So we're back to criticizing claims of superiority I've never made?
Joel Send a noteboard - 14/05/2011 07:06:10 AM
Joel Send a noteboard - 14/05/2011 07:06:10 AM
"Who is Osama bin Laden?" is a good way to conduct a google search if you are seeking general information about him beyond "he's the leader of Al Qaeda who bombed us on 9/11"
I'm not sure why you think that people should be familiar with much more than that. I'm willing to bet that even people in NYC at the time of the attack aren't intimately familiar with his personal history. The majority certainly would not know more than what the news told them (which the news has not talked about in a while, so kids would not know it).
Really, you should commend teenagers for using this as a prompt to investigate his history.
I'm not sure why you think that people should be familiar with much more than that. I'm willing to bet that even people in NYC at the time of the attack aren't intimately familiar with his personal history. The majority certainly would not know more than what the news told them (which the news has not talked about in a while, so kids would not know it).
Really, you should commend teenagers for using this as a prompt to investigate his history.
Let me assure YOU I'm familiar with the former, but I can't say I have detailed knowledge of how people in general conduct them; I haven't asked around much, but what knowledge I have of peoples search habits was acquired that way. If they were seeking to expand existing basic knowledge, fine, my bad, but the question suggested otherwise to me, hence my shock.
This is because you don't really think further than your first thought. First thought in reading something like what you first saw would be "oh, look at all the stupid, lazy children". But, if you have the slightest shred of faith in humanity and people in general, you would would take a few seconds (thats all it honestly takes) to come up with logical conclusions or theories. But from your replies, you never quite made it that far.
I've been known to just go with my initial reaction before. I've done it quite often on here and thats one of the reasons I've posted less for a while. Thinking through my responses and the topics for seconds more (like I do all the time in real life) quickly shows that my initial reaction may not be wrong but has lots of holes in it. Then I'm just too lazy to fill them in, but thats a different issue than whats at hand. Stop assuming that you actually know things in your initial reaction and thoughts, add a new layer. Think more critically, not just in a manor that says "I'm a knowledge snob" or more often your "Look at me, I'm always correct". You can be and often are wrong. But then, everyone is. Thats life. You're no better than anyone else on here, don't act as you are anymore.
Again, for someone so concerned about speculation on the thoughts of others, you're doing a fair amount of it. Regardless, I'm guilty of expecting teens to have knowledge reasonably close to my own and being disappointed that the question implied many of them didn't. In other words, that I thought them, not inferior to myself, but better than they appear to be; I have tended to shoot from the hip more in recent years in large part due to becoming so familiar with that disappointment. It's ironic someone jumped into this thread to voice displeasure I thought him capable of something he says beyond him (the first time I've ever heard him claim ANYTHING beyond him). My disappointment that a lot of wotmaniacs weren't as fine as I thought stems in no small part from the months he and others spent on a rather insulting discussion of what they thought MY capabilities. For good or ill one consequence of that is that I worry a lot less about what others think of me, because a lot of people will and do think some pretty wretched things irrespective of whether they're true. I do tend to shoot from the hip a lot more as a result, often with regrettable results, and I am trying to curtail that and return to the less confrontational tone I once took; finding the way back remains a challenge because it's uncharted territory. Now, returning from answering the ad hominem to the actual topic:
Yeah, I considered that the search might indicate a general but shallow knowledge and simply seek to expand that, but dismissed it because the question was SO general and SO widespread. I've since conceded that, while I still think it unlikely, it is possible. I don't have a problem admitting I'm wrong, but don't take positions just for the hell of it or to start an argument, so do require some convincing to change my mind.
Honorbound and honored to be Bonded to Mahtaliel Sedai
Last First in wotmania Chat
Slightly better than chocolate.
Love still can't be coerced.
Please Don't Eat the Newbies!
LoL. Be well, RAFOlk.
Last First in wotmania Chat
Slightly better than chocolate.
Love still can't be coerced.
Please Don't Eat the Newbies!

LoL. Be well, RAFOlk.
OK, Once and for All, WTF Is WRONG with Kids Today?
- 04/05/2011 01:28:52 AM
1780 Views
I guess I have a pretty bright Child. and a good school district.
- 04/05/2011 04:28:24 AM
1058 Views
You really have to wonder if our culture is decadent? *NM*
- 04/05/2011 06:24:25 AM
590 Views
Not at all, but it does make me wonder if we're TOO decadent.
- 06/05/2011 01:38:42 AM
1081 Views
I agree. *NM*
- 09/05/2011 10:36:40 PM
667 Views
Hope for the best and plan for the worst, I suppose, but that's what unnerved me here.
- 10/05/2011 03:14:24 AM
1127 Views
How is it the kids' fault that they are not taught (to care) about recent history? *NM*
- 04/05/2011 06:54:16 AM
545 Views
I just asked my son, and he said he was a boss of a criminal organisation who was responsible for
- 04/05/2011 06:56:18 AM
1074 Views
Yes and no, but I'd think an international network trying to kill you would motivate self education.
- 06/05/2011 01:57:06 AM
1208 Views
Good teachers don't allow overeager students to monopolize the classroom.
- 06/05/2011 02:52:27 AM
1214 Views
We covered the material.
- 06/05/2011 02:57:52 AM
1256 Views
If they don't know about the terrorist organisation to begin with, why would they self educate?
- 13/05/2011 08:06:07 AM
1086 Views
If completely ignorant of terrorism itself, they wouldn't, but if not I'd expect they'd get informed
- 14/05/2011 03:01:37 AM
1056 Views
What?!? There are terrorists roaming the US, killing kids in their beds?!?
- 14/05/2011 07:45:27 AM
1200 Views
They're certainly trying.
- 14/05/2011 10:43:48 AM
1095 Views
Oklahoma city bombing was by American citizens, completely unrelated to Al Qaeda...
- 15/05/2011 08:02:11 AM
1298 Views
They were both terrorist attacks.
- 15/05/2011 02:53:51 PM
1304 Views
Obesity is a much bigger killer than terrorists
- 15/05/2011 04:01:51 PM
1128 Views
Sure, but obesity covers a lot of ground.
- 15/05/2011 04:19:51 PM
1113 Views
Obesity is a new problem
- 15/05/2011 06:09:33 PM
1108 Views
I gave you my explanation, but can reiterate it.
- 15/05/2011 08:00:03 PM
1157 Views
For god's sake... I didn't attribute all of obesity to sugar addiction.
- 15/05/2011 08:10:44 PM
971 Views
No, you blamed advertising and bad schools, too.
- 15/05/2011 08:20:32 PM
1034 Views
That's because you are incredibly annoying and I am wondering if you will ever not reply
- 15/05/2011 08:26:12 PM
1124 Views
An odd reason to stereotype the third most populous nation on Earth.
- 15/05/2011 08:52:57 PM
1080 Views
only about a third of the home schooled kids are home schooled for religious reasons
- 16/05/2011 09:35:36 PM
1190 Views
how many times have i told you "it's the internet, it's not real life"?? *NM*
- 04/05/2011 07:43:01 AM
575 Views
I met a lady who didn't know who Justin Bieber was. I told her I was very impressed
- 04/05/2011 06:49:49 PM
1179 Views
You should be?
- 06/05/2011 02:09:47 AM
1208 Views
- 06/05/2011 02:09:47 AM
1208 Views
He may have been dreaming about killing them but he was actually doing anything *NM*
- 06/05/2011 03:09:49 AM
602 Views
The short answer is "yes".
- 06/05/2011 03:19:31 AM
1067 Views
you would of have had to know who he is to know he was doing that though
*NM*
- 08/05/2011 06:16:39 PM
547 Views
*NM*
- 08/05/2011 06:16:39 PM
547 Views
Yes, and the fact he WAS doing that is why I expected nearly everyone to know who he was.
- 08/05/2011 07:12:41 PM
1096 Views
I am not saying they shouldn't know who he is just that is isn't that shocking that some don't
- 09/05/2011 02:35:02 PM
964 Views
I get that, it's the size of the "some" that kinda floors me.
- 09/05/2011 05:02:46 PM
1094 Views
Rumsfeld was a bit of a tool but he was right about a lot of stuff
- 09/05/2011 05:05:56 PM
1006 Views
I did think he took heat unfairly for that comment; he's an interesting figure.
- 09/05/2011 05:59:58 PM
1194 Views
see that is why political comedy isn't really comedy
- 10/05/2011 02:15:48 PM
1083 Views
He was a college offensive lineman.
- 12/05/2011 01:47:52 AM
1124 Views
It was the media tqaking offense not just internet nutjobs
- 13/05/2011 04:16:34 AM
1213 Views
You're "the media" now?
- 13/05/2011 10:27:42 PM
1200 Views
you live in a fantasy world *NM*
- 16/05/2011 02:27:20 PM
567 Views
Not a rebuttal.
- 16/05/2011 09:10:33 PM
1076 Views
I am trying to be more concise and that summed it up *NM*
- 16/05/2011 09:26:32 PM
559 Views
Concise is nice, but that response was solely about me rather than my arguments.
- 18/05/2011 11:30:38 PM
1046 Views
No it was about your reply I am just to lazy to break it down
- 19/05/2011 12:54:38 AM
1023 Views
13-17 year olds.
- 05/05/2011 01:51:27 AM
1268 Views
Call me crazy, but I tend to notice people who want to kill me when they've shown the ability.
- 06/05/2011 02:53:26 AM
1114 Views
Re: Call me crazy, but I tend to notice people who want to kill me when they've shown the ability.
- 06/05/2011 09:21:10 PM
1152 Views
As I asked below, did you click the link?
- 06/05/2011 11:35:45 PM
973 Views
Re: As I asked below, did you click the link?
- 09/05/2011 05:37:29 AM
985 Views
And yet you found a way; full marks for effort.
- 09/05/2011 07:50:32 AM
1283 Views
Re: And yet you found a way; full marks for effort.
- 11/05/2011 02:52:45 PM
1262 Views
Well, based on the consensus, I can't really argue with that first line.
- 11/05/2011 11:33:53 PM
1171 Views
well then, let us who've somewhat recently been educated as to internet searches assure you...
- 11/05/2011 11:41:54 PM
1012 Views
Educated about how to conduct them, or how they ARE conducted?
- 12/05/2011 01:13:25 AM
1071 Views
Re: Educated about how to conduct them, or how they ARE conducted?
- 12/05/2011 04:50:23 AM
1029 Views
So we're back to criticizing claims of superiority I've never made?
- 14/05/2011 07:06:10 AM
1309 Views
- 14/05/2011 07:06:10 AM
1309 Views
Thanks for the mis-analogizing.
- 10/05/2011 06:26:40 AM
1481 Views
Not a mis-analogy, but perhaps ambiguous.
- 10/05/2011 07:02:31 AM
1087 Views
What are you doing to earn a living now? *NM*
- 05/05/2011 03:04:28 AM
563 Views
Jeg øver norsk, men ikke mer nå.
- 06/05/2011 02:54:44 AM
1080 Views
Debt collection is kind
- 06/05/2011 07:16:53 AM
1011 Views
Just don't repeatedly say you're seriously buying tickets to come kill them.
- 06/05/2011 11:40:51 PM
996 Views
- 06/05/2011 11:40:51 PM
996 Views
Theres a reason you're banned from skype chat. Dont be a cunt
- 07/05/2011 02:22:30 AM
1044 Views
You threadjacked me to take a potshot, so I don't want to hear it.
- 07/05/2011 03:57:47 AM
1122 Views
it must be a very good reason if they haven't banned you as well
- 09/05/2011 05:09:07 PM
1030 Views
Joel decided it would be fun to blackmail us with filing a false poilce report. *NM*
- 10/05/2011 12:07:46 AM
582 Views
I sent Skype the log; they said to contact the police.
- 10/05/2011 03:54:51 AM
1211 Views
Re: I sent Skype the log; they said to contact the police.
- 15/05/2011 11:55:23 AM
1008 Views
I think most of the relevant details have been covered here.
- 15/05/2011 04:06:09 PM
1154 Views
Now I am certainly not going into skype chat.
- 17/05/2011 10:36:04 AM
1021 Views
Can't say I blame you, but that's always a possibility online.
- 17/05/2011 05:07:23 PM
996 Views
Re: Can't say I blame you, but that's always a possibility online.
- 19/05/2011 12:59:14 AM
1320 Views
For people who categorically objected to all bans of any kind ya'll embraced them very abruptly.
- 19/05/2011 01:50:26 AM
1443 Views
You failed to respond to the main thrust of my argument, but, whatevs.
- 19/05/2011 03:01:07 AM
1063 Views
I did, but will try again; then I'm done with this subject and rebutting Adams false accusations.
- 19/05/2011 03:51:24 AM
984 Views
I joked to Roh "If I kill him will you be my alibi... Great, I'm pricing tickets on travelocity now!
- 17/05/2011 12:02:28 AM
1121 Views
It is nice to see even without chat the chat drama still seems to bleed into the main pages *NM*
- 10/05/2011 02:17:11 PM
629 Views
And that is your analysis? Really. Kids sure are dumb to ask questions and do research.
- 06/05/2011 10:15:41 PM
997 Views
No, but any kid whose research beings by finding out who he even WAS is dumb, period.
- 06/05/2011 11:31:08 PM
1013 Views
Any kid whos research doesnt start by finding out who he was must have been born with the knowledge.
- 06/05/2011 11:39:56 PM
1175 Views
Finding out, yes; finding out by actively searching, no.
- 06/05/2011 11:42:34 PM
1062 Views
Any rational person wouldn't do a yahoo search. Other than that, the questions you posed are
- 15/05/2011 11:28:02 AM
986 Views
So their search engine makes them dumb, but their questions are OK.
- 15/05/2011 02:57:27 PM
979 Views
By gods, you are hopeless to talk to. *NM*
- 15/05/2011 03:56:27 PM
555 Views
I repeat, one of us certainly is.
- 15/05/2011 04:20:07 PM
1154 Views
If you learned people are sometimes flippant
- 15/05/2011 06:13:52 PM
1067 Views
I'm sometimes flippant, too, but have always been adherent of Poes Law.
- 15/05/2011 08:11:04 PM
1005 Views
So quipping that rational people wouldn´t use a certain search engine is really about terrorism?!?
- 15/05/2011 08:14:59 PM
1015 Views
I don't think the article says much of anything at all.
- 07/05/2011 03:28:35 AM
913 Views
Maybe; I don't always appreciate deadpan jokes online....
- 07/05/2011 03:43:51 AM
1174 Views
- 07/05/2011 03:43:51 AM
1174 Views
I think the linguistic conventions governing search engines and typical conversation differ is all.
- 07/05/2011 04:00:38 AM
1032 Views
Hopefully that's all it is.
- 07/05/2011 04:17:21 AM
1000 Views
actually, search engines are getting better towards "questions" now
- 11/05/2011 11:06:42 PM
1001 Views
I think you're reading too much into this
- 10/05/2011 12:58:20 AM
1116 Views
Possibly; I really hope so.
- 10/05/2011 04:01:50 AM
1027 Views
Re: Possibly; I really hope so.
- 10/05/2011 05:18:43 AM
1130 Views
Again, fair enough.
- 12/05/2011 01:52:07 AM
1069 Views
Re: I'm more disgusted by this thread than by its original topic of conversation. *NM*
- 15/05/2011 09:41:43 PM
570 Views

*NM*