Ping: Creators of "parody" threads

[kcchief19]

I think that what used to generate at least a smirk from some users is now generating a great level of disinterest from others.

When Hattrick threads and HornsManiac college football threads got out of control in the past, we create separate forums. I think that may be an over reaction in this case, so here's what I propose:

Can we all just assume that if we see a thread, that everyone can make their own joke about it? We all know you parody thread writers are very funny people ... we GET it.

I fully understand there will be three reactions to this: (1) a quiet "finally, somebody here is making sense" from a majority of users; (2) a loud "this is American, not China, go f*ck yourself" from a smaller number of users; (3) at least one parody thread.

I can't tell you how annoying it is to come here for a five minute break at the office and have to scan through parody threads or, better yet, bad parody threads that are no obviously parody threads that make you wonder what the discussion is about only to discover to learn it is about nothing.

Fight the power! Next time you get the urge to post a parody thread, just chortle to yourself and go post in the child molester thread.

[Draft Dodger]

is this thread supposed to be funny?

[DaddyTorgo]

i gotta agree with kcchief. But I propose a middle-ground. How about a thread simply for parodies of headlines on the front page? That way people who want to read them can, but we can have more actual room on the front page for actual threads. How bout it?

[cuervo72]

You're lucky there isn't a Ping: Creators of "parroty" threads devoted to a line of Jimmy Buffett clothing (http://www.nopassportrequired.com/retail_clothing.htm).

[gottimd]

At first when I read this I thought, finally, somebody here is making sense, but then I realized hey this is American, not China, go f*ck yourself, and I want to create a parody of this thread.

[Glengoyne]

I agree.

Death to Parody Threads.

[GoldenEagle]

Why don't we do something like the consecutive title hilliarity thread? I think that would work and it would make it more obvious for the bad parody people.

[Airhog]

I would have made a parody of this thread, but because It would be obvious, I thought that might be trolling. And I would not like to get banned for obvious trolling...

[kcchief19]

Why don't we do something like the consecutive title hilliarity thread? I think that would work and it would make it more obvious for the bad parody people. That makes sense. Not every consecutive thread title is hillarious, but at least they are all located in a central location for perusing, not littering the entire forum.

[Draft Dodger]

or, maybe we could just put all the parody thread titles in the QOTM.

[DaddyTorgo]

or, maybe we could just put all the parody thread titles in the QOTM.
Oh wait...we no longer have QOTM!!!

[McSweeny]

why not have one thread for political discussion too? those threads clutter the forum

and one thread for football discussion

and one for quirky news stories

and on and on until we only have 15 threads! down with the clutter!

[DaddyTorgo]

*sarcasm noted*

I think the point is that very often the parody threads just end up being long threads about nothing with one or two word posts.

it's basically just a way to post-whore and not get slapped for trolling. If people want it to be humor then why shouldn't there just be a "Parody Titles" thread? It would certainly make it easier to access them all and get humor out of them. Which is the point right??

And if that's not the point, then it's just shameless post-whoring. Which I'm also against.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And if that's not the point, then it's just shameless post-whoring. Which I'm also against.

Hmm ... maybe there's other points too?
{work with me here, I'm winging it}

Okay, if "humor" and "post-whoring" are #1 & #2, what about:

3) A way to launch another topic entirely. Something that "sounds like" but actually does lead into a whole other discussion, relatively "serious" on its own merit.

4) An outlet for some stream-of-consciousness stuff. I think there have been quite a few parody threads that ended up inheriting oddball posts & such that would have threadjacked a whole other thread

5) An outlet for occasionally deserved satire or even outright mockery of another thread. A not-always-so-subtle jab at a thread that might have had it coming due to topic/tone/whatever.

None of these are absolutes, but I think they all happen from time to time.

[DaddyTorgo]

okay. valid points. But I think that those parody threads are few and far between. And most just end up getting threadjacked off into tangential directions. Which I suppose isn't horrible or unallowable. Then again, I don't make the rules. Maybe we should just say that parody threads have to be labeled "Parody" ?

[Chubby]

this is American, not China, go f*ck yourself (sic)

[Maple Leafs]

Can I add something?

Since you're all going to ignore kcchief and just keep posting parody threads, can I ask another favor? Can we at least stop replying to paraody threads? It's bad enough that half the threads here are parodies, but it's even worse when you see them first, thereby a.) killing the joke, and b.) burying a thread that may actually be interesting.

[cuervo72]

okay. valid points. But I think that those parody threads are few and far between. And most just end up getting threadjacked off into tangential directions. Which I suppose isn't horrible or unallowable. Then again, I don't make the rules. Maybe we should just say that parody threads have to be labeled "Parody" ?

aw, I was going to say something...but nevermind.

[DaddyTorgo]

which is i think sort of what i was getting at Maple. It buries the actual original thread in favor of something with little to no substance. As for Jon's comment about parody threads sometimes leading to discussions of substance about topics not originally there, if people want to discuss those things that they get around to in parody threads they can create threads for them. They're just...out of control it seems.

I'm not normally in favor of limiting free-speech, so i find this hard to argue for btw. I know people like their parody threads and their inane banter. Hell, I do too. I don't know anymore http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/confused.gifhttp://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/confused.gifhttp://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/confused.gifhttp://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif

[cuervo72]

So, instead of this (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=30790&highlight=amounts+rahn), I should have just started a thread in order to speculate on Farrah's bra size?

[JonInMiddleGA]

... something with little to no substance.

Which, perhaps, could sometimes describe some of the threads that draw a parody?

[Chubby]

Can I add something?

Since you're all going to ignore kcchief and just keep posting parody threads, can I ask another favor? Can we at least stop replying to paraody threads? It's bad enough that half the threads here are parodies, but it's even worse when you see them first, thereby a.) killing the joke, and b.) burying a thread that may actually be interesting.
Only if you promise to never mention Kerry Fraser again :D

[Swaggs]

Even though it probably doesn't matter, I agree with kcchief19 here. Most are really not that funny and are just a wase of space.

I think we need a humor moderator to judge the parody threads and issue suspensions if they are not funny. :)

[Maple Leafs]

Only if you promise to never mention Kerry Fraser again :D
He had the puck! He had it! How can all three of you not be watching the guy with the puck? Do you think we're stupid? What is the matter with you? Open your eyes!

(Storms off...)

[Ragone]

I resisted the urge to create this thread

Ping: Creator of Creators of "parody" threads

:)

[Craptacular]

Can I add something?

Since you're all going to ignore kcchief and just keep posting parody threads, can I ask another favor? Can we at least stop replying to paraody threads? It's bad enough that half the threads here are parodies, but it's even worse when you see them first, thereby a.) killing the joke, and b.) burying a thread that may actually be interesting.
I actually go backwards through the list of threads from when I last visited, so I would see the parodies first if no one replied.

[Suicane75]

This thread is asinine.

[Daimyo]

A few of them are really funny (almost exclusively posted by a small handful), but unfortunately there are way too many un-funny copy cats. Its the same problem we had with QotM...

[Desnudo]

I think that what used to generate at least a smirk from some users is now generating a great level of disinterest from others.

When Hattrick threads and HornsManiac college football threads got out of control in the past, we create separate forums. I think that may be an over reaction in this case, so here's what I propose:

Can we all just assume that if we see a thread, that everyone can make their own joke about it? We all know you parody thread writers are very funny people ... we GET it.

I fully understand there will be three reactions to this: (1) a quiet "finally, somebody here is making sense" from a majority of users; (2) a loud "this is American, not China, go f*ck yourself" from a smaller number of users; (3) at least one parody thread.

I can't tell you how annoying it is to come here for a five minute break at the office and have to scan through parody threads or, better yet, bad parody threads that are no obviously parody threads that make you wonder what the discussion is about only to discover to learn it is about nothing.

Fight the power! Next time you get the urge to post a parody thread, just chortle to yourself and go post in the child molester thread.

Commie.

[Suicane75]

We all know they are inherintly dumb, save a few. But we also like to bullshit about anything and everything. The forum has evolved, for better or worse, to what it is now. Bad threads die out quick, interesting threads survive.

Badges? We don't need no stinkin badges.

[vex]

The parody threads need to go.

[sachmo71]

I vote kcchief19 for moderator!

[DanGarion]

Can I add something?

Since you're all going to ignore kcchief and just keep posting parody threads, can I ask another favor? Can we at least stop replying to paraody threads? It's bad enough that half the threads here are parodies, but it's even worse when you see them first, thereby a.) killing the joke, and b.) burying a thread that may actually be interesting.
OK.

And I will start by not replying to this parody thread...

Er wait it's too late, oh well!

[sachmo71]

This thread is asinine.
More to the point, it's jackassian. :)

[B & B]

This isnt Russia!!!
/mutters
Is this Russia?

[VPI97]

I would rather have parody threads than some of the other crap that gets posted here.

[JeeberD]

I agree with you, VPI. Those soccer threads absolutely sicken me... :mad:

[Fritz]

don't fuck with my job or you all will hear from the union

[Fritz]

which is i think sort of what i was getting at Maple. It buries the actual original thread in favor of something with little to no substance.

sometimes that is the entire point

[Barkeep49]

I have never been tempted to do a parody thread except for the "Good Dark Beers" thread that keeps hanging around. It has taken a good deal of self-control not to start a "Good Dark Bears" thread. But for the record I agree with what kc said whole heartedly and like the idea of a centralized thread ala consecutive thread hilarity.

[Suicane75]

I have never been tempted to do a parody thread except for the "Good Dark Beers" thread that keeps hanging around. It has taken a good deal of self-control not to start a "Good Dark Bears" thread. But for the record I agree with what kc said whole heartedly and like the idea of a centralized thread ala consecutive thread hilarity.


Ummm, we already have a "Good Dark Bears" thread. :D

[Barkeep49]

Ummm, we already have a "Good Dark Bears" thread. :D
Damn you EasyMac!

[kcchief19]

Can I add something?

Since you're all going to ignore kcchief and just keep posting parody threads, can I ask another favor? Can we at least stop replying to paraody threads? It's bad enough that half the threads here are parodies, but it's even worse when you see them first, thereby a.) killing the joke, and b.) burying a thread that may actually be interesting. As usual happens over at the RWBL, my little Canadian friend has articulated my thoughts better than I did originally. If there was one of two parody threads and there was a reasonable chance you would see the original thread first, it works. If not, it does both A and B above. The key to comedy is timing.

[Subby]

How hard is it to ban parody threads by anyone other than Fritz? There are like five funny people who post on this board and only one of them bothers to even do parody threads...

[WSUCougar]

Please, somebody make it stop.

[Anthony]

I really wish SkyDog would do something about these parody threads. this is fucking retarded.

[TLK]

The parody threads need to go...

[Schmidty]

FOFC - Sacrificing Productivity and Relationships for the Good of Solving Unimportant "Problems" Since 2000!!!!!!

[Kodos]

http://re2.mm-c.yimg.com/image/868649443

"SQWAWK! No more parroty threads! SQWAWK!"

[Cringer]

Ummm, we already have a "Good Dark Bears" thread. :D

And I made a damn fine contribution to that thread! Something I never would have been able to do if all these drama queens had their way. :D

[sovereignstar]

I believe it was Voltaire who once said, "I may not agree with
parody threads, but I will defend to the death your right to make them."

[kcchief19]

I think my original plea was too subtle. Let me put it another way.

Writers of threads paradying other threads, you're just not funny. You're hacks. You're not the Weird Al Yankovic of the FOFC. You're not even the Carrot Top of the FOFC. If anything, you're all the Michael Jackson of the FOFC because you're a freak and you're annoying and you probably lure small children into your gingerbread homes. The moment you take part in a parody thread, whether you start it or just try to pad your post count so you can one day be cool you have become part of the problem.

There is no drama here. I ain't losing sleep over this. The only reason to write a parody thread is that you have a poor sense of ego and you need some attention. If your intent was to get attention by having a majority visitors think you're a jackass and not very funny, then mission accomplished. You don't need to keep proving it.

[SunDancer]

We had three parody threads created alone today....

[Anthony]

it's not their fault there are no moderators policing shit like this. in their attempt to make this an "anything goes, any topic - any time" kind of place the mods have let this stuff run rampant. funny how you can get banned or suspended for making some remarks about a sensitive utility creator but if you make a parody thread and litter the boards with unfunny shit and pushing away the serious discussion the parody was based on - then it's ok.

[maximus]

I did not mean to offend or annoy anyone with my one parody thread. In the last month I have had 3 (I believe) threads that turned into parodies. Like I wrote earlier in another post, I was just firing back. You can rest assured that I won't be doing them anymore for I have War In The Pacific to play for the next 12 months.......

Anyways, no harm meant.

[Chubby]

I think my original plea was too subtle. Let me put it another way.

Writers of threads paradying other threads, you're just not funny. You're hacks. You're not the Weird Al Yankovic of the FOFC. You're not even the Carrot Top of the FOFC. If anything, you're all the Michael Jackson of the FOFC because you're a freak and you're annoying and you probably lure small children into your gingerbread homes. The moment you take part in a parody thread, whether you start it or just try to pad your post count so you can one day be cool you have become part of the problem.

There is no drama here. I ain't losing sleep over this. The only reason to write a parody thread is that you have a poor sense of ego and you need some attention. If your intent was to get attention by having a majority visitors think you're a jackass and not very funny, then mission accomplished. You don't need to keep proving it.
yet you seem to be giving them an awful lot of attention, that they crave...



if we're going to start getting rid of types of threads that people don't like, it's going to be a pretty slow forum.

[TLK]

I think my original plea was too subtle. Let me put it another way.

Writers of threads paradying other threads, you're just not funny. You're hacks. You're not the Weird Al Yankovic of the FOFC. You're not even the Carrot Top of the FOFC. If anything, you're all the Michael Jackson of the FOFC because you're a freak and you're annoying and you probably lure small children into your gingerbread homes. The moment you take part in a parody thread, whether you start it or just try to pad your post count so you can one day be cool you have become part of the problem.

There is no drama here. I ain't losing sleep over this. The only reason to write a parody thread is that you have a poor sense of ego and you need some attention. If your intent was to get attention by having a majority visitors think you're a jackass and not very funny, then mission accomplished. You don't need to keep proving it.
Can you please tell us how you really feel?

:)

[Maple Leafs]

I have a suggestion that makes just enough sense to be ignored.

If you see a thread and think of a clever parody, rather than start a new thread why not post, in the same thread, a one-liner saying "Gee, when I first read the thread title I thought it said ."

If everyone did that:
- It wouldn't clog up the first page with non-sensical parody titles
- Everyone could still enjoy your witty rejoinder
- You'd be assured that the people seeing your parody had actually [I]seen the original thread first and had some idea what you were talking about
- Nobody could really complain, because it was only one line

Makes sense, right? So remember kids, when you want to paroday, just say "Gee, when I first read the thread title I thought it said [insert clever parody here]."™.

[DaddyTorgo]

yet another excellent idea. unfortunately it probably makes too much sense and so it will get ignored. because don't forget, in their (dubious) defense: "parody threads have spawned a lot of discussions and given a lot of help that we might not have gotten otherwise." Or something.

[cuervo72]

it's not their fault there are no moderators policing shit like this. in their attempt to make this an "anything goes, any topic - any time" kind of place the mods have let this stuff run rampant. funny how you can get banned or suspended for making some remarks about a sensitive utility creator but if you make a parody thread and litter the boards with unfunny shit and pushing away the serious discussion the parody was based on - then it's ok.

Humor is about the only reason I stop by here (ok, that and the enigma) anymore, and even then, that's been substandard. I certainly don't come here for political debates/lectures, or...hell, I don't know what is in half of the threads these days, 90% of them are uninteresting crap anyway.

My problem is not with the parody threads themselves per se, it's just that the execution of them is no good. But then, half the other stuff isn't funny either.

[Suicane75]

I think my original plea was too subtle. Let me put it another way.

Writers of threads paradying other threads, you're just not funny. You're hacks. You're not the Weird Al Yankovic of the FOFC. You're not even the Carrot Top of the FOFC. If anything, you're all the Michael Jackson of the FOFC because you're a freak and you're annoying and you probably lure small children into your gingerbread homes. The moment you take part in a parody thread, whether you start it or just try to pad your post count so you can one day be cool you have become part of the problem.

There is no drama here. I ain't losing sleep over this. The only reason to write a parody thread is that you have a poor sense of ego and you need some attention. If your intent was to get attention by having a majority visitors think you're a jackass and not very funny, then mission accomplished. You don't need to keep proving it.


It's not that it was too subtle, it was that nobody gave a good god damn enough about it. If I see a thread saying "man drinks beer, pees out of avalanche" and I wanna start a thread saying "man eats McDonalds, shits out brick" I will, and if you don't think it's funny than huzzah to you.

And I dont do it to be cool, I am fuckin cool, I'm too cool for school dadio.
I mean fuck man, does a ham sandwich cause you this much pain? Get the fuck over it. Sure, alot of em arn't funny, hell, alot of em don't make any sense, i mean "whats in your wifes rack" that shit don't even make any sense, but fuck, if BBor thinks it's funny that good for him, if you don't good for you too, but to say that you don't care in the same post that you drone on about how unfunny they are and you want them to stop and they only do it to draw attention themselves seems a little incrogous.

And the fuckin day HA starts bitchin about uneeded posts, shit.
Anything that doesn't have to do with sports is technicaly uneeded.
Alot of people/posts on this board piss alot of other posters off, If you don't like it don't contribute to it.

Fuckin bitchin and moanin for fucksakes.

[sovereignstar]

It's not that it was too subtle, it was that nobody gave a good god damn enough about it. If I see a thread saying "man drinks beer, pees out of avalanche" and I wanna start a thread saying "man eats McDonalds, shits out brick" I will, and if you don't think it's funny than huzzah to you.

And I dont do it to be cool, I am fuckin cool, I'm too cool for school dadio.
I mean fuck man, does a ham sandwich cause you this much pain? Get the fuck over it. Sure, alot of em arn't funny, hell, alot of em don't make any sense, i mean "whats in your wifes rack" that shit don't even make any sense, but fuck, if BBor thinks it's funny that good for him, if you don't good for you too, but to say that you don't care in the same post that you drone on about how unfunny they are and you want them to stop and they only do it to draw attention themselves seems a little incrogous.

And the fuckin day HA starts bitchin about uneeded posts, shit.
Anything that doesn't have to do with sports is technicaly uneeded.
Alot of people/posts on this board piss alot of other posters off, If you don't like it don't contribute to it.

Fuckin bitchin and moanin for fucksakes.

You're Satan.

[Anthony]

It's not that it was too subtle, it was that nobody gave a good god damn enough about it. If I see a thread saying "man drinks beer, pees out of avalanche" and I wanna start a thread saying "man eats McDonalds, shits out brick" I will, and if you don't think it's funny than huzzah to you.

And I dont do it to be cool, I am fuckin cool, I'm too cool for school dadio.
I mean fuck man, does a ham sandwich cause you this much pain? Get the fuck over it. Sure, alot of em arn't funny, hell, alot of em don't make any sense, i mean "whats in your wifes rack" that shit don't even make any sense, but fuck, if BBor thinks it's funny that good for him, if you don't good for you too, but to say that you don't care in the same post that you drone on about how unfunny they are and you want them to stop and they only do it to draw attention themselves seems a little incrogous.

And the fuckin day HA starts bitchin about uneeded posts, shit.
Anything that doesn't have to do with sports is technicaly uneeded.
Alot of people/posts on this board piss alot of other posters off, If you don't like it don't contribute to it.

Fuckin bitchin and moanin for fucksakes.

I liked you better when i thought you were a girl.

pussy.

[Suicane75]

Hey, guy above me,....

*virtual tea-bagging*

[duckman]

pussy.
This comes from a guy who lived with his mom until he was 26.

[stevew]

I have a suggestion that makes just enough sense to be ignored.

If you see a thread and think of a clever parody, rather than start a new thread why not post, in the same thread, a one-liner saying "Gee, when I first read the thread title I thought it said ."

If everyone did that:
- It wouldn't clog up the first page with non-sensical parody titles
- Everyone could still enjoy your witty rejoinder
- You'd be assured that the people seeing your parody had actually [I]seen the original thread first and had some idea what you were talking about
- Nobody could really complain, because it was only one line

Makes sense, right? So remember kids, when you want to paroday, just say "Gee, when I first read the thread title I thought it said [insert clever parody here]."™.

Good idea.....Like how i used it here.

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showpost.php?p=693740&postcount=14

[Axxon]

You're Satan.

Nope, Satan knows how to spell.

[Franklinnoble]

Have you guys given names to those bugs that have crawled up your asses yet?

Just wondering...

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's not that it was too subtle, it was that nobody gave a good god damn enough about it. If I see a thread saying "man drinks beer, pees out of avalanche" and I wanna start a thread saying "man eats McDonalds, shits out brick" I will, and if you don't think it's funny than huzzah to you.

And I dont do it to be cool, I am fuckin cool, I'm too cool for school dadio.
I mean fuck man, does a ham sandwich cause you this much pain? Get the fuck over it. Sure, alot of em arn't funny, hell, alot of em don't make any sense, i mean "whats in your wifes rack" that shit don't even make any sense, but fuck, if BBor thinks it's funny that good for him, if you don't good for you too, but to say that you don't care in the same post that you drone on about how unfunny they are and you want them to stop and they only do it to draw attention themselves seems a little incrogous.

And the fuckin day HA starts bitchin about uneeded posts, shit.
Anything that doesn't have to do with sports is technicaly uneeded.
Alot of people/posts on this board piss alot of other posters off, If you don't like it don't contribute to it.

Fuckin bitchin and moanin for fucksakes.

Bravo. Absolutely fuckin' spot-on perfect.

In case I was too subtle earlier, I believe it's easily reached the point where the parody threads are equal or better to the original at least half the time, so I really don't see even a hint of a problem with them.

[gottimd]

Suicane for President!

[Samdari]

Bravo. Absolutely fuckin' spot-on perfect.

In case I was too subtle earlier, I believe it's easily reached the point where the parody threads are equal or better to the original at least half the time, so I really don't see even a hint of a problem with them.


They are the biggest problem currently with the board. People pretty much only look at the first page of the forum. Parody threads push legitimate threads off of the front page, thus making them less likely to be read and responded to, thus reducing the amount of actual discourse on this board.

They are only funny to the creator 99% of the time. Now, I know the more self acknowledgedly clever among you are thinking you are the 1% exception, but I assure you that is not the case. So, next time someone has what they think is a really funny idea for a parody thread, simply say it outloud to yourself. Laugh hysterically. Now, everyone who was going to get amusement out of it already has, and there is no reason to post it.

[Fritz]

Suicane for boning the Senator from New York!

[rkmsuf]

I really wish SkyDog would do something about these parody threads. this is fucking retarded.


He's serious this time.

Hide your collies.

[Fritz]

He's serious this time.

Hide your collies.

I think I just wet my pants

[gottimd]

I think I just wet my pants

I shat myself.

[cuervo72]

So we're going to put the burden of policing for appropriate discussion topics on Ben now? Should anyone really be determining "legitimate" content anyway? What the hell is that? The only legitimate threads are ones that interest you or don't otherwise chafe your Victorian pussies?

[Samdari]

So we're going to put the burden of policing for appropriate discussion topics on Ben now? Should anyone really be determining "legitimate" content anyway? What the hell is that? The only legitimate threads are ones that interest you or don't otherwise chafe your Victorian pussies?

People disagree with you, is it necesary to call them pussies?

Or are you bitter that noone finds your most clever ideas funny?

EDIT: If you ever have trouble distinguishing between "Real" and "Paroady" threads, ask for help. The line is pretty clear.

[gottimd]

The only legitimate threads are ones that interest you or don't otherwise chafe your Victorian pussies?

Do people with Victorian pussies live in Victorian houses? If you don't want to read a parody thread just skip it. If there is a topic of interest, that you think should be on the front page, than just post in it or bump it to the front. Parody threads die quickly usually, and if it is a serious discussion/post, there will be many posts therefore bumping it to the top. I don't see the problem here.

[Fritz]

speaking of Victorian Pussies, I was at Mama Steve's Pancake House having a nice boiled egg and spinach pastry (Mama Steve is Greek). All of a sudden a FIRE TRUCK crashes through the side of the building and 6 women who look IDENTICAL to Jennifer Aniston jump out wearing apesuits (minus the apehead - that's how I knew how they looked). The run up to the sales counter and grab this 100+ year old Turkish clerk. I think Mama Steve's grandfather captured him in Greece's war over Cyprus and kept him around because he could sing the Yellow Rose of Texas in 14 languages. Anyhow, Jennifers 1-3 and 5 carry the old guy to the back of the truck (Jennifer #6 was driving). Jennifer #4 brings up a non-descript white paper bag with little decorations across the top and some logo on the side and places it on the sales counter, then hops in the truck's bucket and they take off. Some self admitted doctor walked up to the counter and opened the bag. In it was a HUMAN HEAD! just kidding, it was a box of Duncan Donuts munchkins. They were all jelly filled, but the jelly had been sucked out. I think by straw because the powder had not been disturbed.

[cuervo72]

People disagree with you, is it necesary to call them pussies?

Or are you bitter that noone finds your most clever ideas funny?

EDIT: If you ever have trouble distinguishing between "Real" and "Paroady" threads, ask for help. The line is pretty clear.

There are plenty who find my clever ideas funny. They are evolved, and have largely migrated out of these primordian depths to a twisted, more infantile place.

My problem is the thought that we need some sort of content censor. I look at some of these threads and groan to myself. And after a while, I DECIDE NOT TO READ THEM. Freakin' hard, that is. Because you know what? I can distinguish between "Real" and "Parody" threads.

So don't fucking click on them.

Pussy.

[kurtism]

speaking of Victorian Pussies, I was at Mama Steve's Pancake House having a nice boiled egg and spinach pastry (Mama Steve is Greek). All of a sudden a FIRE TRUCK crashes through the side of the building and 6 women who look IDENTICAL to Jennifer Aniston jump out wearing apesuits (minus the apehead - that's how I knew how they looked). The run up to the sales counter and grab this 100+ year old Turkish clerk. I think Mama Steve's grandfather captured him in Greece's war over Cyprus and kept him around because he could sing the Yellow Rose of Texas in 14 languages. Anyhow, Jennifers 1-3 and 5 carry the old guy to the back of the truck (Jennifer #6 was driving). Jennifer #4 brings up a non-descript white paper bag with little decorations across the top and some logo on the side and places it on the sales counter, then hops in the truck's bucket and they take off. Some self admitted doctor walked up to the counter and opened the bag. In it was a HUMAN HEAD! just kidding, it was a box of Duncan Donuts munchkins. They were all jelly filled, but the jelly had been sucked out. I think by straw because the powder had not been disturbed.

Nonsense like this should be deleted, posthaste. This has NOTHING to do with Victorian Pussies. Where is a good censorbot when you need one?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Parody threads push legitimate threads off of the front page, thus making them less likely to be read and responded to, thus reducing the amount of actual discourse on this board.

But there's the rub, defining "legitimate". I don't mean in terms of how the poster intended them, but rather in terms of, hmm ... how to word this? ...
"what is interesting/compelling enough to read".

Clearly from this thread, I'm not the only one here who thinks the parody threads qualify at least as often as the rest.

Hell Samdari, with half the non-parody threads posted here, the sooner they get off the front page & fade into Bolivia the better AFAIC.

They are usually pretty obvious. And I'll even agree with you that half or more of them aren't particularly funny. Where we disagree apparently is whether the threads they sometimes bump down are any better.

[Franklinnoble]

speaking of Victorian Pussies, I was at Mama Steve's Pancake House having a nice boiled egg and spinach pastry (Mama Steve is Greek). All of a sudden a FIRE TRUCK crashes through the side of the building and 6 women who look IDENTICAL to Jennifer Aniston jump out wearing apesuits (minus the apehead - that's how I knew how they looked). The run up to the sales counter and grab this 100+ year old Turkish clerk. I think Mama Steve's grandfather captured him in Greece's war over Cyprus and kept him around because he could sing the Yellow Rose of Texas in 14 languages. Anyhow, Jennifers 1-3 and 5 carry the old guy to the back of the truck (Jennifer #6 was driving). Jennifer #4 brings up a non-descript white paper bag with little decorations across the top and some logo on the side and places it on the sales counter, then hops in the truck's bucket and they take off. Some self admitted doctor walked up to the counter and opened the bag. In it was a HUMAN HEAD! just kidding, it was a box of Duncan Donuts munchkins. They were all jelly filled, but the jelly had been sucked out. I think by straw because the powder had not been disturbed.

Good story, but I don't see what it has to do with Victorian Pussies.

[Fritz]

Good story, but I don't see what it has to do with Victorian Pussies.

DUDE!

[tauter]

DUDE!

SWEET!

[gottimd]

Dude?

[sachmo71]

SWEET!!

[Samdari]

Pussy.

Thinking you are not funny does not make one a pussy.

However, sitting behind a keyboard spitting out insults one knows one will never have to back up - THAT makes one a pussy.

[Fritz]

Of course you have a sense of humor. Everyone thinks they do, even people who don't.

[Subby]

Ring: Fellaters of Charity Pez

[gottimd]

Thinking you are not funny does not make one a pussy.

However, sitting behind a keyboard spitting out insults one knows one will never have to back up - THAT makes one a pussy.

http://www.geocities.com/gottimd/ohsnap.gif

[cuervo72]

Thinking you are not funny does not make one a pussy.

However, sitting behind a keyboard spitting out insults one knows one will never have to back up - THAT makes one a pussy.

No, my point was that you are a pussy for bitching about these (admittedly) stupid threads. As if it takes more than 5 seconds and an ounce of brainpower to be able to filter out those that are worthwhile and those that aren't. Like I give a damn if you think I have a sense of humor.

Oh, I certainly wouldn't shy away from backing anything up, but what exactly would be the point here? I'm supposed to leave work, meet you for lunch, kindly call you a pussy and be on my way?

Um, sure...

[Fritz]

No, my point was that you are a pussy for bitching about these (admittedly) stupid threads. As if it takes more than 5 seconds and an ounce of brainpower to be able to filter out those that are worthwhile and those that aren't. Like I give a damn if you think I have a sense of humor.

Oh, I certainly wouldn't shy away from backing anything up, but what exactly would be the point here? I'm supposed to leave work, meet you for lunch, kindly call you a pussy and be on my way?

Um, sure...

plus you hit something like 30 toll-booths

[WSUCougar]

Freakin' hard, that is.
Wait a minute! Cuervo is Yoda! :eek:

[cuervo72]

Wait a minute! Cuervo is Yoda! :eek:

Actually, when I read that line again it sounded more like Carl from Alpha Teen Hunger Force...

[WSUCougar]

Doubt yourself you do?

[Samdari]

No, my point was that you are a pussy for bitching about these (admittedly) stupid threads. As if it takes more than 5 seconds and an ounce of brainpower to be able to filter out those that are worthwhile and those that aren't. Like I give a damn if you think I have a sense of humor.

Oh, I certainly wouldn't shy away from backing anything up, but what exactly would be the point here? I'm supposed to leave work, meet you for lunch, kindly call you a pussy and be on my way?

Um, sure...

Pussy implies some sort of lack of courage or manhood. I merely observe that such lack is more strongly correlated with someone who idly tosses such insults from behind the safety of the internet than someone who bitches about unfunny threads from aforementioned coward.

[cuervo72]

Ok, I take back the term 'pussy'. I do not mean to imply a lack of manhood.

I shall use 'ninny' instead.

(but seriously...you have a disagreement over the internet, what do you expect someone to do, call for a duel? wtf.)

[sachmo71]

Whatever happened to the Golden Age of FOFC?

[WSUCougar]

Don't be such a read menace.

[Scarecrow]

Wait a minute! Cuervo is Yoda! :eek:

Talent Rot.

[Samdari]

Ok, I take back the term 'pussy'. I do not mean to imply a lack of manhood.

I shall use 'ninny' instead.

(but seriously...you have a disagreement over the internet, what do you expect someone to do, call for a duel? wtf.)

OK, ninny is actually fair, I'll accept that.

What do I expect you to do when having a disagreement over the internet? Just that - disagree, say what you disagree with and why. You cannot do that without throwing around random, unrelated insults? I'd even accept on point insults - you think I am being an idiot, moron, etc. call me that.

[WSUCougar]

I'd even accept on point insults - you think I am being an idiot, moron, etc. call me that.
I think you're an Isotope.

[cuervo72]

OK, ninny is actually fair, I'll accept that.

What do I expect you to do when having a disagreement over the internet? Just that - disagree, say what you disagree with and why. You cannot do that without throwing around random, unrelated insults? I'd even accept on point insults - you think I am being an idiot, moron, etc. call me that.

I think you are being a ninny. Any thrown insults are related to this act of being a ninny. I disagree with this level of ninniness, as I feel it is everyone's right to be unfunny however they so chose.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Anybody losing track of which ninny is on which side here?

[cuervo72]

I am on the side of FREEDOM!

[MrIllini]

WHO GIVES A SHIT (tm)

[gottimd]

Anybody losing track of which ninny is on which side here?

I did awhile ago, I guess I am the ninny?

What usually helps in times of confusion are diagrams of awkward nature.

MrIllini in the sin bin?

[Ben E Lou]

1. Enough of the name-calling.
2. Parody threads are usually silly and stupid, far too often overused.
3. We've always let people be silly and stupid around here, so no reason to put a stop to it at this point, as it isn't out of hand. If in my estimation it gets overboard, then rest assured that action will be taken. Unitl then, if you don't like 'em, just do what I do: don't read 'em.

[cuervo72]

^^^^ this was pretty much my point ^^^^

[Desnudo]

Whatever happened to the Golden Age of FOFC?

We're drowning in our own decadence.

[Daimyo]

I wouldn't want to see the burden of policing threads fall to a content-czar... it would be nice if people could tell on their own when they just weren't funny. Maybe I'm just being silly, but the parody threads have lessened my enjoyment of this place considerably. When you only check in once or twice a day there are a lot of new posts to sort through and when a significant number of them are brain dead parody posts it makes it that much harder to find the few diamond in the rough posts which in turn greatly lessens the motivation to even come here in the first place. Its like SPAM in the inbox... sure you don't have to read them, but there mere presence makes reading email such a burden.

Currently we can add users to an ignore list and not see their posts in a thread... is there a hack that would also make their threads invisible on the topic list page? Then at least we'd have some measure of control on what we had to wade through...

[Anthony]

i agree Daimyo. it's the whole process of sifting through the shit to find the good topics that's making coming here a bore.

the whole charm to FOFC (Sidelines Era) during the Golden Age was that any thread had a possibility to be extremely entertaining and branching off into tangents were the norm due to all the free flowing ideas and non-restriction on speech. every thread was basically a gem. now people have taken the hands off approach favored by the mods and ran with it. now you have to sift through not only topics you don't like but through topics whose sole purpose of existing is to mock a serious post's title.

the problem is that too many of the community legends (for lack of a better word) no longer visit and this place has been overtaken gradually by the "next wave" of FOFCers. the problem is also with the mods but that's for another discussion.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Currently we can add users to an ignore list and not see their posts in a thread... is there a hack that would also make their threads invisible on the topic list page? Then at least we'd have some measure of control on what we had to wade through...

That's a hack I've been asking about for months, although it has nothing to do with parody threads.

[Maple Leafs]

See, the original parody threads were actual parodies -- they made fun of a specific thread. If someone posted a thread that was taking itself way to seriously, someone else would post a parody of it, complete with a slightly modified post. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't, but at least some effort wen into it.

The new wave are just "funny phrases that sound kind of like an existing thread title". There's usually not even anything in the post itself (well, except for a few people padding their post counts with one-word replies).

[Desnudo]

If it hadn't been for parody threads, this thread never would have happened; which would have been a shame. It's been the most enjoyable thread I've read in a while.

[rkmsuf]

I mean don't you feel better knowing bbor's wife has DDs?

[sachmo71]

Golden Age?

[B & B]

You're a cantelope.

[WSUCougar]

That's better than being a bed & breakfast.

[cuervo72]

or Brummel & Brown.

[rkmsuf]

Beavis and Butthead!

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's been the most enjoyable thread I've read in a while.

I think that alone speaks volumes about the whole "legitimate" vs parody posts pseudocontroversy.

[Kodos]

Golden Age?

As QuikSand might quote from Billy Joel:

The Good Old Days weren't always good,
And tomorrow's not as bad as it seems...

[WSUCougar]

But did you know you can dance and still look tough, anyway?

[rkmsuf]

Maybe the answer is right in Office Space.

Parody Thread Day.

[Suicane75]

I am an Innocent Man. Oh yes I am.

[Kodos]

Some people find that it's easier to hate
Than to wait anymore...

[sachmo71]

As QuikSand might quote from Billy Joel:

The Good Old Days weren't always good,
And tomorrow's not as bad as it seems...

As Kodos might quote from Cracker:

So we are told, this is the Golden Age...

[WSUCougar]

As Sachmo might quote, while eating a cracker:

"This is a Golden Corral"
http://www.igougo.com/photos/journal_photos/golden%20corral%20front.jpg

[sachmo71]

As Sachmo might quote, while eating a cracker:

"This is a Golden Corral"
http://www.igougo.com/photos/journal_photos/golden%20corral%20front.jpg
Mmmm...salmonella.

[Desnudo]

I wish Skydog would start cracking down on these Billy Joel quoters. One is too many.

[WSUCougar]

Awww, don't be such an uptown girl.

[Kodos]

Awww, don't be such an uptown girl.

Leave a tender moment alone...

[Desnudo]

Where is The Punisher when you need him?

[sachmo71]

I'd rather laugh with the Fritzes then cry with the Noops.

[McSweeny]

I'd rather laugh with the Fritzes then cry with the Noops.

ok

i've searched but can't figure it out... why is Noop in the box?

[gottimd]

ok

i've searched but can't figure it out... why is Noop in the box?

I think he Http'd to a "naughty" site. The kind of site you go to when not wearing pants.

[Kodos]

I think he Http'd to a "naughty" site. The kind of site you go to when not wearing pants.

So he was banned for linking to FOFC? :eek:

[Axxon]

1. Enough of the name-calling.
2. Parody threads are usually silly and stupid, far too often overused.
3. We've always let people be silly and stupid around here, so no reason to put a stop to it at this point, as it isn't out of hand. If in my estimation it gets overboard, then rest assured that action will be taken. Unitl then, if you don't like 'em, just do what I do: don't read 'em.

So, what constitutes out of hand? I'm reasonably certain that I could single handedly create whatever number of threads to do the trick; just name the number and it's done. Oh, and good luck NOT reading them if you happen to not see the original first which happens to me all the time.

I view the current trend in parody threads as being a direct insult to the original thread starters. It's saying, "you know, your post was so stupid that I'm going to mock you and do my best to divert as much attention away from you and your pointless existence and maybe the rest of the group will ignore you too. Fuck you for having a point of view and wanting to share it but I obviously bring nothing to the table and the only way I can possibly justify my pathetic, wretched existence is by mocking you."

Mind you, I'm not calling for an end to parody threads. If that passes for entertainment around here then so be it. The bottom line is, people who want to post stuff for legitimate discussion will simply post elsewhere like I am already doing more and more often and the jerkoffs who get off changing a word or two and insulting their fellow posters can all have fun and giggle while they circle jerk around the few people left who bother to post.

Have fun fellows. Your cunning wit is so amazingly fantastic that you couldn't possibly be expected to tone it down or anything. Respect has no place in the world unless it's aimed at YOU. It's YOU who the world obviously revolves around. If YOU want to have fun and annoy people then who is to tell YOU the center of the universe to tone it down. Fuck that, it's all about YOU YOU YOU isn't it?










Sorry, I get really moody on billing night. :D

Still, people who insist on being assholes in public simply because they can ( and the people who admire them for it )are reason 8,312,892 why I hate people and wish that god would go ahead and blow this fucking place up already and fix the biggest fucking mistake that he ever made. I mean, it's gotta be embarrasing for him.

Now, excuse me, I have to take 4 more aspirin and sit down and deal with boring, repetitive number crunching that has zero interest to me. Come to think of it; it'll be far more entertaining than reading yet another parody thread. Man, that's cheering me up already. Thanks parody jerkoffs. You serve a purpose after all.

[Ragone]

I believe we can trace the origin of the parody threads back to the stupid "Colossal (Insert stupid animal here) threads"

Thanks wsucougar :)

[Suicane75]

So, what constitutes out of hand? I'm reasonably certain that I could single handedly create whatever number of threads to do the trick; just name the number and it's done. Oh, and good luck NOT reading them if you happen to not see the original first which happens to me all the time.

I view the current trend in parody threads as being a direct insult to the original thread starters. It's saying, "you know, your post was so stupid that I'm going to mock you and do my best to divert as much attention away from you and your pointless existence and maybe the rest of the group will ignore you too. Fuck you for having a point of view and wanting to share it but I obviously bring nothing to the table and the only way I can possibly justify my pathetic, wretched existence is by mocking you."

Mind you, I'm not calling for an end to parody threads. If that passes for entertainment around here then so be it. The bottom line is, people who want to post stuff for legitimate discussion will simply post elsewhere like I am already doing more and more often and the jerkoffs who get off changing a word or two and insulting their fellow posters can all have fun and giggle while they circle jerk around the few people left who bother to post.

Have fun fellows. Your cunning wit is so amazingly fantastic that you couldn't possibly be expected to tone it down or anything. Respect has no place in the world unless it's aimed at YOU. It's YOU who the world obviously revolves around. If YOU want to have fun and annoy people then who is to tell YOU the center of the universe to tone it down. Fuck that, it's all about YOU YOU YOU isn't it?










Sorry, I get really moody on billing night. :D

Still, people who insist on being assholes in public simply because they can ( and the people who admire them for it )are reason 8,312,892 why I hate people and wish that god would go ahead and blow this fucking place up already and fix the biggest fucking mistake that he ever made. I mean, it's gotta be embarrasing for him.

Now, excuse me, I have to take 4 more aspirin and sit down and deal with boring, repetitive number crunching that has zero interest to me. Come to think of it; it'll be far more entertaining than reading yet another parody thread. Man, that's cheering me up already. Thanks parody jerkoffs. You serve a purpose after all.


I'm big on respect. I'm also big on chilling the fuck out. I'll start a parody thread and buy you a beer or 7 cause you need to relax my man.

[duckman]

Some people need to clean that sand out of their vaginas.

[Dutch]

I'm big on respect. I'm also big on chilling the fuck out. I'll start a parody thread and buy you a beer or 7 cause you need to relax my man.

Who's your man?

[Axxon]

I'm big on respect. I'm also big on chilling the fuck out. I'll start a parody thread and buy you a beer or 7 cause you need to relax my man.

Not until the last number is crunched, then I can chill out. :)

Therapeudic rant aside though, it really does boil down to respect and as always, people are more than willing to stand up for the rights of the offensive which I find odd. The offensive are always the ones who will accept no middle ground and this thread is a good example as there have been some suggestions for a compromise but it would be unthinkable to ask for a bit of respect and for a compromise to be reached.

It's been pretty clearly stated by the dog himself, if you don't like it then fuck you, don't read it even though that's often impossible. All the effort has to come from one side and there is no middle ground. Where is the respect then?

I say it doesn't exist. I haven't seen one of these parody people even offer to tone it down. I may have went overboard on the rant but the feelings are true. I don't see why I have to respect those who refuse to respect others.

To me, that's the big picture here, not the actual threads which are merely nuisances. Anyone remember the Wigfecta craze? Same thing but those were stopped. Then again, it was a different board back then.

I also appreciate the fact that I'm calling myself out. I too posted a parody thread once but I won't do it again and I apologize to whoever the heck it was that I parodied. I should have treated you better.

[Suicane75]

Not until the last number is crunched, then I can chill out. :)

Therapeudic rant aside though, it really does boil down to respect and as always, people are more than willing to stand up for the rights of the offensive which I find odd. The offensive are always the ones who will accept no middle ground and this thread is a good example as there have been some suggestions for a compromise but it would be unthinkable to ask for a bit of respect and for a compromise to be reached.

It's been pretty clearly stated by the dog himself, if you don't like it then fuck you, don't read it even though that's often impossible. All the effort has to come from one side and there is no middle ground. Where is the respect then?

I say it doesn't exist. I haven't seen one of these parody people even offer to tone it down. I may have went overboard on the rant but the feelings are true. I don't see why I have to respect those who refuse to respect others.

To me, that's the big picture here, not the actual threads which are merely nuisances. Anyone remember the Wigfecta craze? Same thing but those were stopped. Then again, it was a different board back then.

I also appreciate the fact that I'm calling myself out. I too posted a parody thread once but I won't do it again and I apologize to whoever the heck it was that I parodied. I should have treated you better.



Ok. I don't think it has anything to do with respect.
I mean, its not like we're pulling an Onion on The Bible.
If the 2 or 3 parody threads in a given day (and thats a stretch) are that intrusive and upsetting to you, might I suggest your problem with the board lies elsewhere? Perhaps you just don't enjoy the general chatter anymore, perhaps the overall humor of the posters no longer pleases you, perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. But to be so worked up over a few parody threads I just find odd.

[Axxon]

Ok. I don't think it has anything to do with respect.
I mean, its not like we're pulling an Onion on The Bible.
If the 2 or 3 parody threads in a given day (and thats a stretch) are that intrusive and upsetting to you, might I suggest your problem with the board lies elsewhere? Perhaps you just don't enjoy the general chatter anymore, perhaps the overall humor of the posters no longer pleases you, perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. But to be so worked up over a few parody threads I just find odd.

Then again, perhaps it's exactly what I said but you can't even give me the respect to respect that I have a different opinion than you and can see things in a different light?

I mean, it's one thing to disagree with someone but to suggest they have hidden problems and can't articulate what's bothering them because you disagree are two totally different things.

[Axxon]

dola,

Also, while you're at it think about how many times you've seen me comment on this issue to judge how much of a "problem" this is to me. ;)

[Suicane75]

Then again, perhaps it's exactly what I said but you can't even give me the respect to respect that I have a different opinion than you and can see things in a different light?

I mean, it's one thing to disagree with someone but to suggest they have hidden problems and can't articulate what's bothering them because you disagree are two totally different things.

I'm dropping it cause I like you. But yeah, i guess that is what I was thinking. I'm legitimately sorry if it isn't. I just find it odd that they would upset you so much.

[Axxon]

I'm dropping it cause I like you. But yeah, i guess that is what I was thinking. I'm legitimately sorry if it isn't. I just find it odd that they would upset you so much.

Aw, don't get worked up over my rant. :D

Anyway though, this is an interesting thought. I certainly didn't think you were purposely trying to be disrespectful but being disrespectful is so inherently part of the human condition that we act that way almost as easily as we breathe and when faced with it, since we didn't consciously mean to be disrespectful we tend to deny that we werel

I think a lot of our human problems, even as far as nation states goes can be traced to a simple lack of being able to give respect but wanting to receive it. Just MHO.

[WSUCougar]

I believe we can trace the origin of the parody threads back to the stupid "Colossal (Insert stupid animal here) threads"

Thanks wsucougar :)
Are you talking to me?

Hey man, I was all about the squid. Anything else is a poser.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think a lot of our human problems, even as far as nation states goes can be traced to a simple lack of being able to give respect but wanting to receive it. Just MHO.

Not looking to pick a fight here either, but I'll pose a different thought based on your observation:

I think a lot of our human problems, even as far as nation states go, can be traced to a simple lack of people wanting respect to be given to them instead of earning it.

And, as a corollary, to people who want respect given to them after that respect has been lost due to their own actions.

Like I said, not interested in a fight, just posting up a different take on the subject, one that might account for at least some of the cases when you encounter people who handle "respect" differently than you do.

[Axxon]

Not looking to pick a fight here either, but I'll pose a different thought based on your observation:

I think a lot of our human problems, even as far as nation states go, can be traced to a simple lack of people wanting respect to be given to them instead of earning it.

And, as a corollary, to people who want respect given to them after that respect has been lost due to their own actions.

Like I said, not interested in a fight, just posting up a different take on the subject, one that might account for at least some of the cases when you encounter people who handle "respect" differently than you do.


You won't get a fight, but merely a discussion which is really what I wanted in the first place.

I believe respect should be intrinsically granted. At least a certain level and that level should include basic decency. I don't believe that level of respect should need to be earned. I think it should be a given and should not only be extended and expected in return.

To me, the basic level is covered nicely by the "golden rule." Basically, if you meet a stranger how do you treat him? As you would wish to be treated. It's a good solid rule and it is based on respect.

I also contend that this level of respect should never be violated but it doesn't mean you have to accept all behavior because of it. If I commit a crime I would expect reprisal so therefore I expect the same from someone else for example. I had a discussion like this with a cop friend who couldn't understand why I refused or would refuse having a ticket fixed. To me it would be ethically wrong and how could I justify expecting others to pay the penalties for breaking the law if I was unwilling to.

The nation state thought, and I'll admit that the Israel/Palestine issue was what first came to mind as I formulated the thought and it works well as I'm sure you'd contend that there is a reason for the lack of respect. I think that the lack of respect though exists on both sides. Lost to antequity is who really lost the first respect and it doesn't really matter anymore. See Hatfield v McCoy or Capulet v Montague.

By the time of these feuds the lack of respect is institutionalized and there's no way to consider the others side but by keeping a keen eye on the "fairness" scoreboard and while that sounds fine, it's self defeating. Any philosophy which defeats itself with no chance of success bar the total capitulation or death of one's foes just doesn't make any sense, especially if you're unwilling or unable to pursue the ends. I do realize you've advocated genocide for the muslims in the middle east but thankfully cooler heads prevail and I also realize that the muslims stated goals include the eradication of Israel but again, it isn't going to happen either.

What's left but senseless tit for tat bloodshed that only continues to make people tally up the old "fairness" scorecard that only causes grief.

I thought about the palestinians who are angry because an israeli patrol supposedly killed a palestinian girl but then I thought about the school massacre in Russia. Tit for tat. Senseless. Solving nothing.

Somebody has to stop and give the most basic level of respect. For example, no one wants their kids killed so don't kill kids. NO ONE kill kids. I can't see how this level of respect should ever be lost except in cases, like in vietnam where the children themselves become the weapons and in that case, my argument still holds but it's the parents rather than their enemies that broke the respect.

BTW, I think you meant "can be traced to a simple OVERABUNDANCE of people wanting respect to be given to them instead of earning it." ;)

I disagree of course since I'm simply talking about basic human decency not throwing a party for somebody or letting them stay in your house. I'm talking basic stuff and why should that have to be earned?

Why should being an asshole be the default human condition and anything approaching decency needs to be earned? Trust, definitely but basic respect, no and I think it's inherent in the human condition to agree with that thought but as I pointed out earlier, it's ingrained in us not to think about it and that dooms us to not practice it even though we consider it a principle we believe in.

I think it goes back to the basic dichotomy between our animal nature ( which is undeniable ) where survival is the only question as there is no ability to ponder moral issues and our human nature, which is based on our ability to ponder and think of things like right and wrong and choose correctly.

When we choose not to think, it shouldn't be surprising that we react selfishly and without respect, that's what keeps us alive in the short term but in the end, it bites us in the butt because we're not dealing with simple animals but with other human beings with the ability to comprehend good and evil and may well choose to pay back in kind because after all, they lost their respect for us first.

[JonInMiddleGA]

BTW, I think you meant "can be traced to a simple OVERABUNDANCE of people wanting respect to be given to them instead of earning it." ;)

ACK !

I disagree of course since I'm simply talking about basic human decency not throwing a party for somebody or letting them stay in your house. I'm talking basic stuff and why should that have to be earned?

Since I can find a way to agree with that sentiment depending upon interpretation, I suspect where we would part company is on the definition of "basic human decency." Straight-up, I have a notion that your floor for that criteria is higher than mine.

One possible description of my baseline for that is "I won't fuck with you unless/until you fuck with me." But once somebody crosses that line, absent any leeway earned at some point, I have little hesitation about firing back, with compound interest as an added value.

Somewhere in that little thumbnail sketch is probably the core of where our differences on the matter lie.

[sachmo71]

You won't get a fight, but merely a discussion which is really what I wanted in the first place.

I believe respect should be intrinsically granted. At least a certain level and that level should include basic decency. I don't believe that level of respect should need to be earned. I think it should be a given and should not only be extended and expected in return.

To me, the basic level is covered nicely by the "golden rule." Basically, if you meet a stranger how do you treat him? As you would wish to be treated. It's a good solid rule and it is based on respect.

I also contend that this level of respect should never be violated but it doesn't mean you have to accept all behavior because of it. If I commit a crime I would expect reprisal so therefore I expect the same from someone else for example. I had a discussion like this with a cop friend who couldn't understand why I refused or would refuse having a ticket fixed. To me it would be ethically wrong and how could I justify expecting others to pay the penalties for breaking the law if I was unwilling to.

The nation state thought, and I'll admit that the Israel/Palestine issue was what first came to mind as I formulated the thought and it works well as I'm sure you'd contend that there is a reason for the lack of respect. I think that the lack of respect though exists on both sides. Lost to antequity is who really lost the first respect and it doesn't really matter anymore. See Hatfield v McCoy or Capulet v Montague.

By the time of these feuds the lack of respect is institutionalized and there's no way to consider the others side but by keeping a keen eye on the "fairness" scoreboard and while that sounds fine, it's self defeating. Any philosophy which defeats itself with no chance of success bar the total capitulation or death of one's foes just doesn't make any sense, especially if you're unwilling or unable to pursue the ends. I do realize you've advocated genocide for the muslims in the middle east but thankfully cooler heads prevail and I also realize that the muslims stated goals include the eradication of Israel but again, it isn't going to happen either.

What's left but senseless tit for tat bloodshed that only continues to make people tally up the old "fairness" scorecard that only causes grief.

I thought about the palestinians who are angry because an israeli patrol supposedly killed a palestinian girl but then I thought about the school massacre in Russia. Tit for tat. Senseless. Solving nothing.

Somebody has to stop and give the most basic level of respect. For example, no one wants their kids killed so don't kill kids. NO ONE kill kids. I can't see how this level of respect should ever be lost except in cases, like in vietnam where the children themselves become the weapons and in that case, my argument still holds but it's the parents rather than their enemies that broke the respect.

BTW, I think you meant "can be traced to a simple OVERABUNDANCE of people wanting respect to be given to them instead of earning it." ;)

I disagree of course since I'm simply talking about basic human decency not throwing a party for somebody or letting them stay in your house. I'm talking basic stuff and why should that have to be earned?

Why should being an asshole be the default human condition and anything approaching decency needs to be earned? Trust, definitely but basic respect, no and I think it's inherent in the human condition to agree with that thought but as I pointed out earlier, it's ingrained in us not to think about it and that dooms us to not practice it even though we consider it a principle we believe in.

I think it goes back to the basic dichotomy between our animal nature ( which is undeniable ) where survival is the only question as there is no ability to ponder moral issues and our human nature, which is based on our ability to ponder and think of things like right and wrong and choose correctly.

When we choose not to think, it shouldn't be surprising that we react selfishly and without respect, that's what keeps us alive in the short term but in the end, it bites us in the butt because we're not dealing with simple animals but with other human beings with the ability to comprehend good and evil and may well choose to pay back in kind because after all, they lost their respect for us first.

Good post. I agree with much of it. :)

[Axxon]

ACK !



Since I can find a way to agree with that sentiment depending upon interpretation, I suspect where we would part company is on the definition of "basic human decency." Straight-up, I have a notion that your floor for that criteria is higher than mine.

One possible description of my baseline for that is "I won't fuck with you unless/until you fuck with me." But once somebody crosses that line, absent any leeway earned at some point, I have little hesitation about firing back, with compound interest as an added value.

Somewhere in that little thumbnail sketch is probably the core of where our differences on the matter lie.

Surprisingly, no, we don't disagree one whit with that though I suspect I may tend to not fire back if given time to cool down. I don't hold grudges, not like that. I wouldn't associate with the person, I wouldn't trust them, but I would feel no compelling need to "get even" unless it was immediate. I don't believe revenge is a dish best served cold. Serve it cold and it's always unsatisfying to me and does make me feel like an asshole.

It's the time thing that is the issue. I also DON'T think I should fire back because of something great great great grandpa Jon did to my great great great grandpa. It wasn't me, it wasn't you, it was them. If they didn't settle it, it's not my problem.

[Maple Leafs]

FOFC is like a big party with lots of discussions going on. The people who like to post parody threads are like the people who go to parties and jump in on every conversation with variations on the same joke.

Now, some other people at the party have calmy (OK, some not so calmy) pulled them aside to say "Look, we get the joke, it was funny the first time, but could you cool it a bit? It's not really funny any more, and it's kind of hard to hold a conversation when you keep doing that." And in fairness, some other people have said that they still find the joke funny, maybe even more entertaining than the normal conversations going on.

So at this point, you can either:
- Stop making the joke altogether.
- Decide to tone it down a bit, and only make the joke when you really think it's going to be a winner
- Proclaim loudly to everyone who'll listen that you won't let "the man" keep you down, and you'll continue making the same joke until you go to your grave no matter how many people it annoys, and in fact now you're going to fight the system by doing it even more.

Your call, really.

[Axxon]

FOFC is like a big party with lots of discussions going on. The people who like to post parody threads are like the people who go to parties and jump in on every conversation with variations on the same joke.

Now, some other people at the party have calmy (OK, some not so calmy) pulled them aside to say "Look, we get the joke, it was funny the first time, but could you cool it a bit? It's not really funny any more, and it's kind of hard to hold a conversation when you keep doing that." And in fairness, some other people have said that they still find the joke funny, maybe even more entertaining than the normal conversations going on.

So at this point, you can either:
- Stop making the joke altogether.
- Decide to tone it down a bit, and only make the joke when you really think it's going to be a winner
- Proclaim loudly to everyone who'll listen that you won't let "the man" keep you down, and you'll continue making the same joke until you go to your grave no matter how many people it annoys, and in fact now you're going to fight the system by doing it even more.

Your call, really.


Good analogy. Let me use another one.

I can't sing. I kinda enjoy singing now and then but chalk on a chalkboard sounds better. I get on a public bus and I start singing. As you may expect it's a bit annoying.

Someone asks me politely to tone it down. Not confrontationally, not saying stop, but maybe notch the volume down.

I immediately say, "no way" it's my right to sing and you can't make me stop."

Singing in no way is important to me in any meaningful way but that it brings me occasional pleasure but I realize it's actually causing someone else displeasure. I've just stated that I really have so little respect for this person that their displeasure has no meaning for me and the trivial pleasure I derive by singing badly far outweighs in my mind their displeasure.

That's stunning disrespect due to the very triviality of the request. How hard is it to accomodate minor requests like this? Does everything have to be turned into a conflict between yourself and another? You can't even turn it around and say the action of not singing causes you displeasure because singing isn't a compelling need nor do you sing at all times.

It's about respect and shared space and you're stating that the meaning of shared space and respect are concepts that are beneath you.

Now, on the bus you'd likely change your tune when the 6'5" 350 lb man told you to shut the hell up but that can't happen on a message board so you continue to cause other people displeasure while not really benefitting in any meaningful way. You're merely doing it now for the pleasure you get by causing displeasure.

Excuse me for thinking that people who derive pleasure by causing displeasure are assholes. :)

[cuervo72]

Where's my lampshade?

[gottimd]

Where's my lampshade?

Behind the couch.

[Axxon]

Where's my lampshade?

The lampshade is a time honored classic and besides, it is very often indeed associated with cuervo. ;)

[rkmsuf]

Where's my lampshade?


You should see how many shrimp you can put in your mouth at one time.

[JonInMiddleGA]

... so you continue to cause other people displeasure while not really benefitting in any meaningful way. You're merely doing it now for the pleasure you get by causing displeasure.

Now, being that I don't know if I've ever started a parody thread here (possibly one, but it was parody title with different but semantically related topics), I may not be the best example, but ...

It seems possible, hell, it seems likely to me that "pleasure from displeasure" isn't nearly the motivating factor that "simple pleasure for pleasure's sake" is.
Boy, that was a fucked up sounding sentence, lemme try it another way.

Posting a parody thread = 1 unit of pleasure for the poster
(on a scale where good sex might be 1,000,000 units of pleasure)

That one unit of pleasure IS the motivation ... not "causing 1000 units of displeasure" or anything related to that side of the equation. Those 1000 units are irrelevant to the poster, but that's a different scenario than "getting pleasure by causing displeasure".

Now, that could be rolled right back into the debate about "respect", but then again, I don't believe I've much disputed your contention about that with regard to parody threads -- I think our conversation re: respect has been focused more on appropriate/adequate levels & such.

To bring this back around to the original topic though, I guess I look at it that we all post here ultimately at the pleasure of ourselves and at the pleasure of the moderators ... and that's the real bottom line. I don't spend a whole lot of time wondering "what's the ratio of people here who will like/dislike my post about XYZ" . If it's a hit, fine & dandy, but I don't know that I particularly give a gigantic fuck either, my decision when/what to post is based on my own whims not anybody else's. And I'd be shocked if that wasn't essentially true for the large majority of internet postings on any venue. But that's still very different from posting something with a primary intent of causing displeasure.