My Fellow Geeks, Stand Proud

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

tigervirgo

Jun 20, 2008 0:51:30
Have you ever been called a "geek" or "nerd" by someone because you play RPGs or have a love of certain things like sci-fi/fantasy(I hear the Firefly'ers & Babylon 5'ers scream "heck yeah!"-LOL) Although we are "geeks", be proud that we are not "nerds". Whats the difference? Oh, where to begin?

Geeks are more sociable with others. We are the ones at parties that can get the party started. Have you ever heard anyone complain that a geek started the party with a kewl new game like "Apples to Apples" or "Settlers of Catan"? Thats right! We suggest kewl games to play because we know about most games that people never heard of. Or, we love sharing episodes of shows or scenes in movies & relive them in full detail. I have yet to hear a person get upset that a geek knew the lines of a Monty Python skit or movie. Have you? ;)

Nerds on the other hand are quite the opposite. You know when a nerd enters the party. They tend to be more alone or isolated. Not saying all nerds are, but you'll understand what I mean in a second. Nerds are the one's who like to prove a scientific point. They tend to be more book smart, and highly intelligent in their own right. Nerds tend to analyze things to extremes. State a Star Trek episode & they will attempt to prove that it is scientifically impossible for that event to actually happen. As you can tell, nerds are not a party favorite. Well, unless you are hosting a party on the basis of what holds scientifically true & possible in the universe as we know it. LOL

See, being a geek is not a bad thing. Its a misunderstood word that should be used as a compliment. Being a game geek myself (I collect boardgames, card games & table-top RPGs), I am proud of my geek status. I hold annual Games Nights where my guests play their favorite boardgame with others. Non-geeks really get into the idea that they can actually enjoy Monopoly without someone ruining the mood by saying "Oh, not another 5 hour game" or play Risk and enjoy punishing the players with their high dice rolls & massive reinforcements.

Ok, so we have our moments where we remember & share in public our D&D PC's meeting that zany NPC or the time we rolled a "1" against a goblin. But we share it proudly with those who know what we're talking about and enjoy sharing their stories as well. And, if you're a fellow D&D geek that happens to catch someone else proudly relive their D&D moment to another friend, smile & be glad that we geeks are proud of ourselves and are not afraid to show it.
And, maybe you can share in the fun of telling your story.

In short, geeks are the bards of the world. Once we enter the party or share our adventures, people want to join us. "Long live the Geeks!"
#2

pigknight

Jun 20, 2008 2:02:17
Someone calls me a geek and I go thanks. I am a geek and I am proud, much to my friend's dismay.

One of my friends is geekier than me, me and my other friend are talking 'bout D&D and he throws in a Halo comment. Once I was talking to nongeeks and he explains the Flood (Halo). Once I was talking to a couple girls, guess what, he made a comment about Red vs. Blue...he is a bad geek, a beek...a geek that went a lil' to far. Might I add he still denies being a geek.
#3

farmer42_dup

Jun 20, 2008 2:20:49
Someone calls me a geek and I go thanks. I am a geek and I am proud, much to my friend's dismay.

One of my friends is geekier than me, me and my other friend are talking 'bout D&D and he throws in a Halo comment. Once I was talking to nongeeks and he explains the Flood (Halo). Once I was talking to a couple girls, guess what, he made a comment about Red vs. Blue...he is a bad geek, a beek...a geek that went a lil' to far. Might I add he still denies being a geek.

It's like kilts. People will often say to me, in an attempt to be snarkey, "Nice skirt!" just a simple thank you can really surprise people like that. Some of the best discussions I've been in started that way.
#4

insanodag

Jun 20, 2008 5:55:17
One of my friends is geekier than me, me and my other friend are talking 'bout D&D and he throws in a Halo comment. Once I was talking to nongeeks and he explains the Flood (Halo). Once I was talking to a couple girls, guess what, he made a comment about Red vs. Blue...he is a bad geek, a beek...a geek that went a lil' to far. Might I add he still denies being a geek.

This is not about geekiness, but social awareness. It is no different to people who will bore listeners at length about the minutia of last night's football, despite the fact that nobody present follow the sport, or the person who is convinced that detailed descriptions of their dreams are interesting and worthy of a 15 minute long monologue over lunch.

My GF claims that this lack of social awareness is just more common amongst geeks because so much of our conversations consists of sharing snippets of obscure subcultural information, that we often don't notice the issue until people who have no interest in D&D, Babylon 5, or the physics of Star Trek, enter the conversation. At that point, though, it is too late...
#5

tigervirgo

Jun 20, 2008 6:23:05
This is not about geekiness, but social awareness. It is no different to people who will bore listeners at length about the minutia of last night's football, despite the fact that nobody present follow the sport, or the person who is convinced that detailed descriptions of their dreams are interesting and worthy of a 15 minute long monologue over lunch.

My GF claims that this lack of social awareness is just more common amongst geeks because so much of our conversations consists of sharing snippets of obscure subcultural information, that we often don't notice the issue until people who have no interest in D&D, Babylon 5, or the physics of Star Trek, enter the conversation. At that point, though, it is too late...

Yikes! I have to disagree with you there. Just because someone doesn't know what we're talking about doesn't mean we're "socially unaware". I will never tell, in full glory the stories of how my human thief with a low intelligence was played, if I knew the person has no interest in D&D. However, if I know the person shows interests in playing D&D, or I think they might be somewhat interested in the game itself, then of coarse I'll share some limited moments of good RPG'ing.

It's like my friends who love soccer. I might not enjoy the sport myself, however I will respect my friends by inquiring how their team is doing or eagerly listen to a moment that they had watching the sport. To me, those who criticize a person based because they don't share the same interest as they do, have allot to learn that the world does not revolve around them. I'm not saying that the person must get involved in RPG'ing or be shunned from any conversations that I may be sharing with another gamer. I'm just suggesting that they should respect me & my simple thrills as much as I will respect theirs.

Please respect me!
:P
#6

insanodag

Jun 20, 2008 11:10:19
Apologies, but if somebody has no idea or interest in what you are talking about, and you continue to talk to them about it, then it is usually considered rude to continue talking to them about it.

If you are unable to catch the cues of boredom and puzzlement, you are socially unaware. If you are able to catch them, yet choose to to continue boring them to death...you are just not very nice.

The end result is the same, you end up alienating people and they start to avoid you in order to not be bored to death.
#7

tigervirgo

Jun 20, 2008 14:28:21
Apologies, but if somebody has no idea or interest in what you are talking about, and you continue to talk to them about it, then it is usually considered rude to continue talking to them about it.

If you are unable to catch the cues of boredom and puzzlement, you are socially unaware. If you are able to catch them, yet choose to to continue boring them to death...you are just not very nice.

The end result is the same, you end up alienating people and they start to avoid you in order to not be bored to death.


Ah, yes... the Nerdy Geeks! Like D&D with multi-classes, so do we in social society. My apologies as well. I see your point.

How many times have we visited our local game/hobby stores and seen the Nerdy Geek? They are the one's who corner the clerks against the wall or follow them around the store cause, well, they love talking about their games. And, their playing style & gaming rules are always right. Even if you dare take part into the conversation, you soon realize that you wished that you hadn't. Meanwhile the clerks scramble away from the both of you to find something to do. You'll notice that they rarely desire to help another customer out for the time being just in case the Nerdy Geek had brought friends. LOL

We all have witnessed the Nerdy Geek. And, to be honest, they even make us ashamed to be geeks. But fear not my fellow geeks, nerdy geeks are rare and few. And, once again, don't let those nerdy geeks threaten & spoil our fun. Just remember tho, like Insanodag points out, be aware of your audience's reaction. You don't want to be the Nerdy Geek! LOL
#8

zombie_babies

Jun 20, 2008 15:30:12
Have you ever heard anyone complain that a geek started the party with a kewl new game like "Apples to Apples" or "Settlers of Catan"?

I prefer the Family Guy game: Drink the Beer. When you win you get - guess what - another beer!
#9

jkob88

Jun 21, 2008 14:48:00
lol, i wish i could be a proud geek, i'm living a double life, metal head on the outside, complete nerd on the inside (yes, i've read the dnd novels and liked them!!!) my party always gets mad when i try to play megadeth during the game ( they like alternative rock *shivers*)
#10

dirk_radhammer_dup

Jun 30, 2008 13:14:31
Have you ever been called a "geek" or "nerd" by someone because you play RPGs or have a love of certain things like sci-fi/fantasy(I hear the Firefly'ers & Babylon 5'ers scream "heck yeah!"-LOL) Although we are "geeks", be proud that we are not "nerds". Whats the difference? Oh, where to begin?

Geeks are more sociable with others. We are the ones at parties that can get the party started. Have you ever heard anyone complain that a geek started the party with a kewl new game like "Apples to Apples" or "Settlers of Catan"? Thats right! We suggest kewl games to play because we know about most games that people never heard of. Or, we love sharing episodes of shows or scenes in movies & relive them in full detail. I have yet to hear a person get upset that a geek knew the lines of a Monty Python skit or movie. Have you? ;)

Nerds on the other hand are quite the opposite. You know when a nerd enters the party. They tend to be more alone or isolated. Not saying all nerds are, but you'll understand what I mean in a second. Nerds are the one's who like to prove a scientific point. They tend to be more book smart, and highly intelligent in their own right. Nerds tend to analyze things to extremes. State a Star Trek episode & they will attempt to prove that it is scientifically impossible for that event to actually happen. As you can tell, nerds are not a party favorite. Well, unless you are hosting a party on the basis of what holds scientifically true & possible in the universe as we know it. LOL

See, being a geek is not a bad thing. Its a misunderstood word that should be used as a compliment. Being a game geek myself (I collect boardgames, card games & table-top RPGs), I am proud of my geek status. I hold annual Games Nights where my guests play their favorite boardgame with others. Non-geeks really get into the idea that they can actually enjoy Monopoly without someone ruining the mood by saying "Oh, not another 5 hour game" or play Risk and enjoy punishing the players with their high dice rolls & massive reinforcements.

Ok, so we have our moments where we remember & share in public our D&D PC's meeting that zany NPC or the time we rolled a "1" against a goblin. But we share it proudly with those who know what we're talking about and enjoy sharing their stories as well. And, if you're a fellow D&D geek that happens to catch someone else proudly relive their D&D moment to another friend, smile & be glad that we geeks are proud of ourselves and are not afraid to show it.
And, maybe you can share in the fun of telling your story.

In short, geeks are the bards of the world. Once we enter the party or share our adventures, people want to join us. "Long live the Geeks!"

Well the hell are you getting this information about nerds and geeks? Why is there a separation between the two concepts? Who decided the definitions of each? Has any of this been qualified by a credible source?
#11

tigervirgo

Jun 30, 2008 13:24:36
Well the hell are you getting this information about nerds and geeks? Why is there a separation between the two concepts? Who decided the definitions of each? Has any of this been qualified by a credible source?

Just ask a "geek" about "nerds". LOL
#12

pigknight

Jun 30, 2008 15:05:13
Nerd is a subtype of geek.
#13

Narf_the_Mouse

Jul 01, 2008 16:48:05
The last thing nerds, geeks, dorks and others in that group need is a social ladder.

I *HATE* social ladders.
#14

pigknight

Jul 01, 2008 17:07:46
geek > nerds > dorks. Just saying.
#15

Narf_the_Mouse

Jul 01, 2008 17:24:49
jock > geek > nerds > dorks. Just saying.

I fixed your post for irony. :P Just saying.
#16

devilsnevercry

Jul 02, 2008 19:04:09
I'm not exactly sorry to say I've never been called anything close to a nerd or geek, but that's probably got something to do with my being 6'3 and somewhat frigtening, I get called gothic more than anything.
#17

strayth

Jul 02, 2008 22:37:56
You go to some nerdy-ass parties, but good for you I guess. I usually need a couple beers to loosen up enough to enjoy the party.
#18

tigervirgo

Jul 03, 2008 0:38:12
I'm not exactly sorry to say I've never been called anything close to a nerd or geek, but that's probably got something to do with my being 6'3 and somewhat frigtening, I get called gothic more than anything.

LOL, I was using the term Geek & Nerds lightly. I am also 6'3 & big build. I never hear "Geek" or "Nerd" as well. Well, not until people get to know me anyways. LOL Then my "geekness" comes out when I discuss RPGs & other games.

Do you consider yourself as a "Goth"? I'm more "industrial" I guess, than "goth". And yes, I'm a member of Vampirefreaks.com. LOL
#19

possibleninja

Jul 03, 2008 18:20:50
I'm a geek and proud. I rock some d20 earrings every once in a while. Though I'm the geek that also happens to be a welterweight boxing division champ in my town so I don't get thrown too much flak.
#20

darkraven18599

Jul 03, 2008 21:14:57
There was a time when I was afraid to let the geek side of me shine through fully. I call those dark days of unhallowed memories "High School"...(shudder).

Nowadays though, I'm quite proud to hoist the geek banner high for all to see. I make no apologies for my likes or dislikes.

And I think it was a simple misunderstanding in syntax translation when they wrote that famous line. I think it really should of been " ... and the GEEK shall inherit the earth."