck, let me say that, yes, there are. There are even a few asshole intellects. But, in the main, the intellects have found their niche here and don’t engage in all the childish shit you are pointing out. Onward… > [@drmark2000](#): > > But you [Bricker] have encountered what any poster, including myself, finds when expressing a view at variance with those of certain other (or most) posters, especially in GD. First, they disagree, vituperatively. Then, if you hang in, they claim that this doesn’t conform to the “rules of debate” as such, and harp on that for awhile. Never mind that the the majority of posts in GD are constituted by opinions, if yours differ from theirs, suddenly “debate” becomes an issue. Umm, yeah, there is lots of creaky, clumsy, disingenuous, and outright dishonest debate going on in GD. But I think that’s human nature, and I don’t think you could make it better on another board unless you handpicked a small group of extremely mature and reasonable people to debate each other. > [@](#): > > They demand “cites,” as if it’s up to you to do their research for them. You will soon get slammed for saying this, but you are close to the mark. “Cite?” is used about 65% of the time as a stalling or harrassment technique. The biggest sin is to call “Cite?” when one is not even really in doubt over a point’s veracity or a document’s existence. If people call “Cite?” about basic facts or background information that is not in dispute, then they are indeed open to the charge of asking others to do their research for them. > [@](#): > > They beg the mods to move or close the thread. The mods, being representatives of what is now a for-profit board, know where the bulk of the money is coming from, and that’s from the idiots, who comprise the majority of our populace, unfortunately. The idiots, and their idiocy, must be supported if these boards are to continue to exist. They are paying out the bulk of the money. I don’t know if I have really noticed this phenomenon. I’ve got to disagree with the implications of your point here, though. Human nature and the _mean_ out there requires that a board like this be full of idiots and dickheads, so there’s no point in griping about it. > [@](#): > > Still, if you hang in long enough (and from the quantity of your posts, it looks like you have) you can extract a priceless button of gold from many tons of ore. Please keep at it. Yes, to me too it’s worth being here. Approaching participation here with idealism, however, leads to great frustration. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/83 "2005-12-21T01:46:54Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > Most idiots either don’t have credit cards or can’t figure out how to type the numbers into the correct box, so we don’t make a lot of money off them. > > You, I’m guessing, had someone help you. Tool. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/84 "2005-12-21T01:49:27Z")
> [@drmark2000](#): > > I will be pointing this out again wherever I see it, in any thread. And I will keep bailing water from the ocean and pouring it on the shore! ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/85 "2005-12-21T01:51:02Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > Good memory. Tool #2. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/86 "2005-12-21T01:53:52Z")
> [@drmark2000](#): > > If [posters] agree with a particular assertion, the issue of the nature of debate and demands for cites are simply not present. > > The point, again, is that when a poster agrees with a given point, demands for cites and adhering to “debate” are curiously absent. Not just absent, but DOOD, high five, you ROOL! You got HIM! “Good memory.” Yuk yuk yuk! ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/87 "2005-12-21T02:01:13Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > I myself have said, “Not that I disagree with you, but could you give me a cite for that?” on more than one occasion, and I’ve seen other folks do the same thing. If someone tells me that NASA has come out in support of science-fiction movies, I don’t \*\*disagree[/b[ with them, but I’d like to see a cite, for my own education. And if someone says that George Bush has admitted to attending dogfights as a youth, I’ll call for a cite on that, even though it meshes pretty well with my overall impression of the man. Equivocation. “Tell me more, I’m curious!” is a different bird than, “Cite?!?!”, even if expressed with the same word. > [@](#): > > As for your conduct in the other thread: my curiosity is absent. I can’t be arsed to read it, so I’ll just form my opinion of you based on your conduct in this thread. Oh no! don’t judge me, Jeezus, don’t judge me Jeezus!!! ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/88 "2005-12-21T02:08:00Z")
> [@drmark2000](#): > > You quote out of context quotes that are, themselves, quoted out of context. Interesting strategy, but easy enough to defeat. I continue to stand by everything I have said in those, and all of my other, posts. All? ALL? I won’t stand by everything I’ve said in my posts, but I will sit./QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/89 "2005-12-21T02:09:18Z")
> [@Aeschines](#): > > Oh no! don’t judge me, Jeezus, don’t judge me Jeezus!!! Too late, man–I’ve encountered you before. 🙂 Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/90 "2005-12-21T02:09:48Z")
Boy, I sure hope we can get **Aeschines** ’ opinion on _all_ the posts in this thread. That would be so awesome! Still, though, I think it’s nice that he and **drmark2000** have found each other. Two sanctimonious twats, united against the world! Message board evildoers, beware! (Sigh.) ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/91 "2005-12-21T02:26:34Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > Sure, you want to “hear what others think.” But _why_ do you want to hear what others think? From your posts, it seems clear that you’re far more interested in demonstrating your (percevied) intellectual superiority over them. You’re not interested in education, here, you want self-validation. Yeah, you’re right, only it isn’t “perceived”–it’s real! It _burns_ that he is the king and you’re the pawn, doesn’t it? Suck it up. > [@](#): > > Now, what does it say about you that you need self-validation from a bunch of random strangers you’ll likely never meet in real life? You dumbfuck: “Self-validation” _a priori_ doesn’t come from “others.” And all it means, anyway, is that he hasn’t learned to value correctly the opinion of bitches like you: \ ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/92 "2005-12-21T02:28:09Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > Boy, I sure hope we can get **Aeschines** ’ opinion on _all_ the posts in this thread. Tool. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/93 "2005-12-21T02:32:14Z")
> [@drmark2000](#): > > “Attention whore“? If _I_ got paid for posting, I guess I could be called that. But I pay, like everyone else. I think the more accurate term might be “Attention John,” under the existing circumstances. Hilarious! > [@](#): > > As for thinking I am “three times smarter” than I actually am, such an observation has little meaning to me. You see, I _do_ intelligence testing, and the concept of being “three tiimes” more intelligent than another person has no real meaning. One might be more or less “intelligent” than another on some factor or factors, but declaring multiples of such intelligence is simply inappropriate. _Heh._ > [@](#): > > Nope. You must understand that the truth remains the truth, regardless of what you opt to believe. I’ve said that before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again. How I love a man that respects the truth! > [@](#): > > Really? How so? How can these, or any boards, be “better off,” by limiting membership and input? Such a sentiment is in opposition to the free exchange of information that boards such as these provide to a degree unprecedented before in human history. No shit. Purify the boards! From now on, dumbfucks only! Dumbfucks like US only. All like us ONWEEEE! ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/94 "2005-12-21T02:34:14Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > Boy, I sure hope we can get **Aeschines** ’ opinion on _all_ the posts in this thread. That would be so awesome! We’re the only tools so far. I feel special. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/95 "2005-12-21T02:35:22Z")
> [@drmark2000](#): > > Based on past experience, if I wanted only “self-validation” I certainly wouldn’t be here. No, it seems the perfect place for you. You don’t want other people to tell you how smart you are, you want to demonstrate _to yourself_ how smart you are by picking fights here, and then dismissing anyone who rises to the bait as beneath you. > [@](#): > > Nor is the selection of posters at SDMB “random.” You have to know about SDMB, find it, subscribe to it (for a fee), and _then_ post and/or start a thread. A considerable selection process takes place all along the way. Now, see, this is fascinating. When faced with a challenge, you immediately seize on an obvious rhetorical device to nitpick. Obviously, the membership of the board isn’t truly random, but just as obviously, that was not the intent behind my phrasing. However, your need to demonstrate you perceived superiority compelled you to take the most inapposite interpretation of my post, so as to allow you to assume the role of the lecturing instructor. > [@](#): > > And after all that you still end up with a group comprised chiefly of screeching little turdlings. You have to grind through all of the ore to get at the button of gold. Still, I find it worth the effort. Does this need to validate yourself through denigration of others disturb you at all? This sort of externally-derived negative validation doesn’t seem healthy to me at all. Wouldn’t it be better to build your sense of self-worth on your own achievements, rather then in relation to how much everyone around you sucks? BTW, **Aeschines** , good to see you remain true to form. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/96 "2005-12-21T02:42:12Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > Which means that you’re getting information from us, and you’re giving information to us? Whatever he’s giving, it sure beats the blowjobs you’ve been giving each other. Talk about a mutual masturbation society. > [@](#): > > I’d be interested, first, in hearing what significant information you’ve gotten from us. I, for one, have learned what assholes you are. > [@](#): > > Keep in mind that you began the thread expressing serious contempt for other Dopers, so information that confirms this doesn’t strike me as especially significant. Ohmuhgod, contempt! contumely! holy fuck where’s the fire extinguisher?! > [@](#): > > Remember how I said that I’d form my opinion of you based on your conduct in this thread? So far, it’s not a positive opinion. Ohmuhgod, what will happen to your self-esteem, **drmark200** , did it take a nosedive? Are you OK? Speak to me, speak to ME! > [@](#): > > Rather, I’m forming a picture of you as someone who is not at all self-reflective, who enjoys expressing contempt about other people, and who has very poor listening skills. Because he won’t suck your dick? You don’t get the pic, do you? The man is a god, you are a tiny blob of shit on the road surface! He’s lucky if he can avoid stepping on you and defiling his Florsheims, muthafucka! > [@](#): > > Unless I see a change in you, this will be my last post in this therad: you just haven’t shown me anything interesting, and I’m not likely to give you further chances after this last one. No further chances! Three strikes you’re out! The fear, the terror of it! Ladies and gentleman, **Left Hand of Dorkness** has provided us with the ultimate _tool_ post. **Giraffe** and **Frank** are really going to have to study this one to upgrade their own tooldom. But that’s gonna be hard, because all three of you are _SUCH_ TOOLS! ---
**Author:** ![drmark2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a87d85/32.png) [@drmark2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drmark2000)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/97 "2005-12-21T03:02:45Z")
Jesus, all I do is head out and do a few errands for a couple of hours and come back and find a thread that I was sure was finally piddling out expanded by about 20 more posts! Merry Christmas to me! It’s going to take me awhile to work through all of this, so please bear with me, all, and especially **Aeschines**. I mean feel free to keep posting, and everything, but this is going to take me awhile, a while of sheer enjoyment. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/98 "2005-12-21T03:24:12Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > We’re the only tools so far. I feel special. I’m pretty sure it’s shorthand for “Tool of Messageboard Justice”. Like the hammer of mighty Thor, but for the Internet. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/99 "2005-12-21T03:32:39Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > You don’t want other people to tell you how smart you are, you want to demonstrate _to yourself_ how smart you are by picking fights here, and then dismissing anyone who rises to the bait as beneath you. Are you saying he’s picking someone not of his own intellectual size? I agree, you’re a mental midget. I must chastise **drmark2000** for picking on a defenseless bitch. > [@](#): > > When faced with a challenge, you immediately seize on an obvious rhetorical device to nitpick. He’s actually pretty good at it, too. It’s clear that you do not understand the spirit of Hermes, of Puck. You cling to Hera’s skirt, sniffing her cunt for comfort. > [@](#): > > Obviously, the membership of the board isn’t truly random, but just as obviously, that was not the intent behind my phrasing. However, your need to demonstrate you perceived superiority compelled you to take the most inapposite interpretation of my post, so as to allow you to assume the role of the lecturing instructor. Such fine casuistry! Can’t you just admit that you are PWNED! Hah! > [@](#): > > Does this need to validate yourself through denigration of others disturb you at all? Yes, it tears him apart. He told Father Michel about it in the confessional, then admitted that he jacks off to _Maxim_ 'cause it’s just dirty _enough_. Father spanked him for his sins. > [@](#): > > This sort of externally-derived negative validation doesn’t seem healthy to me at all. Wouldn’t it be better to build your sense of self-worth on your own achievements, rather then in relation to how much everyone around you sucks? He can’t help it. Until you stop sucking (hard), that’s going to be a part of his validation! > [@](#): > > BTW, **Aeschines** , good to see you remain true to form. All in a day’s work, my good frend! ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2005, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304/100 "2005-12-21T03:33:44Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > I’m pretty sure it’s shorthand for “Tool of Messageboard Justice”. Like the hammer of mighty Thor, but for the Internet. Lynn is Thor? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-become-of-sdmb-especially-gd-s/336304.md?page=6)