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Is "fanboy" considered an insult?
- Thread starter anjinha
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And again, how does calling someone a fanboy help anything?
If someone is "informed" they should be able to come up with actual arguments instead of resulting to name calling to try to shut someone up for having a different opinion (it doesn't matter how wrong or annoying that opinion might be).
Eh I have no problem with calling someone 'fanboy' - it's a pointer that someone's engaging in senseless boosterism. Same as I don't like senseless slagging off of the competition as I mentioned earlier in this thread.
Fangirls are what we need, not fanboys.
Preferably wearing skirts made out of iTablets and bikinis made from iPhones.
Fangirls are what we need, not fanboys.
Preferably wearing skirts made out of iTablets and bikinis made from iPhones.
What does it hurt? It may not "help" but lots of things aren't very helpful and they're not breaking rules or pleading for new ones and new ways to force us all to walk on eggshells.
Throwing the word fanboy around shouldn't a shortcut to thinking but I hardly think it's a big bad personal insult that should land someone in "time-out" unless they are REALLY being obnoxious about it. As I said before, it should depend largely on the context.
My two pennies anyway.
I never said anything about time outs, nor do I want new rules. Also I never said that any use of the word "fanboy" should be immediately moderated.
My point is that the way it is now even if someone is being really obnoxious about it (which is actually most of the times the word "fanboy" is used in the iPhone forums) most likely no one will report it because it's not considered an insult. I just wanted to bring attention to the fact that it can be used as an insult and when it is it should be treated as such.
anjin-
I'm with you that if someone is "informed" they should be able to come up with actual arguments instead of resulting to name calling to try to shut someone up for having a different opinion (it doesn't matter how wrong or annoying that opinion might be). This is true no matter what name calling they resort to.
However, I assert that "fanboy" can be a descriptive term that is not always derogatory. However, if the only tool in ones debate toolbox, it is puerile and says more about the user than the recipient. This applies to whether you argue with "so", "am not/are too", "yo momma", "that's what she said", etc.
Unless someone is being abusive with language, tone, etc., one should not be put in time out or banned. The mods should allow civil debate, and only throw water on fighting dogs when blood is drawn.
Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words can...
I'm with you that if someone is "informed" they should be able to come up with actual arguments instead of resulting to name calling to try to shut someone up for having a different opinion (it doesn't matter how wrong or annoying that opinion might be). This is true no matter what name calling they resort to.
However, I assert that "fanboy" can be a descriptive term that is not always derogatory. However, if the only tool in ones debate toolbox, it is puerile and says more about the user than the recipient. This applies to whether you argue with "so", "am not/are too", "yo momma", "that's what she said", etc.
Unless someone is being abusive with language, tone, etc., one should not be put in time out or banned. The mods should allow civil debate, and only throw water on fighting dogs when blood is drawn.
Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words can...
Yes, the "politically correct" term is "Uncritically Supportive Person" or simply "USP".
"Fanboy" is sexist and ignores the large population of females who also will support a product, person or organization with the mindless determination of a zombie.
If you read my last post (or any of my posts in this thread) you'll see that I never said that ALL use of the word "fanboy" should be moderated. I just wanted to bring to attention that it is used a lot as an insult and when it is it should be treated as such.
I've seen 'fangirl' used a few times here too. Usually by female posters describing themselves humorously though.
I do take your point. We should use 'fanperson'. Or 'fanperdaughter'.
Not trying to fan the flames or anything here.
Bring on the fan-fighters! We need more fantastic things here.
I think I get what you mean but I think even loosely defining fanboy as an insult could spell out more tedious rules and time-outs.
If a person is being a rampant jerk, they should be reported and promptly pied in the face.
It's the premise that any "insult" should result in "timeout" on an internet message board that has ended up making this a board of 75% fanboys/girls. That's also why you can't get very informed opinions here, or any kind of help that's worth anything at all. The collective knowledge of the macrumors forum community is far below that of the uncensored boards out there.
And you, of course, are calling for more censorship. Hey, why not? That's what these boards are for... after all, that's why fanboys try to be mods.
You do realise MR is famously anti-Apple? Almost every thread is full of people moaning about Apple, and whatever Apple's done to shaft them. Most of the people here, *especially* the long-time residents, have had serious issues with Apple hardware / software.
The only thing is that, for various reasons, the competition's offerings is even worse. Like many people here, I work with Windows all day, pretty much every day. It's what puts the bread on my family's plate.
But my personal computer is an Apple MacBook. It gives me grief, sure, (and often makes me come here for help) but less than what Windows does.
Personally, I find fanboy to be extremely insulting only because it implies that someone is attempting to deliberately insult you. However, I believe that is used in the right context, fanboy can be used on un-insultingly.
Regards,
Webers
Regards,
Webers
I am not calling for more censorship. Insulting is against the rules already. I am just pointing to the fact the when "fanboy" is used as an insult (which happens a lot) it should be treated as such.
What I don't get is why you're even here if you think these forums are so bad.
I've seen "fanboy" and "fanboi" used a lot. I thought it was childish geek speek for fans of PC vs. Mac.
I usually just scroll on by though. No big deal to me. Just your typical nouveau MR kid.
I usually just scroll on by though. No big deal to me. Just your typical nouveau MR kid.
MR has already become far too much of a random politically correct police state. </drama>
We need another reason for some people to sometimes get banned/TO'd?
We need another reason for some people to sometimes get banned/TO'd?
I think everyone needs to lighten up and stop being so bloody sensitive.
There's already enough you're not "allowed" to do and say.
Hear Hear!
Anyway. Is it an insult? Only when used correctly.
Off Topic: Over the years I have seen this place slowly slide into pretty much a school yard — with plenty of bullies who throw their weight around.
You are pretty much dead meat if you happen to even slightly disagree with the gospel according to the MacRumors PC police.
Which is exactly why - sadly - I find myself rapidly spending less and less time here.
A great shame
If "fanboi" = insult, and insult = ban, how are you not saying it shouldn't be allowed?
When "fanboy" is used as an insult, it should be treated as any other insult, according to the rules. When it is used as any other word, it should be treated as any other word.
So what you're saying is it's open to interpretation. Which means people get to pick and choose if/when it causes some poor delicate soul offence.
No, I'm saying that like other insults it can be used in different ways. Context is everything.
If people are joking around and someone says "You're a freaking idiot.
" they're not going to get banned for it, even though it is traditionally an insult. It's all about context.