Fanboy. - Pared's Blog - Operation Sports

Pared's Blog

Fanboy.

Posted on November 14, 2008 at 10:02 AM.

The term "fanboy" apparently dates back to 1919. While video games weren't around at the time (or televisions to play them on, for that matter), apparently people were going around being "fanboys" of certain guns or pants. Who knows? Sadly the term has made its way throughout our own beloved video game culture and continues to destroy the fabric of all we hold dear. Ok, maybe I'm being a little too dramatic here.

As it stands, it's very difficult for individuals to hold a conversation without the term somehow creeping in. Admit it; You see comments left by others enjoying things you don't enjoy, and instead of solely questioning how they can enjoy something... you write them off as a fanboy. Quite the bail out, eh?

It's not just your fellow forum members either. How often have you begun to read a reviewer's take at a major gaming website, read who the author was and then knew what was going to be said? Hilary Goldstein of IGN comes to mind. Just google "hillary goldstein fanboy" (2 L's, not 1) and watch as google corrects you. Hillarious stuff.

What I propose is this: Instead of being so quick to call someone a fanboy, ASK THEM WHAT THEY MEAN. More often than not, you'll find the individual actually has something interesting to say. You may not agree with it... but then again, that's life and everyone has an opinion. Of course you may get the "I don't have to explain myself to you response..." and when you do, call the guy a troll. Yeah, that's right you troll. You know who you are. Damn Fanboy.

Next time you see someone call someone else a fanboy, correct them. Give them a hug. Buy them a pretzel. Just don't resort to the childish tactics you used to when you were in grade school. You never know... you might just make the world a better place.

Comments

# 1 rudyjuly2 @ Nov 14

It's ok to be a fanboy as long as you make intelligent arguments. I personally hate it when people declare something like, "This game is the greatest game ever. End of discussion." End of discussion? This is a discussion forum and your opinion isn't the only one that matters.

But I agree that people need to be more civil on any message board. Act as though you would be talking to a colleague in person rather than sling mud hiding behind a monitor.