# 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:** 319
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6750 "2026-02-27T16:16:19Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > And what do you think it more likely to be incorrect, a random, uncited AI answer or the source it came from? That question has already been answered, and the link is below. In short, Googling for internet sources yielded a tremendous amount of bullshit, but ChatGPT in this instance ignored the bullshit and gave a useful answer. > [@AI is wonderful and will make your life better! (not)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-is-wonderful-and-will-make-your-life-better-not/1021117/586): > > One way is to ask it for citations. Any reasonable AI (e.g. ChatGPT) will find cites online, of various quality (just like searching yourself). I got this partial list of cites (including the the straight dope) from putting wolfpup’s query in chatgpt. Now these aren’t primary sources, but for casual queries it’s at least a starting point and does keep the AI output grounded. The LLM does a search, reads the results, and synthesizes an answer based on that and its own training data in a few s… ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6751 "2026-02-27T16:18:09Z")
> [@Johnny\_Bravo](#): > > Can this please not be another thread where wolfpup tells everybody else how great AI is? We already have one of those. I don’t think I was the prime instigator, but I agree – this is getting out of hand and totally derailing the thread, and I apologize for my part in it. ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6752 "2026-02-27T16:19:31Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > I think there used to be a rule that you couldn’t post things written by people off-board as your post, I.e., I couldn’t say, “My wife’s not a member, but she’s an expert in rattlesnakes, and so I’m letting her take over the keyboard to write….” I don’t believe that was ever a rule here. ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6753 "2026-02-27T16:58:37Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > I don’t believe that was ever a rule here. Maybe it was a rule in my imagination. Edit: Under “Terms of Service” there’s this line: > Your account is solely for your personal use and is not to be shared with family or friends. I believe that, a long time ago, I read a poster being chastised for posting something on their account that was written by a family member who wanted to respond to a thread without registering their own account; but I have no way to look that up. ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6754 "2026-02-27T17:25:03Z")
Changing the subject…I’m so glad a Mod shut that Bad Names for Trump thread. There is not an ugly name or slur that hasn’t been directed at him. Millions I’m, personally, sick to death with reading his real name. Bad names for him do nothing but litter my peace of mind. And there’s like 13 other threads just like it. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2026, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6755 "2026-02-27T17:36:41Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > I believe that, a long time ago, I read a poster being chastised for posting something on their account that was written by a family member who wanted to respond to a thread without registering their own account; but I have no way to look that up. My memory supports yours. I can’t remember the details but I know at least one person got some heat for having someone else use their account. ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6756 "2026-02-27T17:46:53Z")
I don’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday but I recall that that situation was someone sharing an account so either one could be posting and we wouldn’t know which was which. Having someone else post on one specific FQ and clearly announcing it should be generally ok. ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6757 "2026-02-27T18:03:01Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Maybe it was a rule in my imagination. > > Edit: Under “Terms of Service” there’s this line: Hm, good point, but I don’t think we’d ding someone for the specific hypothetical you posted, at least as a one-off. We want to avoid the situation **hajario** describes, but I don’t think it’d be a problem if it were clearly labelled, especially if it was an FQ type thing, and not just opinion or political. ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6758 "2026-02-27T18:38:33Z")
Fair–it was a long time ago and my memory of it is super-vague. ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6759 "2026-02-27T21:44:01Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > believe that, a long time ago, I read a poster being chastised for posting something on their account that was written by a family member who wanted to respond to a thread without registering their own account; but I have no way to look that up. I think I also ran into something of the sort. I do remember, years ago, a family member who’s not a board member wanting me to post something on the boards as if it were my question when it would have been their words, and I told them that was against the rules. Maybe I thought that but it wasn’t so? I don’t think I wanted to do it, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2026, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6760 "2026-02-27T21:49:11Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > I do remember, years ago, a family member who’s not a board member wanting me to post something on the boards as if it were my question when it would have been their words, and I told them that was against the rules. Well, I don’t think that this is against the rules. If you clearly state that a friend/family member came up with a question you couldn’t answer and turn to the board, I see nothing wrong with it. I think I have done that a few times, without repercussions. ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6761 "2026-02-27T21:55:37Z")
I think the “not being a jerk” is tied up in clearly crediting other people, on and off board, for their insight and input. It doesn’t have to be a lot more complicated than that for one-off issues. If it is a frequent thing, or there are grounds for confusion (see the brouhaha with Sam\_Stone’s son), then it would be a good idea to reach out to the mods. Basically, don’t misrepresent yourself or your ideas. Don’t be a jerk. 🙂 ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6762 "2026-02-27T21:59:07Z")
It wasn’t that sort of thing. It was an issue on which he thought people here would give an answer he disagreed with, and he would take that as a reason why I shouldn’t take seriously anything anyone says here. I thought/think he’s right about the issue, but wrong that there’s no room for reasonable disagreement about it. (Not about politics; and if I went into detail about why he has the opinion I’d be at risk of identifying him here, which I haven’t asked permission of him for.) ETA: I agree that I don’t think “somebody asked me this and I don’t know the answer, does anybody here?” would be against the rules; but he wanted me to post his voice as if it were my voice, or at least I took it that way at the time. It was some years ago.) ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2026, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6763 "2026-02-27T21:59:49Z")
Ah, understood. Thanks. ---
**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:** [February 27, 2026, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6764 "2026-02-27T23:53:26Z")
My cats are always wanting me to ask questions whether you guys agree to an earlier dinner time. Shhh. I told them no one on here likes or even cares about a steekin’ cat. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2026, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6765 "2026-02-28T02:52:10Z")
I love steenkin’ cats. 😸 ---
**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:** [February 28, 2026, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6766 "2026-02-28T02:55:31Z")
Shhhhhh!! ---
**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:** [February 28, 2026, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6767 "2026-02-28T06:09:53Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > > [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > > > Maybe it was a rule in my imagination. > > > > Edit: Under “Terms of Service” there’s this line: > > Hm, good point, but I don’t think we’d ding someone for the specific hypothetical you posted, at least as a one-off. We want to avoid the situation **hajario** describes, but I don’t think it’d be a problem if it were clearly labelled, especially if it was an FQ type thing, and not just opinion or political. I also think it’s relevant whether you take responsibility for the post. If i said, “my husband is an expert in VIm, and he says you should do XYZ to resolve the problem you are having”, i an crediting my husband, but I’m also taking responsibility for the post. You can blame me if it’s a really bad answer. Having people share an account diffuses that sense of the owner of the account taking responsibility for the post. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2026, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6768 "2026-02-28T06:49:54Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > I just thought with a user name like @The_Librarian they might be some sort of compulsive book hoarder who took offense to the mere suggestion they might have a problem. Gods, you’re a sad old motherfucker. ---
**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:** [February 28, 2026, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/6769 "2026-02-28T06:50:59Z")
I don’t know what to tell my conjoined twin now. (Oh wait, that’s my other personality.i can’t say that, hush! You’re so pushy ) 😀🙃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532.md?page=318) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532.md?page=320)