Please explain the popularity of "please explain the popularity of" threads

[Alzrius]

I find a show/movie/style/etc. that is popular to some degree, either mainstream or with a cult following. I then post a new thread saying how this is obviously a sub-standard piece of trash churned out by someone who was doubtlessly shooting up at the time, and that anyone who likes this is definately the product of their mother having smoked while pregnant.

At this point the door is open for an almost-but-not-quite flame war between those who know the subject matter's true worth, and those who have their head stuck in the toilet.

 

[Crothian]

Right, becasue only the people who like the subject obviously understand its true value.

I like these threads. There are more then a few sci fi/fantasy shows that people have loved that I just don't. So its nice to get other peoples reasons for liking it.

The problem with the threads is that by saying I don't like something, somehow people assume it's a personal attack on them, their family, and their dog and reply accordingly.

 

[dreaded_beast]

I find these threads to be interesting reads as well, but as you have said, sometimes it ends up where both sides (those who like/those who dislike) throw manners and courtesy outside the window.

To try and paraphrase what one poster said, a written message can be taken in so many ways and misunderstood very easily. While writing a response that I feel is very well thought-out and to the point, someone else reading that response may find it to be condescending or dergoratory, even though there was not the intention of the original response.

I believe that misinterpretation occurs more often than not, especially on forums such as these.

I try to just be courteous as best I can and try not to post any snide remarks that unfortunately seem to come so easy to posters nowadays.

 

[dreaded_beast]

The problem with the threads is that by saying I don't like something, somehow people assume it's a personal attack on them, their family, and their dog and reply accordingly.

I'm not saying that you are like this Crothian

However, there are some people who are not very courteous or can be a bit rude when expressing their dislike of a certain subject, that it is hard not to take it as a personal assault.

For example, if someone makes the following statement, "Anime sucks! Anyone who likes that garbage must be crazy!", it's difficult not to think that person saying this is not insinuating that people who like Anime are crazy.

 

[FireLance]

As the most recent guilty party (Army of Darkness), I hope I can speak a word in my defence.

I was prepared to like this movie as I'd heard it was a classic and quite highly recommended. When I actually watched it, however, it fell quite far below my expectations. I started the thread to vent a little, but mostly to find out why other people liked it and see if there was anything I missed, not to belittle the tastes of others.

I did find out from the thread that there were a number of versions of the ending of this show (some of which I might have enjoyed more), and that it was the third in a series of movies. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I had watched the first two.

 

[jgbrowning]

I find a show/movie/style/etc. that is popular to some degree, either mainstream or with a cult following. I then post a new thread saying how this is obviously a sub-standard piece of trash churned out by someone who was doubtlessly shooting up at the time, and that anyone who likes this is definately the product of their mother having smoked while pregnant.

At this point the door is open for an almost-but-not-quite flame war between those who know the subject matter's true worth, and those who have their head stuck in the toilet.

What about for those who know the subject matter's true worth and who still have their heads stuck in the toilet?



joe b.

 

[Zappo]

Sometimes one really can't see what's good in a work of art, and wonders whether he's missing something. Knowing that you may be wrong is the first step to improvement.

On the other hand, sometimes people aren't so much interested in finding out if they are wrong, as in proving everyone else that they are right. I have a great less deal of respect to these threads.

 

[Tory Adore]

When I actually watched it, however, it fell quite far below my expectations.

Well, that's the explanation right there.

You aren't the first that has had a movie 'ruined' by high expectations.

You won't be the last.

In my experience, having a movie built up beyond the possibility of matching those expectations is one of the most common reasons for people not liking movies that they otherwise would/should like.