I Feel Stupid

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

While I must say I love these forums, I gotta say I often feel completely ignorant when here, and I feel I'm a fairly well-read individual. Other than when I'm here, of course. Often I haven't read numerous works or authors being discussed, and it seems when I make posts, they often go disregarded. I don't know, maybe I never write anything interesting.

Oh well.

[country doctor]

sympathy post from the doc...

just remember though that back in luckenbach texas there aint nobody feelin' no pain...even the doc...

btw, buckle up...the best is yet to come in 2011 in the country doctor country thread...

[papayahed]

While I must say I love these forums, I gotta say I often feel completely ignorant when here, and I feel I'm a fairly well-read individual. Other than when I'm here, of course. Often I haven't read numerous works or authors being discussed, and it seems when I make posts, they often go disregarded. I don't know, maybe I never write anything interesting.

Oh well.


bah! That happens to all of us (or just us two now you have me worried:yikes:).

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

sympathy post from the doc...

just remember though that back in luckenbach texas there aint nobody feelin' no pain...even the doc...

btw, buckle up...the best is yet to come in 2011 in the country doctor country thread...

For some indiscernible reason, doc, your posts make me chuckle, which is especially odd since I usually hate when people refer to themselves in the third person. Must be that country charm.

[motherhubbard]

bah! That happens to all of us (or just us two now you have me worried:yikes:).

I'll second that. Or am I thirding it? See- lots of reasons for me to feel stupid around here:blush:

[OrphanPip]

Whenever someone demonstrates that they're better read than you, just think to yourself that they have a much less fulfilling personal life because they spend all their time reading. It's probably not true, but it might make you feel better.

[motherhubbard]

I feel equally stupid when I'm the best read person in the room or if I make a refference and everyone just looks at me like I'm nuts.

[Maryd.]

Oh please... Everyone knows that I am the Queen of all stupids here... Hahaha

[arrytus]

I always feel stupid.

[Emil Miller]

While I must say I love these forums, I gotta say I often feel completely ignorant when here, and I feel I'm a fairly well-read individual. Other than when I'm here, of course. Often I haven't read numerous works or authors being discussed, and it seems when I make posts, they often go disregarded. I don't know, maybe I never write anything interesting.

Oh well.

Just remember that we've all been there, in fact some like it so much they stay there.

[Maryd.]

Just remember that we've all been there, in fact some like it so much they stay there.

Talking about anyone in particular there, Mr Bean?

[MystyrMystyry]

Firstly, no-one is actually genuinely stupid - that's the stuff of sitcoms. But having stated thuswise I see quite a few people bothering to submit advice and support to the numbskull who began this thread. This causes me to wonder, why would someone put up a post declaring that they think they're stupid when there are so many threads and links to peruse in order to gain lnowledge and become 'smarter'?

It's surely a ploy of the worst type - the type which has at its heart an attention seeking odour...

The OP clearly states people seem to be ignoring him because he has nothing interesting to say, yet begins a thread and posts a post on the subject as if it were in and of itself in some way interesting

I for one am saddend and dismayed at the number of self-pitying people on litnet who want everyone on litnet to stop what they are doing and drop by to a thread just to increase visitor and response rate. It's not fair on the rest of us who genuinely have something to say on important issues, want to share our knowledge so that others may learn and benefit from it, and are actually interested in interesting things and want everyone to know about it

You really want people to listen to you? [Warning! MystyrMystyry Advice Alert!] Read something interesting, make a conscious effort to remember the interesting details and drop them into the conversation as a contribution to the discussion, and do it often; the more you do it the more people will remember you, the more friends you will make, and the more parties you shall be invited to. Make sense?

And the more information you contain, the wiser you become, and the more people will come to you for your advice, and the more your reputation will grow to the point that one day you neen't bother going to parties because the parties will come to you.

[MystyrMystyry Advice Alert Over]

And how do I know al this? Because that's where I hope to be someday

So stop pretending to be stupid, and instead ask relevant questions about something outside of yourself, and don't forget, no-one knows everything, has read everthing, has seen, done, been, everything

Your knowledge may be just the knowledge that someone else is seeking. You may think 'I know why the sky is blue, but if I know, then probably so must everyone else know, so why ever mention it at all?'

Because not everyone knows why it is blue. Most merely know that it is blue. Your knowledge will open the minds of all those whose minds have been closed to the question. And then there shall be other questions like 'Why is the ocean also blue, yet a different shade of blue, oh Wise One?' and you will be able to tell them, because you'll be the smartypants of the world

Want to know more? You may purchase my free e-book

from here

or if that link doesn't work

from here

And good luck with your intellectual pursuits, oh Wise One!

[Emil Miller]

Talking about anyone in particular there, Mr Bean?

A wise man keeps his own counsel.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Ouch, MystyrMystyry, I think I'll go cry in a corner now.


Firstly, no-one is actually genuinely stupid - that's the stuff of sitcoms. But having stated thuswise I see quite a few people bothering to submit advice and support to the numbskull who began this thread. This causes me to wonder, why would someone put up a post declaring that they think they're stupid when there are so many threads and links to peruse in order to gain lnowledge and become 'smarter'?

I actually do that. Quite a bit. This thread took all of two minutes to write. If you notice, I'm always asking advice on what to read, what authors to explore, and how to interpret and better understand literature.


It's surely a ploy of the worst type - the type which has at its heart an attention seeking odour...

This was not posted as purely a "attention seeking" thread, but, I'll admit it: I was looking for a little encouragement. I do often times feel completely ignorant on here, and it is often disheartening when I try and put some thought into something and it goes, seemingly, completely ignored and disregarded. I'm sorry, but it doesn't feel good.


The OP clearly states people seem to be ignoring him because he has nothing interesting to say, yet begins a thread and posts a post on the subject as if it were in and of itself in some way interesting

This is just general chat, you know. With such subjects as "Hey," "Question about colds," and "What are you eating/drinking right now," the banality of this thread wouldn't be a big deal.

Thanks for the advise, though.

[MystyrMystyry]

What do you mean by 'A Few Questions about Colds' and 'What are you eating/drinking right now?' and using 'banality' in the same sentence?
Are you implying that these threads are in some manner 'uninteresting'?
I'll have you know that 'Colds' is one of the funniest threads going in any forum anywhere. And 'Eating /Drinking is certainly up there wih some of the most profound recipe/wine appreciation forums the Internet has ever had to offer

Excuse me if I've walked into a loaded comment, but unless I miss my guess I do believe you have just become official own hole digger of the week, far outstripping my own earlier achievement (something of which I was not poud of and in fact quite ashamed of myself for committing by the simple act of permitting my mouth open on occasion when it should have remained tightly closed)

Furthermore the notion that my earlier posting was intended to be taken in any way other than a sense of fun and with a grain of salt I strongly resent and actually find quite laughable. Should I infer that you believe I have with systematic methodology lost my 'sense of humour' merely because certain individuals choose to consider my words with gravestone seriosity?

It is no concern of mine if others have chosen to not see the lighter side of Litnet. A spat here, a spar there - it's all in the good natured spirit of spur of the moment slanging off. I should like to think that we 'intellectuals' as you outrageously refer to us (why not use the more colourful traditional expressions: eggheads, foureyes, and dare I remind you of 'brainiacs'?) [where was I? ah yes] are a fairly resilient bunch of Champions for Lost Causes, and we have been their Patron Saints since long before recent newcomers have taken the paper crown as their own.
The next time I hear of anyone 'losing their cool' over a silly remark I - and I wold trust of my fellows of the sacred sash of balmy literati - report them pronto and with gusto

[Lokasenna]

I think you're being a little harsh, MystyrMystyry. I think Mutatis-Mutandi's concerns are a valid point of discussion.

In my own personal experience, the more I read the more I come to understand my own ignorance. There are so many books worth reading that I have never looked at, so many genres that I haven't even touched upon. The great thing about a forum like this is that, by continually reminding me of other genres, it encourages me to go out and read them. In 'real life', I live in my tiny little medievalist bubble, where there is no pressure to read anything post-Renaissance - LitNet keeps me grounded.

So, I wouldn't worry about it, Mutatis-Mutandi. I think almost everyone gets the feeling sometimes that they aren't as well-read as they would like to be. When the topic turns to something you are unfamiliar with, then sit back, enjoy the discussion, and if it sounds appealing then make a point of reading it!

[blazeofglory]

I have never been intelligent in life and literary circles or in professions. I always acted idiotically whatever I did. I do not know how to talk seriously and never any good words and right sentences occur to me. What is more I write poorly and my style is substandard. I feel I never can give any message and just write to take their precious time.

Notwithstanding all my stupidities I am given space here by my intellectual friends and am now a proud member here and posted thousands of trash ideas to confuse the rest of posters and readers here

[billl]

"confuse" = "enlighten, indirectly"

[weltanschauung]

‎"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."

no blah blah blah.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

What do you mean by 'A Few Questions about Colds' and 'What are you eating/drinking right now?' and using 'banality' in the same sentence?
Are you implying that these threads are in some manner 'uninteresting'?
I'll have you know that 'Colds' is one of the funniest threads going in any forum anywhere. And 'Eating /Drinking is certainly up there wih some of the most profound recipe/wine appreciation forums the Internet has ever had to offer

Excuse me if I've walked into a loaded comment, but unless I miss my guess I do believe you have just become official own hole digger of the week, far outstripping my own earlier achievement (something of which I was not poud of and in fact quite ashamed of myself for committing by the simple act of permitting my mouth open on occasion when it should have remained tightly closed)

Furthermore the notion that my earlier posting was intended to be taken in any way other than a sense of fun and with a grain of salt I strongly resent and actually find quite laughable. Should I infer that you believe I have with systematic methodology lost my 'sense of humour' merely because certain individuals choose to consider my words with gravestone seriosity?

It is no concern of mine if others have chosen to not see the lighter side of Litnet. A spat here, a spar there - it's all in the good natured spirit of spur of the moment slanging off. I should like to think that we 'intellectuals' as you outrageously refer to us (why not use the more colourful traditional expressions: eggheads, foureyes, and dare I remind you of 'brainiacs'?) [where was I? ah yes] are a fairly resilient bunch of Champions for Lost Causes, and we have been their Patron Saints since long before recent newcomers have taken the paper crown as their own.
The next time I hear of anyone 'losing their cool' over a silly remark I - and I wold trust of my fellows of the sacred sash of balmy literati - report them pronto and with gusto

Welllllll, I didn't know those threads were so interesting. And, if your previous post was meant to be humorous and light-hearted, I am sorry for my misunderstanding of it. Plus, I used the word "intellectual" as a positive term, and consider you to be one MystyrMystyry judging by what you've written.

I'm not here to "make enemies," as the term goes. Really, these are the friendliest boards I've ever been to. I propose a truce, if there even needs to be one. So, I extend my hand to you, good sir! :smilewinkgrin:

And, thanks for the encouragement, all.

[MANICHAEAN]

Blaze. You are becoming one hell of a mystery. Your original postings (i.e 3-4 months ago), are totally different from now. Please excuse, but are you the same person?
Regards
M.

[SilentMute]

I have sometimes been on forums where the people made me feel stupid, even though I don't know if that was exactly their intention. There are some people who are very proud of their knowledge, and sometimes they act contemptuous of others who don't know the things they do. However, I would say it is true of most of us that there is something we are ignorant of. A person has to accept they don't know everything, and if it bothers you--then try to learn about it. However, I think it is nice not to know everything and be around other people who do know it. I think it makes for interesting conversation. As for people who are contemptuous of ignorance--well, I have often found that these people don't know as much as they would have you believe.

I have also been on forums where I will respond to a thread--and it seems that nobody notices. Maybe I didn't say anything they could add to, but I have to admit that sometimes it makes you feel like you are being ignored. However, most of the time you probably aren't being ignored.

What makes a successful post? Wit is always appreciated, I find. Also, it is better to get your point across in a few sentences. Despite being a literature forum, there are many people who don't like reading long posts. Another thing is to write about something everyone can relate to. As the author of the "Question about Colds" thread, I admit that this wasn't the most interesting or profound thread that has been put up...but it was something I think many people can identify with. How many of us have felt that sick people intentionally cough on us to infect us?

[JuniperWoolf]

Whenever someone demonstrates that they're better read than you, just think to yourself that they have a much less fulfilling personal life because they spend all their time reading. It's probably not true, but it might make you feel better.

Haha, that's what I always do with the dreaded "smart kid" in my classes (unless that year by some computer fluke it just so happens to be me, in those situations I rejoice that there's no one around to threaten my status). I always think "yeah, but I bet she doesn't have a boyfriend." In one of my English classes, the smart kid was an extremely hot blonde who was also the best on the university swim team and was likely going to be in the olympics. It was torture.

On topic: a lot of people feel threatened on litnet, especially when they first join. It's important to remember that most of the time, people are speaking out of their *** (especially in "general literature," where many people speak for it's own sake - they're new, and want to immediately establish their identity as "smart").

[blazeofglory]

Blaze. You are becoming one hell of a mystery. Your original postings (i.e 3-4 months ago), are totally different from now. Please excuse, but are you the same person?
Regards
M.

Dear Manicheaen, I may have changed for better or worse I do not know! Your reaction to what I write will be a great asset to me. I request you to comment on how and what I write, positive or negative no matter.


I have sometimes been on forums where the people made me feel stupid, even though I don't know if that was exactly their intention. There are some people who are very proud of their knowledge, and sometimes they act contemptuous of others who don't know the things they do. However, I would say it is true of most of us that there is something we are ignorant of. A person has to accept they don't know everything, and if it bothers you--then try to learn about it. However, I think it is nice not to know everything and be around other people who do know it. I think it makes for interesting conversation. As for people who are contemptuous of ignorance--well, I have often found that these people don't know as much as they would have you believe.

I have also been on forums where I will respond to a thread--and it seems that nobody notices. Maybe I didn't say anything they could add to, but I have to admit that sometimes it makes you feel like you are being ignored. However, most of the time you probably aren't being ignored.

What makes a successful post? Wit is always appreciated, I find. Also, it is better to get your point across in a few sentences. Despite being a literature forum, there are many people who don't like reading long posts. Another thing is to write about something everyone can relate to. As the author of the "Question about Colds" thread, I admit that this wasn't the most interesting or profound thread that has been put up...but it was something I think many people can identify with. How many of us have felt that sick people intentionally cough on us to infect us?

Words of wisdom!! Yes to put points in a few sentennces is what we must do so that we will not bore others with lenghty sentences and big and pompous words!!

[SilentMute]

Words of wisdom!! Yes to put points in a few sentennces is what we must do so that we will not bore others with lenghty sentences and big and pompous words!!

Of course...I tend to be very verbose and not take my own advice.:smilielol5: My mom has often commented that she doesn't read my threads or posts because I just talk too d*** much! But, you see, I don't talk much in real life...so I get diarrhea of the keyboard as a result.

[Scheherazade]

bah! That happens to all of us (or just us two now you have me worried:yikes:).I agree with Papaya that it happens to all of us; to the best of us. No one person has read all the books or has all the answers; if they are trying to say or imply so, they are bluffing it.

There is a thread where all the members share the books they have not read; it is quite reassuring really.

The important thing is, I believe, not this feeling of "stupidity" but what we do as a consequence. I throw myself into more reading and studying; I listen to others on books I have not yet read and try to read some more; not because I am in competition but simply because I would like to understand more and better.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

The important thing is, I believe, not this feeling of "stupidity" but what we do as a consequence. I throw myself into more reading and studying; I listen to others on books I have not yet read and try to read some more; not because I am in competition but simply because I would like to understand more and better.

I know what you mean. My reading time has skyrocketed since I've seriously started participating in these forums.

[misterreplicant]

"There is only one good, knowledge, and only one evil, ignorance" ~Socrates..

I don't believe in the word "stupid", it's only used by the ignorant, in my opinion, that is. I believe everyone is really knowledgeable at something. It may not be literature for you, it's not literature for me, that's for sure...

Don't go through life feeling like you don't fit in, find a way to fit in. Remember, everyone is unique :)

[1n50mn14]

I don't think any of us need to feel stupid. We're just not pretentious. A lot of the smart-y pants posts are just a lot of big words strung together and attacking other people, or regurgitated theories out of a textbook. We're all here to learn more and discuss and grow as intellectuals (well, and for the blogs and the games forum ;) so there's no need to feel 'stupid' or embarrassed. If something sparks your interest, strive to understand, and learn to disregard the big-worded comments that have no actual value.




...

The important thing is, I believe, not this feeling of "stupidity" but what we do as a consequence. I throw myself into more reading and studying; I listen to others on books I have not yet read and try to read some more; not because I am in competition but simply because I would like to understand more and better.

Couldn't agree more, Scher! I find myself leaving the Forums (well, I haven't been around recently, but, you know...) and devouring books of all different sorts, as well as online articles. Many things spark interests on the site, from the Serious Discussions forum, the Philosophy forum, and from the lit. ones. It is a learning experience, LitNet, if you take it that way.

[country doctor]

THERE IS HELP
admitted to the doc, to ourselves, and to another chatter the exact nature of our wrongs...
© country doctor

ROAR!

[ShoutGrace]

"confuse" = "enlighten, indirectly"

Very Socratic! I concur.

[kiki1982]

Yes, being ignorant can be helped, the problem starts with people who are ignorant, but are ignorant of the fact they are ignorant, and mostly even worse, think they are not at all, infact they are the people who know the best. That is most irritating, and there are a lot of them in this world. :sosp: