I like to lurk here (don't have the nerve to post one of my stories yet, but I did have a huge authorship brawl recently that I should write up). I particularly like the images, especially the recent posts that make me thing of Fruit Stripe Gum.
The Fruit Stripe Gum posts are Fab's way of nagging us to post more original comment. If he's that desperate, I could always go back to taunting humanities proffies: that always gets a rise out of them.
I see Fab changed the header background as another passive aggressive attempt into shaming us into being more active. I tell you, with the treatment I get around here, I'm going to quit one day!
Hmm. . .I think I missed a background (or three). Now we're back to one of those that makes me think "that looks familiar. Is that my campus? One of the many campuses on which I've adjuncted/conferenced/interviewed?". In other words, generic campus, 60s/70s-ish redbrick version (though the boxwoods -- or are those azaleas? -- are a bit distinctive,and make me think it's probably below the Mason-Dixon line. But I could we way off).
One day, some PhD student will write a dissertation problematizing the "Post-Structural Implications of Background Images in College Misery from 2010-2024." I will then read the abstract and skim through the images just to reminisce.
Indeed. I was surprised, since I tend to think of reddit as very wild west/anything goes, but that particular subreddit almost looks like a crampicle forum. There are some stories that illustrate all too common kinds of misery (what *do* you do when you're pregnant and your annual contract just happens not to be renewed that year?), but the answers are boringly straight (or -- more what I expected of reddit -- really cruel -- don't get/stay pregnant while you're in a contingent position? Really?!?).
In no way is the suggested subreddit a better option than this blog. It's a different option, for sure, but to suggest -- as the OP does -- that it's better is ridiculous.
Reddit, in general, is the unofficial internet home of the snowflake. The demographic there skews very millennial; additionally, many, many of its contributors are alarmingly misogynistic -- even in subs that are considered gender-neutral or may seem to attract older (and less dickish) redditors. While I find many subreddits to be interesting, the experience there is hit-or-miss and it can be toxic to redditors with ladybits.
As for this specific subreddit that the OP here suggests, I have found it not to be worth my while to subscribe. There is some good content there, but -- again -- it's hit-or-miss and some of the posters are snowflaky themselves. I check it out occasionally, but I've ever felt compelled to post there or to engage any thread.
Also, it's a bit like the proverbial apples-and-oranges comparison because Reddit is set up very differently from blogs such as this one, and our specific blog is well moderated (while many subreddits are not). It's not uncommon for a subreddit to be invaded by people not its intended audience (a practice known as "brigading") and for the regular contributors to be mocked and ridiculed. College Misery, specifically, has its own specific community, too, something that is lacking in nearly every subreddit I subscribe to, with a couple of exceptions. Even in the subreddits where there is a bit of community identity, I've been on the receiving end of ageism, sexism, and -- in one case, in a fitness forum -- body shaming.
I think the OP here has some chutzpah to suggest that we abandon our beloved blog in favor of the suggested subreddit. I wouldn't be surprised if he or she were the moderator of the of the suggested subreddit. That's not uncommon, either.
I make it a point not to follow reddit groups. I like pretending the internet is not convinced I'm a lesser person for what lies between my legs or in my gender presentation. And sure: Not All Reddit. But most of it.
This is a water cooler of cantankerous opinionated academics with a yearning for the good old days, and I'm much happier here.
I like to lurk here (don't have the nerve to post one of my stories yet, but I did have a huge authorship brawl recently that I should write up). I particularly like the images, especially the recent posts that make me thing of Fruit Stripe Gum.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThe Fruit Stripe Gum posts are Fab's way of nagging us to post more original comment. If he's that desperate, I could always go back to taunting humanities proffies: that always gets a rise out of them.
DeleteI see Fab changed the header background as another passive aggressive attempt into shaming us into being more active. I tell you, with the treatment I get around here, I'm going to quit one day!
DeleteThe new background color makes me feel like eating a full jar of mustard at my next faculty meeting, but I wonder whether anyone would notice.
DeleteShe doesn't look bad, but if anyone in my department comes to a faculty meeting naked, I'm leaving. Ewwww...but then, this is the physics department.
DeleteHmm. . .I think I missed a background (or three). Now we're back to one of those that makes me think "that looks familiar. Is that my campus? One of the many campuses on which I've adjuncted/conferenced/interviewed?". In other words, generic campus, 60s/70s-ish redbrick version (though the boxwoods -- or are those azaleas? -- are a bit distinctive,and make me think it's probably below the Mason-Dixon line. But I could we way off).
DeleteBut I did see the ghosts. And now, thanks to Cal's contribution, I understand the reference.
DeleteOne day, some PhD student will write a dissertation problematizing the "Post-Structural Implications of Background Images in College Misery from 2010-2024." I will then read the abstract and skim through the images just to reminisce.
DeleteWhy not both?
ReplyDeleteLooks too straight-up for us. We tend to be a lot snarkier.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I was surprised, since I tend to think of reddit as very wild west/anything goes, but that particular subreddit almost looks like a crampicle forum. There are some stories that illustrate all too common kinds of misery (what *do* you do when you're pregnant and your annual contract just happens not to be renewed that year?), but the answers are boringly straight (or -- more what I expected of reddit -- really cruel -- don't get/stay pregnant while you're in a contingent position? Really?!?).
DeleteIn no way is the suggested subreddit a better option than this blog. It's a different option, for sure, but to suggest -- as the OP does -- that it's better is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteReddit, in general, is the unofficial internet home of the snowflake. The demographic there skews very millennial; additionally, many, many of its contributors are alarmingly misogynistic -- even in subs that are considered gender-neutral or may seem to attract older (and less dickish) redditors. While I find many subreddits to be interesting, the experience there is hit-or-miss and it can be toxic to redditors with ladybits.
As for this specific subreddit that the OP here suggests, I have found it not to be worth my while to subscribe. There is some good content there, but -- again -- it's hit-or-miss and some of the posters are snowflaky themselves. I check it out occasionally, but I've ever felt compelled to post there or to engage any thread.
Also, it's a bit like the proverbial apples-and-oranges comparison because Reddit is set up very differently from blogs such as this one, and our specific blog is well moderated (while many subreddits are not). It's not uncommon for a subreddit to be invaded by people not its intended audience (a practice known as "brigading") and for the regular contributors to be mocked and ridiculed. College Misery, specifically, has its own specific community, too, something that is lacking in nearly every subreddit I subscribe to, with a couple of exceptions. Even in the subreddits where there is a bit of community identity, I've been on the receiving end of ageism, sexism, and -- in one case, in a fitness forum -- body shaming.
I think the OP here has some chutzpah to suggest that we abandon our beloved blog in favor of the suggested subreddit. I wouldn't be surprised if he or she were the moderator of the of the suggested subreddit. That's not uncommon, either.
Greta,
DeleteWhy are you saying OP? Is this the same as Nick?
It took me awhile. You mean Original Poster!
DeleteYes, sorry -- it does mean "original poster," and it's a term used on Reddit often. I guess I'm guilty of forgetting my audience. Sincere apologies.
DeleteDear Nick,
ReplyDeleteI make it a point not to follow reddit groups. I like pretending the internet is not convinced I'm a lesser person for what lies between my legs or in my gender presentation. And sure: Not All Reddit. But most of it.
This is a water cooler of cantankerous opinionated academics with a yearning for the good old days, and I'm much happier here.
I checked it out. I would use the descriptor "it is a different blog" rather than "it is a better blog." I disagree with the latter descriptor.
ReplyDelete