I honestly think my job is pretty cool, and it's certainly never boring. It's extremely challenging, stressful, and generally exhilarating to be in an environment like that.
do nothing the rest of the time but play games and read comics.
...and go rock climbing and mountain biking and running, playing tennis, practicing my harmonica and piano playing...
I honestly think my job is pretty cool, and it's certainly never boring. It's extremely challenging, stressful, and generally exhilarating to be in an environment like that.
do nothing the rest of the time but play games and read comics.
...and go rock climbing and mountain biking and running, playing tennis, practicing my harmonica and piano playing...
Harmonica?! Show us your skills like you did with the keyboard!
With the other stuff, aren't you the active one between you two and Scott isn't as much?
My wife said Scrym are "losers who need to do something productive instead of sitting around in their little nerdery arguing about the right order to beat Megaman."
WATCH IT SCOTT. You're being dissed by aprofessional juggler.
Oh, snaps.
"And at that very moment, Scott jerked back, hitting the ground with a thud. He lay dead on the pavement with the juggling pin lodged in his forehead, a menacing figure standing over him..."
I agree that they can sometimes be egotistical, but I tend to agree with them.
The way I see it, most people (at least in the United States) are not very intelligent. In my short (so far) life, I've moved about 20 times, all across the country. People are generally the same. Thus, I have a somewhat high opinion of myself. I'm intelligent and rational (usually), and can solve problems that most of the people in the country simply cannot. When I meet someone of a similar level of awesomeness, I applaud them. When I meet someone of greater awesomeness (most scientists, students of higher education, IT geniuses, Doctors, Lawyers, and a large number of people on this forum) I stand in awe, because they are so much better than me.
So, even though I (and Rym, and Scott) seem egotistical, we really know our places. When a problem arises, we try to fix it; understand it so that we can better ourselves, rather than giving up. We laud things we like, because they are awesome. When we speak authoritatively on a subject, we know our stuff (usually).
Awesome people sometimes don't get along with less awesome people, because they seem egotistical. Yet, if the less awesome people learn more, explore new ideas, and thus become awesome, then awesome people will get along with them.
tl;dr We may look down on people, but we look up as well.
My wife said Scrym are "losers who need to do something productive instead of sitting around in their little nerdery arguing about the right order to beat Megaman."
Direct quote.
Wife not a geek, I'm guessing? It's always refreshing to me when someone says something like that. What with the inbred geek culture of the internet and the protective cocoon of anime clubs, comic book stores, etc. that are its offline equivalent, sometimes it's easy for people to forget how things are in the Real World. Leads to a lack of perspective.
It's always refreshing to me when someone says something like that. What with the inbred geek culture of the internet and the protective cocoon of anime clubs, comic book stores, etc. that are its offline equivalent, sometimes it's easy for people to forget how things are in the Real World. Leads to a lack of perspective.
You also have to keep in mind what Geeknights is supposed to be. Largely, it's a podcast about hobbies. Hobbies are usually, by their nature, trivial. You could make the same criticism of a podcast about football, or music, or stamp-collecting. Those things just don't have the stigma that geeky hobbies do, and as a result, are less obvious targets. Except maybe the stamp-collecting.
WATCH IT SCOTT. You're being dissed by a professional juggler.
Oh, snaps.
Yeah, you got me there. But I never said I was cool! I happen to think I am awesome though. And I am.
these guys are dorks who have boring 9 to 5 jobs
I honestly think my job is pretty cool, and it's certainly never boring. It's extremely challenging, stressful, and generally exhilarating to be in an environment like that.
do nothing the rest of the time but play games and read comics.
...and go rock climbing and mountain biking and running, playing tennis, practicing my harmonica and piano playing...
Sure, but you don't go on about how awesome you are those things.
My wife said Scrym are "losers who need to do something productive instead of sitting around in their little nerdery arguing about the right order to beat Megaman."
So what equals productive? We all have personal projects. In addition to doing all sorts of non nerdy things (for example, Rym is teaching me how to play tennis) They make entertainment and give it away for free. Scott makes little software projects, and Rym is trying to write a book teaching people about amateur audio production. I've got all sorts of art projects in the works. I'm making a film, and at my job I made a video game. Other members of the crew are involved in politics, and others still teach children. We do all sorts of productive things. So the SHOW is arguing about mega man. Our LIVES are not. Please tell your wife that from me. Also, we are not so much the losers. We are full of win! (^_^)
Posted By: JasonMy wife said Scrym are "losers who need to do something productive instead of sitting around in their little nerdery arguing about the right order to beat Megaman." Girls hate nerds.
My wife said Scrym are "losers who need to do something productive instead of sitting around in their little nerdery arguing about the right order to beat Megaman."
So what equals productive? We all have personal projects. In addition to doing all sorts of non nerdy things (for example, Rym is teaching me how to play tennis) They make entertainment and give it away for free. Scott makes little software projects, and Rym is trying to write a book teaching people about amateur audio production. I've got all sorts of art projects in the works. I'm making a film, and at my job I made a video game. Other members of the crew are involved in politics, and others still teach children. We do all sorts of productive things. So the SHOW is arguing about mega man. Our LIVES are not. Please tell your wife that from me. Also, we are not so much the losers. We are full of win! (^_^)
Damn right. Our LIVES are arguing about which berry is the best, and then being owned by Wikipedia.
And I echo the "define productive" sentiment. I say that pursuing personal fulfillment is pretty goddamn productive. Who cares if somebody is fulfilled by playing Megaman? Some people are fulfilled by buying shoes. The key is finding that which you find personally fulfilling, and doing it.
Damn right. Our LIVES are arguing about which berry is the best, and then being owned by Wikipedia.
And I echo the "define productive" sentiment. I say that pursuing personal fulfillment is pretty goddamn productive. Who cares if somebody is fulfilled by playing Megaman? Some people are fulfilled by buying shoes. The key is finding that which you find personally fulfilling, and doing it.
I agree wholeheartedly. This kind of reminds me of my friend telling me about his parents trying to force him to go to school for subjects he didn't want to take. He said and I quote, "If you're from India, you can be a Doctor or an Engineer and my mom doesn't understand this. She thinks me being a lawyer is a waste of a life" Now I don't know about the whole stereotype he brought up, but I don't understand how a parent can think that doing something you enjoy can be unproductive.
Damn right. Our LIVES are arguing about which berry is the best, and then being owned by Wikipedia.
And I echo the "define productive" sentiment. I say that pursuing personal fulfillment is pretty goddamn productive. Who cares if somebody is fulfilled by playing Megaman? Some people are fulfilled by buying shoes. The key is finding that which you find personally fulfilling, and doing it.
I agree wholeheartedly. This kind of reminds me of my friend telling me about his parents trying to force him to go to school for subjects he didn't want to take. He said and I quote, "If you're from India, you can be a Doctor or an Engineer and my mom doesn't understand this. She thinks me being a lawyer is a waste of a life" Now I don't know about the whole stereotype he brought up, but I don't understand how a parent can think that doing something you enjoy can be unproductive.
Seriously. I have a B.A. in Theatre (double major in acting/directing track and theatrical tech and design track with minors in English and philosophy). While this may look like a useless degree, it actually left me with an AMAZING education and wonderful memories. Get and education in whatever makes you happy. Some day I may return to my theatrical roots, but I would definitely not consider my education worthless nor useless.
Kilarney said what I had been thinking for a LONG time - namely that because the podcast is such a success and that they have such a large fan base they seem to throw their weight around and as Kilarney stated "forget their roots". I remember listening to their December 2005 weekly series on PC components and thought "wow, these guys aren't stupid, they actually know what they're talking about, they're clearly doing this for enjoyment as well as educating closet geeks". I have however noticed the change after Connecticon 2007 when they were invited to basically run a third of the convention because the 'con was understaffed (and mind you new listeners, they panned Connecticon 2006) that the experience (as well as Otakon) has seemingly gone to their heads.
However I can argue the reverse. If an individual is successful in a particular field or is winning in this game that we call life, than naturally that person or persons earn bragging rights. What I can no longer stand are overbearing comments, constant "back-patting" or the "we're gods among men because we're IT professionals".
Honestly, as a lower middle-class listener who's finally ready to embrace geek culture, do I really need to hear stuff like that? Look at Adan Christianson of the Maccast podcast - four years in the podcasting world educating new and old Mac users alike. Eager to answer any Apple-related questions no matter how trivial, called upon as a guest for dozens of podcasts - and not once does he display an ego. And it all started with a iBook and a desire to not use Windows for personal use. Now THAT'S a podcast that I've never wavered from - not just because of the content but because of the way he does it.
I've used him as an example because he's inspiring me to spend my hard-earned money to try out and actually LEARN a new skill and be creative while doing it. Lately Scrym it seems that you're teaching us how to be egomaniacs - and I for one know my place.
So you've developed skills, are a success at using them and you've proven yourselves social. While we applaud your successes as listeners please note that we subscribe to the podcast to be informed on geek issues, not geek arrogance,
Kilarney said what I had been thinking for a LONG time - namely that because the podcast is such a success and that they have such a large fan base they seem to throw their weight around and as Kilarney stated "forget their roots". I remember listening to their December 2005 weekly series on PC components and thought "wow, these guys aren't stupid, they actually know what they're talking about, they're clearly doing this for enjoyment as well as educating closet geeks". I have however noticed the change after Connecticon 2007 when they were invited to basically run a third of the convention because the 'con was understaffed (and mind you new listeners, they panned Connecticon 2006) that the experience (as well as Otakon) has seemingly gone to their heads.
However I can argue the reverse. If an individual is successful in a particular field or is winning in this game that we call life, than naturally that person or persons earn bragging rights. What I can no longer stand are overbearing comments, constant "back-patting" or the "we're gods among men because we're IT professionals".
Honestly, as a lower middle-class listener who's finally ready to embrace geek culture, do I really need to hear stuff like that? Look at Adan Christianson of the Maccast podcast - four years in the podcasting world educating new and old Mac users alike. Eager to answer any Apple-related questions no matter how trivial, called upon as a guest for dozens of podcasts - and not once does he display an ego. And it all started with a iBook and a desire to not use Windows for personal use. Now THAT'S a podcast that I've never wavered from - not just because of the content but because of the way he does it.
I've used him as an example because he's inspiring me to spend my hard-earned money to try out and actually LEARN a new skill and be creative while doing it. Lately Scrym it seems that you're teaching us how to be egomaniacs - and I for one know my place.
So you've developed skills, are a success at using them and you've proven yourselves social. While we applaud your successes as listeners please note that we subscribe to the podcast to be informed on geek issues, not geek arrogance,
I have however noticed the change after Connecticon 2007 when they were invited to basically run a third of the convention because the 'con was understaffed (and mind you new listeners, they panned Connecticon 2006) that the experience (as well as Otakon) has seemingly gone to their heads.
This is exactly what I mean. They panned Connecticon in 2006, and this year did not make one single criticism. As well as the con may have been run, you can't tell me that everything was perfect. Their "celebrity" has affected their impartiality. Coupled with a demonstrable reduction in enthusiasm for the podcast, that was the straw that broke the camel's back for me.
I first noticed this trend when they went to a convention at a SUNY college in upstate New York. (Run by mitsukai I believe?) This was the first con they went to where they were "celebrities." They talked at length about the con, and didn't say one negative thing. From guys that frequently pointed out the negatives, this was quite conspicuous.
I don't necessarily want to hear negative things, but I do expect an honest review. With events of this magnitude, any honest review is bound to have some constructive criticism. As podcasters, you are only as good as your credibility. Once that was gone, so was I.
Not true! They complained a lot about the scheduling and the fact that the con was sooo disorganized, that Friday was boring, and that there are no restaurants in the area.
But yeah, they have the rock star attitude when they get attention.
That's a missleading point. There is a good chance that there was nothing they needed to complain about. We need to compare this to other peoples experiences.
Not true! They complained a lot about the scheduling and the fact that the con was sooo disorganized, that Friday was boring, and that there are no restaurants in the area.
I don't recall that - but I have no doubt you are correct. I guess I should have said that they don't approach these matters as they did before.
There is a good chance that there was nothing they needed to complain about.
Then say that. It's the absence of such a comment that's telling.
As podcasters, you are only as good as your credibility. Once that was gone, so was I.
For someone who is "gone", you sure have been active lately.
Weren't you the one who got all huffy and offended at some offhand comment and then "left the forums" but continued to lurk? Yeah, that was you. You seem to like to be offended by things and you like to tell others that they don't live up to your high expectations.
I'm sure the podcast will somehow get by without you, even though I really don't believe that you will actually stop listening. You'll probably just hang around like you did on the forums when you told everyone you were taking your ball and going home.
For someone who is "gone", you sure have been active lately.
In this thread, I never said I was done with the forums. I've just unsubscribed from the podcast.
Lighten up, Joe. I really don't need you lurking looking to make trouble with my every post.
If it isn't something that involves you, then perhaps it's just best to not be involved.
I subscribe to a lot of podcasts. The list changes over time. I was merely pointing out why I was removing GeekNights - and giving some constructive criticism as to why. In case you hadn't noticed, I really want the podcast to be the best it can be. I'd love to come back someday. I'm not sure why that's such a terrible thing. Things in life are not so absolute. What is not good for you one day, may be good for you in the future. Like I said... I really hope that I desire to return to GeekNights in the future. I'm not at all ashamed of saying that. It shows the potential that either I'll change, or the show will change. Change is a good thing.
I don't mind debating politics and other such matters with you Joe - and I don't know why your hatred towards me developed (although I suspect my political opinions have a lot to do with it). However, flaming in this thread was pointless. I just don't get what's up with you lately. For the life of me, I can't understand why you're so concerned with what I do or don't listen to. Try to be less vindictive and let's keep the vigorous debate to an appropriate thread. This thread was about GeekNights and my (and subsequently other's) thoughts about the show - it had neither nothing to do with you, nor anything to do with a spat that we may have.
In order to avoid more threads from being derailed, I'm extending an olive branch, Joe - it's up to you whether or not you take it.
If it isn't something that involves you, then perhaps it's just best to not be involved.
Ummm . . . if you want to make a private decision, that's fine. When you make a public announcement and then make all these public criticisms on a public board, you kind of lose that "leave me alone" argument.
Weren't you the one who was harshly criticizing me for "not using precise language" a couple of days ago?
good·bye or good-bye also good-by (gd-b) interj. Used to express an acknowledgement of parting. n. pl. good·byes also good-bys 1. An acknowledgment at parting, especially by saying "goodbye." 2. An act of parting or leave-taking: many sad goodbyes.
I've unsubscribed from the podcast and based especially on Hungryjoe's attacks and Scrym's overbearing attitudes I don't want to post in the forum nor read it any more.
This is my last post. Apparently it's time to either find another show or use the experiences I've had in making the GD podcast and make a better one. Good luck Geeknights. You'll soon need it.
James M. Wallace Former long-time Geeknights listener Former host of Geek Democracy
Comments
With the other stuff, aren't you the active one between you two and Scott isn't as much?
Direct quote.
The way I see it, most people (at least in the United States) are not very intelligent. In my short (so far) life, I've moved about 20 times, all across the country. People are generally the same. Thus, I have a somewhat high opinion of myself. I'm intelligent and rational (usually), and can solve problems that most of the people in the country simply cannot. When I meet someone of a similar level of awesomeness, I applaud them. When I meet someone of greater awesomeness (most scientists, students of higher education, IT geniuses, Doctors, Lawyers, and a large number of people on this forum) I stand in awe, because they are so much better than me.
So, even though I (and Rym, and Scott) seem egotistical, we really know our places. When a problem arises, we try to fix it; understand it so that we can better ourselves, rather than giving up. We laud things we like, because they are awesome. When we speak authoritatively on a subject, we know our stuff (usually).
Awesome people sometimes don't get along with less awesome people, because they seem egotistical. Yet, if the less awesome people learn more, explore new ideas, and thus become awesome, then awesome people will get along with them.
tl;dr We may look down on people, but we look up as well.
You guys glossed over a ton of stuff relevant to the security discussion.
Girls hate nerds.
And I echo the "define productive" sentiment. I say that pursuing personal fulfillment is pretty goddamn productive. Who cares if somebody is fulfilled by playing Megaman? Some people are fulfilled by buying shoes. The key is finding that which you find personally fulfilling, and doing it.
However I can argue the reverse. If an individual is successful in a particular field or is winning in this game that we call life, than naturally that person or persons earn bragging rights. What I can no longer stand are overbearing comments, constant "back-patting" or the "we're gods among men because we're IT professionals".
Honestly, as a lower middle-class listener who's finally ready to embrace geek culture, do I really need to hear stuff like that? Look at Adan Christianson of the Maccast podcast - four years in the podcasting world educating new and old Mac users alike. Eager to answer any Apple-related questions no matter how trivial, called upon as a guest for dozens of podcasts - and not once does he display an ego. And it all started with a iBook and a desire to not use Windows for personal use. Now THAT'S a podcast that I've never wavered from - not just because of the content but because of the way he does it.
I've used him as an example because he's inspiring me to spend my hard-earned money to try out and actually LEARN a new skill and be creative while doing it. Lately Scrym it seems that you're teaching us how to be egomaniacs - and I for one know my place.
So you've developed skills, are a success at using them and you've proven yourselves social. While we applaud your successes as listeners please note that we subscribe to the podcast to be informed on geek issues, not geek arrogance,
I pretty much agree 100% with what jwallace said.
I first noticed this trend when they went to a convention at a SUNY college in upstate New York. (Run by mitsukai I believe?) This was the first con they went to where they were "celebrities." They talked at length about the con, and didn't say one negative thing. From guys that frequently pointed out the negatives, this was quite conspicuous.
I don't necessarily want to hear negative things, but I do expect an honest review. With events of this magnitude, any honest review is bound to have some constructive criticism. As podcasters, you are only as good as your credibility. Once that was gone, so was I.
But yeah, they have the rock star attitude when they get attention.
Weren't you the one who got all huffy and offended at some offhand comment and then "left the forums" but continued to lurk? Yeah, that was you. You seem to like to be offended by things and you like to tell others that they don't live up to your high expectations.
I'm sure the podcast will somehow get by without you, even though I really don't believe that you will actually stop listening. You'll probably just hang around like you did on the forums when you told everyone you were taking your ball and going home.
Lighten up, Joe. I really don't need you lurking looking to make trouble with my every post.
If it isn't something that involves you, then perhaps it's just best to not be involved.
I subscribe to a lot of podcasts. The list changes over time. I was merely pointing out why I was removing GeekNights - and giving some constructive criticism as to why. In case you hadn't noticed, I really want the podcast to be the best it can be. I'd love to come back someday. I'm not sure why that's such a terrible thing. Things in life are not so absolute. What is not good for you one day, may be good for you in the future. Like I said... I really hope that I desire to return to GeekNights in the future. I'm not at all ashamed of saying that. It shows the potential that either I'll change, or the show will change. Change is a good thing.
I don't mind debating politics and other such matters with you Joe - and I don't know why your hatred towards me developed (although I suspect my political opinions have a lot to do with it). However, flaming in this thread was pointless. I just don't get what's up with you lately. For the life of me, I can't understand why you're so concerned with what I do or don't listen to. Try to be less vindictive and let's keep the vigorous debate to an appropriate thread. This thread was about GeekNights and my (and subsequently other's) thoughts about the show - it had neither nothing to do with you, nor anything to do with a spat that we may have.
In order to avoid more threads from being derailed, I'm extending an olive branch, Joe - it's up to you whether or not you take it.
Weren't you the one who was harshly criticizing me for "not using precise language" a couple of days ago? Source.
This is my last post. Apparently it's time to either find another show or use the experiences I've had in making the GD podcast and make a better one. Good luck Geeknights. You'll soon need it.
James M. Wallace
Former long-time Geeknights listener
Former host of Geek Democracy