# Why Make Something Simple and Easy, when You can Use Complexity For No Good Reason? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 15, 2008, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488 "2008-03-15T19:11:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/1 "2008-03-15T19:11:46Z")
Why in the name of the mike did [THIS](http://www.target.com/Kingston-Brass-Toilet-Paper-Holder/dp/B000787IVE/sr=1-7/qid=1205607848/ref=sr_1_7/601-6336294-0023320?ie=UTF8&pricerange=&index=target&field-browse=1038576&rh=k%3Atoilet%20paper%20holder&page=2) model of toilet paper holder become popular in homes? When [THIS](http://www.target.com/Bannockburn-Paper-Holder-Brushed-Nickel/dp/B000EN6NXG/sr=1-12/qid=1205607693/ref=sr_1_12/601-6336294-0023320?ie=UTF8&pricerange=&index=target&field-browse=1038576&rh=k%3Atoilet%20paper%20holder&page=2) is far easier to reload, has no moving parts and just looks better. Oh, how I love the hook-style TP holder. Any other examples of Rube Goldberg type engineering? ---
**Author:** ![Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harriet_the_Spry)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/2 "2008-03-15T19:17:01Z")
Have you not had the problem of rolls falling off the hook types? Maybe some of them work as intended, but I the ones I have encountered have had that problem. I agree the design, if it works as intended, makes sense. But if the proportions aren’t right they don’t work well. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/3 "2008-03-15T19:21:13Z")
Nope, never, and I’ve had a hook style installed for years. I even have two young kids, and never does the TP fly off. Especially if the end of the hook bends up, to keep it centered. And even if it does come off, just slip 'er back on. Brilliant! ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/4 "2008-03-15T19:50:31Z")
Security, my good man. Security. ---
**Author:** ![meenie7](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7993a0/32.png) [@meenie7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/meenie7)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/5 "2008-03-15T19:58:57Z")
[QUOTE=cmyk] Why in the name of the mike did [THIS](http://www.target.com/Kingston-Brass-Toilet-Paper-Holder/dp/B000787IVE/sr=1-7/qid=1205607848/ref=sr_1_7/601-6336294-0023320?ie=UTF8&pricerange=&index=target&field-browse=1038576&rh=k%3Atoilet%20paper%20holder&page=2) model of toilet paper holder become popular in homes? When [THIS](http://www.target.com/Bannockburn-Paper-Holder-Brushed-Nickel/dp/B000EN6NXG/sr=1-12/qid=1205607693/ref=sr_1_12/601-6336294-0023320?ie=UTF8&pricerange=&index=target&field-browse=1038576&rh=k%3Atoilet%20paper%20holder&page=2) is far easier to reload, has no moving parts and just looks better. [/QUOTE] Well, not everyone has to agree it looks better. I think it looks like something that belongs in a mental hospital or something, where people aren’t allowed to have things they could take apart. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/6 "2008-03-15T20:10:07Z")
I’m just going to tell a little story to pre-empt the answer “hook style is bad because you can bump the roll off and it falls in the toilet.” As a small child, learning how to pull my weight around the house, I decided to refill the toilet paper holder when a roll ran out. Didn’t ask permission, didn’t seek advice: I’d seen it done, knew I could handle it. Made [del]two[/del] three mistakes: replaced the roll immediately after flushing, didn’t put the lid down, and didn’t keep a firm grip on the spindle part while making the exchange. Yep: in _and away_ it went. Result? My dad got to find out where you go to buy a replacement spindle for a toilet roll holder. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/7 "2008-03-15T20:22:40Z")
What is going on in your guys’es bathrooms that you need to make sure the TP is welded into place! Anyway, it IS better looking, cuz I said so, and I am _the_ authority on TP decor. [/Jack Black] Also, the hook comes in handy if there’s an intruder during your Morning Constitutional. Rip it from the wall, and wield away, pirate style. Arrrrgh. ---
**Author:** ![Thorium\_Indium\_Potassium](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c2a13f/32.png) [@Thorium\_Indium\_Potassium](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thorium_Indium_Potassium)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/8 "2008-03-15T20:29:57Z")
[QUOTE=meenie7] Well, not everyone has to agree it looks better. I think it looks like something that belongs in a mental hospital or something, where people aren’t allowed to have things they could take apart. [/QUOTE] You’ve just inspired me to go look in the bathrooms at work on Monday to see if they have the traditional holders or hooked holders. My bet is on traditional holders. ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/9 "2008-03-15T21:02:22Z")
Our TP holder is a wrought-iron number in the design of a fish skeleton. It has a plain straight bar with a ball on one end. I bought it because (1) I was tired of putzing around with the damn spindle, (2) it looks cool, and (3) this way I can easily fix the roll when Mr. S replaces it WRONG (with the end going down the back). As far as I know, the TP has never yet tried to make a break for it. ---
**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:** [March 15, 2008, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/10 "2008-03-15T21:07:43Z")
The one in our powder room sometimes results in the roll making a bid for freedom. Seems to me the pointy part should point backwards, then the normal motion for extricating the paper wouldn’t fling the roll anywhere that gave it any ideas. ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/11 "2008-03-15T21:28:40Z")
> [@](#): > > I can easily fix the roll when Mr. S replaces it WRONG (with the end going down the back). The end is supposed to go down the back. If it goes down the front, it is wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2008, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/12 "2008-03-15T23:50:39Z")
Damn, all you fancy types and your toilet paper holders. I just stick the roll on the back of the toilet sans any hardware whatsoever. That’s mainly because I don’t use toilet paper anymore (wet wipes for grown ups - \*the \* invention of the last 100 years) and it’s only there for visitors who haven’t gotten with the ass wiping times. ---
**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:** [March 15, 2008, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/13 "2008-03-15T23:56:08Z")
But if the roll sits on the back of the toilet, completely unfettered, then it can run around wherever it wants. It’s anarchy. ---
**Author:** ![Robin\_Goodfellow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Robin\_Goodfellow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robin_Goodfellow)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2008, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/14 "2008-03-16T00:19:04Z")
[QUOTE=cmyk] Nope, never, and I’ve had a hook style installed for years. I even have two young kids, and never does the TP fly off. Especially if the end of the hook bends up, to keep it centered. And even if it does come off, just slip 'er back on. Brilliant! [/QUOTE] Or just slip it into a spring-loaded one and not have to worry about directional torque. Brilliant! My TP station is positioned so I may be using my left or right hand to partake of its civilized softness - I don’t like the idea of having to think about the correct angle just so it won’t tumble off into the corner during my hour of need. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2008, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/15 "2008-03-16T00:29:26Z")
So for who is the first one difficult or too complex? Please don’t say George Bush, it’s pick n Hillary week. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2008, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/16 "2008-03-16T00:37:49Z")
[QUOTE=cmyk] What is going on in your guys’es bathrooms that you need to make sure the TP is welded into place! [/QUOTE] We have cats. 'Nuff said. ---
**Author:** ![BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bcef8e/32.png) [@BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2008, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/17 "2008-03-16T00:49:28Z")
Sorry to say, but everyone here is wrong. As usual, [Japan](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6WnbSqkEy8) has us all beat in terms of all things toilet-related. Sorry it’s youtube-- it’s the only picture I could find. And while the person in the video doesn’t do it, it’s possible to change the old tube for the new one with one motion. How could it be any better? ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2008, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/18 "2008-03-16T00:56:23Z")
Border collies are especially good at testing toilet paper holding apparati, thus the need in my home for welding the TP in place. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2008, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/19 "2008-03-16T01:29:29Z")
[QUOTE=BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed] Sorry to say, but everyone here is wrong. As usual, [Japan](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6WnbSqkEy8) has us all beat in terms of all things toilet-related. Sorry it’s youtube-- it’s the only picture I could find. And while the person in the video doesn’t do it, it’s possible to change the old tube for the new one with one motion. How could it be any better? [/QUOTE] I’ve got a paper towel holder that uses the same idea. I think it’s [this one](http://www.rubbermaid.com/rubbermaid/product/product.jhtml?prodId=HPProd100106). ---
**Author:** ![Celyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9dc877/32.png) [@Celyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celyn)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2008, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488/20 "2008-03-16T02:29:22Z")
[QUOTE=Cluricaun] Damn, all you fancy types and your toilet paper holders. I just stick the roll on the back of the toilet sans any hardware whatsoever. … [/QUOTE] Yep. I vote for this option. Or, better still, somewhere I can just easily get the stuff without a bit of backward-leaning bend-and-stretch when all I want to do is to wipe my backside free of - ahem - unwantedness. But I _suppose_ all you people with the added children peripherals or the cat or the border collie (and don’t you _know_ that it is meant to be labradors who are famous for that, if we are to believe what the television commercials tell us?) might be forgiven for going the more complicated way. Confession: yes, there is one of those springed “take little roller off, then put roll of paper on” things in my bathroom, but, it is not convenient, so I only put paper on it just because, Everest-like, it is there. In fact I just tend to regard it as something that will always be there as emergency backup should supplies run low - that’s how often that thing gets used. Tangential things: 1: Bannockburn? It is the name of one of the pics linked to in the O.P. A toilet roll holder named “Bannockburn”? Um, well, why? I really think they all had more to worry about at the battle of Bannockburn than how to clean up politely after using the (then non-existent) “facilities”. Clean indoor bathrooms were not all that big a trend in 1314, especially if you were busily having a bit of a war at the time. 1. At least no-one has yet mentioned those terrible crochet or knitted things, that used to infest any “good cause” (mainly church) sale of work or whatever. You know, the things where you can disguise the spare roll of toilet paper as a lady in a strangely knitted crinoline, because, although you might want to ensure there was a spare roll in the bathroom for your household and your guests, you must NOT, on any account, expect that your guest might wish to see such a thing, so it must therefore be disguised as the crochet crinoline lady. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-make-something-simple-and-easy-when-you-can-use-complexity-for-no-good-reason/441488.md?page=2)