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  • Subject: What's your age? The age of the average Bungie forum visiter.
Subject: What's your age? The age of the average Bungie forum visiter.

[color=white]Not many people are these days, as he's toned it down in the majority
(if not in all) the movies he's done.
"The Fisher King," in which his costar is Jeff Bridges, is an excellent example of both fine drama/comedy using profanity well and not overmuch, and a great film by Terry Gilliam, if you like his work.

The two suggestions I noted in the post (A Night at the Met (cd) & Live on Broadway (cd or dvd)) are Robin doing stand-up. The first is from 1986 and was at one time on Home Box Office (but I don't think it's on dvd or video), the second from just a year or two ago, also an HBO special.
If you like intelligent comedy with (as we've been discussing) a large dose of profanity, they're both worth a listen/look.

Enjoy![/color]

[Edited on 7/24/2004 10:26:29 PM]

  • 07.24.2004 10:24 PM PDT
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Dude, you mother fuc.ker!!!!! I am an excellent speller! And I am already pissed as it is! But I am 13 and I am not illiterate!!!!

  • 07.24.2004 11:43 PM PDT

[color=white]I presume Gagaw is replying to the very first post on this thread, as his post has almost nothing to do with what we've been recently discussing.

I will ignore and forgive him, hoping all the while he learns from this experience and thinks in the future before he posts such flame-worthy words.[/color]

  • 07.25.2004 12:11 AM PDT
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"don't let the door hit you on the way out."
-Shishka
*aimed at Gagaw*

  • 07.25.2004 3:09 AM PDT

Ach! Was ist los?

IRT somebody near the beginning of this thread:

"I have never understood how a thirty-year-old moron can vote more wisely than a fifteen-year-old genius." -Major Reid, Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers

Anyway, I'm sure my spelling and grammar are not the best around, but I try to keep it legible.

  • 07.25.2004 7:52 AM PDT
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On the topic of profanity, after one lengthy and well constructed post by Recon, I'm forced to echo many of the previously discussed thoughts. I too am one that shirks away anytime i hear the words, "like" not used in a similie, "ummmm" not used to describe the noise a helicopter's rotor or lawnmower makes, or "you know what I'm saying?" rhetorically. Quite frankly those 3 filler phrases drive me bonkers. They detract from a speaker's message and I also think they make one sound...stupid for lack of a better term.

Now as far as profanity itself, I could do without the stereotypical 13-15 year old mouthing off to sound tough. But I think I can also serve a purpose just like anything else that's misused or overly used as aforementioned. However, that purpose isn't to belittle and malign someone else's post. F this, and F that just don't carry that much weight anymore. The only thing that serves is to make one sound uneducated and incapable of really saying what they're thinking. I find it far more impressive when someone concisely types an intelligent response with support and clarity than I do all the "blams." If to intend to change someone's opinion, attack the claim respectfully and not the person forcefully. But, as mentioned above again, those of you responsible for the cursing aren't going to change anytime soon. There isn't a punishment for it, so you'll go about your business as usual.

I suppose there are also a number of people who just think it's funny. Those are the same people who have thus far posted things like, "I'm 14 and I'm very smart." or "I'm 14 and not illiterate, ha ha." I hate to break it to you kiddies, and I'll try to not make this as condescending as you'll undoubtedly take it but, "No, no you're not." This isn't to say that I or my constituents are the best authors on the planet. Far from it, and I don't believe anyone has made that claim (aside from the 14ers of course).

Another true sign of maturity I believe besides humility as I mentioned about page five of this thread is culbability. So here I'll apologize for any offensive I mounted against any of you for your posts. I don't think I crossed any lines, but nevertheless I'll apologize. I tend to get rather stirred up when I think someone is flat out lying or talking out of their ass. It's all too obvious when someone thinks they're far more clever than they really are. Do me a favor. Don't try to do it, and I'll not be inclined to lob a well aimed harsh comment back.

So, once again I commend those of you carrying a civilized and respectable volley of thoughts. You know who you are. Thanks.

[Edited on 7/25/2004 9:08:03 AM]

  • 07.25.2004 8:58 AM PDT

With B.B. gone, the passion of Bungie.net has lessened.

I agree with Recon... in certain circumstances, use of swearwords comes down to a matter of taste. I believe that, when used tastefully by the speakers, cusses, swearwords, curses, and what-have-you can add color to a conversation, making it much more enjoyable. As long as both speakers know that its "all in good fun," no one gets offended, and the conversation proceeds, usually, with enjoyment and without awkward pause.

About the words, "like, ummm, and 'Ya know what I mean,'" I don't have a problem with them. Being a bad speaker, I use the word "ummm" a lot in casual conversation. When talking, I often lose myself in stray thoughts, and then I find myself without the right word(s) to continue my sentences. Thus, out of habbit, I'll say, "ummm... Uhh...," and other words similar to them. I've found that people who are, or once were, uncomfortable with speaking use(d) these words because they are uncertain of whether or not their point was made in their sentences. This inevitably becomes a bad habbit... one that is very hard to get rid of.

I find it much easier to "talk" using writing rather than words... Don't ask me why, because I have no answer. Its just the way it is, with me...

  • 07.25.2004 9:34 AM PDT

Posted by: Shai Hulud
I agree with Recon...

[color=white]RC45's posts seem to be extremely well thought out and succinctly written. That goes for almost every single one I've read by him, even if it was a poke at a less experienced forum goer or newcomer writing a throw away such as "OMFG! HALO 2 ROX!"

It's always a pleasure to be on a forum and find a thread like this, with intelligent discussion and a noticeable minimum of freaking out by the younger or immature crowd (which is not to say that being in one group makes you a member of the other). Trolls, as the mods have repeatedly told us, are to be ignored. To err is human, though, and we have all (I generalize) at some time responded to trolls, whether in a moment of weakness, or because there was an opportunity for humor (whether or not it was well received) that just couldn't be passed up. But I digress.
Posted by: Shai Hulud
I find it much easier to "talk" using writing rather than words... Don't ask me why, because I have no answer. Its just the way it is, with me...

It is easier to "talk" in writing, particularly in a medium such as a forum, simply because as you're writing, the thoughts are coming through with a minimum of critical thinking (this doesn't, of course, apply to everyone), and therefore a minimum of censorship. When that happens the consequences often are clear and to the point.
On the flip side, when writing--whether here or in a journal or for an essay, etc.--the option is always there to amend, adjust and refine (the preview button, use the preview button, grasshopper!) the thoughts that come out in a "first draft."
I can't count the number of times I've tried to give a newcomer to the forums a hint about proper etiquette or just answer an obvious and over-asked question, taken my time in getting the links necessary to provide all the information I can and make myself as clear as possible, only to finally submit my post and, five minutes after hitting reply, find three or four others have taken twenty seconds or less to reply ignorantly with something completely rude and unhelpful. It's frustrating, and that's why this thread, with its ups and downs, is such a treat.[/color]


  • 07.25.2004 10:53 AM PDT
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I would say the four of you (Shai Hulud, the_Ender, Recon Number 54, and Frogwart) all have very well thought out, intelligent posts. Y’all (sorry, I’m from Texas) get your point across well, and it’s an enjoyable conversation to follow. Personally I’m not at all a good verbal speaker. I like to think out what I’m going to say before I say it, which, unfortunately, results in too many “umm”s. I think that’s why writing is sometimes easier than speaking, because you have time to think about what you write before you write it (and you can always change it). When you speak, you may realize later that what you said was stupid or wrong, but you can’t take it back. Like the saying goes, "Three things that never come back, the spent arrow, the lost opportunity, and the spoken word." So I usually prefer to not speak unless I have something important to say.

On the topic of profanity, I personally try not to use profane words at all. I mean, it’s funny some of the time, but they’re just words, and I think there are usually better ways of getting a meaning across. But, each to his own I guess.

I agree that clear communication is very difficult in the written form (although y’all are doing a pretty good job of it, as far as I’m concerned). I also found that it is especially hard when sarcasm is involved, so I try to keep that to a minimum.

Taking notice of the thread subject, I’m 17, and I claim neither intelligence nor literacy, as claims carry very little importance. You are free to form your own opinions about whatever I said.

  • 07.25.2004 3:01 PM PDT
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Posted by: Recon Number 54

I would hate to be on a forum where each post starts with "Halo2 iz go 2 roxor!" and every reply is "tru dat" and "hell yeah". I suspect that you wouldn't stick around on such a forum either.
...............................
Profane words however are, at least to me, merely a matter of taste and expression. For example, I think that any "blammable" word on these forums is just a word and doesn't necessarily offend me. If they are over-used, or are employed in a frivolous manner (every other word) they tend to work their way into my "really annoying" category.

For example, I believe that people (when speaking) use the terms "like", "ummm" and "you know what I am saying", far too often. I realize that the speaker is unconscious of using them, but there they are, littering the verbal landscape. Their offense to me, I believe is similar to a "classic" profanity falling onto a typical person's ears. Because my "sensibilities" are obviously different than others, I think it is pointless to get too wrapped up in it and label a word itself as "good" or "bad". I don't believe it is the word or phrase; it's how it is used. Sometimes (as a recent event in the political arena) using the "f*** you" profanity is the only fitting phrase and makes ones point succinctly.

If people insist on misusing or abusing tools (words, ideas, guns, cars, etc.) I prefer not to blame the inanimate object, but the person wielding them. By acting irresponsibly with anything, the actor should be the focus, not what they are abusing. So I don't dislike the phrase, "you know what I'm sayin'?", I just cringe when I hear it after every inhale. Same thing with "profanity".



You suspect correctly. I find myself agreeing with much of your post.
Though I must say that it is difficult to blame people for their habits. People wield these words frequently partly because its bred into them. I am from Ireland and with different accents come different "profanities" if you will. For example many munster people use "like" or "boy" at the end of each and every sentence-regardless of which sex they are speaking to. Most of these people are unaware of their annoying habit, as they have lived with it their whole lives using and hearing these words. In these cases surely it is inappropriate to shift blame form the inanimate object onto the person wielding it.
But for those who pick up these words through outside sources-e.g. young white kids talking about "bling bling" and other ridiculous words they heard from the likes of Icey-T or Scoopy Scoopy Dog Dogg- I would prefer not to try and defend them. For these people surely change is possible. Talking like an idiot may not make you an idiot, but it sure does come close.

  • 07.25.2004 3:31 PM PDT

[color=white]SQ97, I think you did a fine job making what you wanted to say clear and legible.
While my opinion doesn't necessarily matter (unless you want it to, I suppose), I agree with you that writing is sometimes easier than speaking. It's easy to get flustered in conversation, especially if the debate is heated.
I have a suggestion, if you don't mind the offer. I've found it's not easy to do in every case, but using the rule "If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all" helps me to avoid the problematic "um" and its verbal spaceholding cousins.
As a result of using this (in my case at least) is, I tend to listen more often when taking part in conversations. I carefully weigh what I might say--in other words, I think before speaking, or I don't speak at all if I find my contributions may be sub-par to the continuation of the topic.
Now if I could learn to do that more in these forums....

Thanks for the kind words, by the way.[/color]

  • 07.25.2004 3:39 PM PDT
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Glad to see someone who recognises Fr.Ted! You're almost right it was Ted himself who said it-in response to Dougals suggestions for their eurovision song. It seemed appropriate to quote it with my post. I really love that show

  • 07.25.2004 3:51 PM PDT

Posted by: Killy McGee
Talking like an idiot may not make you an idiot, but it sure does come close.

[color=white]I'd take that a step further and say talking like an idiot may not make you an idiot, but it will if you keep at it long enough, or if you let it.

RN54, I guess compared to what I've been reading lately (the entire Dark Tower series) your posts are succinct, or at least pleasurable to read because they present and defend the ideas within with smarts and humor. The American Heritage Dictionary says the archaic term for succinct is "Encircled as if by a girdle." So if your posts are girdled with intelligence and wit (and they are), the word works.[/color]

  • 07.25.2004 3:52 PM PDT
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Ok. I think the profanity topic is a little stale now. Worth chatting about, but there's a bit too much repetition going on now. Although that isn't to say that I miss all the idiotic posts by 14 year olds. I'm quite glad they've been absent recently. So, what shall the next topic be? Anyone care to offer one up? Perhaps the impact text and instant messaging has had on kids?

  • 07.25.2004 4:22 PM PDT

[color=white] I don't think I can say much beyond what's in my signature (courtesy the Bungie Webmaster) about text and instant messaging. I can rarely understand much of the letter/number combination that I encounter here on occasion. I am thankful I don't encounter it more often!
Perhaps an expansion on the discussion topic RN54 touched on in the following segment:

The reason that I am repeating back my understanding of what you said, is that there are ALWAYS many possible interpretations of nearly any collection of words. ("screw you!" is hard to misunderstand though) The fact that I was more unclear on the meaning of what you wrote while using proper spelling and grammar makes this point even more interesting.
You then used the abbreviated and less accurate phrasing to convey a simpler concept. I think (assume actually) that this is actually related to the_Ender's point. If the ONLY way that people communicate is by staccato abbreviated sentences, their concepts and ideas must be as brief and lacking in real "communication".
As I said, it is easy to misunderstand or mis-interpret the written/spoken word. For example, there are two major possibilities for my rambling here. I could be attempting (as I said) to better understand how and why you said what you said. Or, I could be a self-superior, bloviating, windbag that is sarcastically trying to aggravate you and make your point.
It's always up to the reader/listener to decide, but how can they be absolutely certain they are right?


How is it possible for one to be totally understood when communicating (limited to either writing or speaking)? Is it better to clearly say what you mean, even if it may disturb or offend someone else (unintentionally, for the sake of argument), or is it better to make your point blandly, for easy consumption by the greatest number of people, and risk giving up the things that make your personal communication style yours?[/color]

  • 07.25.2004 4:43 PM PDT
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Im 15 and have beaten ppl that are twice my age at halo,
i take on anything and anyone. yeah that means you frankie.
BRING IT. -s

  • 07.25.2004 5:15 PM PDT

I'll be on my own side.

age has nothing to do with skill, buddy.

  • 07.25.2004 5:21 PM PDT

[color=white]I have no doubt *looks very close to keyboard, slowly punches out name* xH4L0 L3G3NDx *whew* could beat Frankie.
My grannie could beat Frankie, and she don't play Halo.

What we all (I apologize if I speak for you out of turn) want to know is, can he/she beat[/color] [color=red]The FrankieKiller[/color][color=white], SketchFactor?[/color]

[Edited on 7/25/2004 5:27:24 PM]

  • 07.25.2004 5:26 PM PDT

With B.B. gone, the passion of Bungie.net has lessened.

Posted by: Killy McGee
Talking like an idiot may not make you an idiot, but it sure does come close.


And the more you do so, the closer you get to actually becoming that. I'll give you to a quote from Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune:

[color="steelblue"]"Act stupid long enough and you become stupid."[/color]

The real question is, [color="steelblue"]why act stupid in the first place?[/color] Is it because you want to fit into any particular group? Is it worth trying to fit in at all, knowing that if you stay who you are, you won't fit in? Sure, you may experience loneliness, or something akin to that, knowing you can't fit in... But true loneliness is knowing that you are completely alone. No human can live long enough to acquire this knowledge, therefor I do not think it reasonable to "act stupid," or act like anything at all... simply be yourself.

Sorry, that got somewhat off-topic a little, so I'll get back in line.

Posted By: Frogwart
As a result of using this (in my case at least) is, I tend to listen more often when taking part in conversations. I carefully weigh what I might say--in other words, I think before speaking, or I don't speak at all if I find my contributions may be sub-par to the continuation of the topic.
Now if I could learn to do that more in these forums....


Thinking before speaking is definitely a good thing. But there is such a thing as thinking too much. In certain circumstances where you take the "listener" role, you might think too much (or, I suppose more accurately, too long), and you may completely miss your chance to say what you had wanted to. That's another thing that's difficult with speaking... [color="steelblue"]When is it a good time to open your damn mouth?[/color]

To some people, I suppose, this comes more naturally... but those who are less "fortunate" may eventually become overquiet... Having useful information within their minds, but never offering it to whatever conversation.

  • 07.25.2004 6:02 PM PDT

With B.B. gone, the passion of Bungie.net has lessened.

Posted by: xH4L0 L3G3NDx
Im 15 and have beaten ppl that are twice my age at halo,
i take on anything and anyone. yeah that means you frankie.
BRING IT. -s


If you ever come back to this thread, I suggest that you read the_Ender's words that were written in the same post that holds the Poll.

  • 07.25.2004 6:06 PM PDT

Posted by: Shai Hulud
...there is such a thing as thinking too much. In certain circumstances where you take the "listener" role, you might think too much (or, I suppose more accurately, too long), and you may completely miss your chance to say what you had wanted to. That's another thing that's difficult with speaking... [color="steelblue"]When is it a good time to open your damn mouth?[/color]
To some people, I suppose, this comes more naturally... but those who are less "fortunate" may eventually become overquiet... Having useful information within their minds, but never offering it to whatever conversation.

[color=white]There definitely is such a thing as thinking too much, and when possible or necessary, it should be limited to when you have the opportunity to rethink before stating opinions, as in writing of any kind. I don't mean that as a form of censorship, though.
With practice, thinking a lot and being simultaneously engaged in conversations is a real, and fun, possibility. The mind acts and reacts faster with more use in those situations. (Practice, practice, practice!)
Some people do have a talent for it, but I believe it's possible for people to learn anything if they put their minds to the task and focus their attention and energy to the goals they set.
And if you miss an opportunity to say something biting, witty, or informative, think about the words you would have said and either gauge another opportunity or a way you can create an opportunity to say them.[/color]

  • 07.25.2004 6:26 PM PDT
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I don't care what your age is, how good or bad your typing is, or what it is you have to say.

Age matters not to a true Bungie follower.

Anyone who is a fan of Bungie, plays Halo, and knows at least a little bit about Marathon is alright in my book.

(If you really want to know though, I'm 19.)

  • 07.25.2004 7:49 PM PDT