Interesting gimmick, but not sustainable

February 3, 2003 7:23 PM

I understand the point of the Enduring Freedom casualty count thread and admittedly admire its style. But I'm not sure trivia questions are appropriate as Metafilter posts, if only because it necessitates moderating one's own thread, which we are generally discouraged from doing here.
posted by PrinceValium to Etiquette/Policy at 7:23 PM (19 comments total)

It's a mailing list post, true. Though it does bring up an interesting point. Why is there such a big discrepency? There are a lot of good links contained within it.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 7:27 PM on February 3, 2003

Ok... rather than let things carry on by moderating the thread, I will announce the total, give people a theory as to why the discrepency exists, and let them come up with their own conclusions.
posted by insomnia_lj at 7:30 PM on February 3, 2003

we live in the age of the huge discrepancy. they are all around us. we hardly see them anymore. not good.
i loved the post, but that won't surprise anybody.
posted by quonsar at 7:33 PM on February 3, 2003

So, Valium, the deaths of American servicemen are trivial, huh? Also, why does such a post "necessitate[] moderating one's own thread"?
posted by mischief at 7:59 PM on February 3, 2003

Errr.. no.
Trivia: (when used in singular construction) a quizzing game involving obscure facts.
As to the second point, a trivia question implies future involvement by the questioner by either affirming correct answers or correcting wrong ones.
posted by PrinceValium at 8:10 PM on February 3, 2003

i thought it was tacky. i believe it's standard etiquette to wait a few years before you play trivia (or assume the tone of trivia) with the deaths of anyone. it is was an interesting question, but it was put badly.
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 8:15 PM on February 3, 2003

i have to agree with PrinceValium and _sirmissalot_: bad form, a loaded gun. the thread has already turned into just another political wrestling match with choice entertainment, lots of gory blood but no referees (well, except for insomnia).
posted by poopy at 8:23 PM on February 3, 2003

not to demean those that serve our country, but this is an awful lot of posturing when it's the media (with a track record of ineptitude) that is to blame. one, ten, too many.
posted by machaus at 8:29 PM on February 3, 2003

HTuttle could use a...bit of...direction. Could someone send over a jackal, please?
posted by konolia at 8:36 PM on February 3, 2003

PV - you can ignore mischief, he's just being a dick.
posted by jonson at 8:38 PM on February 3, 2003

I just want to thank you insomnia_lj for teaching us such an important lesson. Without this stupid thread, my ignorance would have increased tenfold. /sarcasm

Not only is it a questionable post, but it is a questionable post that was moderated EXTENSIVELY by the poster. Matt has deleted posts for much less.

I can't even think of a single thread that I've found more condescending and preachy. Just stupid.

I say this as a veteran that personally knew 4 troops that died in peacetime. Accidents happen, as in any job. I congratulate you insomnia_lj for this breathtaking investigative journalism. I just hope that the next time you are shocked by reality it is because you realize what a pretentious dumbass you are.
posted by ttrendel at 10:31 PM on February 3, 2003

ttrendel that's pretty harsh. I think he just wants to figure out how many people have died in the war. Not that it's the best post ever (could have been worded differently) but your attack is even worse. Drink a beer and look at some porn and chill
posted by chaz at 11:04 PM on February 3, 2003

I just hope that the next time you are shocked by reality it is because you realize what a pretentious dumbass you are.

Well said.
posted by hama7 at 11:27 PM on February 3, 2003

This putrid comment says it all.
posted by hama7 at 1:46 AM on February 4, 2003

jonson: re "being a dick". I guess you should know. (Note the small 'j') - luv m . ;-P
posted by mischief at 4:54 AM on February 4, 2003

what a pretentious dumbass you are.
he fits right in then!
posted by quonsar at 5:26 AM on February 4, 2003

For those who don't want to bother reading through the whole MeFi thread to find the point that the poster carefully buried, here it is:

The reason for the discrepency, from what I can tell, is that sometime recently, the DoD broke up the casualty lists so that there [are] both Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan and Enduring Freedom - Philippines. Apparently, the media didn't really catch on, which is why CNN claims 47 US personnel have died in Enduring Freedom and why ABC only lists 41.

The poster's estimate, based on available information, is 62; I'm not sure why that exact figure is either sacred or especially important (versus, say, "around 60"). The information about the slicing-up of "Enduring Freedom" would have made a good post. Too bad this isn't it.
posted by languagehat at 10:36 AM on February 4, 2003

Insomnia_LJ has now commented THIRTEEN TIMES in the Mefi thread.
posted by PrinceValium at 10:47 AM on February 4, 2003

Insomnia_LJ has now commented THIRTEEN TIMES in the Mefi thread.
DAMN! i bet he walks under ladders and tosses salt over his shoulders too!
posted by quonsar at 12:41 PM on February 4, 2003