The Magic-Walmart myth

[Shadeydm]

I agree that, taken at face value, the term is neutral. It's -value- however, largely comes from the negative connotations. If that weren't so, it'd be interchangable with Magic Woolworth or Magic Sears & Roebuck, and I don't think it is in most cases. People just don't have the same nostalgia for Wal-mart that they do for Woolworths (it's tough to miss something that won't go away).

I am sure if we were having this discussion in the same context 20 years ago it would be a MagiKmart but these days Walmart is at the top of the one stop shop food chain therefore we have Magic-Walmart.

 

[Ourph]

And so on. Practically any reasonably terse description is better than MW-M, because MW-M has so many different senses - a single big store, the default rules, negative connotations, no negative connotations.

It depends on the point of the post. Sometimes an explicit, specific description isn't the best way to accomplish your goal. Satire, analogy, hyperbole, allusion, exaggeration, etc. are all recognized and effective means of communication used by the greatest writers in the world which derive their value from being specifically NOT explicit, unequivocal and accurate.

Nobody wants to read a messageboard full of this.... "In my table-top, face-to-face, story-oriented fantasy roleplaying game using the Wizards of the Coast D&D rules version 3.5 strictly as written I, as the Dungeon Master, in my role as arbiter of the rules and designer of the shared fantasy milieu make use of monolithic, commercial locations where it is possible to purchase at the listed book price any magically enhanced item or items which are detailed in chapter X of the Wizards of the Coast D&D version 3.5 Dungeon Master's Guide or have been specifically enumerated as available by previous DM rulings as long as such items fall within the gold piece limit imposed by the economic guidelines on page XX of the aforementioned D&D version 3.5 Dungeon Master's Guide.....".

And even if everyone did conform to that level of specificity and clarity in their posting, I would bet large amounts of money that someone, somewhere would still find some word, phrase or comment to get their panties in a twist about.

 

[Nellisir]

Or Ben Franklins. You remember those?

Yes.

Man, I'm old.

Apparently, but I'm not one to point fingers. I could, in theory, have kids graduating high school (and know someone only 3 years older who does). I have a 7-month old instead.

 

[Nellisir]

Ultimately, "You misspelled gingwatzim!" is the fallback position for anyone whose argument is failing.
Sorta like "wrongbadfun".

ixch...ixca...ithx...

You misspelled "intelligent evil manta rays that worship a two-headed demon prince of jungles" trumps gingwatzim, IMO.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

...as long as such items fall within the gold piece limit imposed by the economic guidelines on page XX of the aforementioned D&D version 3.5 Dungeon Master's Guide.....".

Dude... don't you know that guidelines aren't ironclad and can't be imposed?
Sheez, the nerve!



j/k!

 

[Cameron]

Yes.

Clearly I need to increase my explosive activities, variety of sexual practicesand use of drugs, pornography and drink to decrease displaying obsessional behaviour.

Increase your explosive...

So! *You* are the guy behind Glasgow and London!

Get him!

 

[Raven Crowking]

Increase your explosive...

So! *You* are the guy behind Glasgow and London!

Get him!

No...the "explosive activities" are supposed to come at the end of a"variety of sexual practices".