[debodun]

In general, why are computer geeks so arrogant? I'm not saying thay ALL are, so don't jump down my pixels. It's just those that I have dealt with come across as having a superior attitude. When they even stoop to answering a question about computer operating, they always make like they have to talk down to you. For instance, they'd say something like "You wouldn't understand if I put it all in one-syllable words!" More often they just sigh, roll their eyes and say nothing. It's like they think they are gods and everyone else is just a slimy bug that crawled out from under a rock.

[linskyjack]

I think its a sexual thing.

[Ciberblade]

I suppose you can say the same thing about *insert profession here*

[Lurker1]

"In general, why are computer geeks so arrogant?"

Well I would tell you but i'm afraid that you just wouldn't understand.

[poochee]

I have worked with a couple arrogant nerds. I used to look at them and think, you dummies I know a whole lot of things you will never know. When people behave like this I suspect they have some kind of complex.

I was assistant to one of the arrogant ones with the "talk down to people" disease. I was also the person in charge of buying software and computers for the directorate. He would order software for his project and I observed him copying it and taking it home, which was against the rules. I observed this a couple times to be sure. I then went to our boss and suggested he question him on how the software he wanted was used on his project. The boss was literate on the use of software. That ended his software rip off. His couldn't explain why it would be useful.

Most of the ones I worked with were helpful and eager to assist. I remember, in particular, one Canadian fellow who was a jewel.

[columbo]

My theory on this generally-accurate condition is this:

Most so-called "computer geeks" (or nerds or what have you) that come across as arrogant or conceited had a difficult time finding social acceptance throughout their formative years (particularly high-school). Usually they were ostracized by their peers, simply on the basis of their fondness for computers, and related topics like programming, gaming, etc.

The impact of this is two-fold: First of all, a deep-seated resentment tends to build up inside of them, which manifests itself in the form of a condescending and arrogant attitude towards those without the same degree of technical knowledge (who, by way of transferrence, have come to represent those taunting or exclusivist peers from high-school).

The second impact is that, having failed to be immersed in a variety of social-functions and groups, the "nerd" never comes to truly understand the complexities of social relationships. This general awkwardness often compounds itself over the years, eventually resulting in the brooding, bad combover-sporting, "creepy I.T. guy" who sits alone at office get-togethers, mumbling to himself (think "Milton" from Office Space, but with computer skills).

I'm no psychologist (how'd I do PLSchwartz?) so these observations are just based on personal experiences, and my subsequent extrapolations based upon them.

Columbo

[bizzt]

Originally Posted by poochee

I remember, in particular, one Canadian fellow who was a jewel.

Hmmm that could have been Me

[columbo]

Or me!!!....

Oh wait, did Poochee say "jewel"? I'm sorry, I thought it was "fool"...

[bizzt]

Originally Posted by columbo

Or me!!!....

Oh wait, did Poochee say "jewel"? I'm sorry, I thought it was "fool"...

LOL!

[Couriant]

Originally Posted by poochee

I was assistant to one of the arrogant ones with the "talk down to people" disease. I was also the person in charge of buying software and computers for the directorate. He would order software for his project and I observed him copying it and taking it home, which was against the rules. I observed this a couple times to be sure. I then went to our boss and suggested he question him on how the software he wanted was used on his project. The boss was literate on the use of software. That ended his software rip off. His couldn't explain why it would be useful.

Great job Poochee... in some aspect that is against the law too... he was lucky to keep his job.

[poochee]

Originally Posted by columbo

Or me!!!....

Oh wait, did Poochee say "jewel"? I'm sorry, I thought it was "fool"...

That's funny.

[bassetman]

Originally Posted by Ciberblade

I suppose you can say the same thing about *insert profession here*

I was thinking about a profession to insert!

[poochee]

Originally Posted by bassetman

I was thinking about a profession to insert!

I'm reading your mind.

[poochee]

Originally Posted by bizzt

Hmmm that could have been Me

I'll never forget that fellow.

Someone messed up 5 computers in a cubicle on purpose and what he did required programming expertise to correct or a complete reinstall. I called my nice co-worker in Networking for advice and he worked with me on it one computer at a time. He told me what to type in, etc. We corrected all but one, which I did a reinstall on. It took about 2 hours of his time. That was the beginning of passwords on all computers in the Directorate.

He was so patient with this non-nerd. One of the programmers referred to me as a "sophisticated end-user".

[teengeekgrrl]

I try not to be arrogant. And columbo, that's definitely accurate.