# You can't like that! I like that! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 9, 2006, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759 "2006-03-09T23:39:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![bubastis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d07c76/32.png) [@bubastis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bubastis)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/121 "2006-03-14T00:53:47Z")
> [@NoClueBoy](#): > > Excellent point. We’ll just throw rocks at all the other posters then, since you and I seem to somewhat understand each other’s thoughts, regardless of total agreement. > I get the first toss! Who will it be…? Throw at Voodoo Lou! He’s over there. Just turn around and aim, don’t mind me… (Picks up Rock) Just keeeeep looking that way… (Aims at NoClueBoy)… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_It_s_That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/122 "2006-03-14T02:58:07Z")
Ow, my eyeball! ---
**Author:** ![Askia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/123 "2006-03-14T07:22:33Z")
90% of everything is crap. 8% is above average. 2% is brilliant. Sometimes, exceptional. Popularity will always ruin the 2%. Sometimes snobs have it right. ---
**Author:** ![Scissorjack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c67d28/32.png) [@Scissorjack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scissorjack)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/124 "2006-03-14T07:56:17Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > I don’t see what the big deal is. If something I like becomes mega-popular, I continue to like it. I just start liking it ironically, which preserves my cool factor. Problem sovled. Yeah, but between hip and kitsch there’s always that awkward transition phase of twee. What we hipsters really need is something that goes from being cool because no-one else has heard of it to being cool because everyone else is sick of it without any of the tiresome interim where it’s just starting to pall. ---
**Author:** ![Eleusis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/125 "2006-03-14T08:10:25Z")
> [@Case Sensitive](#): > > Yeah, but between hip and kitsch there’s always that awkward transition phase of twee. What we hipsters really need is something that goes from being cool because no-one else has heard of it to being cool because everyone else is sick of it without any of the tiresome interim where it’s just starting to pall. This is still fucked. Nothing has ever been cool just because noone else has heard of it. Nothing has ever been cool just because every else likes it. Nothing has ever been cool just because every else thinks it sucks. Nothing has ever been cool just because every else is sick of it. … and much more so: Nothing has ever been uncool just because you only found about it today. > [@](#): > > What we hipsters HAHAHAHHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA I can’t imagine anybody cool ever calling themselves that. I lived in Wicker Park for many years, and while _other people_ might have called me that, nobody cool would ever allow themselves to be categorized in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![Eleusis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/126 "2006-03-14T08:17:28Z")
The funniest thing, to me, is that some of you people judge “cool”, based on obscurity. I’ll bet half of you are “goth” and the other half are “emo”. Whatever the fuck that means. I’ll fucking TELL you what cool is: Cool is people from ANY genre liking you because don’t DISCRIMINATE. A cool person will enjoy 80% of ALL music, and laugh at people who laugh at other people. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 8:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/127 "2006-03-14T08:39:44Z")
If you’re worrying about whether or not you’re cool, then you aren’t. ---
**Author:** ![Eleusis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/128 "2006-03-14T08:42:59Z")
> [@Little Nemo](#): > > If you’re worrying about whether or not you’re cool, then you aren’t. Thank you, very true. Unfortunately at least half the people in this way stupid thread are worried about it, and therefore, aren’t. ---
**Author:** ![Eleusis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/129 "2006-03-14T08:47:58Z")
> [@Little Nemo](#): > > Not me. I came here because I was a regular over on the AOL Straight Dope board. Unlike most of you newbies. Uncool. ---
**Author:** ![Scissorjack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c67d28/32.png) [@Scissorjack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scissorjack)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/130 "2006-03-14T09:50:00Z")
> [@Eleusis](#): > > I can’t imagine anybody cool ever calling themselves that. Not only am I a hipster, but [I Am A Sensitive Artist](http://www.lyricsdownload.com/king-missile-sensitive-artist-lyrics.html). Nobody understands me because I am so deep. In my work I make allusions to books that nobody else has read, Music that nobody else has heard, And art that nobody else has seen. I can’t help it, Because I am so much more intelligent And well-rounded Than everyone who surrounds me. ---
**Author:** ![Eleusis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/131 "2006-03-14T10:12:09Z")
> [@Case Sensitive](#): > > Not only am I a hipster, but [I Am A Sensitive Artist](http://www.lyricsdownload.com/king-missile-sensitive-artist-lyrics.html). > > Nobody understands me because I am so deep. > In my work I make allusions to books that nobody else has read, > Music that nobody else has heard, > And art that nobody else has seen. > I can’t help it, > Because I am so much more intelligent > And well-rounded > Than everyone who surrounds me. Teehee. I get it. Good one 😉 ---
**Author:** ![pizzabrat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e9c0ed/32.png) [@pizzabrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pizzabrat)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/132 "2006-03-14T15:19:39Z")
> [@Eleusis](#): > > Thank you, very true. Unfortunately at least half the people in this way stupid thread are worried about it, and therefore, aren’t. Uh, are you sure **Little Nemo** wasn’t talking about you? You’re the one who responded **Case Sensitive** ’s tounge-in-cheek, slightly self-depricating, yet ultimately insightful post (he’s spot on about the cycle of a cultural phenomenon’s popularity and its relative “hipness” throughout the duration) with a straight-faced outline of what is and isn’t “cool”. I think it’s a bit cooler to be able to laughingly refer to yourself as a “hipster” than to purposefully refrain from doing so because you know you’d get ridiculed. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/133 "2006-03-14T15:39:54Z")
> [@Askia](#): > > 90% of everything is crap. > > 8% is above average. > > 2% is brilliant. Sometimes, exceptional. > > Popularity will always ruin the 2%. > > Sometimes snobs have it right. Bullshit. ---
**Author:** ![Askia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/134 "2006-03-14T16:11:35Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > Bullshit. To which I reply: _Au contraire, mon Scumpoochi._ This theory works remarkably well with the vast majority of whatever scene/happening/trend/innovation/leisure experience you would care to name. Frequently the best experiences are the ones that endure with tight control, smaller numbers, more time, little captiulation to outside influences, denying unrestricted access to the slavering masses and ignoring the compromises that comes with sacrificing quality for more lucre, power or fame. This works with all the arts, pretty much any invention or technological innovation, one’s personal interrelationships, travel experiences, performances, political debate and public policy, educational opportunities, etc. When everyone wants the richness of a small, elite experience or community, it always ceases to be as rich as it once was. Numbers ruin intimacy. But if my numbers distress you, we can compromise. Let’s see: 90% crap, 7%-9% above average, 3%-1% brilliant or exceptionanal. Don’t tell your Mom. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/135 "2006-03-14T16:28:40Z")
> [@Askia](#): > > To which I reply: _Au contraire, mon Scumpoochi._ This theory works remarkably well with the vast majority of whatever scene/happening/trend/innovation/leisure experience you would care to name. Frequently the best experiences are the ones that endure with tight control, smaller numbers, more time, little captiulation to outside influences, denying unrestricted access to the slavering masses and ignoring the compromises that comes with sacrificing quality for more lucre, power or fame. > > This works with all the arts, pretty much any invention or technological innovation, one’s personal interrelationships, travel experiences, performances, political debate and public policy, educational opportunities, etc. When everyone wants the richness of a small, elite experience or community, it always ceases to be as rich as it once was. Numbers ruin intimacy. > > But if my numbers distress you, we can compromise. Let’s see: 90% crap, 7%-9% above average, 3%-1% brilliant or exceptionanal. Don’t tell your Mom. Perhaps I might be persuaded to your point of view if you could give an example or two. ---
**Author:** ![Askia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2006, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/136 "2006-03-14T18:23:30Z")
The first thing that occurred to me: Vlasic pickles after Wal-Mart’s introduction if the three dollar gallon-size pice jar. Another: the steady shrinking variety and topics of newspaper daily syndicated comics. The downward spiral of Napster’s online file-sharing experience by fall 2000. J.K. Rowling’s writing after Chamber of Secrets. Stephen King’s writing style since his novel and short story protagonists moved from working class schmoes to middle class (and higher) careers earners. Dave Chappelle’s Show after #204 (“Rick James’ True Hollywood Stories”) The choas in Michael Jackson’s personal and professional life since “Thriller.” (And most especially after he and mitigating infleuence mega-producer Quincy Jones parted ways after “Bad” after Jones couldn’t stop getting Mike from having sleepovers with little boys.) The gentrification of local communities in Aspen, Colorado; Savannah, Georgia; and Atlanta, Georgia after “discoveries” by Hollywood, author John Berendt and The 1996 Olympics. When rock and roll emerged from bars, honky tonks, race music venues and clubs to wide mainstream.acceptance. When disco went from the underground club scene to wide mainstream acceptance. When rap/hip-hop went from block parties, clubs and street corner battles to wide mainstream mainstream. American pop music since… okay, wait, that’s always been crap… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/137 "2006-03-15T00:19:51Z")
> [@Askia](#): > > The first thing that occurred to me: Vlasic pickles after Wal-Mart’s introduction if the three dollar gallon-size pice jar… > > [snip] > > American pop music since… okay, wait, that’s always been crap… 😃 None of that proves your 90% of everything is crap designation. And I can give you a segment of entertainment that breaks the mold: video games. Whine all you want about inflated review scores but there are very few games that are absolutely unplayable. Nearly everything is at least average and with the genre stratification there will likely be someone somewhere that considers even the lowest rated game a work of art. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/138 "2006-03-15T00:27:39Z")
Just for fun, I went to [GameTab.com](http://GameTab.com) and loaded up their random game finder. After removing games that have yet to be released, here’s what I got: 1. Def Jam: Fight For New York (Xbox) 2. Wrath Unleashed (PS2) 3. The Incredibles (Xbox) 4. Super Monkey Ball Jr. (GBA) 5. WarioWare Touched! (DS) 6. Burnout (Xbox) 7. Planetside: Core Combat (PC) 8. BeyBlade: Super Tournament Battle (GC) 9. Blade and Sword (PC) 10. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003 (Xbox) Can anyone honestly tell me that _nine_ of those games are crap. I’ll expand the list out if necessary. ---
**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:** [March 15, 2006, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/139 "2006-03-15T00:46:28Z")
> [@Justin\_Bailey](#): > > None of that proves your 90% of everything is crap designation. > > And I can give you a segment of entertainment that breaks the mold: video games. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Yeah, video games as a paragon of excellence. Try working my job for a day, and come back and say that again with a straight face. 90% is being generous. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2006, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759/140 "2006-03-15T00:49:02Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! > > Yeah, video games as a paragon of excellence. Try working my job for a day, and come back and say that again with a straight face. > > 90% is being generous. What’s your job? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-like-that-i-like-that/347759.md?page=8)