Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
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Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
1–10 of 89 posts
Re: Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
#2You can't really compare skate-boarding critics to 'nerds' behind a screen.
For 1, the reason we have so much of this is because of the anonymity of it all. It's quite easy to criticise others in an abusive manner when nobody/barely anybody knows who you are. In real life that wouldn't happen to such a degree.
Re: Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
#3You can't really compare skate-boarding critics to 'nerds' behind a screen. For 1, the reason we have so much of this is because of the anonymity of it all. It's quite easy to criticise others in an abusive manner when nobody/barely anybody knows who you are. In real life that wouldn't happen to such a degree.
but why this is happening? why people have that trait of behaving like this when they are confident about anonymity? probably it's consequence of problems in teenage-hood, or something. and adding to this topic, i'm also curious about reasons why people are 'trolling', especially when their 'trolling' is offensive, angry. and i have no clue what causes that behavior..
Re: Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
#4Honestly I can't relate to this at all.
Most of the people I work with (professionally and personally) are perpetually self-critical despite being very intelligent and more than capable. The humility comes from growth over time and being able to remember doing work they'd consider terribly flawed today. If you're working with arrogant people, they're probably not growing and it'll make it harder for you to as well.
Re: Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
#5I like it to a degree, the 'geek' culture (how I hate typing that) cuts through bullshit faster than others.
I don't mind being insulted if it comes with a helpful suggestion. I LOVE IRC channels where you get the answers: "You're shit for asking that question, but the answer is X".
Re: Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
#6"If there spelling or grammar is off, just let it go."
On purpose? :)
Re: Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
#7I like it to a degree, the 'geek' culture (how I hate typing that) cuts through bullshit faster than others. I don't mind being insulted if it comes with a helpful suggestion. I LOVE IRC channels where you get the answers: "You're shit for asking that question, but the answer is X".
In general, I find that if the conversation stays civil, the topic retains the spotlight and is not overshadowed by personalities and hurt feelings.
In other words, IME, you can 'cut through the bullshit' w/o being a dick and you'll achieve better outcomes. Plus, you won't be a dick.
Re: Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
#8I totally agree, there is always room for constructive criticism, but it should be tempered with a soft hand and helpful suggestions. As a person who was picked on most of my life, it's pretty disheartening to endure the same thing inside a group I consider my community.
Re: Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
#9I'm glad the OP brought this up and I think its an important topic for the HN 'community'. Innovation loves support. When innovation is supported, you get more innovation.
On several occasions, I've seen a poor soul post a project on here that represents a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. There will be enthusiastic support, constructive criticism, and often too many haters. I'd love it if the haters left -- maybe all head off to hate picnic or something where they can spit pickles at each other.
Perhaps a basic issue is that people say things in online commentary that they wouldn't say face to face. I think that's fundamentally wrong and mostly accidental -- a result of people's cognitive models not catching up to what's actually happening. Thanks for listening :)
Re: Nerds, we need to have a talk (2011)
#10Nerds generally aren't any more mature than jocks. We just don't fight as well, so we (wisely) keep quiet in situations where the risk of eating a knuckle sammich is high.