The Spec Sheet

[popple]

All the best everyone!   Take care

LOL Just buggin.

[Bart Ell]

[jazmunda]

You're not really part of the BellGab family if you don't have a meltdown and threaten to walk in your first 6 months. Bonus points are awarded if you can do it in the first week. Membership into MV's exclusive clique are awarded if this happens on your first day. You can become a site admin if you can manage it on your first post.

[Bart Ell]

You're not really part of the BellGab family if you don't have a meltdown and threaten to walk in your first 6 months.

Threatening to walk is one thing, declaring your walk has happened now that you wrote your final goodbye is a whole 'nother level of attention whoring....

[Khameleon808]

You're not really part of the BellGab family if you don't have a meltdown and threaten to walk in your first 6 months. Bonus points are awarded if you can do it in the first week. Membership into MV's exclusive clique are awarded if this happens on your first day. You can become a site admin if you can manage it on your first post.

If it wasn't for the loathing of George being so strong and the fear of withdrawal from TaintCo's fine product line...  I'd be wandering the desert right now.

[HAL 9000]

Nah, I won't argue with the fact that I shouldn't have argued with him in the first place.  Your points are valid but filled with incorrect information.  The mention of "not knowing the rules" was answering their question why I was banned the first time. I was arguing with a completely different person then.  And yes I do overmention my videos. Something I will clearly not do as much now that it's been brought to my attention. So thank you for that. Believe it or not, there are large gaps of time where I dont even mention them, so when I do have it brought up, I say something. <the rest snipped for brevity>

Well Kham, I'm very surprised to say the least. You took that pretty well, so for that,  I think you're quite a stand-up guy and took it like a man. There's something to be said for that; some people go all ape-shit in a Robin Williamsesque/Falkie-esque fantasy rant, but you were quite introspective, so my respect to you.

As for any other information, I think we'll just have to agree to disagree. You say I don't (exempli gratia: having a pic), and I say I do. We'll leave it at that, as even if I offered proof in private, you would just deny it. So no point in going any further. Topic dropped.

The rest is not really aimed at you Kham - they're just mild ruminations to fill up this post, and not start a thread elsewhere. There are some who think they know, but that's only because they have one side of the story; but that's precisely how magicians fool their audience - by convincing the audience that what they see on the surface is true, when in fact, the truth is the opposite of what was observed. Google is so 2001 - to think I've had my "toes stepped on" is merely tripe.

I don't post much or stop by much anymore; I'll attempt an admittedly lame allegory: this place used to be a rest stop, if you will, but a rest stop with a view. A rest stop whereby a talented and eclectic group of folks used to stop by, and have a metaphorical picnic - an exchange of thoughtful ideas on a variety of provocative topics.

Reluctantly, some excellent members have left or decided not to post, leaving a vacuum. In it's place I'm sad to say, some members who remained, who were once particularly thoughtful in expressing a point of view, have filled the vacuum with nothing much more than churlish, schoolboy language hurled at one another ad nauseum. This incessant boorish behavior has subtracted from this "rest stop with a view," and turned it more into a rest stop where one stretches their legs, takes a dump, and leaves. Sad to see, but this is my interpretation.

How could I end without mentioning the Spec Sheet? Never having been an avid listener, I would download occasionally, and actually hear information about PCs, smartphones, chips, networking, etc., interwoven with some light-hearted humor. I am by no means a prude, but it seems to have devolved into not much more than frat-boy humor laden by nearly unremitting references to excrement, female and male genitalia, and other gratuitous vulgarity and profane references. I suppose some might enjoy that, and to those I say suum cuique. I suspect most women here could do without - just my guess. So I tend to download only to hear a caller I may have recognized from the forum - but for my taste, it's just a little information (sometimes none) interspersed with vile attempts at humor. Too bad, 'cuz the hosts have knowledge to share, and that's what I'd like to hear. I wouldn't want them to go all "Leo Laporte" on us. I'll use the following analogous standard format: a : b :: c : d

Laporte : audience :: dog : fire hydrant


Final line: respect to you Kham.

[The General]

How could I end without mentioning the Spec Sheet? Never having been an avid listener, I would download occasionally, and actually hear information about PCs, smartphones, chips, networking, etc., interwoven with some light-hearted humor. I am by no means a prude, but it seems to have devolved into not much more than frat-boy humor laden by nearly unremitting references to excrement, female and male genitalia, and other gratuitous vulgarity and profane references. I suppose some might enjoy that, and to those I say suum cuique. I suspect most women here could do without - just my guess. So I tend to download only to hear a caller I may have recognized from the forum - but for my taste, it's just a little information (sometimes none) interspersed with vile attempts at humor. Too bad, 'cuz the hosts have knowledge to share, and that's what I'd like to hear.

I really like the Spec Sheet, and I don't know a damn thing about tech.  I only listen because I really enjoy Curtis and MV, and I think they are hilarious, knowledgeable, and entertaining. I have to agree with you here though, HAL, that I just think it could be better without the coarse humor.  It would be better, that's all.  I'm not complaining.  It would be nice if I could listen to it while playing with my young boy who is just learning words.  There are words that I would rather he didn't learn.  I suppose I am a prude, though.  That's my complaint with every podcast.  The Gabcast, Adam Carolla, and everything in between.  Why does everything have to devolve into the lowest common denominator just because it can?  Just because there's no FCC involved, do we have to talk about animal sex and german shite porn?

[bateman]

I really like the Spec Sheet, and I don't know a damn thing about tech.  I only listen because I really enjoy Curtis and MV, and I think they are hilarious, knowledgeable, and entertaining. I have to agree with you here though, HAL, that I just think it could be better without the coarse humor.  It would be better, that's all.  I'm not complaining.  It would be nice if I could listen to it while playing with my young boy who is just learning words.  There are words that I would rather he didn't learn.  I suppose I am a prude, though.  That's my complaint with every podcast.  The Gabcast, Adam Carolla, and everything in between.  Why does everything have to devolve into the lowest common denominator just because it can?  Just because there's no FCC involved, do we have to talk about animal sex and german shite porn?

I'll have you know I have yet to do a scat-themed DW episode.

[Khameleon808]

Well Kham...

Right on man.  And I probably have no doubt that there are some photos of me floating out there. I did a couple 'waybackmachine' tests and sure enough I found a couple. (kinda far away shots) I am still at a loss for words about the piercings tho. All I could do is offer an unsolicited closeup of each area to reveal no holes haha. However upon searching my screenname with the state name i previously lived in about 4 years ago, strangely I did find a related photo of a dude with those two piercings. Since its not me I have no problem posting this gentlemens photo.   If that's not it, then by all means contact me and let me know. I would have no problems confirming it or not.  Cause if it IS me, sounds like quite the photoshop job by whoever to give me piercings I dont have.   Again, not disputing you have a picture at all. Nor am I trying to stir anything up.  I just wanted ya to know I wouldnt deny anything. Other than this old ass picture of me with a guitar, I couldnt find much on myself.    Your resources were confined to searches right?  You didn't like spend money on a bg check or hassle anyone on my contacts list right?  Cuz that's a bit strange if that is the case.  But hell if you dug up 3 photos and even one of them was right, my hats off to you sir.   

And I appreciate the rest of what you said in your post. A week ago, I probably would have reacted with greatwalls of text. But I did ignore the dude and didn't plan on arguing with him again.  On the cast however, yes, I am guilty engaging in levity and jest about MF.  Something equally as mature as me starting up the thread again.  I did have a pretty shitty chip on my shoulder a few years back online.  So no doubt you could find some of those disappointing forum entries.  I didn't really have a good handle on dealing with online criticism then, and it appears I was slipping back to that place again.  So I do appreciate the feedback about me blowing my own horn, being negative and seemingly arrogant.  It allowed me to get my shit back in check. HOWEVER, one thing you did say that bothered me. *not really*  By the time I actually AM 40, that's when the good video games should be looking too damn good. NO way am I bailing out on them before then. haha

As for the podcasts: I am not sure how they were before I joined.  From what it sounds like by your explanation, the conversation was different?   I guess I am asking because so far, I find both casts pretty interesting to listen to.  Maybe its just hearing them talk, or maybe its being able to interact with them during the show.  There are some eps of Art's show I didn't even really pay attention to while working, I just like to hear the guy talk. 
I have caught a few things on the SS that I haven't caught in a news article yet. For instance, on the cast previous to this one, they were talking about new battery technology. And last I heard they were just thinking of electroplating lithium ion with tin.   But thanks to the show, I found out they are finding new methods.  I know that is probably not the best example. But even with all the silly humor and jokes, I still feel like I walked away being informed as well as entertained.   inb4 'my standards of amusements are low' haha jk

As far as the GabCast,  I don't know all of the inside jokes enough yet to fully appreciate what made/makes it good. I just know I enjoy listening to it.  Even when they claim the show is not going well, I still seem to find it interesting. 

In closing tho, I am with you about dropping the whole thing. Seems there is a mutual respect here.
Even tho you said it's not directed at me, I would like to apologize if I somehow inadvertently played a part in the perceived degradation of the forums.   

[Khameleon808]

I would also like to point out that ever since I found out what intro music the Spec Sheet used, I spent the last couple hours getting my hands on the first couple seasons of Tim and Eric.  I started watching them all tonight.  All I can say is WTF man?  Shit is hilarious but im having a hard time figuring out why.    I guess I am a sucker for interruption cuts and really fucked up editing. Thanks for this descent into madness.  On season 1 ep 7 right now.

[cweb]

I would also like to point out that ever since I found out what intro music the Spec Sheet used, I spent the last couple hours getting my hands on the first couple seasons of Tim and Eric.  I started watching them all tonight.  All I can say is WTF man?  Shit is hilarious but im having a hard time figuring out why.    I guess I am a sucker for interruption cuts and really fucked up editing. Thanks for this descent into madness.  On season 1 ep 7 right now.

The first season or two definitely have that 80s video feel. Later seasons use it too, but not as much it seems. Being someone else who has done a good amount of video editing, it's a show that seems to mock a lot of cliches from the field, which really helps me appreciate it.

And the hilarious gross-out factor helps too.

[WildCard]

I would also like to point out that ever since I found out what intro music the Spec Sheet used, I spent the last couple hours getting my hands on the first couple seasons of Tim and Eric.  I started watching them all tonight.  All I can say is WTF man?  Shit is hilarious but im having a hard time figuring out why.    I guess I am a sucker for interruption cuts and really fucked up editing. Thanks for this descent into madness.  On season 1 ep 7 right now.

Friggin HILARIOUS!

Tim and Eric - The Universe + Extanded Scenes (Complete)

[Mind Flayer Monk]

the first couple seasons of Tim and Eric.  I started watching them all tonight.  All I can say is WTF man?  Shit is hilarious but im having a hard time figuring out why.   

This guy is the best. He seems like he would be a frequent C2C caller.

[cweb]

This guy is the best. He seems like he would be a frequent C2C caller.

Ha!

"Salame, George! That's what the corinians say!"
"UnBLEEFable!"

[Tarbaby]

Khameleon808, you seem like the kind of user Bellgab needs more of. I've never seen anyone take issue with you at all except for the person above. It made me wonder if they must have had a special relationship with you in the past, friend? Souter? Family member? Because there was an intensity there that you don't find at all amongst casual users, and it wasn't even all that mean. Almost as if they were disappointed in you but wanted the best for you. The way they define it, that is.

[Khameleon808]

Ok I made it to season 4.  My brain is officially tapioca right now.  I am guessing they expect you to sleep sometime between seasons.  I feel it did the proper psychological damage by not sleeping through that marathon.   Jesus .... these guys are either comedic geniuses, or my sense of humor has been severely compromised over the years.

Khameleon808, you seem like the kind of user Bellgab needs more of. I've never seen anyone take issue with you at all except for the person above. It made me wonder if they must have had a special relationship with you in the past, friend? Souter? Family member? Because there was an intensity there that you don't find at all amongst casual users, and it wasn't even all that mean. Almost as if they were disappointed in you but wanted the best for you. The way they define it, that is.

Its so weird you say that.  I don't know why, but the majority of my closer friends I have on the net, or in real life, always ended up arguing with me first.  Like throwing me back my own shitty attitude is the password to become my lifelong friend or something lol.   No clue what it is.    Although after seeing all these fucked up Tim and Eric episodes, I feel like I am much more approachable now. Or maybe the opposite.   

Certainly made me appreciate this place more. 

The first season or two definitely have that 80s video feel. Later seasons use it too, but not as much it seems. Being someone else who has done a good amount of video editing, it's a show that seems to mock a lot of cliches from the field, which really helps me appreciate it.

And the hilarious gross-out factor helps too.

EXACTLY!  I think it was the sloppy editing and interruptions that really set me off most of the time.  Like when  they showed the first skit of the "only married newscasters" and they kept having all those cuts to the "technical difficulties" screen mid-sentence.  I dont think I have laughed this hard at anything in a long time.  I was worried one of my neighbors was gonna yell "shut the fuck up" anytime last night. 

[cweb]

Ok I made it to season 4.  My brain is officially tapioca right now. 

You are a greater man than I. I can't do more than 4 or 5 eps before I start to lose touch with reality. Superjail does that to me too. Still haven't finished season 2.

I decided to watch their (unrelated) "Billion Dollar Movie," which was also pretty odd. Kind of dragged though. Not as good as the show, either.

[b_dubb]

Binge watching Tim & Eric Awesome Show Great Job will cause cerebral hemorrhaging. Limit yourself to two episodes at a time. Between watchings eat lots of processed salted meat and drink lots of nicotine based energy drinks.  Let the Shrim FLOW!

[MV/Liberace!]

How could I end without mentioning the Spec Sheet? Never having been an avid listener, I would download occasionally, and actually hear information about PCs, smartphones, chips, networking, etc., interwoven with some light-hearted humor. I am by no means a prude, but it seems to have devolved into not much more than frat-boy humor laden by nearly unremitting references to excrement, female and male genitalia, and other gratuitous vulgarity and profane references. I suppose some might enjoy that, and to those I say suum cuique. I suspect most women here could do without - just my guess. So I tend to download only to hear a caller I may have recognized from the forum - but for my taste, it's just a little information (sometimes none) interspersed with vile attempts at humor. Too bad, 'cuz the hosts have knowledge to share, and that's what I'd like to hear. I wouldn't want them to go all "Leo Laporte" on us. I'll use the following analogous standard format: a : b :: c : d

ok, you've roped me in. 

what can i say?  not everybody can like me or the show, but to pretend you're dishing out an objective assessment of the show is just silly.  we all have our personal axes to grind, and you're no exception.  that's not meant to dismiss entirely your "critique" of the show, but i'm sure you noticed 1) the fact that i banned you from the forum for several months as a result of your child like need to post the private information of other users in order to prove how large your internet penis is, and 2) the fact that i told you i'd hold my daughter's hand a little more tightly if you were to walk past us on a sidewalk.  you certainly couldn't have forgotten all of that, so no, i wouldn't exactly anticipate a ringing endorsement of our podcast from you.  while it's true that i'm not attempting to round up an audience full of anagrammies, i also think the show is beyond simply "frat boy" and "vile" attempts at humor.  actually, the more i consider it, the more i think you must be talking about a different podcast because i've made a conscious effort to tone down the profanity/adult humor over the last year.  there used to be MORE of that stuff.  besides... as a big time mark levin fan (holy christ), i'm not sure how qualified you are to assess a talk show.

with regard to the people who have left the forum over the years (although they've been replaced by new members many times over), supposedly leaving behind a mere husk of the forum's former brilliance, i'd ask: do you know how many of them left because they were creeped out by your behavior?  i do, and it was more than a handful.  the fact that your account was reactivated is more the result of a rounding error than anything else.

edit:  you also picked the occasion of one of the WORST episodes of the show in the years curtis and i have been doing this as the moment to render your assessment.  nice timing.

[zeebo]

...I spent the last couple hours getting my hands on the first couple seasons of Tim and Eric.  I started watching them all tonight.  All I can say is WTF man?  Shit is hilarious but im having a hard time figuring out why....

There's a bit they had somewhere, which was so dumb but for some reason I found so friggin funny.  They had clips of common sports, but had changed the names so e.g. Volleyball = "Sand Sphere", Playing Frisbee = "Flight Disk", etc.

[MV/Liberace!]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=phbqIVMZnJM

[jazmunda]

Where can I get a bigger internet penis?

[onan]

Where can I get a bigger internet penis?

If you had a bigger penis, the internet wouldn't be your issue.

[NowhereInTime]

ok, you've roped me in. 

what can i say?  not everybody can like me or the show, but to pretend you're dishing out an objective assessment of the show is just silly.  we all have our personal axes to grind, and you're no exception.  that's not meant to dismiss entirely your "critique" of the show, but i'm sure you noticed 1) the fact that i banned you from the forum for several months as a result of your child like need to post the private information of other users in order to prove how large your internet penis is, and 2) the fact that i told you i'd hold my daughter's hand a little more tightly if you were to walk past us on a sidewalk.  you certainly couldn't have forgotten all of that, so no, i wouldn't exactly anticipate a ringing endorsement of our podcast from you.  while it's true that i'm not attempting to round up an audience full of anagrammies, i also think the show is beyond simply "frat boy" and "vile" attempts at humor.  actually, the more i consider it, the more i think you must be talking about a different podcast because i've made a conscious effort to tone down the profanity/adult humor over the last year.  there used to be MORE of that stuff.  besides... as a big time mark levin fan (holy christ), i'm not sure how qualified you are to assess a talk show.

with regard to the people who have left the forum over the years (although they've been replaced by new members many times over), supposedly leaving behind a mere husk of the forum's former brilliance, i'd ask: do you know how many of them left because they were creeped out by your behavior?  i do, and it was more than a handful.  the fact that your account was reactivated is more the result of a rounding error than anything else.

edit:  you also picked the occasion of one of the WORST episodes of the show in the years curtis and i have been doing this as the moment to render your assessment.  nice timing.

God, I've missed this!  Getting my popcorn...

[Tarbaby]

MV: your post served The dual purpose of clearing up my previous confusion over events. Thank yeeeew.

[MV/Liberace!]

If you had a bigger penis, the internet wouldn't be your issue.

Yeah, this made me ell oh elle.

[DigitalPigSnuggler]

to prove how large your internet penis is

I just post pictures of mine instead.

[DigitalPigSnuggler]

Ok I made it to season 4.   

I thought you said you were hitting the dusty trail.  Was that just for attention, or are you super-forgetful?

[onan]

I thought you said you were hitting the dusty trail.  Was that just for attention, or are you super-forgetful?

Everyone, at some point in a relationship, decides it is time to leave. Then the next morning they realize there is more to it than getting upset.

[DigitalPigSnuggler]

Everyone, at some point in a relationship, decides it is time to leave. Then the next morning they realize there is more to it than getting upset.

Well, of course.  That dick isn't going to suck itself, now is it?  But I don't think that reasoning applies here.