"Nerd Rage" = Thinly-Veiled Flamebait

[AdmundfortGeographer]

I'm fine with nerd rage as a term. It works just fine, and alone doesn't rise to flame baiting status.

Still, the use of "nerd rage" examined in certain tone and context I have seen easily rises to inappropriate flame baiting.

 

[Mouseferatu]

The term "nerd rage" is, IMHO, far less offensive than overt put-downs such as "videogamey," "roll-playing," et al. Before we worry about making the term "nerd rage" verboten, we probably need to take a look at more caustic, overt, insults.

I'm fine with nerd rage as a term. It works just fine, and alone doesn't rise to flame baiting status.

Still, the use of "nerd rage" examined in certain tone and context I have seen easily rises to inappropriate flame baiting.

+1 on both of these.

There are, frankly, far more offensive terms bandied about on a regular basis, and the use of those terms is judged case by case.

If we want "nerd rage" to be a flag that says, "Hey, mods, take a closer look," that's fine. But I think preemptive banning of said phrase is not only inappropriate, but should frankly be far lower down the priority list than many other common idioms.

 

[baphomet68]

Give me a way of concisely expressing my distaste for overly emotional exaggerated reactions to WOTC actions. I don't care if the term is nerd rage or something else. But I should be able to, along with others, use relatively polite but clear and firm written public peer pressure to try and persuade people to stop behaving like drama queens every time someone at WOTC does something different from what they did the day before.

Isnt the point of these type of forums to allow an outlet for that type of drama? To enjoy finding others who reinforce our personal preferences, and lock horns with "the other side" ? It seems childish to take "nerd rage" as a serious inflammatory slight. Baiting people is an effective means of hiding a weak argument, and most of us can do it without resorting to popular phrases. But Nerd Rage as a serious inflammatory term? Come on! I mean really, folks, if for no other reason than that I post on a PNP RPG forum, Every time I rage it is by nature Nerd Rage! Cruelty, meanness, or deliberate stomping on feelings is lame and worthy of censorship.
I do not think that "Nerd Rage" is inherently inflammatory. It has a place in reasonable, respectful conversation.

 

[Piratecat]

"Nerd rage" doesn't particularly bother me, and I don't think we're going to ban it. Mind you, it can be used as a directed insult - "It's fun watching you overreact. Look at your nerd rage!" - and we have no patience for that sort of thing. But overall, don't expect it to disappear.

 

[Nikosandros]

The term "nerd rage" is, IMHO, far less offensive than overt put-downs such as "videogamey," "roll-playing," et al. Before we worry about making the term "nerd rage" verboten, we probably need to take a look at more caustic, overt, insults.

Well, to be fair, it's not like that I like any of those terms...

 

[Nikosandros]

But overall, don't expect it to disappear.

Too bad...

 

[darjr]

Hmmm...

Just a point of fact, I put that term in my post, in part, because of my own issues with WotC's decision.

Context. I was not very happy about them pulling the PDF's either. I was as much describing my own actions as the general response of others.

The term nerd is not derisive to me, I realized, after a clue by four, that it could be taken as such, and changed the post.

I do also happen to think that many went WAY overboard on this topic.

 

[Rechan]

But, on the other hand, much of what we have to moderate is, in fact, people being disrespectful and/or undiplomatic.

The difference between something being derisive or not is a matter of degree and context. I would be hard pressed to imagine a use of "nerdrage" to describe the behavior of another poster such that it was not either derisive or dismissive and personal.

So, how exactly are we supposed to criticise a point of view or opinion if the very act of criticizing a point of view or opinion is derisive or undiplomatic?

And quite frankly, I do think that some views should receive derision. An attitude of "all viewpoints are equal and should be respected" is all well and good - until someone comes along and says, "The earth is flat," with complete conviction.

 

[Dyson Logos]

until someone comes along and says, "The earth is flat," with complete conviction.

But.

But...


ARGH.


(the earth IS flat)

 

[Umbran]

So, how exactly are we supposed to criticise a point of view or opinion if the very act of criticizing a point of view or opinion is derisive or undiplomatic?

True critique and critical analysis can be done without being derisive or undiplomatic. Many folks simply fail to put in the small amount of extra work required.

And quite frankly, I do think that some views should receive derision.

Whether or not a view "deserves" it is not material. Derision is simply a lousy tool for these environs.

You see, derision is an emotional tactic, an implicit assertion of authority - intimidation, bullying. Derision basically says, "I am more important than you, so I will make you feel bad, and you will stop saying such things."

On the internet, it is very difficult to intimidate someone into shutting up. If the target does not recognize your authority, you fail, and typically polarize the conflict further, rather than resolve it. It turns a rational discussion into a contest of egos.

So, not only is it a weak rhetorical tactic in general, but it tends to make arguments worse.