# What were you THINKING? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 13, 2023, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532 "2023-10-13T19:36:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 154
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2024, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3316 "2024-10-15T19:25:00Z")
My opinion? You are likely right, regrettably. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2024, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3317 "2024-10-15T20:11:28Z")
This thread is intended for the occcasional brain farts of the otherwise acceptable-plus posters. I’m sure there are some frequent fliers in other Pit threads whose permanent departure (voluntary or not) would be an unequivocal gain for the rest of us. Headcount isn’t everything. And controversy should not be viewed as a conserved quantity to be kept simmering. I’m not seeking a hive-mind. But there’s a difference between congenial disagreement over substance and prickly disagreement over “tone”. IMO we should shoot the folks prone to the latter. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2024, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3318 "2024-10-15T20:29:05Z")
Well, Czarcasm inspires me. I regularly laugh at things he says( in a good way, I swear😉). ---
**Author:** ![ASL\_v2.0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asl_v2.0/32/3525_2.png) [@ASL\_v2.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASL_v2.0)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3319 "2024-10-16T16:49:27Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > IMO we should shoot the folks prone to the latter. While I agree civility is overrated, I think we could all do without your wild hyperbole. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3320 "2024-10-16T20:54:06Z")
> [@Mild Pitting of Beck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mild-pitting-of-beck/1008691/457): > > > [@Mild Pitting of Beck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mild-pitting-of-beck/1008691/457): > > > > “Angry”? Not really, although that excuse to dismiss differing opinions has been used in the past, I guess. > > You have been coming across as more and more angry and aggressive over what appear to be very trifling things recently. > > I would also have characterized your response that led to the above exchange as “angry”, and… Why? In the mood of constructive criticism upon which this thread is founded, no, I wouldn’t say “Angry” but I’d probably call it confrontational. No, it’s not wrong, not actionable, and probably not a big deal at all, but it _can_ be a bit off-putting. I would never, use the term “hater” even in the diminished meaning of @Czarcasm’s later response for his posts. But confrontational, perhaps even aggressive in his arguments? Sure. The more accurate term though (IMHO) is “painfully frustrated”. That attitude has nothing to do with the validity of his opinions or feelings, whether or not I agree with him (which I do most, but not all of the time to be clear). But yeah, it’s mostly a low-stakes argument about “tone” such as @LSLGuy is (legitimately) complaining about. If we weren’t such nitpickers, it wouldn’t be worth snarking about, but, well, we’re both on _this_ board and in the Pit, so really, 'tis to be expected. 🙂 If we were seriously considering trying to grow our userbase (the subject of many a thread) then _perhaps_, just _maybe_ we’d want to consider how tone might affect new posters, but in our current circumstances, where 90+% of our new posters are trolls, trocks, or blow-ins seeking to score points, it’s a non-issue IMHO. [leaving out spammers of course, as they should be ignored, shunned, and disappeared, though granted, _probably_ not shot] And we’re generally pretty nice (keeping the gloves on at least) to new posters who don’t immediately jump into controversial subjects and topics with both boots (see the 90+% above). ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3321 "2024-10-16T22:00:22Z")
I’ll point out that with politics as it is, and will be for years, a LOT of us, me certainly included, are on edge. As @ASL_v2.0 just gently chided me for overnight. Sorta like the old coffee cup slogan: “I’m down to my last nerve and you’re getting on it.” We’re all getting older and, dare I say it, aging into crotchety. I know my patience for the petty stupidities and incompetences of modern bureaucracy, web commerce, and B&M retail is just about gone. I’m not quite ready to strap the onions to my belt and start yelling at clouds, but it wouldn’t take much. We’ve all been imaginary friends and acquaintances a long time. Maybe time for a collective big deep breath and re-enter the party with a clean shirt & a fresh outlook? I didn’t set out to write an essay, but there it is. Cheers! ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3322 "2024-10-16T23:35:34Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > We’re all getting older and, dare I say it, aging into crotchety. I’m fighting this. Not the getting older, but the getting crotchety. Especially I’m trying not to let politics set me on edge. To some this is next door to treason, such that if you’re not purple with rage you are part of the problem. With that sentiment I disagree. I’m not trying to persuade anyone to follow me, each of us has to be ourselves. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3323 "2024-10-17T00:43:30Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > We’re all getting older and, dare I say it, aging into crotchety. I am actually a whole lot less crotchety than when I was young. More achey, yes. More easily fatigued, yes. More crotchety? You didn’t know me when I was 25. – though it occurs to me that I’m now being slightly crotchety about the assumption that old people are more crotchety. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3324 "2024-10-17T00:47:58Z")
Meta-crotchety. ---
**Author:** ![ASL\_v2.0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asl_v2.0/32/3525_2.png) [@ASL\_v2.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASL_v2.0)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3325 "2024-10-17T01:16:52Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I’ll point out that with politics as it is, and will be for years, a LOT of us, me certainly included, are on edge. I put in for (most of) the day off after election day myself. Not a full day because somehow I ended up agreeing to give a presentation… about immigration and citizenship for military veterans of all things. Not that the outcome of the election could _possibly_ throw the future of US immigration and enforcement into question… Anyway, I’m glad you understood my comment was in jest. Always a worry sarcasm won’t transmit over the internet. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3326 "2024-10-17T01:30:33Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > If we were seriously considering trying to grow our userbase (the subject of many a thread) then _perhaps_, just _maybe_ we’d want to consider how tone might affect new posters, but in our current circumstances, where 90+% of our new posters are trolls, trocks, or blow-ins seeking to score points, it’s a non-issue IMHO. I actually put up [a post on my Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/laura.graf.395/posts/pfbid02YRHZ7WeZknmwbSggVXhwRizrWWWpvgdv777XsPyarTwyWxoQaQVUXNWerR3tLAjyl? __cft__ %5B0%5D=AZVQoRsAr9xyYZJ9156hh8VA6vJQXxZswlEGWVV3dcJ0hY5cY_NPIVpgqEaSatLHcY_R-oDbLsZ_lDF54MO20O6YNaw3wb31FfB0hant_64rnpppDkNDl0Ss-bNdOa8SEa7LbyWcHixhZfS1l_0bh9FmkaOBUeKJh2mbJHCME6GBJA& __tn__ =%2CO%2CP-R) inviting my FB friends (a carefully curated assortment) to come check out the Dope. I made a point of mentioning the excellent moderation and the rougher edge of the Barbecue Pit. Don’t know if anyone actually dropped in to check the place out. ETA: The two people who gave the post likes would be excellent Dopers. ---
**Author:** ![ASL\_v2.0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asl_v2.0/32/3525_2.png) [@ASL\_v2.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASL_v2.0)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3327 "2024-10-17T01:36:06Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > I am actually a whole lot less crotchety than when I was young. I mellowed considerably after my tour in Iraq. But I also became more politically savvy and stopped assuming good faith on certain issues. So it’s kind of a wash. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3328 "2024-10-17T03:29:23Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Maybe time for a collective big deep breath and re-enter the party with a clean shirt & a fresh outlook? Washing my favorite “Dead Squirrel Trading Post” shirt, as we speak… > [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > I’m fighting this. Not the getting older, but the getting crotchety. Especially I’m trying not to let politics set me on edge. Yeah, I’ll have to be much more careful until election day… this season’s been getting on my nerves. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3329 "2024-10-17T03:52:51Z")
I hope you warned them sufficiently. Newbies are not welcomed very well around these here parts. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3330 "2024-10-17T04:33:12Z")
I always feel like people should get a trophy or something for managing to threadshit in the pit. Like, you have to put effort into that. It doesn’t ‘happen’. A million to one shot, doc, a million to one. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3331 "2024-10-17T04:43:35Z")
You talking to me? Explain, please. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3332 "2024-10-17T10:56:21Z")
Actually most newbies who are truly new and not obvious trocks and trolls are welcomed, and given guidance on how this place works. Sadly we don’t get a lot of genuine new posters, but I think that’s because this is an “outdated” platform with rules, and very well moderated. No free-for-all Reddit posting, no Instagram click throughs. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3333 "2024-10-17T15:15:05Z")
When 95% of newbies are sockpuppets or just straight-up spammers, then 95% of newbies are not going to be welcomed very well. That’s only if you consider them actual “newbies”. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3334 "2024-10-17T15:40:15Z")
> [@saje](#): > > Actually most newbies who are truly new and not obvious trocks and trolls are welcomed, and given guidance on how this place works. Yup. And you’ll note in my linked FB post I suggested checking into About This Message Board and lurking to get a feel for the place before plunging in. Given how choosy I am about friending on FB, the kind of folks who’d follow the trail of bread crumbs would make sensible, intelligent, agreeable posters with a wide range of interests, who’d do very well and be welcomed. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/3335 "2024-10-17T16:40:47Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > You talking to me? Why would you think a post about threadshitting would be referring to you? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532.md?page=153) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532.md?page=155)