[Fletchi18]

...make fun of someone and then ask them for help. A recent thread here had someone use some not so nice words right off of the bat and then they looked to the people he had just insulted for help.
It seems like I see this quite a bit. I'll wander, ever so infrequently, to an answer board and I'll see questions like 'Computer geeks help me' or 'PC dorks give me a hand'.
When did this become ok with people? The way I was raised, was that you treat people the way you want to be treated. So, if you'd like some assistance from someone, be as polite as possible.
I don't want to get back onto the arguement of that closed thread. But, rather, I'd like to discuss what people think about the attitudes of those seeking help from people with a bit more expertise than them.
And I do know that these users represent a small minority of people out there, but it seems like this attitude of insult first, ask questions later is spreading.

[DacyJ]

Wirelessly posted (by Milton and his stapler.)

I was brought up the same way, treat others as you would want to be treated.

[devnull]

I was raised the same as you Fletchi18.

My thoughts are that the internet tends to make things very anonymous. So IMHO, those "people" use this to their advantage and say things they would not normally say face to face. This behavior is cowardly.

Not sure why this behavior is so rampant now. But I have my opinions that I keep to myself for now.

[kjjb0204]

Wirelessly posted

Well, it's ok in some respects-isnt there a mod here with the title of BBF Geek Mod? I'm more of a pc dork than a bb dork (based on experience with each) and I wouldn't care if someone called me a computer geek. Most computer geeks I know are proud of it. Now, if they started by saying "hey jerk faces, help me," well, that's a different story.

[sam123gil]

It's a case of hidden scare tactic. There behind a computer or blackberry so they can say what they want to.

[SteveO86]

It's probably how the term is used, either insulting wise or just casual talk. As someone mentioned there someone on this forum with the BBF Geek Mod title plus you've got many companies like Geek Squad/Geek USA/etc (granted I think many your company "geek" anything is rather demeaning but anyway) that give the notion it is ok to make the connection of IT/Electronics guy = Geek.

[TroyDBrown]

Originally Posted by kjjb0204

Wirelessly posted

Well, it's ok in some respects-isnt there a mod here with the title of BBF Geek Mod? I'm more of a pc dork than a bb dork (based on experience with each) and I wouldn't care if someone called me a computer geek. Most computer geeks I know are proud of it. Now, if they started by saying "hey jerk faces, help me," well, that's a different story.

I have no clue who you are talking about.

[TroyDBrown]

My geek is from #3

geekxxx8194; Slang.
–noun
1. a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp. one who is perceived to be overly intellectual.
2. a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)
3. a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken.

geek definition | Dictionary.com

[jsconyers]

Steve has a good point. It is hard to determine the context of the word when reading it online. Sarcasm isn't picked up to easily online.

I agree with Fletchi18. I have seen this here as well. I have seen it working on a helpdesk too. I don't know when or why this has become acceptable. I view it as a matter of respect. Respect to me is a 2 way street. You need to give respect in order to receive it.

[daphne]

I think people say/post things online that they'd never say to someone's face in person.

[Fletchi18]

The face to face thing is very true. I used to work for a help desk with a lot of people in remote offices. There was this one particular woman in our Philly office who was just the nastiest thing. Very rude, disrespectful, etc. I just grinned and beared it on the phone.
Then I had to make a trip down there. I was dreading meeting her. When I finally met her, she was the nicest thing ever and since that day, every time we talked on the phone she was incredibly nice.

I think its the whole anonymity thing of it.

And I call myself a geek and I'm proud of it. But, like other social circles today, it's ok if I call myself that, or if one of my friends calls me that, but to have an outsider use the term, its a bit annoying.

[bigolsparky]

I think of "geek" as a term of endearment. And I am not one.

[CO_BBTechie]

I've also had the disrespectful tone/term used after the fix. I once spent 15 minutes undoing someone's errors on their desktop only to be told; "I'm done with you, you're just in my way now."

[mriff]

Originally Posted by CO_BBTechie

I've also had the disrespectful tone/term used after the fix. I once spent 15 minutes undoing someone's errors on their desktop only to be told; "I'm done with you, you're just in my way now."

Oh man. There would have to some form of retribution at that point. If not physical harm.

[BBHorrigan]

I agree with OP, I hate when people make fun of us for being into technology, but then later ask us to help set up the email on their device.

[CO_BBTechie]

Originally Posted by mriff

Oh man. There would have to some form of retribution at that point. If not physical harm.

What, you mean like switching their port on the catalyst down to 10/half?

Took them a few weeks to report that one....

[mriff]

Originally Posted by CO_BBTechie

What, you mean like switching their port on the catalyst down to 10/half?

Took them a few weeks to report that one....

That's exactly what I meant.

[blakeatl]

Geeks and Dorks are your managers and CEO's now. I enjoy being called a computer geek though. Definitely not a dork.....dems fighting words there.

[wabbit]

hi

i'm a geek!

*passes popcorn out*

but were all geeks! we all have one little thing we do, with some electronic device, that people just go how did you do that!

[wabbit]

Originally Posted by daphne

I think people say/post things online that they'd never say to someone's face in person.

e-thugs?

NSFW! well strong content! be warn before clicking! Urban Dictionary: e-thug