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Don’t be ‘That Guy’ online.

May 8, 2008 by Jenn Sierra  
Filed under Web 2.0

“That Guy,” is a term sweeping our culture right now, embodying the type of person that everyone hopes they aren’t. The thing about “That Guy,” is that he (or she) usually doesn’t know they are, in fact, “That Guy.” There’s even an entire website dedicated to explaining That Guy.

The “That Guy,” syndrome can make someone obnoxious, nerdy, or offensive. Unfortunately, there is a “That Guy” syndrome online, too. Following are a few ways to avoid being, “That Guy,” online:

1) If you’re going to insult someone, be sure to use correct spelling and grammar.

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2) Don’t criticize of someone for doing exactly what you are doing (in the same post or comment!).

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3) Avoid personal attacks and red herrings.

For example, following are the most recent comments of a rather notorious troll on Digg who has made personal attacks and red herrings into an art form:

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4) Don’t constantly find creative ways to spam, like this “person” who wants to be my “friend” on Twitter:

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5) Don’t disrespect the blog/forum owner/moderators.

I was recently told not to let the door hit me on the way out…of Ft. Hard Knox! I actually thought it was so funny that I approved the comment for all to see, here.

6) Know when to use your “moneymaker” and when not to. This is more for the “That Girl” out there. Yes, sex sells. But please, please…know when to put those things away, and/or get a room. (Also, see #4)

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7) Don’t try to argue with an entire community.

See this now-famous thread on LGF, demonstrating how to deal with a troll (in this case, named ‘Ronald Reagan’).

8) Don’t speak in ‘riddle.’

Remember, as Voltaire said, “A witty saying proves nothing,” and if you leave your readers thinking, “huh?!” you haven’t communicated effectively.

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9) Know when to laugh at a joke. (aka - Don’t take life, or yourself, too seriously.)

Don’t be like “That Guy” who wrote a dissertation in response to last Friday’s funny on FHK.

10) Remember ’satire’ is not always apparent in a two-dimensional environment. (Kudos on the great signature line, however!)

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Bonus: Remember the ancient proverb:

It is better to hit ‘cancel,’ and be thought a fool, than to hit ’submit,’ and remove all doubt.

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This is hardly a comprehensive list. I’m sure you all have examples. If you will share them in the comment section, we will update this post, as needed. Meanwhile, don’t be ‘That Guy!’

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Comments

2 Responses to “Don’t be ‘That Guy’ online.”

  1. Read Write and Blue on May 10th, 2008 9:45 am

    I am often concerned that our passion for our cause leads us to lower ourselves to the level of those we oppose. Typing is my worst skill with spelling a close second so yes, I have been that guy more than once.

  2. Jenn Sierra on May 10th, 2008 10:30 am

    RWB - thanks for that comment. I, too, have been “that guy” on a number of occassions, which I suppose is why I find some of these so funny.

    Many times, I’ve hit that “submit” button, only to cringe, and wish I had the ability to edit.

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