Post/Author/DateTime	Post
fuzzeymonk 11-29-05, 02:07 PM	we all meet them one piont or another. :mad: People who laugh at the fact that you play Dnd. :mad: So i want to know what you would say to those who try to isolate and embarass you. I'll be submitting to this thread later.
Board_Rider 11-29-05, 02:22 PM	1. "Awww.....wook at the wittle guy making fun of something that he doesn't understand!! Thats so.....immature." 2. "Ohhh...good one there pal!! You really got me there. And so original!! Never heard that one!!!" 3. "Hmmmm....the guys in my Army unit didn't seem to have a problem playing." 4. "Look pal you can laugh all you want or you can come and give it a shot so at least you aren't an ignorant a**hole when trying to make fun of me." 5. "Yeah good one buddy.....ladies wasn't that just hysterical?"
Eerongal 11-29-05, 02:28 PM	"hey! its true! it is easy for the dumb, and simple minded to make fun of something that frightens and confuses them!"
JLP 11-29-05, 02:30 PM	1. Note the latent homoeroticism of his fantasy football habit. 2. Ask him why, if you're such a nerd, all his kids look like you.
metamind 11-29-05, 03:52 PM	How about the all-too famous "Im gonna kick ur ass" (works better if you can)
BladeDrinker 11-29-05, 03:56 PM	Well, most people who play it are geeks. But why is that a problem? If people laugh at you for playing DnD, just ignore them. Presenting them with a prepared list of the reasons it isn't geeky isn't likely to sway their opinion.
Arrowhen 11-29-05, 04:00 PM	we all meet them one piont or another. :mad: People who laugh at the fact that you play Dnd. :mad: We do. But generally by the time we're out of high school we've gained enough perspective on life not to let it bother us. So i want to know what you would say to those who try to isolate and embarass you. "How silly of you."
Daddio42 11-29-05, 04:27 PM	How about, "Oh yeah? Well, when Satan takes over the world, we'll see who's laughing then!"
Bruunwald 11-29-05, 04:41 PM	Here's the thing about being a nerd: If you own what you are and what you do, you're not one. Only a person who is owned by what they do or like is a nerd. A person driven by some minutea. So to my thinking, the guy who knocks people down and spills his beer all over the guy in front of him because he's out-of-control at the football game, is just as big a nerd as the guy who can't stop talking to people who don't care, about his D&D game. (Which is probably why Ogre joined up with the Nerds in Revenge of the Nerds II). Personally, I long ago so embraced my nerdiness and took control and care of it, and found pride in doing the things associated with it well, that I transcended my own nerdiness. I came to terms with myself. That's the best advice. If somebody has a problem, I allow them that problem. That's what adults do. If they press it, I may simply advise them that I do not agree and no amount of complaining or pointing or shouting will change that. Other than that, I ignore people and mind my own business. Who cares what they think? We'll all be dead one day. Neither I nor they are going to worry about whether I was a nerd on our death beds. Better to just live now, while you can. Have fun doing your thing. Let others sort their own crap out.
Orayn, Elvish Blademaster 11-29-05, 04:47 PM	"People fear what they don't understand. You're afraid of a lot of things, aren't you?"
kaeso 11-29-05, 05:13 PM	"Oh my, did you just form a semi-coherent thought? Good job, you're a big girl now!(and if its a girl making fun of you, "big boy")"
Thorak 11-29-05, 05:21 PM	Vin Diesel. 'Nuff said.
Nursenut 11-29-05, 05:33 PM	1. "You better stop or i'll sic my 18th level barbarian on you."
Grand Theft Otto 11-29-05, 05:46 PM	Believe it or not, you can understand D&D and still think its silly to pretend you are en elf for 8 hours at a stretch. Despite what everyone on the boards wants to pretend, its not incredibly more intellectually stimulating than watching a football game and discussing plays. Is memorizing your fighter's BAB and feat chains that much more taxing than knowing batting averages? Ive played D&D for almost 20 years now, and I STILL think its geeky. But I really dont care, because its also a fun social activity. So long as you can operate a shower, carry on a conversation with non gamers and come to terms with your make-believe habit, their opinions on your enjoyment dont matter much. And if you cant, you can always tell yourself that at least you arent a furry. And if you are... well I'm sure theres something they look down on too.
Mighty Ranter 11-29-05, 06:03 PM	I give.... THE CHRONICLES OF CHESTER AND PABLO #3 Why Gaming Geeks aren't so geeky? By Chester and Pablo We're big fans of the gaming world. D&D, Image magazine (i.e. nick cupary), we love to make our selves feel stronger and more important then we really are (Which is getting harder now) Gaming games make us improve the mind, and who knows? The CIA might suspect you of know too much after you've played a spy RPG. D&D is based on math; no wonder we're so advanced! The "cool" people say gaming games are geeky, they're just jealous that they don’t' even have the slightest whim to try it. So while Chester was doing his thing, I decided to give you reasons why the gaming geeks, aren't gaming geeks! Reason why Gaming Geeks aren't so geeky 1. Some complicated RPG games make you do math! It's a wonder why the math teachers don't support this game! 2. Why can’t I fill in all the pretty bubbles! (Shut up!) 3. 2d10? Is that a code? 4. Some modern games improve the awareness of the world politics. But don't get your hopes high, you don’t' want a kid saying "AHHH! The knew KKK is here!" 5. Now those medieval games improve the history part of the lesson. I attack you with my bastard sword! “You what?" 6. RPG games also improve the rpg'er vocabulary. Manifest Cast, Augment, Flank, and Elevation. 7. All kids, gamers or not, have something in common, kill the enemy! 8. Gamers have great upper body strength; they carry a ton of books around on their book bags! 9. Gaming allows you to do something else, be something you always wanted to be. I mean, who doesn't want to be a friggin' nymph with special charming power? 10. Jimmy from art class may have the fastest time to finish the mile run, but my barbarian Halfling could charge that boy so hard and fast, his inflated pompous head would burst! 11. Racism is a big problem in the real world, but imagines if you applied racism from RPG's to the real world. NO human racism, only: "You pointy eared elf!" or "You short dim-witted dwarf!" That concludes my article. Hope you will spend a ton of money to buy all the books!
green_yawgmoth 11-29-05, 06:04 PM	I'm a big fan of "Yeah, and?" Because most people who make fun of D&D think that everyone gives half a crap about anything they have to say, and finding out that someone does not, in fact, care at all about their revelations is mentally crushing enough. http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Raymond_Luxury_Yacht 11-29-05, 10:04 PM	Point out that, on average, you will likely be making several times their salary.
I_Strahd 11-29-05, 11:18 PM	when someone is making fun of you, shoot back with a "YO MOMMA" or "KISS MY GRITS ". then run! and years later when you see that person again say "yes you may super size my meal".
kaeso 11-29-05, 11:56 PM	Point out that, on average, you will likely be making several times their salary. :noway: try several HUNDRED times their salary :D
BlaineTog 11-30-05, 12:22 AM	Grouping people is silly.
Silverthumb128 11-30-05, 01:04 AM	Vin Diesel. 'Nuff said. lol. That's the only one that wasn't all high school drama-like. :D
eigch 11-30-05, 01:50 AM	"you wont be laughing when you find my d20 in your moms panty drawer" but seriously when someone finds out i play dnd, i usually just say with all confidence "yeah, you want to play, im running a game this friday and we need another fighter" they usually dont have anything crappy to say after that. and if they do, just hit em with a "is that a d4 in your pocket, or are you happy to see me?" OH SNAP! ps.. you should actually carry a pocket full of d4's to use for caltrops to aid your escape.
mrshupizdumaterinu 11-30-05, 02:36 AM	A bit of real life advice - most of you people are young. Life is ahead of you. Try not to ruin it so quickly by losing any bit of respect for you with crappy comebacks. Why Gaming Geeks aren't so geeky? . . . 10. Jimmy from art class may have the fastest time to finish the mile run, but my barbarian Halfling could charge that boy so hard and fast, his inflated pompous head would burst! I think you just ruined your point.
eigch 11-30-05, 03:42 AM	A bit of real life advice - most of you people are young. Life is ahead of you. Try not to ruin it so quickly by losing any bit of respect for you with crappy comebacks. or more importantly, dont lose any self respect you have by not sticking up for yourself.
caeruleus 11-30-05, 11:13 AM	If somebody has a problem, I allow them that problem. That's what adults do. No, that's what sensible adults do. Unfortunately, not all adults are so sensible. I know a guy (an "adult") who says it's geeky and stuff like that. Such an attitude fits with his overall personality, which is why I generally ignore him. I don't bother responding.
Bob Loblaw 11-30-05, 11:16 AM	or more importantly, dont lose any self respect you have by not sticking up for yourself. He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. -Sun Tzu, the Art of War The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him. - Sun Tzu Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack. - Sun Tzu The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom. - Sun Tzu Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are. Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. - Sun Tzu I chose each of these because they directly refute what you are saying. You need to pick and choose your battles. This is one that cannot be won, so why waste time fighting it. Do something productive. Who cares what these people think. With 6+ billion people on the planet, this extremely tiny portion should have an equal influence on how you think of yourself. By engaging him in battle, you are fighting by his rules on his field. Don't waste your time or resources. Go game with some friends, at least you know you've got them.
Illion the Red 11-30-05, 11:39 AM	10. Jimmy from art class may have the fastest time to finish the mile run, but my barbarian Halfling could charge that boy so hard and fast, his inflated pompous head would burst! Don't worry too much about Jimmy. Unless he is running sub-4 minute miles, there is no practical application for his ability in the real world.
joshdb 11-30-05, 11:51 AM	I've just started D&D and my cousin was making fun of it... I told him I play it and I really like it and he shouldn't criticize something he's never played. He really respected me after I told it to him like that, and he even tried a game. Maybe it's because I'm bigger then him... Oh well. :P Everyone at a nearby church thinks D&D is of the devil, but I just hear them out when they try to persuade me to not play it. You just have to talk slowly and hear quickly.
Chimerical 11-30-05, 11:52 AM	Nice post, Bob_Loblaw. I'd like to add one: Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner. — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Black Kitten 11-30-05, 11:53 AM	I don't care whether they laugh or not. My own girlfriend laughs at me for playing it. Big deal. She doesn't understand how I can put my mind to it, but she understands I like the game, so she leaves me to it and isn't bothered about me playing it. Now, I must admit I do more RPG'ing than even most D&D freaks (I play an online PBEM RPG), but still.
eigch 11-30-05, 01:30 PM	By engaging him in battle, you are fighting by his rules on his field. Don't waste your time or resources. Go game with some friends, at least you know you've got them. apparently you didn't read my other post (the serious part), thats ok... ... and you mistook "stick up for yourself" as "start throwing fists"... the two are not mutually exclusive. there is no battle or fighting going on in the situation i am talking about. There is a misunderstanding. When someone makes fun of you for playing D&D, which is obviously the most petty thing you can pick on someone for, they are lashing out with thier own insecurities because they believe your insecurities are greater. You have to let them know that you aren't at all insecure about it and thier opinion doesn't affect you. You have to stand your ground or they will latch on to you for thier daily fix of "feeling better about themselves by making fun of someone else". You dont need to change thier opinion of dungeons and dragons. They think d&d is geeky. Hell! they are right! so what? you need to let them know that thier petty insecurities dont have an affect on you. Thats what sticking up for yourself is. My first 2 years of high school were hell. People constantly picked on me, and walking the halls was like walking the gauntlet. They only stopped picking on me when i started being confident and sticking up for myself. I never fought or battled anyone, and i would never condone fighting, but there are little things that can make all the difference. Walk with your head up, your shoulders back and look people in the eye. Be unapologetic about your lifestyle, your hobbies and your belifes, and most of all, always have more fun than everyone else. Its nearly impossible to cut someone down when they are more confident than you. When i started having self-respect and sticking up for myself, not only did people stop making fun of me, but they started to like me. People who used to pick on me started saying hello every morning, life generally got 100 percent better. so in conclusion don't "sun tzu" me yeah, we all know the art of war has been used in business and applied to modern life in a million situations and all that... but use your own experience if you want to try and make me look stupid. ..its hard to think "sun tzu" when your PHB is being kicked down the hallway. Its much more effective to just look inward, love yourself, and walk tall. I've just started D&D and my cousin was making fun of it... I told him I play it and I really like it and he shouldn't criticize something he's never played. He really respected me after I told it to him like that, and he even tried a game. Maybe it's because I'm bigger then him... Oh well. thats exactly what im talking about. Dont give an inch. You unflinchingly, and unapologetically love D&D. You stood up for yourself, and you put his petty reaction into perspective for him. thats a perfect example of standing up for yourself.
Bob Loblaw 12-01-05, 01:04 AM	apparently you didn't read my other post (the serious part), thats ok... ... and you mistook "stick up for yourself" as "start throwing fists"... the two are not mutually exclusive. there is no battle or fighting going on in the situation i am talking about. There is a misunderstanding. I never meant that there was a physical combat going on. I also don't always associate one person's post to another they wrote severl posts later. Sometimes I miss it. My point was more on the lines of: Who really cares what this one person thinks or DnD or geeks? Who really cares what 100 people think of DnD or geeks? I was trying to let the OP know that there is nothing he is going to accomplish with getting into a battle of wits with an unarmed man. He should just let it go. My first 2 years of high school were hell. People constantly picked on me, and walking the halls was like walking the gauntlet. They only stopped picking on me when i started being confident and sticking up for myself. I never fought or battled anyone, and i would never condone fighting, but there are little things that can make all the difference. Walk with your head up, your shoulders back and look people in the eye. Be unapologetic about your lifestyle, your hobbies and your belifes, and most of all, always have more fun than everyone else. Its nearly impossible to cut someone down when they are more confident than you. When i started having self-respect and sticking up for myself, not only did people stop making fun of me, but they started to like me. People who used to pick on me started saying hello every morning, life generally got 100 percent better. This is what should happen. I wanted to make sure the OP didn't think that getting into any confrontation with this yo-yo would be productive. He should do something else with his time, like read the DMG some more. so in conclusion don't "sun tzu" me yeah, we all know the art of war has been used in business and applied to modern life in a million situations and all that... but use your own experience if you want to try and make me look stupid. ..its hard to think "sun tzu" when your PHB is being kicked down the hallway. Its much more effective to just look inward, love yourself, and walk tall. I'll use whatever quotes I want to support my points. I am familiar with Sun Tzu from my time in the military. I didn't know that it was used for business until a few years ago. Sun Tzu's teachings are part of my experiences. I have learned how to guide my life with Sun Tzu, Ghandi, and Budda's teachings (among others). While I am far from perfectly balanced, I have actually done well for myself with little support from others. As for trying to make you look stupid, that was never my intent. I would have taken a much different approach. I didn't think (and still don't) you were stupid. I felt that your last bit of advice could be taken wrong and get the OP into a situation he could have avoided. I can always think Sun Tzu when someone actually physically attacks me. If they want to take that route, then I will ensure that it is on my terms. I do not lose fights. I also avoid getting into them as much as possible. When I do, I do not lose.
DDogwood 12-01-05, 09:01 AM	The problem with telling off people who think D&D is nerdy is that they are right - D&D is nerdy. The thing is, that might be a problem for them, but it shouldn't be a problem for us. It's the 21st century, nerdy is cool. When someone criticizes you, just take it as a compliment, and reply with something like: "I wanna be Vin Diesel when I grow up" "Reality is a crutch for people who can't handle D&D" "Yes, I do play D&D. It's taught me a lot about courage" "I cast Magic Missile at you! Oh no, I failed my attack roll! I run away!" "I'm not a nerd, I'm a Paladin"
Novacat 12-01-05, 09:33 AM	Tell them off? D&D IS nerdy... that's part of the fun.
UndeadMouse 12-01-05, 09:57 AM	"Are you aware that I will most likely have a professional job within 6 months of graduation, and my starting salary is around 30,000?" this shirt: http://www.jinx.com/scripts/details.asp?affid=-1&productID=284
Sulaco 12-01-05, 10:38 AM	Just look at them, shake your head sadly, say "Whatever you say, man" and walk away.
Grand Theft Otto 12-01-05, 11:19 AM	"Are you aware that I will most likely have a professional job within 6 months of graduation, and my starting salary is around 30,000?" this shirt: http://www.jinx.com/scripts/details.asp?affid=-1&productID=284 Sorry to burst your bubble, but the biggest jerks Ive known majored in business. And do better than 30k. You can tell yourself that you'll be making more than the popular people, but social skills are in high demand. And given that the average hardcore gamer has the social graces of a rabid weasel, guess where they slide. Most of the gamers I knew in college majored in comparatively low income fields like history and psych. Computer work is being done out of white collar sweatshops now. So keep telling yourself you'll make more than the people who laughed at you... you might, of course, but its the traditional impotent gamer power trip dream. You'll no doubt also be nailing their girlfriends. Believe me, Ive heard it hundreds of times from the gaggle of spazzes that passed through the gaming store I worked at in high school who complained about being picked on. But talking to them it became obvious. They werent picked on for playing D&D, they were picked on for being odious members of society. But anyways, sure, some gamers might be able to command fear and respect with wads of cash. Or gamers can learn to bathe and deal with normal people in society (I know, its "beneath" many of you). You know, like dont correct someone's grammar while they are speaking. Its not being helpful, its being rude. Know something about physics? Good for you! Dont go on a tirade about it in the movie theatre when a sci-fi movie doesnt conform correctly. Most people are just there to watch stuff blow up. The average female doesnt give a damn about the tarrasque, so unless she specifically asks, I wouldnt bring it up. A little physical activity wont kill you, and contrary to popular geek belief, we arent living in a "point buy world", so that person who physically takes care of themselves isnt always suffering in their mental faculties. Ive met some genuinely nice and normal gamers in my time playing. Ive met so many more that were simply argumentative and egotistical jerks.
The Vorpal Tribble 12-01-05, 11:28 AM	I'm not a nerd (I just use the comp, don't have a clue how to fix it electronically or programming...ly), nor am I dweeb (as I believe dweebs are those who bite off chicken's heads). I am, however, a writer. And a gamer. Writer: I love to make stories. I consider D&D merely interactive novels. Writers aren't generally considered uncool to my knowledge. Gamer: I like games, be they physical or mental. I like a good several hours of soccer as much as a session of D&D. Pingpong? Cool. Rafting? Great. Tag, chess, paintball, RISK, capture the flag, monopoly? You betcha! Curling? No... that is IS nerdy ;) *ducks*
High Octane 12-01-05, 12:04 PM	"I would shut up, since in 5 years Im going to be your boss." In all seriousness I would probably say "No one asked you. I was not TALKING to you. Shut up."
Illion the Red 12-01-05, 12:39 PM	I'm not a nerd (I just use the comp, don't have a clue how to fix it electronically or programming...ly), nor am I dweeb (as I believe dweebs are those who bite off chicken's heads). Actually, a geek is someone who bites the heads off of chickens, but that isn't really important, now is it? Although I grew up as a "nerd," I was the "lead nerd," so watch out. :P That's years in the past now though. I still compete athletically, am married, and game regularly. Once you get past high school/college, "nerd" doesn't really mean much anymore. "Are you aware that I will most likely have a professional job within 6 months of graduation, and my starting salary is around 30,000?" Unless you are starting in Manhattan or Los Angeles, or, alternatively are graduating with a master's degree, your starting salary will be more like $25,000, with a 3% to 5% increase each year until you get 2-5 years of experience and can job-hop. Of course, you could be in an especially "hot" field, but most likely, you will need an advanced degree to command a decent salary with no practical work experience. No, internships don't matter either. Sorry to burst the bubble on that one, but the reality is that life is harder than the isolated and sheltered world of college.
Bruunwald 12-01-05, 01:40 PM	Although I grew up as a "nerd," I was the "lead nerd," so watch out. :P SAMANTHA: Your friends are all pretty much dips**ts, though, aren't they? FARMER TED: Yeah, but... it's kind of like, I'm their leader. I'm kind of like the King of the Dips**ts. SAMANTHA: Well, that's cool... ;)
kaeso 12-01-05, 05:40 PM	"No one asked you. I was not TALKING to you. Shut up." I personally prefer (and it doesn't have to be D&D related, I use it all the time) "Was I talking to you? NO. You don't matter. You're too stupid to matter." Of course, use this one sparingly, generally for the biggest jerks in a 10 mile radius of you (or in your entire school).
Arrowhen 12-01-05, 05:57 PM	I personally prefer (and it doesn't have to be D&D related, I use it all the time) "Was I talking to you? NO. You don't matter. You're too stupid to matter." Of course, use this one sparingly, generally for the biggest jerks in a 10 mile radius of you (or in your entire school). Right, because anyone rude enough to insult you because of your hobby is going to be just *devatstated* by that, instantly see the error of their ways, and ask you to be their friend.
Novacat 12-01-05, 06:53 PM	Although I grew up as a "nerd," I was the "lead nerd," so watch out. Wouldn't the "lead nerd" be referred to as the Overdork?
Kawitolba 12-01-05, 07:39 PM	My church went all crazy one day when they found out that i played the game. To the point that my paster took me into her office amd began to read off thing that made the game soo evil. One such thing talkted about the 2ed book myths and leageonds. ( i no longer have the book so i can not remember the full name) any way. This auther she was reading from stated that the book gave graphic details on how to sacrifice a human or anything elce. At this point i laughed then went to me truck and got the books. I handed her the book and let her read it. i allowed her to read all the books i had at the time 3.0 and 2ed. after a few weeks she asked me to stand before the church and explain that the game has been misrepresented. and to explain in my own words what the good is in the game. but also to explain that not everyone should play either. ( we all know thease people) to make a long story short it worked out very well and i even ran for a short time a game at the church for adults and kids. twice a week. it just proves to show us that being open to have your own outlook on things helps.
The Grig Fiddler 12-11-05, 04:56 AM	Beat the sh-it out of them with a tire iron if it becomes one of those things that makes you miserable. If your just getting made fun of sleep with the guys sister that usually works, or at least sometimes it does.