I asked, you answered: Am I wrong to not illustrate stories
about malfunctioning (or all-too-well-functioning) bodily functions?
Generally, I sympathized with the victims, but I didn’t think
their experiences, though totally mortifying, were all that interesting
as Pathetic Geek Stories, save for the occasional exception. The
majority of people who wrote in seemed to agree with my assessment.
Feedback is below.
Thanks to all who wrote me for your thoughtful responses. I
don’t think this necessarily ends the debate, though. I’ll
keep the Functions page up, and even update it from time to
time, since I still get these stories no matter how much I dis them.
There’s no need to comedown
pro- or anti-functions. Don't discriminate against functions stories
—but don't publish them [if] they're not any good….Most
functions stories are worthless, but don't throw the good ones out
with the bad.
I particularly like the "party
pooper" and the "person who lies to blind people.”
You should do those!
—Toby
[Of all the examples listed,
the “blind” one came closest to one I would actually do.
And I might, someday.—Maria]
while it is sometimes amusing these
stories are not really all that geeky. i mean, who didn't let one
out when having to do sit ups in phys ed? i know the most popular
girl at school did and well, she wasn't a geek like me. farts, burps,
craps - they're not pathetic just gross.
— rach
[I hear you Rach. Another point
to consider: a popular kid can make a joke of it. In fact, often it’s
considered cool when a popular kid farts or belches because it shows
how fashionably rebellious and void of hang-ups he/she is. But if
you’re already a social pariah, ANYTHING you do garners automatic
contempt. Fairness does not enter into it.]
Having read the sampling of functions
letters, I agree that on the whole they're not all that great. But
there's at least one exception: The guy who got so excited about playing
"Defender" that he peed his pants. It's the presence of
"Defender" that really seals the deal. I think you should
keep a small exception in mind for stories that, while they hinge
on bodily functions, have such undeniably geeky qualities as to make
them impossible to completely write off. If nothing else so you'll
have something to use on a slow week. If those ever happen.
—Brian
Yeah, all the stories that I read
involving piss, shit, puke, weren't nearly as entertaining as the
stories you pick for PGS. Their content definitely doesn't qualify
them as geek stories either. I think you do a great job and am always
excited to see a new PGS.
—B.H.
Here's my 02 :
I agree. I read the first five or so -- and while they are funny (and
sad) PGS -- it's basically the same story over and over
—A.
…I also quite agree with what
you say on the "functions" page - pooping is not that interesting.
Don't compromise on the here-to-awesome quality of your work!
—Samantha
No need to illustrate the bodily
function stories, I say stick with your instincts- they've gotten
you this far hon!
—L.E
Mate, you stick to your guns. I
can't believe people send you letters like that! They are best never
shared, let alone immortalized by your talented
self.
—Mel
Yeah, I'm totally with you on this
one. No need to squander your talent on those sorts of stories when
a.) how would you draw them, and b.) they're not even funny anyway.
Well, OK, maybe the snot bubble one...
—Mike (apparently the only man on Planet Earth who doesn't [find]
toilet humor funny.)
I agree, absolutely no need to illustrate
the bodily function stories, but absolutely please continue to run
the text. just because!
—D.
[OK.]
You were right. Bodily functions
happen to cool people, and geeks, alike. Having to suddenly use the
restroom and not making it is a matter of circumstance, not a matter
of being a geek. Besides, anyone with the least bit of taste will
agree that these stories are just too gross to listen to.
P.S. I saw your picture on this
site, and you didn't look too bad. Cut yourself some slack.
—Thomas
[Um, OK…]
