message bored
Most people who know me would likely say that I'm quiet and reserved. But I can be a loudmouth at times - on the web. No matter what the subject, there's a good chance you can find someone who has taken the time to build a web site about it and allow people to discuss it. I used to love giving my opinion on a lot of topics but now I think I'm getting tired of dealing with idiots who get me riled up even though I've never met them. Maybe it's time to walk away. I just don't know how much more I can take of the following:
Stupid People
"Yee-Haw! The internet is great. Now I can finally express myself to everybody on the planet."
Yes, everyone deserves to be heard. However, it never ceases to amaze me how many people there are whose lives seem to be devoid of logic or reason. I know that's a generalization, but this is the internet so I can say what I want. So many times I find myself thinking, "Are you that stupid? Or are you an 8-year-old?"
Also, LEARN TO SPELL! I know that in this day of email and txt msg-ing people have taken to getting their point across using less words or letters. That's fine when you're communicating with someone you know, but if you want take share your opinion in a public forum, take a little more time to formulate your thoughts. I know sometimes you want to be the first to post or the first to reply and you just have to get this rant out quickly, but a quick spell check won't hurt. AND LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEY'RE AND THERE AND THEIR!!
Buzz Words / Overused Phrases
I frequent the IMDb message boards a lot. But if I read one more "This is the worst tv show/movie I've ever seen," I might have to virtually choke somebody. I understand if you don't like something, but is it really the worst thing you've ever seen. Really? Can I assume you've only seen 5 movies in your lifetime. I know it's just a figure of speech but people use it way too much.
Other offending phrases include:
This show has jumped the shark: Really? Do you even know what that means? Were you even alive when Happy Days was on television? One bad or less than spectacular episode of a show and apparently it's all over.
It completely bombed!: It seems like opening weekends have become a sporting event for fanboys. I'm not sure when it got to the point where people have some vested interest in how much money a movie makes. I'm certainly interested in the numbers every week, but whether or not Spider Man 3 has a bigger opening weekend than Shrek The Third has no bearing on my mortgage payments. And now if a blockbuster type movie doesn't make back its entire budget in the first 3 days of release, it's a complete failure. Let the haters rejoice.
Racism
Wow! I know we still have a problem with racism in this country, but for the most part people seem to get along and things are getting better. But the internet allows people to put on their masks and relay their true feelings. And it seems to come out no matter what the topic is. I got into it with someone a few years ago on IMDb about Undercover Brother being the most racist movie ever made. I can certainly think of several more racist movies than this parody. This led to many more race-related discussions and after a while I finally figured out how futile it is to argue with some of these people because they have solidified their opinions based on a few isolated incidents and won't be swayed by logic. Just about any topic that borders on race relations will stir up controversy online and get people going back and forth about things that have nothing to do with the original subject. All it does is perpetuate ignorance and hate.
Windows vs Mac vs Linux
Look, you nerds, most people use computers for work and play and only about as much as they have to. And they certainly don't spend time online blogging about why this system is better than that one. They don't give a damn about open source or DRM or getting linux to run on your Atari 2600. Most people probably only need to do 5 things:
- compose a document
- create a spreadsheet
- surf the web
- check their email
- do something with music or photos or videos
The vast majority of people on the planet will do just fine with a $400 box from Best Buy. And of course there are power users that need more than that so they will get more than that. If it works for you, do you really need to put down another system like it's a rival team? I am so sick of the constant rants about how Windows is riddled with viruses or how Macs suck because they cost so much or why this is the year Linux finally breaks into the desktop market. And on top of that, if 5 people have a problem with a new product, all of a sudden the entire production run is plagued with problems because a few people complained online. If you make a million things and 10 of those things have a problem that can be fixed, I'd say you're doing pretty good.
Oh, who am I kidding. I can't stay away from message boards, especially IMDb. But my tolerance for stupidity goes a little lower every time.
