# 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:** 366
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2026, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7691 "2026-07-28T21:24:25Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > Add to that my mom having a resistance to turning things off. “Turn it off and on again”, “it still doesn’t work”, “did you turn it off”, “no”. I don’t understand what she’s thinking either. Insane’s been defined as doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. I’m not sure what _not_ doing anything and expecting different results is. ---
**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:** [July 28, 2026, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7692 "2026-07-28T21:52:19Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Something I always liked on some of my previous routers was the access control list. It wouldn’t allow anyone to connect a new device until I logged in and specifically allowed it to be on the network. It did, however, cause a few headaches because I’d always forget about it and spend a half hour trying to figure out why a friend couldn’t get online or a new IOT device couldn’t access the internet. They don’t have that any more? I think it’s a great idea but I’ve never heard it called an “access control list”, which is a term usually used to describe OS file protection mechanisms. In a router, it’s more commonly called a MAC address filter. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2026, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7693 "2026-07-28T22:48:26Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > 🤪 And some people still complain about moderation against thread hijacks. 🤯 ---
**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:** [July 28, 2026, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7694 "2026-07-28T22:59:13Z")
To be fair, it’s pretty loose in the Pit, though even here someone might step in if it gets too ridiculous. ---
**Author:** ![Baal\_Houtham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baal_houtham/32/13604_2.png) [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7695 "2026-07-29T01:23:42Z")
@Whack-a-Mole still can’t[stop in the USB-B thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-usb-b-exist-computer-cable/1031930/152). The explanations have been clear and constant, but he refuses to accept that having USB-A connectors on both ends is a moronic idea. The multiple comparisons to an extension cord with a male plug on both ends are right on the money. His brilliant response is saying that USB cords with double “A” head wouldn’t kill us. Jezzus. The mole has been whacked 50 times, but is sure his brilliant electronic insights will triumph. ---
**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:** [July 29, 2026, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7696 "2026-07-29T01:39:00Z")
There are none so blind … ---
**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:** [July 29, 2026, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7697 "2026-07-29T02:13:12Z")
It does feel like he has an appropriate user name. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7698 "2026-07-29T03:45:27Z")
So let’s recap. USB- A and USB-B are EXACTLY the same from one end to the other. Exactly. The contention here is that is necessary so people only plug things into the correct thing. But there is no reason we need a USB-B plug to save us from being stupid. USB-A is the same. If you had a USB-A device and a USB-B device USB-A on each end would work exactly the same. It’s up to the peripheral to get it right. Which is exactly what they do. How is USB-B saving us? Same wires…literally (I’ve shown that). One end to the other. Let’s says it was USB-A both ends…how would this be messed up when plugged in? Same wires; both ends. A pic of an extension cord does not tell the story. It is about how the peripheral deals with it. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7699 "2026-07-29T03:53:29Z")
We can explain it to you, but we can’t understand it for you. You’re going to have to do that part, and it might take a little more effort than you’re putting into it. ---
**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:** [July 29, 2026, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7700 "2026-07-29T03:55:37Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > A pic of an extension cord does not tell the story. It really does. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7701 "2026-07-29T03:58:07Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > It really does. It really does not. Imagine is was USB-A both sides. Would the printer and/or your PC blow up or be fried? If yes, why? What does USB-B bring that prevents this from happening? ---
**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:** [July 29, 2026, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7702 "2026-07-29T04:01:36Z")
You don’t have the education or experience to argue with those who do on this subject and who have been patient with you. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7703 "2026-07-29T04:12:22Z")
Either you have come up with a new connector design that the creators of the USB standard and every computer manufacturer since then did not think of, or you aren’t understanding what people are telling you. You obviously think it’s the former. I’d like to gently suggest you consider the possibility that it’s the latter. ---
**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:** [July 29, 2026, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7704 "2026-07-29T04:19:04Z")
Remember that this is the same asshole that thought that the entire SDMB needs to change its well understood definition of threadshitting because the term is used differently elsewhere > [@What is "threadshitting" v.2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-threadshitting-v-2/929362): > > In this thread: @Colibri claimed that I and another poster were “threadshitting.” I completely understand what @Colibri was trying to moderate and I agree. This is NOT about moderating the board. I am curious about the use of “threadshitting.” All of the definitions I see are nothing like what happened in that thread: Threadshitting is threadjacking with intentionally vile content which includes extremely NSFW images… [SOURCE](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=threadshit) And… threadshit threadsh-tting is threadjacking with inte… ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7705 "2026-07-29T04:20:48Z")
I am curious…four wires are on the A side. Where do you think they go on the B side? Do you think the arrangement is important? ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7706 "2026-07-29T04:31:14Z")
The shape of the connector is important. If you don’t understand why, go back and read the original thread. Make an attempt to learn instead of continuing to simply spew ignorance. That’s all I’ll say on the subject. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7707 "2026-07-29T04:35:40Z")
It’s up to the peripheral to get it right.I see no reason why the shape of the plug makes a difference. That is suggesting the people making peripherals are getting it wrong and could cause mayhem if you used USB-A. How does that work in your world? A manufacturer can pin out USB-B but not get it right using USB-A? ---
**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:** [July 29, 2026, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7708 "2026-07-29T04:36:58Z")
There is no way that you’re not trolling because no one can be that willfully fucking ignorant. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7709 "2026-07-29T04:41:42Z")
How? I have four wires connecting one side. I need four wires connecting to the other side. It is that simple. But you are saying it can only work if they are in a USB-B shape. USB-A will break it all. There is no comparison to an extension cord. It is not that. In your world the same wires doing the same exact thing at each end are somehow different if they are arranged in a different shape. ---
**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:** [July 29, 2026, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532/7710 "2026-07-29T04:49:56Z")
Sure thing, troll. All of the experts with education in engineering and use these things in their career and wrong and don’t get it. You on the other hand who is uneducated and have no relevant experience is on to something. You’re just trolling. Fuck off. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532.md?page=365) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-you-thinking/991532.md?page=367)