# 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:** 284
**Author:** ![Coriolanus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coriolanus/32/18769_2.png) [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5963 "2025-12-10T21:17:48Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Easy to forget this is a) forever and b) for everyone. Indeed. I don’t want anyone banging their heads against the wall to be enshrined in the Dope. > [@robby](#): > > At some point he decided to bring the vehicle into a shop to have them correct some of his work so he could pass inspection. > > He then moved on to accusing the shop of shoddy work I did apologize in that thread, **robby** , for misreading the “'1988” / “08” and “2008” thing, and I’ll apologize again if I came across as harsh when you and others were trying to help. I know I have never insulted anyone on this board, yet I understand you are indignant. I hope we’re cool now? One thing I must correct: I had done everything one can do _above_ ground to try and get my first MOT pass on the first try in the, well, 8 years I’ve had a car in the UK. I did not expect them to fix anything or correct anything. Most of what I did involved replacing the left signal stalk, which would have been an absolute fail, assuring the rear seatbelts would retract (bicycle teflon lubricant), also a fail, and adding a tachometer (called a rev counter here) to the steering wheel shroud. I did not expect the stalk would be redone (apparently, the one I bought had no control over the “ **rear** fog light,” which approximates having a little flashlight on the back of your car, so a Rav4 doing 90 in pea soup fog has 1/10th of a second extra to try and avert crushing me). As for “shoddy” work, I knew the small screw below the steering wheel shroud took me a long time to remove (as I explained, it’s 1" deep in a pinky-sized tunnel, and I needed a mirror to lock into it with a small Phillips. It took longer, a paper straw, and a kind of duct tape to put back on, yet since I had modded the shroud, I wanted to make sure if they looked for this screw, whatever it does, they’d find it. I did not find it last night, using a flashlight (torch if you prefer) and a mirror. It was not there. Also, yesterday, when I picked up the car, what you might consider the 11 o’clock spot was the position of the steering wheel if I wanted to drive straight on the road, and even then, the car was veering rightwards. ETA: I needed to drive my wife to an appointment with the doctor and felt the car was safe enough. I set an appointment for this morning, specifically asking to at least speak with the owner, whom I had spoken to both when the garage did my clutch and when the car failed the other day. A very nice gentleman who has been in the business as a pro north of 35 years. And you know what he did? He took the car into the garage and put that screw in. Pulled around, and invited me on a test drive to a nearby area with two parallel lines about 8 feet apart. “The alignment is off, and it’s pulling to the right,” he said. Return to the garage, and if it took him 15 minutes to put the screw in, it took 10 minutes to re-align it. For him, as I said in the thread, it must be like tying shoelaces. We do another test drive, and my blue tape is at 12 O’Clock. We did not argue. It’s his employees whom he skillfully covered for. As for the other comments, some are right and some shoddy, I mean not quite right. I’ll even add that sometimes my posts are too long and recount things I just wrote in other posts. I’ll try to correct that. Can we just go with “mostly harmless,” and I’d like to think I’m a good guy; we don’t all have to be chums. I’d like to think nobody here dislikes me. ---
**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:** [December 10, 2025, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5964 "2025-12-10T21:20:14Z")
> [@Coriolanus](#): > > I’d like to think nobody here dislikes me. AFAIK, nobody really does, or you’d be in a **different** thread. 😆 I’ve even called myself out in this thread before for posting stupid shit (and I always say, “What was I THINKING?”). ---
**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:** [December 10, 2025, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5965 "2025-12-10T21:37:37Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I’ve even called myself out in this thread before for posting stupid shit (and I always say, “What was I THINKING?”). I _created_ the thread, and was called out for my own vagueness, and see nothing wrong with it. This is the constructive criticism thread, and from the OP: > [@ParallelLines](#): > > Here’s the place to throw down, get it our of your (or their, or everyone’s) system, and then move on to the next case of misplaced enthusiasm, poor research, or foot-in-mouth disease. One of us will say something off, stupid, or double down while in the wrong but with _passion_, and then it will be our turn in the hot seat. Back when I got to do a lot of TT-RPG play, we had a small scrap of paper, long worn with use, and tattered at the edges. On it, written in exquisite handwriting, was the following: “I committed the Blunder of the Game award!” It got passed along A LOT, where it was from getting the fumble at the worst possible moment, for wasting valuable cooldowns on a non-consequence event, or what have you. Proof we’re all human, except for some of you, who are apparently dogs. 😉 ---
**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:** [December 10, 2025, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5966 "2025-12-10T21:52:00Z")
As the saying went: > On the internet no one knows if you’re a dog. Everyone knows if you’re an asshole. Some folks are more mistake prone than others. Some are just goofier than others. A charitable spirit goes a long way. ---
**Author:** ![Coriolanus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coriolanus/32/18769_2.png) [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5967 "2025-12-10T21:56:53Z")
When I saw the yellow 1 by my avatar, I didn’t know what the thread was. I read what **robby** wrote and up scrolls **LSLGuy** ’s comment, and a quick glance at the scrollbar at least showed it wasn’t like the _queue_ in “Airplane!” where people are _lined_ up to slap the hysterical woman. A quasi-pit thread. Fair enough. Better than the kind **Atamasama** alluded to, which must be like those CGI shapes in “Ghost” that drag you off screaming. 😁 ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5968 "2025-12-10T22:58:55Z")
Ah, nevermind. ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2025, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5969 "2025-12-10T23:51:48Z")
No no no. Ive seen this before. You are doing it wrong. You are supposed to dig your heals in and demand that its everyone else that doesn’t understand. Seriously though, a mature and reasoned response. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5970 "2025-12-11T00:19:50Z")
This thread is mostly for ordinarily cool people having an off moment. ---
**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:** [December 11, 2025, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5971 "2025-12-11T00:22:56Z")
> [@FluffyBob](#): > > You are supposed to dig your heals in and demand that its everyone else that doesn’t understand. You know, as someone who plays quite a few games (including MMORPGS) as a _healer_, this is EXACTLY what you do. 🤣 But yes, kudos to @Coriolanus for taking the (minor) complaint and working with the _intent_. I have failed that test more than once. ---
**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:** [December 11, 2025, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5972 "2025-12-11T00:26:25Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > You know, as someone who plays quite a few games (including MMORPGS) as a _healer_, this is EXACTLY what you do. 🤣 [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nCYC0nd46ms/hqdefault.jpg "World of warcraft: priest\_song (Original)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCYC0nd46ms) ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2025, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5973 "2025-12-11T03:57:33Z")
> [@Coriolanus](#): > > I know I have never insulted anyone on this board, yet I understand you are indignant. I hope we’re cool now? Yes, definitely. Thanks for the apology and for coming back with a cool and measured response. > [@FluffyBob](#): > > Seriously though, a mature and reasoned response. Exactly. That goes a long way. By the way, I’m glad to hear that you gave the shop a chance to address your concerns, I think that was the right move, certainly before more drastic measures. Litigation should always be your last resort, IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5974 "2025-12-12T04:41:43Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > Proof we’re all human, except for some of you, who are apparently dogs. We may well have multiple dogs posting on this board (and probably do) but I wish to point out that AFAIK only one of us has openly acknowledged his canine heritage. ---
**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5975 "2025-12-12T06:24:17Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Trust me. I was only 20 and usually hungover A good hangover means the extra yeast on your breath adds flavour to your dough! I’ve made pizza with my kids, when they were around 6 and 8. I directed, but they did everything except removing the hot pizza from the oven. They turned out fine, with the possible exception that one of my kids likes Hawaiian pizza, which would be an abomination in Italy. ---
**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:** [December 12, 2025, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5976 "2025-12-12T16:29:59Z")
But how many of us are cats? ---
**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:** [December 12, 2025, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5977 "2025-12-12T16:35:43Z")
Or are controlled by cats? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5978 "2025-12-12T16:51:42Z")
I’m definitely controlled by cats. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5979 "2025-12-12T16:57:04Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > But how many of us are cats? _looks at my avatar_ No comment. ---
**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:** [December 12, 2025, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5980 "2025-12-12T17:49:06Z")
Yup (+characters 🙄 ) ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2025, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5981 "2025-12-12T20:29:53Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > looks at my avatar _thought avatar was Ewok_ _looks closer_ oh _notices username_ ohhh ---
**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:** [December 12, 2025, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/5982 "2025-12-12T21:23:38Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > thought avatar was Ewok He could be an Ewok… From a certain point of view. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532.md?page=283) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532.md?page=285)