How do you reply to this?

[Sweet One]

Here's the kind of thing they sometimes say on the Sam Harris board in response to one of my posts:


If you would extricate your cranium from its resting place between your sacrum and your pubic symphysis, then you would realize that you are already in a twilight zone where you have been manipulated into reading Stephen King and believing that it is literature.

[mojomofo]

With a very mature "Go stuff yourself."

[LadyHitchhiker]

I would probably say something snarky like "Yeah well they still teach Johnny Tremaine in school and that (and most of the other books I was forced to read in school) is crap. Obviously you and I both have different ideas of literature."

[Todash]

Alternatively, with something like:

"The line between intelligent criticism and pseudo-intellectual self-stimulation is a fine one. I suppose avoiding the danger zone of coherent thought altogether is ONE way to make sure you don't straddle the line ..."

[Eva9]

Anybody that would make a statement in such a smartass way must have his own head too far up his ass to appreciate Stephen King anyway.

(You can probably find a better synonym for smart-ass)

[Ubasti]

The ability to look up big words in the dictionary doesn't mean you have a clue what you're talking about.

How 'bout "I hope your day is as pleasant as you are"?

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

What about 'Basic communication skills - Failed'?

Long days and pleasant nights

[mstay]

Here's the kind of thing they sometimes say on the Sam Harris board in response to one of my posts:

Why do people think we must be "manipulated" into reading SK's books?:glare:

[rjt65]

i would say another person who has never read him...but probably enjoys 4 of his movies not knowing they are by SK...

and why is it not literature oh gr8 judgmental bunghole?

[Cowboy]

Is that tough talk in Nerd Speak?

[tillyn]

I tell the person they are a "tool" and not a very useful one at that.:biggrin2:

[sknut70]

LOL! I'll never forget when I was talking books with someone, and we were on the same page for a while, until I said I read a lot of Stephen King. She said, Oh you'll grow out of that.
I said, "why? he did'nt!"

theres not much you can say to close mindeds. They are clueless about a lot of things.

[demorgan]

Just ignore it. Everyone has a right to their opinion. Even stupid ones.

[PatInTheHat]

Keeewwll!
As being manipulated is usually so very expensive (as proven in some of my, shall we say, more gullible life experiences:glare: (often in connection with gals named after tasty confectionary treats:blush:), I truly appreciate the fact, that some master manipulator out there, has had the bold temerity to make such a great deal with the public library system:wink2:.

(What could they want from me? Can't you hear that a buzzing noise? Are the lights getting dim? What!!?....Who said that!? I'm to do what???

:eek2:...........:wow:You must read the King...You must read the King...You must read the King...You must read the King

[Gard-ole-Gard]

I think I hurt myself trying that position once playing Twister. A few visits with a good chiropractor and all was fine...

[bookworm101]

I'd just ignore them....opinons are like butt-holes everybodys got one some just stink worse than others.

[jenboxer77]

I would reply with something witty, like a quote from Stephen King: “The most important things are the hardest to say, because words diminish them.”http://thinkexist.com/i/sq/as5.gif Stephen King

Ahh, don't let him get to ya! The only power others have over you is what you give to them. I wouldn't waste my breath trying to defend your love of King. Just come back here where we all think alike! ;)

[Roseasharn]

I usually say that if that's the case, then neither are dickens, poe or twain.
So kindly buzz off.

You know, I used to not engage people in these arguments because I couldn't constructively explain why I felt that Kings works were literature. Then I read Bag of Bones. that one turned my head a little.
Then I reread some of the books I had read previously purely for enjoyment and without paying much attention.
My opinion is that he will be wholly vindicated by scholars in the future.

[smjohn]

Here's the kind of thing they sometimes say on the Sam Harris board in response to one of my posts:

Which is why you switched to the SKMB:) I'm pretty sure that kind of comment wouldn't get by our mod, even it if was about a rival writer of Mr. King. Some people just don't know how to express themselves in a way that other people would respect.

[Liselle]

I had great pleasure in telling my step mum that the Shawshank was actually based on a short story by SK (she couldn't stand him). I heard her telling someone that she had watched this fantastic film etc, etc and I just had to butt in with 'You do know who wrote that don't you'

Oh the look on her face, beetroot and a lot of spluttering was going on.......bliss.

[Sweet One]

Here is what I actually replied, though i'M being a bit more polite than he is:

In the words of Orson Scott Card:

“Let me assure you that King’s work most definitely is literature, because it was written to be published and is read with admiration. What Snyder really means is that it is not the literature preferred by the academic-literary elite.”

I’d go further, saying Stephen King is literature for far better reasons than Card says, many of which are discussed on his website forum. Although King hasn’t quite passed the test of time yet, it’s happening already, as critics are now starting to take SK’s writing more seriously.

[ms.darkside]

Who is Sam Harris? Never heard of him.

[ms.darkside]

BTW, I would say that he is "rude, crude, and socially unacceptable to make my acqaintence"

(sorry for the double post ms.mod)

[brownmouse]

If you would extricate your cranium from its resting place between your sacrum and your pubic symphysis, then you would realize that you are already in a twilight zone where you have been manipulated into reading Stephen King and believing that it is literature.

I would maybe suggest to him that the ability to use a thesaurus in an effort to mask a reliance on cliches is a poor substitute for wit.

[Jasonbobdude]

Too many big words! I think they're trying to show off. Probably read computer manuals for fun.

[Agincourt Concierge]

If you would extricate your cranium from its resting place between your sacrum and your pubic symphysis, then you would realize that you are already in a twilight zone where you have been manipulated into reading Stephen King and believing that it is literature.

Oh mercy...I would have had fun w/this one....

My cranium might be RESTING between my sacrum and pubic symphysis....but at least it's not SHOVED up my anal sphincter far into my rectal cavity like yours seems to be...!!! And I may be floating about the twilight zone...oblivious and enjoying Mr. King while you, on the other hand have been sucked into the black hole of insolence.

AND THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN MY RESPONSE.....lol.....:biggrin2:

[demorgan]

Whats the difference in someone here getting mad at that comment and the people that like Twilight getting mad from people making comments about meyers(is the name right). I say just ignore it and be the sensible one in that type of situation.

[Todash]

Whats the difference in someone here getting mad at that comment and the people that like Twilight getting mad from people making comments about meyers(is the name right). I say just ignore it and be the sensible one in that type of situation.
It has to do with how you say something and your purpose for saying it. If you say, "I think this author isn't very good because of X, Y, and Z," well, yes, fans may be upset, but you're not being disrespectful. Calling into question an author's work is not inherently disrespectful of either that author or his/her fans. Using someone's reading preference as a springboard for personal insults IS disrespectful and as such almost demands a response, though of course there is no point to engaging in a protracted battle with such a person.

[tigerlilly2k]

With a very mature "Go stuff yourself."

I heartily agree! There are always the "more Intelligent Than Thou" sort of phonies around, eager to give the impression they spend their reading time on "real" literature, whatever that is. To them, I say, "phooey" and make the raspberry noise. What's TRUE is, there is no better a word-slinger alive than SK. He's never claimed to be anything BUT a story teller and nobody, alive or dead, does it better.

What constitutes "literature"? These same "intellectuals" will assure us that MOBY DICK or THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA are "literature"...but THE STAND or THE DARK TOWER are NOT? Oh, PLEASE~

The passage of Time is what separates the "great" writers from the "novelists". I believe that SK will be taught right alongside Poe a century from now as a great American author and MASTER of the Horror genre. THEN what will the wanna-be "intellectuals" have to say?

[Srbo]

Don`t reply to it all. Ignore it.

Why put yourself on the same low level they are on ?

[Never]

Sounds like a simple mind trying to compensate with complicated words.

Just hope you're not too close when the simple mind finally melts under the strain, that stuff stains.

[Sweet One]

Who is Sam Harris? Never heard of him.


Sam Harris is a famous atheist, and author of The End of Faith. We were supposed to be debating the existence of God, so this poster was already off the subject.

I raised the question of whether we might be living in a simulacrum with God as the designer, and this was his reply. There is a quote from King as my signiture, so everyone on the forum knows I am a King fan.

[smooth operator]

You might also point out that any intelligent human being knows that your cranium will not fit in that particular part of your anatomy, even if you could get it into the correct position for insertion.
Also, truly enlightened people allow others to choose their own path without judgement or sarcasm.

[wally wonder]

they must have a helluva party in a couple weeks, hey? was there ever a time when everyone didn't have a petty political agenda that was the focus of their life?

[demorgan]

Well, if anyone can prove the existence of God. then let me know.

[pandora]

I would simply say,
"Please put the pipe down."

[Sawney Beane]

I believe that´s an encrypted message wich I ,in my infinite wisdom,have managed to decipher: "Yesterday at school me learned two very long words,symphysis and extricate,and the teacher said we had to make a sentence with this two very long words.I like to read and to write a lot and to eat alphabetti spaghetti and my teacher said once to my mom I was so clever,and you are no-oh-oh-oh-ot"

[Srbo]

Sam Harris is a famous atheist, and author of The End of Faith. We were supposed to be debating the existence of God, so this poster was already off the subject.

I raised the question of whether we might be living in a simulacrum with God as the designer, and this was his reply. There is a quote from King as my signiture, so everyone on the forum knows I am a King fan.


We know you like Steve.:smile2:
You posted a thread, you got answers...

That guy said something really moronic, sad to say, so this is what we would do...

Thanks for sharing.:smile2:

[Agincourt Concierge]

Don`t reply to it all. Ignore it.

Why put yourself on the same low level they are on ?


Sorry...but that comment would have set me up for mine...

and I am a smart azz..so I just can't hold my tongue sometimes.....:rofl:

[wally wonder]

came across this nugget in an elmore leonard story, mr. paradise. seems to apply. one word is paraphrased:

Too often we lose sight of life’s simple pleasures. Remember, when someone annoys you
It takes 42 muscles in your face to frown. But it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and bitch-slap the mothersmucker upside the head.

[pepino]

Well, his taste in literature is obviously poor (Anatomy and Physiology texts).:smile2:

[Q'smum]

Alternatively, with something like:

"The line between intelligent criticism and pseudo-intellectual self-stimulation is a fine one. I suppose avoiding the danger zone of coherent thought altogether is ONE way to make sure you don't straddle the line ..."

:rofl:
That's the way to do!

[Q'smum]

came across this nugget in an elmore leonard story, mr. paradise. seems to apply. one word is paraphrased:

Too often we lose sight of life’s simple pleasures. Remember, when someone annoys you
It takes 42 muscles in your face to frown. But it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and bitch-slap the mothersmucker upside the head.

:rofl:

[blunthead]

I would write back, "I know where you live...".

[Srbo]

Sorry...but that comment would have set me up for mine...

and I am a smart azz..so I just can't hold my tongue sometimes.....:rofl:


He he he...do share...

:biggrin2::biggrin2::biggrin2:

[Jax]

came across this nugget in an elmore leonard story, mr. paradise. seems to apply. one word is paraphrased:

Too often we lose sight of life’s simple pleasures. Remember, when someone annoys you
It takes 42 muscles in your face to frown. But it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and bitch-slap the mothersmucker upside the head.

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[LOTUS]

I had great pleasure in telling my step mum that the Shawshank was actually based on a short story by SK (she couldn't stand him). I heard her telling someone that she had watched this fantastic film etc, etc and I just had to butt in with 'You do know who wrote that don't you'

Oh the look on her face, beetroot and a lot of spluttering was going on.......bliss.

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[LOTUS]

came across this nugget in an elmore leonard story, mr. paradise. seems to apply. one word is paraphrased:

Too often we lose sight of life’s simple pleasures. Remember, when someone annoys you
It takes 42 muscles in your face to frown. But it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and bitch-slap the mothersmucker upside the head.

:laugh::laugh::laugh:
Priceless!!!

[ladyraven]

if you can't dazzle them with brilliance..baffle them with bs

[Prince of Darkness]

Hi,

"If you would insert your middle-left sensory projectile towards your rectum and exclaim rather loudly that you are a cerebrally-defective humanoid, then you would realize that you are already in an Academy where you are being manipulated into reading Stephenie Meyer and believing that it is anything other than what you are pointing at." :biggrin2:

Long days and pleasant nights

[CorbinKale]

Sweet One,

The best response to that person is to continue your discussion as if you never saw that insulting post. They are obviously very impressed with their own wit, so completely ignoring it will get under their skin more than anything you could say.

[Born In Sin]

Art is in the eye of the beholder! And for someone to bash you for liking what you like has their head up their a**. You will never win with someone like that because they will always think that they are correct. As Srbo said don't bother getting your feathers ruffled. I've never heard of the person you stated, but guess what millions have heard of Mr. King.

[Nero]

You could try replying tactfully... something like...
Go drive a burning car into a burning building where they store chainsaws and acid and then the firemen come but they're actually alligators in acid proof fireman disguises and they spray you with vinegar and lemon juice and swallow you whole and inside the alligator's stomach is this little guy who's like "This is my home get the hell out!" and he shoots you with a shotgun full of rock salt and sicks his pet badger on you and saws your leg off and he kicks you out and you get a staph infection in the alligator's colon and you're pooped out into the sewer where you drown in filth and the city power main breaks and lands in your eye electrocuting you and your spleen explodes and you find out you have AIDS and a ninja turtle bangs you to death and now he has AIDS and you're covered in radioactive ooze and your anus becomes a mutant crab that starts pinching itself and a hobo steals your skin and they take you to the morgue and freeze you to death and the coroner is that damn ninja turtle who bangs you to death again and gives you AIDS again and a spider lays eggs in your hair and they bury you alive and you suffocate and the bottom falls out of your grave and you fall into a bottomless pit and you go to hell.

[Todash]

Sweet One,

The best response to that person is to continue your discussion as if you never saw that insulting post. They are obviously very impressed with their own wit, so completely ignoring it will get under their skin more than anything you could say.
Your level of maturity and restraint impresses me. :)

[JRLauer]

I would say, "Hey, I have a great idea, why don't you play hide and go f**k yourself".

[abacus]

Sweet one, just give him a link to the Dictionary of Concise Writing.

[Sawney Beane]

I would say, "Hey, I have a great idea, why don't you play hide and go f**k yourself". .We have a winner.JRLauer,that´s the best answer by far.

[Checkman]

It must be exhausting to be a snob. I don't know where they get the energy.

[Mahree]

This person does seem impressed with his use of "big words". I find it is best to just ignore statements like this. He probably has not read anything by Stephen King.

[Autumnlyn]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2119/1685146829_6f3da056b1.jpg?v=0

[MadamMack]

Here's the kind of thing they sometimes say on the Sam Harris board in response to one of my posts:

Don't let it bother you.

[Sweet One]

Great responses, all. Autumnlyn's response is a riot!

[Sugar Marie]

I gotta admit, the trashy part of me sits up and grins a little lopsided grin at stuff like that. It's not always necessary to make people aware of how obtuse they are by pointing out your supposed obtus...ic...ity...?

What I mean to say is that it can be pretty satisfying to sit back and have a little private chuckle, and move on.

[finalfantasyVII]

Whose Sam Harris?? and has he been evaluated?? Good reading..Mark FFVII

[finalfantasyVII]

Man that was GREAT!!!..1st time I've seen it..good work and Good reading..Mark FFVII:smile2:

[JRLauer]

.We have a winner.JRLauer,that´s the best answer by far.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

[Sweet One]

Sam Harris is a famous atheist philosopher and author of The Of Faith. Many of the posters on his site are intellectuals.
Actually Stephen King himself is far more intellectual than he gives himself credit.

[SixPins]

I bet it took the creep a half hour to come up with that snarky little dish. Don't let it get under your skin. The worst kind of intellectual snob is the kind that only finds intelligence in the things he is told are intelligent. Their very cause is lost in the effect.

[Zgirlie]

Pfft. What does the name of the thing have to do with the quality of its contents? Just because some pompous assclown decides to call something "literature" doesn't mean I'm going to feel like reading it. I just want a good story, and nobody spins a better yarn than Stephen King.:tongue: