Has "worst answer" ever been considered? August 9, 2011 11:40 AM Subscribe
Has "worst answer" ever been considered as a clickable response?
Absolutely not, never. There will not be a MetaFilter with both a jessamyn and a "worst answer" option.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 11:42 AM on August 9, 2011 [91 favorites]
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 11:42 AM on August 9, 2011 [91 favorites]
Why would this ever be a good idea?
posted by biochemist at 11:44 AM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by biochemist at 11:44 AM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Absolutely not, never. There will not be a MetaFilter with both a jessamyn and a "worst answer" option.
So tempted to make a Greasemonkey script that adds a worst answer and removes jessamyn.
posted by roll truck roll at 11:47 AM on August 9, 2011 [15 favorites]
So tempted to make a Greasemonkey script that adds a worst answer and removes jessamyn.
posted by roll truck roll at 11:47 AM on August 9, 2011 [15 favorites]
that script would be flagged as worst script ever, though.
posted by elizardbits at 11:49 AM on August 9, 2011 [12 favorites]
posted by elizardbits at 11:49 AM on August 9, 2011 [12 favorites]
I think we're going to need some examples.
posted by Big_B at 11:50 AM on August 9, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by Big_B at 11:50 AM on August 9, 2011 [4 favorites]
If my years of childhood athletics has taught me anything, it's that we should call this the "most sportsmanlike" answer.
posted by rocket88 at 11:50 AM on August 9, 2011 [15 favorites]
posted by rocket88 at 11:50 AM on August 9, 2011 [15 favorites]
I think we are not going to need any examples.
posted by Namlit at 11:52 AM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Namlit at 11:52 AM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
Can we add "reviled nemesis" to list of options for member contacts?
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:54 AM on August 9, 2011 [44 favorites]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:54 AM on August 9, 2011 [44 favorites]
Has 'worst idea' ever been considered as a flag on Feature Requests?
posted by box at 11:58 AM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by box at 11:58 AM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
How does this help get good answers for the question?
posted by Ironmouth at 11:59 AM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Ironmouth at 11:59 AM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
I dunno - once questions are closed to new answers, an external "Trash Metafilter" site could rank the worst answers ...
posted by scruss at 12:00 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by scruss at 12:00 PM on August 9, 2011
Also, "Nemesis, but still with a sort of seething attraction."
posted by Babblesort at 12:01 PM on August 9, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by Babblesort at 12:01 PM on August 9, 2011 [4 favorites]
Has "worst answer" ever been considered as a clickable response?
Don't be mean. People are trying to help.
posted by grobstein at 12:03 PM on August 9, 2011 [3 favorites]
Don't be mean. People are trying to help.
posted by grobstein at 12:03 PM on August 9, 2011 [3 favorites]
Has "worst answer" ever been considered as a clickable response band name?
Has "a clickable response" ever been considered as band name?
posted by blue_beetle at 12:03 PM on August 9, 2011
Has "a clickable response" ever been considered as band name?
posted by blue_beetle at 12:03 PM on August 9, 2011
How does this help get good answers for the question?
By humiliating the bad answerers so they never answer badly again?
posted by John Cohen at 12:03 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
By humiliating the bad answerers so they never answer badly again?
posted by John Cohen at 12:03 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
This could be solved by some kind of "anti-favourite" feature, so that users could, I don't know, "vote down" comments they didn't like. Then the comment with the most "down votes" could be considered the "worst answer"—and, heck, the user with the most "worst answers" could be...
No, I'm sorry. I can't keep this up.
posted by Zozo at 12:08 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
No, I'm sorry. I can't keep this up.
posted by Zozo at 12:08 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
(Though I would totally pay $5 at a dive bar to see "Jessamyn West and the Worst Answers".)
posted by Zozo at 12:09 PM on August 9, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by Zozo at 12:09 PM on August 9, 2011 [5 favorites]
If you could only choose 1 worst answer (and can't change it) other responders will know they're safe once it has been chosen.
posted by Obscure Reference at 12:10 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by Obscure Reference at 12:10 PM on August 9, 2011
If we're going "reviled nemesis," we need to go all the way with our arches.
Currently, we have:
Friendship ( ) contact ( ) acquaintance ( ) friend ( ) none
Physical [ ] I have met this user in the real world.
Professional [ ] co-worker [ ] colleague
Geographical ( ) co-resident ( ) neighbor ( ) none
Family ( ) child ( ) parent ( ) sibling ( ) spouse ( ) kin ( ) none
Romantic [ ] muse [ ] crush [ ] date [ ] sweetheart
I proposed:
Interaction ( ) contact ( ) acquaintance ( ) exchange piercing gazes ( ) friend ( ) penpal ( ) none
Physical [ ] I have met this user in the real world and we did battle.
Professional [ ] fear [ ] disdain [ ] loathe [ ] abhor [ ] will throw into a volcano, mark my words
Geographical ( ) co-resident ( ) neighbor ( ) opposing dimensions ( ) none
Family ( ) child ( ) parent ( ) sibling ( ) evil twin ( ) malformed clone ( ) spouse ( ) kin ( ) none
Emotional [ ] reviled nemesis [ ] arch-enemy [ ] passing dislike [ ] sweetheart
posted by filthy light thief at 12:10 PM on August 9, 2011 [33 favorites]
Currently, we have:
Friendship ( ) contact ( ) acquaintance ( ) friend ( ) none
Physical [ ] I have met this user in the real world.
Professional [ ] co-worker [ ] colleague
Geographical ( ) co-resident ( ) neighbor ( ) none
Family ( ) child ( ) parent ( ) sibling ( ) spouse ( ) kin ( ) none
Romantic [ ] muse [ ] crush [ ] date [ ] sweetheart
I proposed:
Interaction ( ) contact ( ) acquaintance ( ) exchange piercing gazes ( ) friend ( ) penpal ( ) none
Physical [ ] I have met this user in the real world and we did battle.
Professional [ ] fear [ ] disdain [ ] loathe [ ] abhor [ ] will throw into a volcano, mark my words
Geographical ( ) co-resident ( ) neighbor ( ) opposing dimensions ( ) none
Family ( ) child ( ) parent ( ) sibling ( ) evil twin ( ) malformed clone ( ) spouse ( ) kin ( ) none
Emotional [ ] reviled nemesis [ ] arch-enemy [ ] passing dislike [ ] sweetheart
posted by filthy light thief at 12:10 PM on August 9, 2011 [33 favorites]
How does this help get good answers for the question?
It would lead to a contest, because we all want to stick out somehow. I mean, dude, who is ever getting a "best answer"? This gives us all a chance! It helps us!
(anybody for crankiest pony?)
posted by Namlit at 12:10 PM on August 9, 2011
It would lead to a contest, because we all want to stick out somehow. I mean, dude, who is ever getting a "best answer"? This gives us all a chance! It helps us!
(anybody for crankiest pony?)
posted by Namlit at 12:10 PM on August 9, 2011
"Cortex and the Clickable Responses" is pretty catchy, too.
posted by xingcat at 12:10 PM on August 9, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by xingcat at 12:10 PM on August 9, 2011 [3 favorites]
By humiliating the bad answerers so they never answer badly again?
You know, I don't even think that would work. I wonder sometimes when I see certain people giving the same sorts of bad answers over and over again, how they miss all the feedback from people such that they don't sort of correct for it somehow. I guess there's a "speaking truth to power" aspect in some of the terrible answers, but I think some people are just not that good with that sort of thing, and we encourage other people to work around them and if it becomes a giant problem usually one of us will talk to them. After doing this for a half-decade, I'm coming to the conclusion that some people just lack whatever the mechanism is that lets them understnad what a good and a bad answer look like.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 12:12 PM on August 9, 2011 [4 favorites]
You know, I don't even think that would work. I wonder sometimes when I see certain people giving the same sorts of bad answers over and over again, how they miss all the feedback from people such that they don't sort of correct for it somehow. I guess there's a "speaking truth to power" aspect in some of the terrible answers, but I think some people are just not that good with that sort of thing, and we encourage other people to work around them and if it becomes a giant problem usually one of us will talk to them. After doing this for a half-decade, I'm coming to the conclusion that some people just lack whatever the mechanism is that lets them understnad what a good and a bad answer look like.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 12:12 PM on August 9, 2011 [4 favorites]
"Jessamyn West" is the name of my new Celtic punk accordion band.
posted by five fresh fish at 12:13 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by five fresh fish at 12:13 PM on August 9, 2011
After doing this for a half-decade, I'm coming to the conclusion that some people just lack whatever the mechanism is that lets them understnad what a good and a bad answer look like.
There goes this night's restful sleep. I have to ponder this.
posted by Namlit at 12:15 PM on August 9, 2011
There goes this night's restful sleep. I have to ponder this.
posted by Namlit at 12:15 PM on August 9, 2011
exchange piercing gazes
Is this with a dramatic violin crescendo, or a Ennio Morricone whistling thing? They're very different types of regards!
posted by winna at 12:23 PM on August 9, 2011
Is this with a dramatic violin crescendo, or a Ennio Morricone whistling thing? They're very different types of regards!
posted by winna at 12:23 PM on August 9, 2011
This would just be a challenge, wouldn't it?
"Cheat back. Cheat hard."
"You should totally get pregnant."
"Shoot the MF already!"
posted by running order squabble fest at 12:24 PM on August 9, 2011 [24 favorites]
"Cheat back. Cheat hard."
"You should totally get pregnant."
"Shoot the MF already!"
posted by running order squabble fest at 12:24 PM on August 9, 2011 [24 favorites]
You know, I don't even think that would work.
It wouldn't, it would prompt MeTa's ("WTF, why are ya'll picking on me" or "So and so had a much worse answer!"), contests ("Yay, I got the worst answer!"), add a negative tone to the site and probably all sorts of other bad stuff.
Nothing good could come of adding this.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:25 PM on August 9, 2011
It wouldn't, it would prompt MeTa's ("WTF, why are ya'll picking on me" or "So and so had a much worse answer!"), contests ("Yay, I got the worst answer!"), add a negative tone to the site and probably all sorts of other bad stuff.
Nothing good could come of adding this.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:25 PM on August 9, 2011
Absolutely not, never. There will not be a MetaFilter with both a jessamyn and a "worst answer" option.
posted by jessamyn ★ at 1:42 PM on August 9
What she said, only replacing my name with hers (therefore ensuring no one actual cares/would notice)... but yeah I think such a feature would drive away a good chunk of people.
posted by edgeways at 12:33 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
filthy light thief: " Physical [ ] I have met this user in the real world and we did battle."
Considering the nature of some of the arguments around here, I'm not so sure encouraging people to show up to meetups armed is a good idea.
Armed with edged weapons and in full Klingon uniforms though, now there's an idea I could get behind. And film from a safe distance.
posted by zarq at 12:33 PM on August 9, 2011
Considering the nature of some of the arguments around here, I'm not so sure encouraging people to show up to meetups armed is a good idea.
Armed with edged weapons and in full Klingon uniforms though, now there's an idea I could get behind. And film from a safe distance.
posted by zarq at 12:33 PM on August 9, 2011
Don't be mean. People are trying to help.
Ordinarily I would be right there with you on this sentiment, because it's one I generally espouse, but sometimes people aren't trying to help. Sometimes they're being glib or obnoxious and sometimes it is an (obnoxious and glib) answer so flagging it doesn't even seem right. That said, I think this idea is not a good way to address that--it's just part of being on the internet.
posted by Kimberly at 12:40 PM on August 9, 2011
Ordinarily I would be right there with you on this sentiment, because it's one I generally espouse, but sometimes people aren't trying to help. Sometimes they're being glib or obnoxious and sometimes it is an (obnoxious and glib) answer so flagging it doesn't even seem right. That said, I think this idea is not a good way to address that--it's just part of being on the internet.
posted by Kimberly at 12:40 PM on August 9, 2011
There goes this night's restful sleep. I have to ponder this.
Don't overthink it. That was posted by Jessamyn's understnudy.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 12:41 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Don't overthink it. That was posted by Jessamyn's understnudy.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 12:41 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Dear AskMe: What goes well with potatoes, red cabbage, sauerkraut and spaetzel?
posted by Wolfdog at 12:43 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Wolfdog at 12:43 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Has "worst answer" ever been considered as a clickable response?
posted by mazola at 12:44 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
[ ] Great question
[ ] Good question
[ ] Bad question
[x] Worst question
Doesn't feel so great, does it?posted by mazola at 12:44 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
zarq, for you, I'll change my suggestion to I have met this user in the real world and we verbally sparred
posted by filthy light thief at 12:44 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by filthy light thief at 12:44 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm not so sure encouraging people to show up to meetups armed is a good idea.
Austin Mefites, I know we're Texans, but please let's not carry to the pub when we meet up.
posted by immlass at 12:45 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Austin Mefites, I know we're Texans, but please let's not carry to the pub when we meet up.
posted by immlass at 12:45 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
running order squabble fest: " "You should totally get pregnant.""
AskMe Performance Art:
Week One:
Dear AskMe,
The condom broke. What are the chances I'll get pregnant?
Week Three:
Dear AskMe,
I'm late. I'm usually very punctual. Should I be worried?
Week Seven:
Dear AskMe,
What great way can I tell my husband he's about to be a father for the first time?
Week Nine:
Dear AskMe,
Urp. Morning Sickness cures, please?
Week 13:
Dear AskMe,
So, CVS? Amnio? Leave babby alone?
Week 19:
Dear AskMe,
It's 3am, I can't sleep and I'm bored. Entertain me!
What do you think of "Meloncholia Francessca Antouinette Weintraub" as a baby name?
Week... etc., etc.
posted by zarq at 12:49 PM on August 9, 2011 [5 favorites]
AskMe Performance Art:
Week One:
Dear AskMe,
The condom broke. What are the chances I'll get pregnant?
Week Three:
Dear AskMe,
I'm late. I'm usually very punctual. Should I be worried?
Week Seven:
Dear AskMe,
What great way can I tell my husband he's about to be a father for the first time?
Week Nine:
Dear AskMe,
Urp. Morning Sickness cures, please?
Week 13:
Dear AskMe,
So, CVS? Amnio? Leave babby alone?
Week 19:
Dear AskMe,
It's 3am, I can't sleep and I'm bored. Entertain me!
This post has been deleted for the following reason: Sorry, chatfilter. Try some warm milk? -- restless_nomadWeek 22:
What do you think of "Meloncholia Francessca Antouinette Weintraub" as a baby name?
Week... etc., etc.
posted by zarq at 12:49 PM on August 9, 2011 [5 favorites]
AskMe Performance Art
We've seen it, more or less. Not at all great.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 12:51 PM on August 9, 2011 [3 favorites]
We've seen it, more or less. Not at all great.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 12:51 PM on August 9, 2011 [3 favorites]
Wolfdog: "Dear AskMe: What goes well with potatoes, red cabbage, sauerkraut and spaetzel?"
Tums.
posted by zarq at 12:51 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
Tums.
posted by zarq at 12:51 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
"Worst answer" is a little snarky. How 'bout a, "Did you even read the fucking question?" button?
posted by coolguymichael at 12:53 PM on August 9, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by coolguymichael at 12:53 PM on August 9, 2011 [3 favorites]
jessamyn: " We've seen it, more or less. Not at all great."
I've always been curious about how much weird stuff happens that doesn't wind up in MeTa. I'm guessing y'all have some interesting, exasperating war stories.
posted by zarq at 12:57 PM on August 9, 2011
I've always been curious about how much weird stuff happens that doesn't wind up in MeTa. I'm guessing y'all have some interesting, exasperating war stories.
posted by zarq at 12:57 PM on August 9, 2011
Having multiple "best answers" already violates proper grammar.
posted by longsleeves at 1:03 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by longsleeves at 1:03 PM on August 9, 2011
Yeah, worst answer is not going to do anything to make this a less fighty place...
posted by 1000monkeys at 1:04 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by 1000monkeys at 1:04 PM on August 9, 2011
Week 22:
What do you think of "Meloncholia Francessca Antouinette Weintraub" as a baby name?
This is my favorite Week.
posted by grobstein at 1:13 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
What do you think of "Meloncholia Francessca Antouinette Weintraub" as a baby name?
This is my favorite Week.
posted by grobstein at 1:13 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
I have met this user in the real world and we verbally sparred
"engaged in an unmatched battle of wits" has a better ring to it IMAO.
posted by elizardbits at 1:16 PM on August 9, 2011
"engaged in an unmatched battle of wits" has a better ring to it IMAO.
posted by elizardbits at 1:16 PM on August 9, 2011
Ordinarily I would be right there with you on this sentiment, because it's one I generally espouse, but sometimes people aren't trying to help. Sometimes they're being glib or obnoxious and sometimes it is an (obnoxious and glib) answer so flagging it doesn't even seem right.
Yeah, I flag those people, too. If their intent is to make a funny rather than help, then they're going against the spirit of AskMe and I generally believe their answer should be removed. I should add that I flag maybe once a month so it's not like I worry about turning into of 'those users.'
posted by librarylis at 1:22 PM on August 9, 2011
Yeah, I flag those people, too. If their intent is to make a funny rather than help, then they're going against the spirit of AskMe and I generally believe their answer should be removed. I should add that I flag maybe once a month so it's not like I worry about turning into of 'those users.'
posted by librarylis at 1:22 PM on August 9, 2011
There actually is a "Worst Answer" flag but most people have forgotten because you can only use it once. My main concern is forgetting to choose one just before I die.
posted by GuyZero at 1:26 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by GuyZero at 1:26 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Race to the bottom? Go! I win.
posted by Divine_Wino at 1:29 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by Divine_Wino at 1:29 PM on August 9, 2011
Having multiple "best answers" already violates proper grammar.
There's nothing inherently wrong with multiple candidates for a superlative. Identical twins could be the tallest humans, a good handful of people each year are the SAT's top scorers, etc. Totally possible to tie for first, as it were.
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:30 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
There's nothing inherently wrong with multiple candidates for a superlative. Identical twins could be the tallest humans, a good handful of people each year are the SAT's top scorers, etc. Totally possible to tie for first, as it were.
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:30 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
grobstein: " This is my favorite Week."
Baby's named a bad, bad thing.
posted by zarq at 1:30 PM on August 9, 2011
Baby's named a bad, bad thing.
posted by zarq at 1:30 PM on August 9, 2011
I should add that I flag maybe once a month so it's not like I worry about turning into of 'those users.'
Are we not supposed to flag a lot? I am forever confused by this. I flag a fair amount I think, but mostly because I always choose that over MeTa or calling people out in thread.
posted by sweetkid at 1:30 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Are we not supposed to flag a lot? I am forever confused by this. I flag a fair amount I think, but mostly because I always choose that over MeTa or calling people out in thread.
posted by sweetkid at 1:30 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Flag as much as you feel comfortable flagging. Once a month is way, way below any possible "those users" level; I can think of like two or three occasions where we've actually had to talk to someone about really over-flagging, and that was instance of like flagging every comment in a thread when just flagging a few things and/or sending us a note would suffice.
If you manage to actually get into Wow, They've Gone Crazy With The Flagging territory, we'll write you a nice note explaining the situation. That almost never happens. If you think something needs a flag, go ahead and flag it.
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:37 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
If you manage to actually get into Wow, They've Gone Crazy With The Flagging territory, we'll write you a nice note explaining the situation. That almost never happens. If you think something needs a flag, go ahead and flag it.
posted by cortex (staff) at 1:37 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
I like the idea. It's so much more civilised than the pillory, and far less messy.
posted by Decani at 1:52 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by Decani at 1:52 PM on August 9, 2011
My answers have rubbed the OP the wrong way to an extent which has surprised me a number of times, now.
I would like it if there was an easy, built in way they could let me know this, and even prevent me from answering their questions in the future. There's already a handful of people whose questions I won't answer for this reason, though I continue to read those questions with interest.
posted by jamjam at 2:17 PM on August 9, 2011
I would like it if there was an easy, built in way they could let me know this, and even prevent me from answering their questions in the future. There's already a handful of people whose questions I won't answer for this reason, though I continue to read those questions with interest.
posted by jamjam at 2:17 PM on August 9, 2011
I would like it if there was an easy, built in way they could let me know this
I believe the link is marked "send MeFi Mail" - but the onus is on them to use it.
posted by nickmark at 2:36 PM on August 9, 2011
I believe the link is marked "send MeFi Mail" - but the onus is on them to use it.
posted by nickmark at 2:36 PM on August 9, 2011
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……………………….|.. .. .. .. .. .. .. |……|.. .. .. .. .. . „„\
………………………./„.. .. .. .„—~~~\…../”— „„„„„„-~”::::::\„
……………………../:::::”””—-“:::::::::::”../::::::::::::::::::::::::::„-“”¯”-„
……………………..|„::::::::::::::::::„„—“”””~„—-„„„„„::::::::::::„/ … . . \
………………………\ “”—„„„::::„/” … … .”\ „„__¯¯¯¯¯ … … „„/
………………………”—„„ . .¯ … … … . .\……””””””””””””””””
……………………………””””~~——————~”
Worst. Answer. Ever.
posted by killdevil at 3:16 PM on August 9, 2011 [13 favorites]
………………………………………„-“”;;;;;„„„—„„””-„
…………………………………..„/“;;;;;;;;;/.. .. .. ..¯.. “-„
…………………………………„/;;;;;;;;;;;;;;.. .. .. .. .. .. .”\
……………………………….„/;;;_„„_;;;;;„/.. „-“”””’-„.. . „„„_)
………………………………„/;;;/.. .. \;;;;|.. .\ . o . ./.. \„o . /
…………………………..„/”””-/”/”-„„.. “~”.. .. ¯”””””.. .. .”-“|
………………………..„-„|;;;;;/.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. „„.. .„..”—-“.”\ „
…………………………\„„—“”.. .. .. .. .. .„-“`-“„„„”-“.-“`-“””-/.”\
………………………„-“::::::::::.. .. .. ..„/./,¯¯….¯””—/-„—„„„„-“
……………………„-“:::::::::::::::”\„.. .. ./—„.”””~~~~~’..)\„
…………………„/”::::::::::::::::::::::”\„.. .. ..”`.\ „-“\„„/”\„/\:::”-„
……………….„/:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::”-„.. .. .. .. .. .„~“.|:::::::”\„
………………/’::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::””—„„_.. .. .. .„-“::::::::::”\„
……………../”:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::”””””””::::::::::::::::::\
……………../:::::::::::::::::::::::::::|::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::\
……………./::::::::::::::::::::::::::::|:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::|
…………….|””/—„„„__::::::::::__/:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::”-„
……………/:::|.. .. .. .. .”””””.. /::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::”-„
……………/:::|.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .|::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::’,
……………/::::.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .|::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::’\
………….„/:::::.. .. .. .. .. .. .. |:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::\
…………„/:::::::.. .. .. .. .. .. .. |:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::\
………../”::::::::::.. .. .. .. .. .. ..|::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::\
……….\„:::::::::::.. .. .. .. .. .. ..\::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::|
…………\”-„„::::::.. .. .. .. .. .. .\::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::|
…………-“-„_””—.. .. .. .. .. .. .\:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::„-“
…………..\; ; ; “—„„.. .. .. .. .. ..|„_:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: „„—-~”””„„/
……………”\„; ; ; ; ; |.. .„.. ./.. .|„.. “””””~~~———-„„„„„————~~”””__„„„—-“;/
………………”\; ; ; ;|.. /.. ./’; |../; ;””””””~~~——— „„„„„„„„„———~~”; ; ; ; ; ;„/”
…………………\; ; ; “”;`—“; ; ;`’; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; „-“
…………………\; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;„-“
…………………|; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;„; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; /
…………………|; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; „—“; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;|
…………………|; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; /; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;|
…………………|; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; |; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;|
…………………”””—„„; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;/ ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; „„„„—-“
……………………….|””””——„„„„„„——„—-~/”””..”””””~~”””/”””
……………………….|.. .. .. .. .. .. .. |……|.. .. .. .. .. .. .|
……………………….|.. .. .. .. .. .. .. |……|.. .. .. .. .. . „„\
………………………./„.. .. .. .„—~~~\…../”— „„„„„„-~”::::::\„
……………………../:::::”””—-“:::::::::::”../::::::::::::::::::::::::::„-“”¯”-„
……………………..|„::::::::::::::::::„„—“”””~„—-„„„„„::::::::::::„/ … . . \
………………………\ “”—„„„::::„/” … … .”\ „„__¯¯¯¯¯ … … „„/
………………………”—„„ . .¯ … … … . .\……””””””””””””””””
……………………………””””~~——————~”
Worst. Answer. Ever.
posted by killdevil at 3:16 PM on August 9, 2011 [13 favorites]
It's been considered, but not by the moderators. Please frame your questions more carefully, or they'll be marked as "worst."
posted by Eideteker at 3:40 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by Eideteker at 3:40 PM on August 9, 2011
Whoa whoa, hold the phone. From this answer to a classic AskMe
Age 29: Learned that you do not pronounce the L in "salmon" or "almond".
Yeah, salmon is sammon, but almond is ammond? as in "I'll have an ammond joy please" Is that a regional thing?
posted by Ad hominem at 4:02 PM on August 9, 2011
Age 29: Learned that you do not pronounce the L in "salmon" or "almond".
Yeah, salmon is sammon, but almond is ammond? as in "I'll have an ammond joy please" Is that a regional thing?
posted by Ad hominem at 4:02 PM on August 9, 2011
awmond
posted by Kirth Gerson at 4:06 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by Kirth Gerson at 4:06 PM on August 9, 2011
Might be a distinction between "AL-mond" like Al Bundy vs. the more typical "ALL-mond" like All In The Family, in which by comparison the L sound is far less emphasized as you gloss from the vowel to the M?
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:09 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:09 PM on August 9, 2011
Hmm.. I have been pronouncing it with an L all my life like ALL-mond. As much as it pains me to admit it I think I, and everyone I know, have been pronouncing almond wrong.
posted by Ad hominem at 4:37 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by Ad hominem at 4:37 PM on August 9, 2011
Turns out the l in balk is silent as well.
posted by Ad hominem at 4:39 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by Ad hominem at 4:39 PM on August 9, 2011
As much as it pains me to admit it I think I, and everyone I know, have been pronouncing almond wrong.
Yup.
/authoritative citation
posted by EvaDestruction at 4:59 PM on August 9, 2011
Yup.
/authoritative citation
posted by EvaDestruction at 4:59 PM on August 9, 2011
Contacts should include [] have contact confused with another member with similar or not-at-all-similar name.
posted by theora55 at 5:30 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by theora55 at 5:30 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
Comic Book Guy appears to have an erection.
posted by Effigy2000 at 6:48 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by Effigy2000 at 6:48 PM on August 9, 2011
Comic Book Guy looks a lot like the Kajigger Lady from Futurama. Uh, somewhat unsurprisingly, I guess.
posted by grobstein at 7:09 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by grobstein at 7:09 PM on August 9, 2011
There are plenty of clickable worst answers. I click them with favorites.
posted by klangklangston at 7:14 PM on August 9, 2011
posted by klangklangston at 7:14 PM on August 9, 2011
I wonder sometimes when I see certain people giving the same sorts of bad answers over and over again, how they miss all the feedback from people such that they don't sort of correct for it somehow.
see: Dunning–Kruger effect
posted by russm at 7:26 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
see: Dunning–Kruger effect
posted by russm at 7:26 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
I wonder sometimes when I see certain people giving the same sorts of bad answers over and over again, how they miss all the feedback from people such that they don't sort of correct for it somehow.
I guess I must be too paranoid. Everytime I read something like this, I think, does she mean me?
Reminds me of a story: back when I was in college living in the dorms, each building had a shared kitchen on the main floor. One day, I saw a sign: "Stop stealing our food! We saw you: glasses, mid-length dark brown hair, medium height! Don't think we don't know you're helping yourself to our food!" I read through the description: glasses, hair, height -- oh no! They're talking about me -- they're on to me! It was a good minute before I thought: "Wait a minute. I've never stolen any food from this fridge. So it must not be me they're talking about."
posted by Deathalicious at 8:32 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
I guess I must be too paranoid. Everytime I read something like this, I think, does she mean me?
Reminds me of a story: back when I was in college living in the dorms, each building had a shared kitchen on the main floor. One day, I saw a sign: "Stop stealing our food! We saw you: glasses, mid-length dark brown hair, medium height! Don't think we don't know you're helping yourself to our food!" I read through the description: glasses, hair, height -- oh no! They're talking about me -- they're on to me! It was a good minute before I thought: "Wait a minute. I've never stolen any food from this fridge. So it must not be me they're talking about."
posted by Deathalicious at 8:32 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Everytime I read something like this, I think, does she mean me?
Me too. Maybe she means both of us?
posted by donnagirl at 8:34 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
Me too. Maybe she means both of us?
posted by donnagirl at 8:34 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
As much as it pains me to admit it I think I, and everyone I know, have been pronouncing almond wrong.
Yup.
/authoritative citation
I discussed this with my wife. We pronounce it both ways depending on context.
Sometimes you feel like an L, sometimes you don't.
posted by Deathalicious at 8:35 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
I read through the description: glasses, hair, height -- oh no! They're talking about me -- they're on to me! It was a good minute before I thought: "Wait a minute. I've never stolen any food from this fridge. So it must not be me they're talking about.
I worry so much about things like that while I'm shopping that I have an exaggerated 'shopping pose' where I have my elbows jutting out and my hands at about shoulder height flopping in roughly the same position one would use to wring one's hands. I have no idea why I started doing it, but it's habit now. Yes, it probably looks as stupid as it sounds.
I occasionally worry that I make such efforts to look un-suspicious that I look super-suspicious, but at that point it's bat country so I shrug and move on.
posted by winna at 8:59 PM on August 9, 2011 [3 favorites]
I worry so much about things like that while I'm shopping that I have an exaggerated 'shopping pose' where I have my elbows jutting out and my hands at about shoulder height flopping in roughly the same position one would use to wring one's hands. I have no idea why I started doing it, but it's habit now. Yes, it probably looks as stupid as it sounds.
I occasionally worry that I make such efforts to look un-suspicious that I look super-suspicious, but at that point it's bat country so I shrug and move on.
posted by winna at 8:59 PM on August 9, 2011 [3 favorites]
I really hope TPTB are giving serious thought to adding some of the contact options suggested here. And these:
[ ] I would buy this person a drink.
[ ] I have bought this person a drink.
[ ] I have bought this person many drinks.
[ ] I would buy this person a drink, then throw it in their face dramatically.
posted by ApathyGirl at 9:17 PM on August 9, 2011
[ ] I would buy this person a drink.
[ ] I have bought this person a drink.
[ ] I have bought this person many drinks.
[ ] I would buy this person a drink, then throw it in their face dramatically.
posted by ApathyGirl at 9:17 PM on August 9, 2011
does she mean me?
I do not mean you.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:44 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
I do not mean you.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:44 PM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
In the Midwest they say AHmond. FYI
Some people say saLmon. It always sounds wrong and right at the same time, which is freaky.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:05 PM on August 9, 2011
Some people say saLmon. It always sounds wrong and right at the same time, which is freaky.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:05 PM on August 9, 2011
[ ] I have met this person in real life and we had sexy sex as if it were our profession. Taters were involved.
[ ] I have met this person in real life and the memory haunts me still deargodpleasemakeitstop.
[ ] I have met this person in real life and you know, not really as much as an asshole as I thought, actually.
[ ] i have NOT met tnis person in real life but I could totally take him in a fair fight, no question.
[ ] potentially valuable asset in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
[ ] potential nutrient-rich food source in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
[ ] probably responsible for the events leading up to the zombie apocalypse.
[ ] crush [ ] muse [ ] batshit insane ex [ ] friend with benefits [ ] I just want to buy her a banjo
posted by misha at 10:48 PM on August 9, 2011 [9 favorites]
[ ] I have met this person in real life and the memory haunts me still deargodpleasemakeitstop.
[ ] I have met this person in real life and you know, not really as much as an asshole as I thought, actually.
[ ] i have NOT met tnis person in real life but I could totally take him in a fair fight, no question.
[ ] potentially valuable asset in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
[ ] potential nutrient-rich food source in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
[ ] probably responsible for the events leading up to the zombie apocalypse.
[ ] crush [ ] muse [ ] batshit insane ex [ ] friend with benefits [ ] I just want to buy her a banjo
posted by misha at 10:48 PM on August 9, 2011 [9 favorites]
I do not mean you.
Did you mean me? You meant me, didn't you. Me.
posted by davejay at 11:32 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
Did you mean me? You meant me, didn't you. Me.
posted by davejay at 11:32 PM on August 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
[ ] I didn't mean you
[ ] I did mean you.
[ ] No, not you - YOU. Yeah, you. How you live with yourself is beyond me. No, not you - ME. Oh for fuck's sake.
[ ] I said "you," but I meant "one".
[ ] I meant, "Goo goo ga joob".
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:08 AM on August 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
[ ] I did mean you.
[ ] No, not you - YOU. Yeah, you. How you live with yourself is beyond me. No, not you - ME. Oh for fuck's sake.
[ ] I said "you," but I meant "one".
[ ] I meant, "Goo goo ga joob".
posted by the quidnunc kid at 2:08 AM on August 10, 2011 [3 favorites]
THIS MEANS YOU
posted by Kirth Gerson at 4:07 AM on August 10, 2011
posted by Kirth Gerson at 4:07 AM on August 10, 2011
[ ] I meant you
[ ] I am lying when I say I didn't mean you
[ ] Elephants all the way down
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:52 AM on August 10, 2011
[ ] I am lying when I say I didn't mean you
[ ] Elephants all the way down
posted by running order squabble fest at 4:52 AM on August 10, 2011
[ ] I would let this user pilot my Bird-of-Prey.
IYSWIM,AITYD.
(I mean today is a good day to die.)
posted by subbes at 4:54 AM on August 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
IYSWIM,AITYD.
(I mean today is a good day to die.)
posted by subbes at 4:54 AM on August 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
Here's another question, which is obviously a lot more important that whateverthefuck question started off this whole metatalk thread: how come no-one ever sends me "memail" - ?
I'd quite like to load up the ol' MeFi some days and get a "welcome back" message from someone. Something like this would do:
"Dear quidnunc,
Sometimes, in the crepuscular gloom, I am startled by the eerie rustlings of a meticulous squirrel disturbing the heaped autumn leaves - a living composition in dry, brownish hues.
That is when I cry out, involuntarily - or perhaps from barely suppressed longing? - your name.
My point is: get the fuck out of my backyard.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME HERE]"
posted by the quidnunc kid at 5:29 AM on August 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
I'd quite like to load up the ol' MeFi some days and get a "welcome back" message from someone. Something like this would do:
"Dear quidnunc,
Sometimes, in the crepuscular gloom, I am startled by the eerie rustlings of a meticulous squirrel disturbing the heaped autumn leaves - a living composition in dry, brownish hues.
That is when I cry out, involuntarily - or perhaps from barely suppressed longing? - your name.
My point is: get the fuck out of my backyard.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME HERE]"
posted by the quidnunc kid at 5:29 AM on August 10, 2011 [2 favorites]
jessamyn: "
I do not mean you."
Do you mean, me (as the person you didn't mean?)
posted by Obscure Reference at 6:30 AM on August 10, 2011
I do not mean you."
Do you mean, me (as the person you didn't mean?)
posted by Obscure Reference at 6:30 AM on August 10, 2011
so, in conclusion, we're getting a free-form text field for the how do you know this person stuff?
posted by prefpara at 6:43 AM on August 10, 2011
posted by prefpara at 6:43 AM on August 10, 2011
[ ] I would buy this person a drink, then throw it in their face dramatically.
Yeah, I just finished reading Appointment in Samarra, and trust me, you really don't ever want to do this.
Instead of a worst answer option, can we have a feature where people who give bad answers are smacked sharply on the snout with a rolled-up newspaper?
posted by FelliniBlank at 8:08 AM on August 10, 2011
Yeah, I just finished reading Appointment in Samarra, and trust me, you really don't ever want to do this.
Instead of a worst answer option, can we have a feature where people who give bad answers are smacked sharply on the snout with a rolled-up newspaper?
posted by FelliniBlank at 8:08 AM on August 10, 2011
Do you mean, me (as the person you didn't mean?)
No. Your deleted AskMe comments are mostly jokes.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:36 AM on August 10, 2011
No. Your deleted AskMe comments are mostly jokes.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:36 AM on August 10, 2011
Having spent many years living surrounded by almond orchards, I hereby say definitively that AH-mund is okay and AL-mund is okay, but AM-mund is right out and I don't care what excuse those weirdos in my former home town use for pronouncing it that way.
posted by Lexica at 10:43 AM on August 10, 2011
posted by Lexica at 10:43 AM on August 10, 2011
A pecan and a peecan are two entirely different things, however.
posted by maryr at 12:12 PM on August 10, 2011
posted by maryr at 12:12 PM on August 10, 2011
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
posted by cortex (staff) at 11:41 AM on August 9, 2011 [1 favorite]