.

Very proud.

I am verry proud and ive met some great friends.... and enemy's at my FLGS

Proud proud proud!

I am proud. because I know a few geeks that are extremely attractive hell that is how I got one to become my friend
"So I heard you like fantasy, usually they are ugly and insane, thanks for proving me wrong "

I let my geek flag fly.

Regards,

V

Only when I'm on the internet.

Of course - it's not the only thing that I am, but is an aspect of myself. I'm never embarrassed to tell people that I play 40k or D&D, in the same way that I would not be embarrassed to tell them that I cycle to work or any number of other things.

It's great that most people think that gaming is really neat, especially after they see that there's a bunch of us (at work) who are normal, healthy, well-adjusted people who just happen to enjoy strategy/tactics etc.

Have met no one yet who thinks it's silly.

Not sure if I am a geek.
What are the defining characteristics?

I've got an extensive understanding of the warhammer fantasy world.

I know 90% of Boba Fetts story. I know a slowed amount of science and technology behind the Star Wars franchise as well as loads of information on the movies themselves and how they were made.

I played(and would still play if I had a DS) Pokemon the rpg on gameboy.

My Bejeweled high score is 812,000.

I've played World of Warcraft for almost 7 years now.

I've never been prouder.

SO proud. But it's not a problem when everyone I hang out with is one, too. Sometimes, I get along better with my wife's friends than my wife because of that(she's like an island lost in a tornado of geek).

Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:Not sure if I am a geek.
What are the defining characteristics?

Having ANY involvement in a GW game(not counting video games) qualifies you as a geek.

This may come as a shocker to those in denial.

Blimey ! Don't tell me that they are claiming Geekdom as their own now?!

There has to be more to it than GW

My GW credentials are nominal
LoTR/Sci fi knowledge is minimal
Never owned a games console, though have played a few PC games

On the other hand am not one of the popular kids and I do wear glasses

No. Yes, I do partake in some nerdy hobbies and have plenty of geeky memorabilia, but that's not necessarily anything to be proud of. It's just an interest that I take part in.

Yes.

Out and proud.

Gamer.
Computer geek (have had a computer since I was 12).
Electronics geek (lighting up models is a piece of cake).

I try not to be proud of anything -pride makes you arrogant and weak. That said, I'm also all but shameless and fly my geek flag as high as I want with no apprehension.

Yup.

There are many forms of geek, you can geek out about almost anything.

Am proud that i am good at strategy and have fun playing these types of games. So Yes.

I think I have my dorky things, 40K mostly, but I am not dorky in all things. I guess I am a dork/geek in denial than and I must not be very proud of it...lol.

I will be honest, I do keep my gaming social circle and my "public" social circle separate from one another and neither really knows much about the other. It's always been a lot easier on me that way. I probably keep my 40k mistress a lot more quiet now than ever before considering that I'm part of a Southern fraternity and playing with toys at my age is typically a bit frowned upon. My gaming buddies always tell me how weird it is for a "party animal" (whatever that means to them) like myself to be a big time 40k geek. I was a geek long before I became a menace to my campus and I still know where I come from and who I am.

PS: WAAAAAGGHH!!!

As I've never been involved in a circus sideshow or bitten the head off a live chicken, I can't say I'm a geek, but whatever you guys want to do on your own time is cool w/ me, just don't try to get me involved. Richard Clarke can go on the Colbert Report all he wants and say that geeks are superior to nerds, but he don't know jack.

Nerd and proud, hell yeah for not being a circus freak!

it's pretty commonplace in my circles that being a geek is nothing to hide.

the fact is, a lot of geeks are smart, thoughtful, charismatic, intelligent, awesome people who are good to know and have in your life, and a lot of folks are starting to figure that gak out.

I'm a 'geek'. I played MtG in high school. I had 6 80s in WotLK. I have a khorne tattoo.

i'm very successful with attractive members of the opposite sex, people from all walks of life respect me, i have a pretty good job and i take good care of my body. the fact that i paint models or can dust up clay pigeons or paint bamboo or build a computer or write a dissertation on True at First Light or do 15 handstand pushups doesn't make me who I am (they're all islands to the main), so being a geek is kind of a silly pigeonhole to place yourself in. Most people are so much more than that.

People would never guess it by looking at me, but yeah, I'm a geek. It also makes warhammer appear to be not geeky to people because I like it

@OP

Sort of. I might be more comfortable with more like minded folk around me. Also I think I'm a lower grade of geek. I like some geek-type things but my knowledge in them isn't so deep.

Geek and proud! Nuff said...

Dais wrote:I try not to be proud of anything -pride makes you arrogant and weak. That said, I'm also all but shameless and fly my geek flag as high as I want with no apprehension.

+1 to this

Pride is fine.

Hubris goes before a fall.

I am proud. damn proud. when people use the term derisively, I laugh at them and tell them they're too cool to join my club.

I use antiquated words correctly in common speech all the time. "Salient" someone pointed out to me, without even my conscious knowledge of using it.

I adore being a nerd, a geek, an underdog, different, an outsider, an outcast. I think it binds us all together and makes us stronger in the end. I love it.

I like wargaming, I do not consider myself to be a geek.

I like football and play rugby, I do not consider myself to be a Jock (as in US reference not a ginger northerner).

While appreciate what the OP is getting at I do not agree with pigeon-holing myself or others to this extent. Geek/Nerd is a term of derision and should be met with a punch to the face to those trying to label you it. I'm quite sure I would have been worried about it when I was <16, but at 35 I do what I like unless the Mrs tells me otherwise.

For what its worth very few of the Dakknauts (30+) I have met would be considered Geeks in the stereotypical sense, just a bunch of normal blokes that like wargaming.

Be proud of yourself, not the label others would try to give you.

.

Out of all of the stereotypes, Geeks, Guidos, Fratbros, N**gas, British, Jock, Hipster, Hick, ect ect. I think Geek isn't remotely the worst of them.

.

Id say im kinda on a balance
I have played 40k since 3rd edition
I have played Fantasy since last edition
I have sometimes taken part in gaming groups (DnD, Rifts, WHFRP, D20 modern)
I love Sci-Fi
I am a huge gamer (PC/Xbox)
I love MMORPGs (excluding WoW)

I play guitar and sing in a Dubstep/techno/metal/hardcore band
I play showroom style piano
I am very outgoing and confident around all kinds of people
And compared to my brother I know when to not say something to the wrong kind of person that might seem "geeky" or a bit over the top and weird

Atleast I hope I have a balance anyway xD

aerethan wrote:I've got an extensive understanding of the warhammer fantasy world.

I know 90% of Boba Fetts story. I know a slowed amount of science and technology behind the Star Wars franchise as well as loads of information on the movies themselves and how they were made.

I played(and would still play if I had a DS) Pokemon the rpg on gameboy.

My Bejeweled high score is 812,000.

I've played World of Warcraft for almost 7 years now.

I've never been prouder.

ok I only have not played 7 years of WoW... I don't own and don't play to.
I play Pokemon got most of the new games, (I hate the latest two)
I LOVE STAR WARS!!!

I'm Proud that I'm a geek, the only thing is if myself and friend start talking about space marine then our other friends start leaving... But I'm still proud

notprop wrote:I like wargaming, I do not consider myself to be a geek.

I like football and play rugby, I do not consider myself to be a Jock (as in US reference not a ginger northerner).

While appreciate what the OP is getting at I do not agree with pigeon-holing myself or others to this extent. Geek/Nerd is a term of derision and should be met with a punch to the face to those trying to label you it. I'm quite sure I would have been worried about it when I was <16, but at 35 I do what I like unless the Mrs tells me otherwise.

For what its worth very few of the Dakknauts (30+) I have met would be considered Geeks in the stereotypical sense, just a bunch of normal blokes that like wargaming.

Be proud of yourself, not the label others would try to give you.

I am Tracuer and a Martial Artist, I still consider myself a geek, Its not bad to be called a geek, I would rather be a geek than a nerd.

I do lots of sports I am proud to be called a geek, but I am also a gamer, a parkour team captain, a knife fighter, a former soccer player before I quit because of the BS that the referees gave me, I also play wargames and also am fond of long walks.

Does that make me a geek. No. Do I like be called a geek yes.

People at my grade level don't understand the Meaning of Tracuer and find it too hard to say and find my a liar because I can't do a backflip.

But anyway geeks are good people

Played soccer my whole life, and still play now. It's what got me into college, and I love it. That being said I am also a wargamer. It's my hobby and if it makes me a geek I wear that label proudly. However I did run into my wife's uncle and cousin in the hobby store the other day. Suffice to say it was hard to put into words what I was doing so I opted for the easiest route. "I am here playing with my little plastic army men that I painted."

I suppose I am proud of being a geek, but not because I have that label, but because I have done actual geeky things. Not like these people that think wearing some thick glasses does the trick. It's like a fashion statement with some, they wear glasses for style, not because they actually need then.

I earned my geekdom. I have poor eyesight and make model soldiers, I did all my qualifications in science subjects and know what Darth Vader's wingmen were called. You think that happens overnight? No I worked at being a geek.

These people that think wearing some harry potter specs and a star wars t-shirt makes them a geek? They make me sick.

terranarc wrote:Out of all of the stereotypes, Geeks, Guidos, Fratbros, N**gas, British, Jock, Hipster, Hick, ect ect. I think Geek isn't remotely the worst of them.

Being British is a stereotype? How stereotypical of me.

I wouldn't say I'm proud of being a geek because it's not like it's something I've achieved, or anything, just a summation of my interests and worldview. But I am happy with who I am, and I don't feel ashamed of any of my hobbies. Now when I was a teenager, that's a different story.

I'm proud to be a geek, though I'm toeing the line when it comes to outright saying "Hi, I'm Si and I play 40k" or owt like that. Told a few mates, all of which are anything but geeks, and it's getting easier. There'll come a time when it's not a problem, but I think you're always nervous to admit something that others may look down on for ... fear (?)... of their reaction.

But yeah - GEEK ON!!!

Am I the only one that makes a distinction between a geek and a nerd? And more importantly realizes what the word geek actually means and why nobody would want to be called one?

I'm more of an RE Geek than Warhammer 40k: I have the same Tattoo that Sheva Alomar has...

But I love it, I no longer have to buy a Halloween costume: I just put on my school stuff

Iranna.

chaos0xomega wrote:Am I the only one that makes a distinction between a geek and a nerd? And more importantly realizes what the word geek actually means and why nobody would want to be called one?

No, but you do seem to be unaware of the mutability of the English language and how words can adjust to different meanings. For example, I am English, and thus if I offered you a suck on a cigarette, you would no doubt take it in quite the wrong way.

I prefer the term nerd, but geek is acceptable i suppose. And i wouldnt exactly say im proud, but im at least not ashamed.

I'm a nerd. I don't see why I should be proud of it, anymore than I see why anyone should be proud of being a jock.

<----

I am proud of it. social functioning.

star wars diehard, wargaming player, model builder videogamer, and Transformers freak.

I also ride motorcylces a lot, former air force techno weenie (satellite communications)

got myself a nice job being a geek. seems to have paid off quite well for me.

married to a beautiful woman who has huge..... tracts of land, also enjoys wargaming as well as my motorcycles and doesn't give me crap about any of it. (unless it dorks her out completely)

I have a 5 year old daughter that can name the Autobot leaders and the decepticon leaders, and a 1 year old daughter who is right at her heels.

like I said, seems to work well for me.

I'm not a geek! You're a geek!...Denial..

chaos0xomega wrote:Am I the only one that makes a distinction between a geek and a nerd? And more importantly realizes what the word geek actually means and why nobody would want to be called one?

you mean of course this? The word geek is a slang term, with different meanings ranging from "a computer expert or enthusiast" to "a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts", with a general pejorative meaning of "a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp[ecially] one who is perceived to be overly intellectual".[1]

the latter of which being its most commonly used form.

Nerd is a term that refers to an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit.[1] Nerds are generally considered to be awkward, shy and/or unattractive by most.[2] Thus, a nerd is often excluded from physical activity and considered a loner by others, or will tend to associate with a small group of like-minded people.

Dork may refer to:
USA pejorative slang for a quirky, silly and/or stupid, socially inept person, or one who is out of touch with contemporary trends. Often confused with nerd and geek, but does not imply the same level of intelligence.
Vulgar slang for "penis"

geek, nerd, dork, whatever. its a term not my name. call me what you like, I am happy.

htj wrote:

chaos0xomega wrote:Am I the only one that makes a distinction between a geek and a nerd? And more importantly realizes what the word geek actually means and why nobody would want to be called one?

No, but you do seem to be unaware of the mutability of the English language and how words can adjust to different meanings. For example, I am English, and thus if I offered you a suck on a cigarette, you would no doubt take it in quite the wrong way.

Not really, but it helps that I'm pretty well adjusted to linguistic differences... Regarding differing meanings though, if you look up the history of the term, you will find that it was applied to people like... 'us' because it was such a derogatory term. In a sense, it has fully kept its meaning, people just don't acknowledge it. If you look up the history of the term nerd on the other hand, you will see that its considerably less negative historical connotations, and pretty much was purposefully created to describe people with an interest in this kind of stuff.

Truthfully I don't really care what you call me, I just wish people had more of an understanding of what a word really means and the history behind it when they use it.

chaos0xomega wrote:

htj wrote:

chaos0xomega wrote:Am I the only one that makes a distinction between a geek and a nerd? And more importantly realizes what the word geek actually means and why nobody would want to be called one?

No, but you do seem to be unaware of the mutability of the English language and how words can adjust to different meanings. For example, I am English, and thus if I offered you a suck on a cigarette, you would no doubt take it in quite the wrong way.

Not really, but it helps that I'm pretty well adjusted to linguistic differences... Regarding differing meanings though, if you look up the history of the term, you will find that it was applied to people like... 'us' because it was such a derogatory term. In a sense, it has fully kept its meaning, people just don't acknowledge it. If you look up the history of the term nerd on the other hand, you will see that its considerably less negative historical connotations, and pretty much was purposefully created to describe people with an interest in this kind of stuff.

Truthfully I don't really care what you call me, I just wish people had more of an understanding of what a word really means and the history behind it when they use it.

But that's my point, when people call others a geek in anger, they are using the definition Rimmy gave. That is what the word means to them, and that is what they are thinking it is insulting to be called. I know the original meaning of the word, but history doesn't count for much in sociolinguistics. No chickens were harmed in the making of this insult. It simply does not mean that anymore.

JackalLegion wrote:I will be honest, I do keep my gaming social circle and my "public" social circle separate from one another and neither really knows much about the other. It's always been a lot easier on me that way. I probably keep my 40k mistress a lot more quiet now than ever before considering that I'm part of a Southern fraternity and playing with toys at my age is typically a bit frowned upon. My gaming buddies always tell me how weird it is for a "party animal" (whatever that means to them) like myself to be a big time 40k geek. I was a geek long before I became a menace to my campus and I still know where I come from and who I am.

PS: WAAAAAGGHH!!!

I hear you there, man. I was the same way in college, except replace Southern Fraternity with Rugby Team. I found out when I graduated that two other guys on my team also played 40k. I didn't know for 3 years of rugby together. A shame, really.

When I tell people I play tabletop wargames, if they make a face or react negatively I try, once, to explain it a little and help them get over it, if that fails, I dismiss them and their opinion.

I am a geek in as much as that guy who goes on about the football is a geek or that girl who talks about what happened in Hollyoaks or One Tree Hill as though it was real is a geek. We all like different flavours of ice cream as well...

I've taken the title as has my wife, we're happy to be geeks, we can look across a restaurant table at each other lovingly and quote ghostbusters or bladerunner. We do not require the acceptance of others, they can accept us or get out of our way.

No amount of scorn from outsiders disappoints me like the shame of a secret gamer. Be who you are and tell others about it, if they mock you, educate or ignore them.

insults of any kind, nomenclature, stereotypes will only gain power if you allow them to.

I simply just don't care. call me what you like. water off a ducks back. I know my life, I am happy with it, and if you aren't then change it.

simple as that. you think its derogatory, and as such, it is.

I think its funny. like when black folk call each other the "n" word. they've embraced it to remove its racial hatred. whatever.

I embrace being a nerd, geek, or dork. the term has no weight for me.

besides, won't we all have something to laugh at ourselves about?

Nothing wrong with being a geek as long as i am not a Frogboy you know the one sitting at the magic table looking like a bump on a log, smelling like a swamp, devouring everything withing a reach of there stubby arms. Farting in the general direction of my girlfriend when she comes to pick me up(one car family haha) and pass's by there table after i have had a good day of 40k. I will always be a geek when i have kids i want atleast one geek as long as they remember to have something else in there life like mentioned earlier to be balanced.

I'm the nerdiest/geekiest person I know
I'm just not a very good one though
not smart enough

Who isn't sam?

Field Marshal Wiley wrote:Nothing wrong with being a geek as long as i am not a Frogboy you know the one sitting at the magic table looking like a bump on a log, smelling like a swamp, devouring everything withing a reach of there stubby arms. Farting in the general direction of my girlfriend when she comes to pick me up(one car family haha) and pass's by there table after i have had a good day of 40k. I will always be a geek when i have kids i want atleast one geek as long as they remember to have something else in there life like mentioned earlier to be balanced.

I had not heard the term frogboy, but you have just described every gaming shop TFG I have ever witnessed that brings pain in life to realize, that this is what the public see's, not the rest of us.

I have geek kids BTW, girls at that. my daughter told my wife the other day "Mommy, you can give my princess toys to Amelia (my youngest). I just want my room to look like Tron." yes, she said Tron. she is 5. she saw the original with me and then i took her to seen Tron: Legacy. she loved it. *sniff* little nerd makes me all kinds of happy.

Despite engaging in a ton of traditionally nerdish or geeky pursuits, I don't consider myself a "nerd" or a "geek."

I want my room to look like Tron to who wouldnt hahaha. Frogboy is just a local / gaming group name we use to describe the wall of scary that makes most mothers wanna turn around and walk out of the store before even letting her son buy another comic. Still nothing wrong with being a gee/nerd/spaz just take care of yourself and keep atleast one toe in the realm of normality well semi normality

I have met a few people that are just disgusting human beings is all. indignant, rude, morbidly obese, foul smelling people with poor hygiene.

they pretty much offend every sense. and those people perpetrate the idea that everyone who plays at a gaming place, is like that.

most of the people I have met ARE in fact, athletes or enjoy most types of outdoor activities. we just like war games.

I like the frogboy term, it describes pretty much everything that I hate about gaming in one go (I.E. the creeper sitting in the corner that continues to perpetuate the myth that people that partake in this kind of hobby are total freaks and weirdos (I.E. geeks) to the general population, despite the fact that the other 20 guys in the room are all socially well adjusted, successful, laid back every day dudes and dudettes with actual lives and careers, etc.)

chaos0xomega wrote:I like the frogboy term, it describes pretty much everything that I hate about gaming in one go (I.E. the creeper sitting in the corner that continues to perpetuate the myth that people that partake in this kind of hobby are total freaks and weirdos (I.E. geeks) to the general population, despite the fact that the other 20 guys in the room are all socially well adjusted, successful, laid back every day dudes and dudettes with actual lives and careers, etc.

could not agree with you more.

I am a geek and I don't care unless other people care, and I know that people who care that I am a wargamer are not the kind of people I want to be spending time around. I am not proud of it. But neither am I ashamed of it. And anybody who says nay gets a quick sneer.

The trick is to try not to go on about it, for a start, when they write TL on the side of front of bus fuel caps do not in fact say that it is a twin linked bus.

I may not be proud of being a geek. But I am proud of being different. Or as the more closed mind puts it, a freak. I wear a top hat, have black lipstick and a long leather jacket. And if people don't like it. Well they ain't gonna stop me. And if they don't like what I do, as I said above, they are not my kinda people. People are always so organised these days, you know. The world is full of street-cred, hoodies and the such. It makes me sick. People forcing others to do the same thing. Fair enough people don't do it on purpose. It is mostly accidental in most cases.

I am proud. A proud punk, outsider, freak and hattapunk. Rebellion via sophistication.

I like my horrorbookish style.

Now I want to copy paste that into a private T shirt site. Cus I have sumed up many things about myself, there
.

notprop wrote:I like wargaming, I do not consider myself to be a geek.

I like football and play rugby, I do not consider myself to be a Jock (as in US reference not a ginger northerner).

While appreciate what the OP is getting at I do not agree with pigeon-holing myself or others to this extent. Geek/Nerd is a term of derision and should be met with a punch to the face to those trying to label you it. I'm quite sure I would have been worried about it when I was <16, but at 35 I do what I like unless the Mrs tells me otherwise.

For what its worth very few of the Dakknauts (30+) I have met would be considered Geeks in the stereotypical sense, just a bunch of normal blokes that like wargaming.

Be proud of yourself, not the label others would try to give you.

you pretty much summed up what im like too.I love my hobby but im into my weights big time and probably don't look like your conventional geek.I also do what i like till the wife says otherwise.

Hahaha oh wow I love how half of this thread is people going:

"Yeah I'm into 40k and I guess I can call myself a geek BUT BUT BUT I'M TOTALLY MANLY, GET LAID ALL THE TIME AND SOCIALLY CONFIDENT MAN. TOTALLY. And like, I can totally not appear as a geek when I don't want to. You know. Like I'm totally not a geek. Seriously guys."


ಠ_ಠ

terranarc wrote:Hahaha oh wow I love how half of this thread is people going:

"Yeah I'm into 40k and I guess I can call myself a geek BUT BUT BUT I'M TOTALLY MANLY, GET LAID ALL THE TIME AND SOCIALLY CONFIDENT MAN. TOTALLY. And like, I can totally not appear as a geek when I don't want to. You know. Like I'm totally not a geek. Seriously guys."


ಠ_ಠ

LOL touche`!

but i'm still a geek.

I am a geek and am very open about my wargaming habits. I like playing world of warcraft. I have friends who would be considered geeks and non geeks. I'm a regular atypicaly looking American guy. I where jeans, semi baggy but not huge clothing. Smile, have manners, goto bars, and scream at sporting events.

My non wargaming friends used to try to poke fun at me. Then I started firing back. I started pointing out everyone has something they are geeky about. Oh what you play Madden Football for 9 hours on saturdays? I roll dice and talk to people in person. You sit in a poker room at a casino all weekend? I can do that to but i'd rather be rolling some dice at a GT, throwing back a few beers, with a guy across the table. You like to go shopping with the Mrs? Well I could do that, I have, but I saved up my last few weekends, now i'm away with the fella's and we are shooting the breeze about how Leaf Blower Guard suck to play against, and how Horus's was a pansy compared to Grimgore Ironhide.

Everyone is a geek inside. But its takes a real man or woman to be open about it Plus... my wife loves to watch star trek oldies, i'm still 1 up on her, at least I think I am, but most likely i'm really not!

People may have a chuckle at my expense because I paint 40k, but once they see the work they are like "wow, that's pretty cool. How did you do that?"
Laugh all you like it's still a great hobby and brings joy. I've been doing it for 15 years on and off.

At least geeks are passionate about something. What are you passionate about?

.

I'm proud, I won't go out of my way to point out that I'm a geek, but if asked I won't deny it.

Most of the people I know at school know that I'm a science geek, but the people that don't know, don't normally make the assumption because of the amount of rowing that I do, and everyone knows that geeks don't do sport right?

Why should I not be proud of who I am? Why should I be ashamed of playing social games with people I know and meeting new people?

Of course I'm proud. It defines a lot of who I am. If I was ashamed of it, my life would be horrible.

I'm proud and loud about it. Everyone at work knows all about my nerd-life, from my weekend D&D games, to my long distance Warhammer tournaments that I have to take days off for.

Really! Awesome

terranarc wrote:Hahaha oh wow I love how half of this thread is people going:

"Yeah I'm into 40k and I guess I can call myself a geek BUT BUT BUT I'M TOTALLY MANLY, GET LAID ALL THE TIME AND SOCIALLY CONFIDENT MAN. TOTALLY. And like, I can totally not appear as a geek when I don't want to. You know. Like I'm totally not a geek. Seriously guys."

it's more people saying that you can be a geek and still be an awesome dude, or have a social life, or a good career. it's like you are looking worst way to interpret those comments, as though geeks can't have self esteem.

I'm not proud of being a geek, I'm proud of being a dork! Once you go down the dork path forever will it dominate your destiny, and one day you shall be a dork lord upon a dork throne!

Hm, how do you become one?

terranarc wrote:Hahaha oh wow I love how half of this thread is people going:

"Yeah I'm into 40k and I guess I can call myself a geek BUT BUT BUT I'M TOTALLY MANLY, GET LAID ALL THE TIME AND SOCIALLY CONFIDENT MAN. TOTALLY. And like, I can totally not appear as a geek when I don't want to. You know. Like I'm totally not a geek. Seriously guys."


ಠ_ಠ

Excuse me for being unhappy being lumped into the same category as frogboys because we share the same interests. To me, thats the same thing as calling all vegetarians Nazi's because Adolf was a vegetarian.

So, what are you saying?

I'm saying what I'm saying. I have the right to point out that I'm not a Frogboy, because that seems to be the general assumption people make of me when they hear that I'm a gamer.

Alright, so you do not consider yourself a geek?

No, if you want to give me a label, I'm a nerd (as was established previously) not a geek, I am not now nor have I ever been a circus freak. Either way this =/= frogboy. What point are you trying to make?

Ah, alright, no point. I am just asking. I consider myself a geek, and if you want to be a nerd, then thats awesome!

The day I joined a fantasy football league I learned there is no such thing as a 'geek/jock/whatever'. Anyone who is into anything can basically be a 'geek' I suppose.

Lol, k. It sounded like you were trying make a point or an argument, but you were trying to lead me to the same conclusion that you had reached, and I just wasn't getting it, lol.

I wish that liking 40k made people think I am cool, but no that is not the case. I still bring it up. I am more open with Star Wars geekery though since more people tend to identify with it or even know about it. And no, I don't have to know how many turbolasers are on a Star Destroyer to be geeky about it. For instance I just got new motorcycle and I'm putting stickers on my helmet (everything is black) like a Tie Fighter pilot, so I guess that qualifies as being proud.

Really I fantasize about the day that I can attact/impress women by showing them my 40k army. I think that it's possible with Star Wars or Star Trek geekery as long as it is combined with bodily hygiene. Star Trek more though, it is more womanly in general. My ex-wife was a fan.

Here my list of top Geekery (in the realm of culture or games and hobbies), and their general likeability or rejection amongst women (or gay men, if you prefer):

1. Anime
2. Star Trek
3. Star Wars
4. WoW
5. MTG
6. D&D
7. Warhammer 40k

Note that I put warhammer on the bottom of the list. Even lower than D&D. Hopefully somebody at GW is paying attention. And yes, additions to the list or revisions are welcome.

Yay! Heres for geeks!

I was picked on in two schools due to the fact that I play with toy soldiers/played video games. After those eight years, I'm not really proud, unhappy, or what have you, about being a geek. I just..... am.

Im sorry about that. :(

I have my hobbies, I do not need any form of title or justification.

I also do not consider anyone on forums like this to be in the same hobby that I participate in.

I don't do "Warhams".

ChaosLordSam wrote:Im sorry about that. :(

No need to be; other people here have had it far, FAR worse than I have. I know this, because we had threads about it during the Casey Hanes, or Zangeif Kid, or whatever his name was, and I honestly feel alot less angry now that I know other people went through a lot worse

I don't really think I'm that geeky, to be honest.




But am I ashamed of being a part of this hobby and community?
Hell, no.

Glory to the geekiness!

Yep, agreed! Geeks rule!

Am I a nerd? Dear lord, yes. I play video games and tabletop games. I know Star Wars and Star Trek. I have a comic book subscription. I can quote Monty Python and Red vs. Blue. I post on a web forum about tabletop games, for crissake. And my girlfriend loves me for it, because she can be a gamer and a Trekkie and know that I will be right next to her, making obscure jokes and playing with toy soldiers.

Also, I prefer "Nerd" over "Geek." Nerd has more of an implication of intelligence.

Yaya! Nerds rule, so do geeks!

Guildsman wrote:Am I a nerd? Dear lord, yes. I play video games and tabletop games. I know Star Wars and Star Trek. I have a comic book subscription. I can quote Monty Python and Red vs. Blue. I post on a web forum about tabletop games, for crissake. And my girlfriend loves me for it, because she can be a gamer and a Trekkie and know that I will be right next to her, making obscure jokes and playing with toy soldiers.

Also, I prefer "Nerd" over "Geek." Nerd has more of an implication of intelligence.

Yet more confirmation that Star Trek is the geekery of choice for women.

Haha, Star Trek is cool, but I prefer Star Wars!

Meade wrote:I wish that liking 40k made people think I am cool, but no that is not the case. I still bring it up. I am more open with Star Wars geekery though since more people tend to identify with it or even know about it. And no, I don't have to know how many turbolasers are on a Star Destroyer to be geeky about it. For instance I just got new motorcycle and I'm putting stickers on my helmet (everything is black) like a Tie Fighter pilot, so I guess that qualifies as being proud.
Really I fantasize about the day that I can attact/impress women by showing them my 40k army. I think that it's possible with Star Wars or Star Trek geekery as long as it is combined with bodily hygiene. Star Trek more though, it is more womanly in general. My ex-wife was a fan.
Here my list of top Geekery (in the realm of culture or games and hobbies), and their general likeability or rejection amongst women (or gay men, if you prefer):
1. Anime
2. Star Trek
3. Star Wars
4. WoW
5. MTG
6. D&D
7. Warhammer 40k
Note that I put warhammer on the bottom of the list. Even lower than D&D. Hopefully somebody at GW is paying attention. And yes, additions to the list or revisions are welcome.

I just don't go on about it. When they are around.
But it is important that they know. That you are a wargamer, that is.

I am pretty nerdy/geeky, yeah.
I am yet another female Trekkie, I am trying to get into DnD... Hell I even played RuneScape for 7 years.
And when people ask me what my hobbies are I proudly tell them I collect and paint miniature aliens, lovingly name them and then proceed to play wargames with them.
I do what I do because I enjoy doing it, and I don't really care what others think.

If you are not proud/happy with what you do, why bother doing it?

I wouldn't say proud, but I've become less bothered about it the older I get.

I watched Captain America last night and as the end credits came up, most of the audience left. I then turned around to see who had chosen to stay. Suffice to say it was a very specific demographic waiting for the post credits Avengers Trailer That put a grin on my face.

Nerds > Geeks

At this point, I proudly say I'm more geek than man.

I don't understand why people has to be proud of everything, just because they're the ones being/doing it.

I agree with Religion about two things:
1. The Golden Rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you")
and
2. The 7 deadly sins (which includes pride). Although I don't see them as SINS as such, but bloody stupid things to do/be.

Why can't people just be what they are and be done with it? Where does pride enter into it? It's one thing to not be ashamed of something, and something else ENTIRELY to be prideful about it. What I'd be ashamed of would have been to be that I was a prideful person.

Flashman wrote:I wouldn't say proud, but I've become less bothered about it the older I get.

I watched Captain America last night and as the end credits came up, most of the audience left. I then turned around to see who had chosen to stay. Suffice to say it was a very specific demographic waiting for the post credits Avengers Trailer That put a grin on my face.

It was just you, wasn't it?

Definately Proud of being a geek ^^

If i wasn't a geek and had the friends i have i wouldn't have met the girl who is now my fiancee ^^

Ah, yep, a lot of us Geeks get into relationships!

I don't claim the term, so no I'm not "proud".

Why? Because geek does not really define me or even give a remotely well rounded impression of who I am.

Don't get me wrong, I have an extensive sci-fi book collection, and lots of LEGO and I wargame, so I can't deny that there's some geek in me. However, I also build electric basses and play in bands, so there's some rocker in me. I'm also a father, so there's another label and if you saw me and the way I dress, you'd probably come up with some label related to hipster.

I stopped trying to claim a label in college, by which time I'd already tried nerd, hippie, climber, rocker and a few others.

At this point the only label I might try to claim is related to my faith, but I don't advertise that one because if it's not obvious in the way I act, (and on a given day it very well might not be) then I don't deserve it anyway.

Be who you be and let it be.

Sam, your NOT a geek, I know you well enough to know that. Your just obsessive about war hammer 40k and that's it. The last time I saw you you didn't know what quantum physics were. Why did I even try to explain it?

Well, I'm quite proud of being a human beign that's for one.
Why?
Because me being a "geek" is just a small part of who I am.
There are loads of things that makes you, well you!
But the part of me that is a geek, then yes, I am very proud of that part.

I'm not really proud of who or what I am so I guess that's a no.

Rimmy wrote:I have met a few people that are just disgusting human beings is all. indignant, rude, morbidly obese, foul smelling people with poor hygiene.

they pretty much offend every sense. and those people perpetrate the idea that everyone who plays at a gaming place, is like that.

I can understand Indignant, rude, foul smelling people with poor hygene, but I can't see why you gotta pick on the fat guys. The fat guys are usually some of the most animated and friendliest people in the gaming store. I can understand generalizing, but at the same point I could say that most of the elitist, rude, snobby gamers are the skinny guys hanging in the back corner in a circle jerk of how great they are.

I think current usage has changed the word Geek from Circus Act to Renaissance Man. As Defined by M-W.com GEEK: a person who has wide interests and is expert in several areas. Definition of NERD (from M-W.com): an unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person; especially : one slavishly devoted to intellectual or academic pursuits. This is what seperates Geekdom from Nerdom. The passion to have Wide interests to the point of building expertise in them.

A true Geek will have interests from sports, music, gaming, etc....

So with Humble Pride I proclaim myself to be a Fat, well groomed, non-odorus, friendly, helpful Geek.

I don't think it matters what country you come from. It's your qualities as a human being that are important.

LOL I just remembered I found a great pic of myself that sums it up pretty good.

yes, i'm the guy in the middle with the nerd shirt!




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UsdiThunder wrote:

Rimmy wrote:I have met a few people that are just disgusting human beings is all. indignant, rude, morbidly obese, foul smelling people with poor hygiene.

they pretty much offend every sense. and those people perpetrate the idea that everyone who plays at a gaming place, is like that.

I can understand Indignant, rude, foul smelling people with poor hygene, but I can't see why you gotta pick on the fat guys. The fat guys are usually some of the most animated and friendliest people in the gaming store. I can understand generalizing, but at the same point I could say that most of the elitist, rude, snobby gamers are the skinny guys hanging in the back corner in a circle jerk of how great they are.

as a registered fat guy, I want to clarify I did not specify "fat", I said morbidly obese. the kind of guys I genuinely have concern for their health over. I am fat. i'm 6'6" 285 lbs, I know fat. but being to the point of medical concern is totally different.

I dislike elitist snobs as well. fat or skinny. we're all here to have a good time.

coolyo294 wrote:Very proud.

+5

Pride is not something I really associate with myself at all so not... not proud but I like being a geek. Or I would if I classified as one... currently I think I'd fit more into the 'almost a nerd' category. Large, socially inept and stuck in a village full of people who think being a nerd/geek is somehow dangerous and will corrupt my soul and everyone elses.

I wish for the day when I can get those jeans that say 'GEEK' on the rear and look good in them!

Yes. And I am in fact a geek, in the truest sense of the word. I eat weird things for money.

I am very comfortable with who I am. Yes I am a geek. I wouldn't say that I'm proud of being a geek, because I am much more than just a geek. But I have no reservations about being labeled a geek.

" Age of the geek baby age of the geek" Hartisan from the hit TNT show leverage

Kilkrazy wrote:I don't think it matters what country you come from. It's your qualities as a human being that are important.

Otaku represent!

I'm not a geek, but I certainly do like a few things that some geeks like. WH40K, prime example, then there's reading lots of books, and magazines like Technology Review or Computer World. Ever since I've gotten into Miniature collecting, I've been looking at Model and Miniature magazines also. My best friends are also semi-nerds....I say semi because they may know alot about computers games and all sorts of gadgets I have no clue about, but they are lazy sunova . They are what would be considered bad students in the academic community.

That being said, I am also interested in other fields, such as fitness, cooking & baking, football, history, literature, archeology, and music. (singing and piano. I am a great vocalist, my favorite genre is classical, and my favorite groups are such as; Il Divo and Celtic Woman) I have friends from all walks of life, and I spend time with my family. I believe in a higher Order, but do not follow any church. I am very protective of my gf, friends, and family. To say I am part of the geek circle would be a little correct, and I will admit I am proud of what I am, but anyone who make such implications at me with contempt, they are asking for no less than a broken nose. (and most likely a kick in the middle area)

I never bother to hide my inner geek!

As for other things. I am not the geekiest of geeks. My hobbies are widespread. I dabble a lot. Archery, Poetry, I also like literature.

Yeah, I'm proud, found some friends and some enemies. But I don't care.

I'm proud to be geeky, but not so proud of the gamer gut I've let develop. So in an effort to become less of a stereotype and avoid being, "that guy..." I'm making sure to lose weight so I can better represent geekdom.

And honestly, geekiness is spreading wider and wider, so it's really just me trying to keep with the incoming hotter and more hip geek crowd.

Im proud of it!. My wife makes fun of me though T_T

Yep. I just love when people ask if I have any hobbies. If they're still there by the end of it, I just shrug and say, "you asked."

Im not really a geek ive loads of different hobbies,From Watchn dragonballz to goin to the gym an 2 days

In the words of Eminem

"Y'all don't like me...Blow me!"

Proud to the extreme.

My mum just called me an idiot for getting back in to the hobby. I'm twenty fething five, why am I so down trodden about that?!

Not really. It can be a bad social stigma.

hell yeah! I embrace it
aure I may be a bit of a social outcast but you know what, if people don't like me for me then I don't need them anyways

Ok I am gonna have to do a short rant about this, and I apologize if I offend anyone.

I am a geek, but I am not proud of it.

I just am. Being a geek is no achievement, just as liking rock music or Italian food is nothing to be proud of. Being able to do geeky things well IS, but this is not what we are talking about here is it?

The fact that people are so eager to declare that they are proud of their tastes indicates that they still view them as something that is not quite acceptable, something that makes them a rebel.
As if you are fighting back injustice. However, for the past 5 years in any western country, geek culture has been more and more accepted and even hip.
There absolutely no social stand or prosecution you are fighting here, with the exception perhaps of early high school environments, and even that is receding.

Geeks bombastically declaring their geek pride pushes our hobbies back 10 years when it comes to mainstream acceptance, and frankly I don't think it is a behavior that helps anyone.

So, yeah, I am a geek, been one for 20 years... I also enjoy Chinese cuisine.

One rule of thumb. When you explain to people about wargaming, the most likely thing they'll first get out of it is that you like collecting and playing with little kid toy soldiers. While you can explain to them that it's a hobby that people of all ages play, they'll most likely be confused, or will not get what you are talking about at first. If it's a subject people cannot relate to or will not understand easily, adopt the "If they don't ask, you don't tell policy." If they do ask, appeal to their personality or to something that you think might interest them. If that doesn't work, try something else, or ask them what they do instead. Wargaming might be widespread, but as it is, it is an extremely diluted hobby amongst most communities. Only if they are interested or ask about your collection do you tell. To say to a friend or someone you're going out with at first sight that you play with miniatures is not the wisest conversation starters and shows ignorance on your part of appealing your good qualities to someone else.

Yep, but every time I tell anybody about it, they just shrug.

I keep my geek on the down low depending where I'm at. I was at a bar once and I saw some guys breaking out the MagicTG decks.....I was like "really guys, on at a bar?? Put that business away."

But my geek shines thru and thru. The other guys at my work roll up on me and ask me about my various hobbies, especially when they see me filing flash away on my latest acquisition. Now I'm the goto guy when something geeky needs to be identified. Also at work I had to barter with the IS guys to get Dakkadakka off the restricted sites list.

I've got too many hobbies. My geek cannot be ignored.

Yep, me too. Do you think that geeks are considered smart? Sorry, kinda random, but wanted to know.

It depends on how the individual plays it. My geeks, even some that are a few circles out (think Kevin Bacon game) - some of them roll phat money at their jobs, a good number have college degrees. So on that front I do think it's pretty easy to see a geek as smart. Hell Felicia Day's a geeky geek, I wouldn't see her as stupid. My guys at work know I'm intelligent, albeit motivationally challenged sometimes.

Socially akward....different subject entirely.

Ah, but I see a Geek as a guy into stuff like 40k, and a Nerd as a smart one.

I've been 'disqualified' as a geek by my gaming group after missing 5 straight references that are apparently essential geek knowledge. Its kinda true, I'm more of a drifter without any real personal preferences, just drift wherever the friends go and lacking the depth that the 'true' types have.

.

Happy to be geek.

I could live without the label, but if thats what I am, then yeah: Proud.

Ya, so would I, but geeks still rule!

Way proud! Proud enough to have a skinful of beer, and in the middle of a heaving metal bar shout "FOR SIGMAR!" at the top of my voice.

Met some great people because I am a geek, so yes proud and happy!

Sams not a geek. He thinks he his but your egotistical and you think your better than everyone. You wouldn't have even played 40k if it wasn't for me. From the Oxford dictionary it states

1 an unfashionable or socially inept person.
• [with adj. ] a person with an eccentric devotion to a particular interest : a computer geek.
2 a carnival performer who does wild or disgusting acts.
a nerd states

a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious : one of those nerds who never asked a girl to dance.
• an intelligent, single-minded expert in a particular technical discipline or profession : he single-handedly changed the Zero image of the computer nerd into one of savvy Hero.

In which concludes you lack these attributes from knowing you since kindergarden. Your a Neophyte.

Western (English particularly) culture seems to be embarrassed by people:

a) Being very good at something, especially intellectually
b) Being very into something, other than sport

So, take a hobby like wargaming, which requires a reasonable degree of intelligence and investment, and we're automatically on the edge.

Once you realise that there's no shame in finding something interesting, and in being clever, then you can fly the geek flag high.

And this is my soapbox (apologies for those who've read it before):

Take three "hobbies": TV, video games and wargaming.

One of these requires the person to sit in a room and interact with no-one or nothing, other than to stare at a small box.

One requires the person to use their skill to complete tasks, whilst staring at a small box. They can do this alone or with others.

One requires the person to exercise their intellect and interact with others. You can't play wargames without a degree of intelligence and critical thinking skills. To most gamers, it also requires artistic and creative skills.

For some reason, the latter is regarded as sad and the first as acceptable. Which makes me realise that I need to make up my own mind.

In addition, I think one good thing about wargaming is that it forces lots of people who wouldn't interact with other people into a social situation. I mean, can you imagine what your average TFG would be like if he spent all day every day locked in a dark room playing computer games instead?

I am very, very proud of being a geek, I like playing with little plastic spacemen/army men. It really hasent done anything to my social life, cept the odd "lol...you play with little plastic army men"....from my friends.

If people look back at others, you can see a lot of them doing drugs, drinking heavily and just plain being stupid. Yes I'd much much rather being doing this then being a complete gakker, and being "cool".....




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doctorludo wrote: I mean, can you imagine what your average TFG would be like if he spent all day every day locked in a dark room playing computer games instead?

I play World of Warcraft (Which does take some level of thinking) and also wargame....where am I in the spectrum..!?!?!

I am proud of being me. Geek or not.

Lord of Baal wrote:Sams not a geek. He thinks he his but your egotistical and you think your better than everyone. You wouldn't have even played 40k if it wasn't for me. From the Oxford dictionary it states

1 an unfashionable or socially inept person.
• [with adj. ] a person with an eccentric devotion to a particular interest : a computer geek.
2 a carnival performer who does wild or disgusting acts.
a nerd states

a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious : one of those nerds who never asked a girl to dance.
• an intelligent, single-minded expert in a particular technical discipline or profession : he single-handedly changed the Zero image of the computer nerd into one of savvy Hero.

In which concludes you lack these attributes from knowing you since kindergarden. Your a Neophyte.

Rule Number 1 please. You are in no position to talk down to others on this forum and it is a blatant disregard for our most sacred of rules.

DrDuckman wrote:Short rant.

I agree, and said as much a few pages back. Sadly, it was lost amongst the pride. I like Chinese cuisine too, AND I'M PROUD.

Hmm...I think we are who we are. A geek, a musician, a football fan. I am all those plus more.

So whilst one of my hobbies is at one end of the spectrum of "geek" my other huge love, football, puts me right up there with the socially acceptable. I play regularly and attend matches.

I play all over the UK and Europe in bands often seen as one of the "coolest" things you can do. I'm the bass player, so even cooler, obviously.

...and I play with toy soldiers.

Don't limit yourself to one area!!!!!

i only geek with other geeks. I'd never add something like that on facebook. My normal friends wouldn't understand and hit me with sticks...

Rogueyopants wrote:I am very, very proud of being a geek, I like playing with little plastic spacemen/army men. It really hasent done anything to my social life, cept the odd "lol...you play with little plastic army men"....from my friends.

If people look back at others, you can see a lot of them doing drugs, drinking heavily and just plain being stupid. Yes I'd much much rather being doing this then being a complete gakker, and being "cool".....

Such good points. When I was wargaming with my buddies in my teens, our classmates would go the shopping centre/mall and simply stand there. One regret of my school years is trading things I enjoyed for things I thought I should be doing. The fun thing now (in my thirties) is those people who perk up when you mention it, and ask if they can join in. There seems to be a point in life when you realise "Feth this, I'm doing what I enjoy".

Rogueyopants wrote:
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doctorludo wrote: I mean, can you imagine what your average TFG would be like if he spent all day every day locked in a dark room playing computer games instead?

I play World of Warcraft (Which does take some level of thinking) and also wargame....where am I in the spectrum..!?!?!

LOL. But imagine how things would be if you only ever played single player games.

This is not an entirely flippant point. You have to learn social skills to wargame. You have to learn to communicate clearly, treat people with respect, win and lose graciously and negotiate. TFG is the guy that hasn't learnt these skills yet. In particular, I think learning to lose well is an important skill that we often don't appreciate, as is entering into a contract for a fun gaming experience. A computer game is there to be beaten (and I'm a big fan of computer games). It feeds you a victory over time, rewarding effort and perseverence. In a computer game, the machine is ultimately there to lose.

Wargames do no such thing. I've played guys who make you feel like you're the computer; only there to be beaten by their plan. The best players are those who have designed their lists/strategies in such a way that, without sacrificing competitiveness, their opponents have fun.

i find that people that I meet are like interested in a way they stuff like, "wow must people I know don't evan have a hobby at all" are my favorite is well I give an example Warhammer 40k shooting phase. By the end there is a shocked face and they are saying, "how can you remember so many rules?" just so I can say, "thats nothing want to see the rule book!"

So, what are you basically saying?

I would never bite the head off of a chicken for a crowds amusement, so no.

I'm not Greek, so this doesn't apply to me. But, y'know, good luck to them.

I am definitely a nerd/greek, i am the go to guy for random bits of knowledge and generally people are pretty impressed. I dont show off my minis or anything like that and am fairly secretive though.

The thing that is a shame is that liking transformers/thndercats/nes games lulz is cool but knowing about ancient history and being into warhamz still isnt.

True. I absolutely love ancient history, and 40k.

Sure

I will be completely honest. I am not proud of having this geek side of me. Not that I consider there anything wrong with painting models or playing a game from time to time, but the outside world does consider it wrong to. Their fear of us is because of the sterotype of a trekker/wargamer/model maker/star wars geek is someone that lives with their parents, is well over the age that they should live with parents, has questionable levels of hygiene, seems to be unable to detract themselves from the fantasy worlds they hold so dear, has unusual ideas of dress sense, snorts when laughs, has an odd sort of voice that seems to come from their nasal cavity and not their voice box and seems to be surrounded by people with the same afflictions.

What I am not saying is that we are all like that. We have all met the ones that are and no doubt there are plenty of them on Dakka. What I don't like is the fact that anyone who has never had anything to do with the hobby will instantly think that you have some of these characteristics (if they don't know you) just because I happen to have a hobby.

Its the sterotype I am not proud of, 99.9% of us have nothing to be ashamed of and should be proud of the fact that we enjoy a bit of escapism from a bloody dull and grey world of work and career.

Well that different than what we think.

Geeks are smart and get good jobs. I am not ashamed whatsoever. But I really don't look/act much like a geek, I'd say. Sure I have geeky hobbies but I don't advertise them hahaha.

And playing WoW doesn't make you a geek. Playing EQ does!

lukewild1982 wrote:I will be completely honest. I am not proud of having this geek side of me. Not that I consider there anything wrong with painting models or playing a game from time to time, but the outside world does consider it wrong to. Their fear of us is because of the sterotype of a trekker/wargamer/model maker/star wars geek is someone that lives with their parents, is well over the age that they should live with parents, has questionable levels of hygiene, seems to be unable to detract themselves from the fantasy worlds they hold so dear, has unusual ideas of dress sense, snorts when laughs, has an odd sort of voice that seems to come from their nasal cavity and not their voice box and seems to be surrounded by people with the same afflictions.

What I am not saying is that we are all like that. We have all met the ones that are and no doubt there are plenty of them on Dakka. What I don't like is the fact that anyone who has never had anything to do with the hobby will instantly think that you have some of these characteristics (if they don't know you) just because I happen to have a hobby.

Its the sterotype I am not proud of, 99.9% of us have nothing to be ashamed of and should be proud of the fact that we enjoy a bit of escapism from a bloody dull and grey world of work and career.

It's unfortunate you feel that way. I've been a nerd my entire life, and proud of it. How the outside world views it is of no consequence to me. In high school/college I had girlfriends and went to parties as well as playing D&D and doing 'geeky things'. Now that I'm in the 'real world', people come to me and ask me for all kinds of help with things at work, because I bothered to be nerdy enough to spend time diving into electronics and computers out of personal interest. I crack jokes with people about how I paint my toy soldiers, and then make 'pew pew' noises. I've (jokingly) told girlfriends that I want to play with Chimeras on their breasts like they're mountains.

I'm fething awesome BECAUSE I'm a nerd/geek/whatever, and I don't care who knows it. Frankly, I look at anyone who's 'hobbies' consist of 'passively observant' things like watching TV or sports games as having something wrong with THEM. Why pass up the opportunity to create something, or to better understand the world around you? It's what separates us from animals.

Also, I wear brightly colored Hawaiian shirts in public places. What fun is dressing like everyone else? Makes me think of that Reel Big Fish song: "It's so easy being trendy. Everyone that looks like me is my friend."

Proud but people make fun of me when they see the people I hang out with and I say I am having the time of my life and I am care free so your harsh options don't effect me

daedalus wrote: I've (jokingly) told girlfriends that I want to play with Chimeras on their breasts like they're mountains.

My girlfriend refused when I asked to do something similar. But, I wasn't joking




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Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:Not sure if I am a geek.
What are the defining characteristics?

1. Involved in anything to do with GW
2. you have an anime character as an avatar

(sorry, I had to)

Anyone who likes anime is FOR SURE a geek.

Albatross wrote:I'm not Greek, so this doesn't apply to me. But, y'know, good luck to them.

Pretty much this..
About the only "geeky" things in my life are painting/gaming with 40K ( and even then I seem to lack much of the " obsession" I see in others), and my love of Horror films and books.
...Not saying that's good or bad one way or the other, just how it is.

I don´t see gaming, collecting and painting miniatures as something geeky.
But I´m glad that I have this as a hobby, it´s brought me countless hours of joy.

As a total opposite to my gaming is that I´m a dedicated bodybuilder.

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I, personally, am a geek when it comes to wagaming, the hobby, things I really enjoy. Overall I don't come off as a geek but I am pretty smart (book-wise) I just don't flaunt it.

I am. Hell, nerd is built into my last name! I really could give to #$@#s that someone wants to judge me because I read comics, play wargames and RPGs, watch Star Wars, Star Trek, X-Files and discuss them like they were real. I'm sure most people who would make judgements about stuff like that have their own geek-out stuff.

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I'm certainly not ashamed, as some of my friends are.

I know pretty much everything about Star Wars, Warhammer 40k, the lore of WoW, LotR, and Stargate. I have played World of Warcraft for 6 years, I know lots of real life things like history, and I know more memes than I can count.

I am pretty damn proud of being a geek.

I am an emo geek, but I don't make a fuss, so no one cares, I just keep to myself and friends, I don't keep a deep dark secret and I don't proclaim it loud and clear, I'm the guy with no cares in the world who takes what is dished out to him and doesn't register it, and you know what, I don't care

got that geek swag.

Peaple at school call me a nerd
I say thanks and smile
they get confused
I win!!

Nightfall wrote:i find that people that I meet are like interested in a way they stuff like, "wow must people I know don't evan have a hobby at all" are my favorite is well I give an example Warhammer 40k shooting phase. By the end there is a shocked face and they are saying, "how can you remember so many rules?" just so I can say, "thats nothing want to see the rule book!"

Yes, I have also shocked many friends outside the hobby by dropping the rulebook in front of them.

Geek ya say?!?!?!

I prefer the term Dorklord myself!
Its also the name of my gaming club!

Are we geeks? I think the term is too broad, firstly we all have some artistic qualities (nobody loves bare plastic), some have loads. I dont think thats geeky. We are quite a social group, afterall, if your reading this your on a forum! You cant game alone, idealistically most of us would have a largeish group to play, paint with, help and be helped by in all things hobby. I never associate the word geek with socialising. We are quite obsessive, however most people invest large amounts of time into their hobbies. I've spent loads of weekends at the stadium of light (Disgraceful Derby Btw), can you be a football geek? I spend way more time playing guitar than painting, am I a guitar geek? I think that sometimes we are branded 'geeks' as our hobby is, without sounding cult like, more secretive, how many of your friends from outside of gaming know what goes on in a GW? Chances are it wont be their thing, GW's arent always my thing, (its the sell, sell attitude) and neither are the other customers always to my liking. But I've had some great times in a GW, laughs playing games, learning, even losing. I dont think anything you do should define you in such a way. Im just another person who happens to have toy soldiers, big deal?

Oh, just as a thought we should have some sort of geek ranking system, aside from the title under your username, a quiz with timer, to avoid searching for answers. User with most points should become 'the wise one' for a year, with other titles for the top however many.... just as a laugh, see who actually knows the most lore.

In the backwater land of my local school, we prefer to call ourselves nerds, and we don’t care what you think. The meaning of the word changes depending on who says it.

A geek were we live is a person that generally knows little about the world other than their certain 'thing' they do, e.g. computer geek. They also tend to go heh heh heh and have hay fever all the time.

nerds however a generally knowledgeable about everything, don’t tend to laugh badly and would be considered 'the smart guys'. Oh yes they can have interesting hobbies but they still can tell you the about the laws of relativity, both of them.

Im proud, do what you enjoy, the haters can feth off.

feth off indeed.

Man I am proud as hell, I may be a geek but I also do all the non geeky stuff. I play rugby and australian rules football (quite possibly the manlyest game around). The term geek is a dead term in my opinion, These days it is'nt an insult but something people respect you for.

Of course I'm proud. Warhammer, Yugioh and Pokemon. Proud.

Then again, people stop giving you crap for being a nerd when I start playing an instrument at them

S_P

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Yep uber proud.

He means he is giving them pay-back.

I'm not proud of being a geek.
I do not see why I would be proud of it, being a geek is about personal tastes in hobbies and unless you are doing something that is negative to others as a hobby you shouldn't have to be proud.

Although I can say that I am happy of being a geek and that people around me are happy I am too (I troubleshoot their computers and all that stuff : P).

Why not be proud? It's almost like saying, are you proud of being proud?

I wouldn't say I'm proud, but I wouldn't say I'm not proud.

I simply am.

So your neutral???

Very proud, and not afraid to tell anybody about it. I'm not going to give my treatise on whether I prefer autocannons or lascannons, but I have no problem talking about the hobby.

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I'm not so much proud of being a geek as I am proud of the quality of paint job I can achieve.

And being a geek can sometimes be a drawback as it means I have to be the IT department for almost everyone I know.

I'm more proud of how well I play drums than how much I know about Star Wars or Warhammer.

Not especially proud, no. But not really ashamed in any way either.

Lord of Caliban wrote:What do you mean?

I'm assuming this was directed at me. I'm quite good on a bass, guitar and drumkit, and play bass in a band. Mostly metal and the like, with a bit of prog. We're quite good, could be better, but good.

It's always good being able to impress

S_P

I wouldn't want to be any other kind of person .

Who cares what any one else thinks,
and to prove my point, I don't care.
I. Don't. Care.
I have the fast attack bag, someone who gets the same bus as me, goes "is that a warhammer bag"
to which I reply "its a bag"
people ridicule me for my hobby, I go "ok"
so Geeks and nerds of the world, I say "We don't care"
rant over

Just to clarify on my earlier points. I am not ashamed of what we do in anyway I just find the stereotype so annoying when there are so few people in the hobby that are actually like that. But I suppose thats stereotypes for you, for the most part they are wildly incorrect or centre on an extremely small part of the community in question

I'm a NEET, which is almost like a geek, NEET means not enough entertainment, and is a referance to many fans of anime, mang and the likes.

am I proud to be a geek? Yup.

Do I care what others think? Nope.

Would I hang out with you guys on dakka? You bet.

I occasionally get ribbed by my mates who call me a geek for all the stuff I am into, but at the same time they always say "I wish I could get into this...". I think everyone deep down wants to do hobbies like this, just some focus on the negatives of what other people may think (for no real reason mind you - Nowt wrong with having an artistic hobby) rather than realising the positive things attached to being into GW/Modelling in general.

To be quite honest, GW is almost mainstream. In a few years it will be as accepted as videogames are today, and look what being into videogames was like in the 90s or even pre COD.

In terms of being proud of being a geek? I don't see myself AS a geek for one thing. I've heard football fans run off statistics for various players to such a degree that it starts to sound like a D+D character sheet. Everything can be geeky if someone gets into it.

Yes, I am very proud indeed.

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Even though I’ve already posted, I what to say I’m proud and to wonder why it is exactly other people don’t like war gaming, Pokémon, card games, video games, MMOG, Comics, Anime, Manga and anything else really. I have been in and out of all the above before and all I get from others is negativity. They say things like 'you should play sport' and 'talk to other people'. I do both of these (sport not so much), but my hobbies seem to overshadow what I do do quite easily. If anyone out there enjoys sport, can you just yell out why you enjoy it so much?

S_P. Yea. Play an instrument at them always impresses people. Especially if your good at it or its really shiny. I play the French horn!

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I play bass in a deathmetal band, and played football in highschool

Awesome

Lol, I could never get the hang of wind instruments

How long have you guys been musicians?

S_P

hemingway wrote:
I'm a 'geek'. I played MtG in high school. I had 6 80s in WotLK. I have a khorne tattoo.

Much love for geeky tattoos, I have Tengwar on my arm.

Love being a nerd, but when people see a 6"1 musician with tattoos they don't see a geek. until they hear me talk of course.

I wave my nerd banner high and proud in the wind! Sure, I get some flak from my friends for 40k from my friends, but it is all friendly teasing and I am very happy with who I am. So I am very proud of my geekdom

being a Geek is the new cool, lol you only have to look at popular culture to realise that.
Justin Timberlake just brought Myspace for gods sake, it is just the new In thing.
technology and the si-fi and fantasy genres have become steadily more expansive. including an expodentially increasing tide of novels, movies and games.

if you also look at mainstream geek intrests in the movies for example, you see that most of the highest grossing "sagas" are all si-fi or fantasy. for example; Starwars, Twilight, Harry Potter, The Matrix and even to a certian extent back to the future.

the old steriotype and connotations of the word Geek are long gone.

Geek is sexy now.

Oh yeah......I am a geek also.

you know that you are a geek when your 28 year old ass has to censor every thing you say to your parents as they just qurie the meaning of all the odd slang you use.

I am proud.

The Monk wrote:Geek is sexy now.

Yep, that fact got me on the cover of the local Arts and Entertainment magazine, so I'm even more out of the closet then most:


Jack

Geek and proud. Geeks are a lot more interesting than "normal" people. Ever noticed the narrow band of conversation a lot of non-geeks seem to have?

I embrace my inner-geek, woe is the foe who underestimates it.

When I was in highschool, I kept my wargaming to myself. Which is something I dont really regret as dumb HS girls are superficial and put off by things like that/usually dont let folks who paint miniature space men and early 19th century line infantry touch their boobies.

Dont give a feth now, people have matured.

I like being a nerd but I think we need Nerd right group.

On topic:

Yes. I've tried to move beyond labels.

I like lots of 'geeky' stuff...I also get bombed on weekends, paintball, like sports, etc etc. I've never been afraid to admit to people I enjoy things like WH, D&D, MTG, and computer games. It aids in defining me but doesn't wholly define me. Like what you like and if you're a decent and well-rounded human it doesn't matter. I usually take it as a matter of pride that I enjoy nerdy stuff.

Im a well rounded dude. Wargaming is just one of the things I like, like oranges, black flag, the 19th century, rugby and beer.

I'd imagine this has been said many times before.

I'm not so much proud as content.

It might not be the sexiest hobby in the world but it's fun, social and creative. That ticks alot of boxes for me.

Lp


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Las wrote:Im a well rounded dude. Wargaming is just one of the things I like, like oranges, black flag, the 19th century, rugby and beer.

Slightly off topic. RWC starts in NZ this weekend. Should be a very interesting competition.

Lp

Exceedingly. I broadcast it. If you don't like it. Bugger off.

The OC-D

legopirate wrote:

Slightly off topic. RWC starts in NZ this weekend. Should be a very interesting competition.

Lp

Indeed, though I live in Canada and its a b to find live games on cable that arent shown at 4 am :(

Looks like its highlights again for me haha.

I have geek like tendencies, but I am not a geek, nor do I look like one... I am not 'proud' or unproud of liking sci-fi and painting minis or playing videogames.

One thing I hate about 'proud geeks', or anyone overly into their own habits is that many of them seem to stop filtering or taking into consideration that another person may not care to hear about certain topics or be interested.

For me, I don't bring up minis or sci-fi tv shows all that often not because I am ashamed of it, it is because frankly most people wouldn't give a gak or want to hear about it lol. Just like I wouldn't be interested in hearing about Justin Bieber or Harlequin Romance novels. It is a niche thing, I acknowledge that, and I don't need it to help define myself. If something comes up that naturally segways to it, or the person I am talking to expresses interest in it, then I will be happy to 'geek out' with them.

In short, it is super cool to be happy and confident with yourself, and also to enjoy your hobbies. But be diverse I say, don't leave yourself without much to say that isn't 'geeky', not because you may be picked on, but because it makes you a bit one-dimensional and boring.

Note - my 'you' in the above is not addressed to anyone in particular.

I'm loving it!

notprop wrote:I like wargaming, I do not consider myself to be a geek.

I like football and play rugby, I do not consider myself to be a Jock (as in US reference not a ginger northerner).

While appreciate what the OP is getting at I do not agree with pigeon-holing myself or others to this extent. Geek/Nerd is a term of derision and should be met with a punch to the face to those trying to label you it. I'm quite sure I would have been worried about it when I was <16, but at 35 I do what I like unless the Mrs tells me otherwise.

For what its worth very few of the Dakknauts (30+) I have met would be considered Geeks in the stereotypical sense, just a bunch of normal blokes that like wargaming.

Be proud of yourself, not the label others would try to give you.

This, especially the bit about the Mrs. I stopped caring what others might label me as when I was in high school. Now that I'm in my thirties, I play my "geek-games" whenever I want. People ask me about the hobby constantly. It's a rare pleasure to be able to explain it to them in adult terms rather than labels. However, to answer the OP.. Yes, I am proud of everything I am.

I am both a nerd (So many get the definition wrong; a nerd is involved in intellectual/academia pursuits. Mine is mainly in Physics. A geek has an intense interest in any subject, albeit the stereotype says it's mainly in technology) and a geek.

I'm not shunned by my friend for being a wargamer, I got my group of friends to BECOME wargamers. Granted, they're all geeks anyway.

These are my highlights (pulled this from another forum, so some claims may not be as powerful as they were when first written):

- PC Gamer for 16 years

- Active Amateur Astronomer

- Absolutely dig ST: TOS and TNG; I have the blueprints of the Enterprise D and the Technical Manual explaining how the ship works.

- I was an active player of MTG; quit to go for wargaming and prefer it.

- I was active player of DnD 3.5, Pathfinder, and Dark Heresy (Pen and Paper RPGs)

- I own the entire series of Monty Python's Flying Circus

- I have a 14+ novel collection in the Black Library

- I own copies of Isaac Newton's The Principia and Albert Einstein's Papers of Relativity

- I read Physics books written by Michio Kaku and Neil deGrasse Tyson

- I read The Punisher and The Darkness comics

- I'm a walking encyclopedia on PC hardware and troubleshooting

- I'm known in my group of friends as "The tech guy"

- I perform my own Physics experiments (I'm currently investigating how surface friction affects how dice roll, unfortunately my math skill is barely on the level of Calculus 2 so I can't really write out formulas to explain said behavior)

- I often wear this shirt in public often, not giving a damn about any looks I receive.

Granted, I lean more towards nerd rather than geek as I find the sciences absolutely fascinating.

vrey proud.. makes me feel different..

supremeoverlordVECT wrote:vrey proud.. makes me feel different..

So thats why you arent communist!

The Monk wrote: Geek is sexy now.

Why with people like this running round, I already guessed.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=hVC&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&q=gadget+show&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1002&bih=605&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi#um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=kVC&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&tbm=isch&q=gadget+show+presenters&revid=708454515&sa=X&ei=UddlTvLiJsyy8QPSnK2dCg&ved=0CDkQ1QIoAA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=a0c8440f769a1232&biw=1002&bih=605

Links like this make the acronym decoder on the forum go into overdrive.

I only just noticed the orkmoticons in my link.

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supremeoverlordVECT wrote:vrey proud.. makes me feel different..

Give that man a coconut, as Andy Hamilton might say. I know whatcha mean. I mean I am the one with the top hat.

I...don't particularly care.

I play wargames and TT RPGs, I study computing, I read sci-fi novels.

It's just hobbies, not a way of life.

Two things have happened to me recently that bear comment:

The Mrs no longer bats a eyelid when I buy lots of models/books - meaning that I have worn her down with my constant wargaming financial misdemeaners. Of this I am proud

One of the blokes at Wayland commented that there are not allot of people like "us" in the hobby. We had been talking about our active participation in sports. I'm not sure how to take this, his comment would indicate that I am now considered a subset of a niche. Weird.

Cerebrium wrote:I...don't particularly care.

I play wargames and TT RPGs, I study computing, I read sci-fi novels.

It's just hobbies, not a way of life.

He don't care, I don't care, nobody cares