Dell Dude busted for pot

[Pat Logsdon]

I was just trolling Yahoo news, and found this little gem:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=579&e=3&cid=638&u=/nm/20030210/en_nm/tech_dell_dude_dc

"Dude, it's a FRIEND'S, I swear!" :D

[jornadaholic]

hmmm.... remember all of us pc users making a big stink over that mac switch comercial with that girl that looked stoned out of her mind well... i can see alll those die hard mac addicts making an even bigger mess outta this :oops:

[dave]

i would have never guessed that this guy was a stoner....

[bluevolume]

Seriously, what a joke. This just opens old wounds for me -- for how stupid I thought the ad campaign was in the first place.

"Lets see, computer sales are slumping, what can we do? I know, lets get a stoner-moron-loser to star in our ads. He will appeal to the 'getting-a-computer-to-chat-online-,-tell-my-friends/cooworkers-that-I've-got-a-Intel-giguhhurts-RAM-processor-,-and-want-to-burn-endless-numbers-of-worthless-mp3-mixes-i've-stolen-off-the-internet' crowd. This should hopefully move us closer to turning our computers into status symbols rather than electronic tools."

If I had been on that team, I would have probably suggested that they offer more options, lower prices through packages or rebates, and maybe run some ads showing some of the 'cool' things that you can do with a computer these days -- aside from listening to mp3s and searching for freaks in chatrooms.

Blue

[PetiteFlower]

If I had been on that team, I would have probably suggested that they offer more options, lower prices through packages or rebates <snip>
Blue

Um....sorry if I missed something but isn't that what they do? I got to totally customize my desktop to exactly what I wanted, and I paid a grand total of $878 for a kick-ass machine(8250 series if anyone's interested). They have rotating specials on their desktops at all times, alternating between instant cash off and rebates, with free shipping sometimes included, and they have discounts on peripherals frequently as well. In fact if something you want isn't on sale at their site, wait a week or 2 and it will be.

Yeah the commercials are annoying but the point of commercials is to get people to remember them, if you remember the commercial because it was annoying then it did it's job well because you remembered Dell's name, and the number of customers who are annoyed enough to not want to buy because of that commercial will be far outweighed by the number of people who are not.

[ntractv]

Dude, you're getting a cell

[shawnc]

I know, lets get a stoner-moron-loser to star in our ads. He will appeal to the 'getting-a-computer-to-chat-online-,-tell-my-friends/cooworkers-that-I've-got-a-Intel-giguhhurts-RAM-processor-,-and-want-to-burn-endless-numbers-of-worthless-mp3-mixes-i've-stolen-off-the-internet' crowd. This should hopefully move us closer to turning our computers into status symbols rather than electronic tools."Blue

Wow, such hostility. I didn't realize the Dell dude brought out such emotion. I thought the commercials were effective in the beginning, they got everyone's attention. Just started to get annoying after a while. Either way, like it or not, I don't see the point in taking joy in someone else's misfortune. If smoking pot during your youth makes you a "stoner-moron-loser", where do I get my membership card?

[PetiteFlower]

Amen to that!

[bluevolume]

Wow, such hostility. I didn't realize the Dell dude brought out such emotion. I thought the commercials were effective in the beginning, they got everyone's attention. Just started to get annoying after a while. Either way, like it or not, I don't see the point in taking joy in someone else's misfortune. If smoking pot during your youth makes you a "stoner-moron-loser", where do I get my membership card?

Does everyone you know that smokes use "Dude!", "Awesome!", and "Sweet" every other word? That's what puts the character in the stoner-moron category for me. The loser part came from him being old enough to drive and still begging his parents for christmas presents. I just saw this campaign pushing the dumbing-down of America.

BTW I'm not anti-Dell, I'm writing this on my 4550 and I'll probably check the forums on my Axim later.

[Sheynk]

i would have never guessed that this guy was a stoner....

me neither


he was my idol :oops: :oops: :oops:


just kidding he ...he...he (awkward silence)

[dean_shan]

Dude, you're getting a cell

:lol: Oh that's too funny! :lol:

[shawnc]

Does everyone you know that smokes use "Dude!", "Awesome!", and "Sweet" every other word? That's what puts the character in the stoner-moron category for me. The loser part came from him being old enough to drive and still begging his parents for christmas presents. I just saw this campaign pushing the dumbing-down of America.

No, but they would if Dell was willing to pay them to do it. :D. Lighten up, the guy's just reading from a script.

[Rirath]

Well, two people posted this in different places, and neither of which were OFF TOPIC like they should have been. I'll say the same thing I said the last time...

:roll: I don't like the "Dell dude" character any more than the next guy, but come on. What's with the singing and dancing because the poor guy's going through all this? Do you honestly find it that amusing? He's just an actor, give him a break already and stop mixing reality with fiction.

[Janak Parekh]

What's with the singing and dancing because the poor guy's going through all this? Do you honestly find it that amusing? He's just an actor, give him a break already and stop mixing reality with fiction.
I think people got seriously annoyed on a personal level with that commercial. I suspect people would react similarly to the Verizon guy being embarrassed in some fashion. It doesn't bother me either, though; on the other hand, it is the kid's fault that he was busted in the first place and the whole "stoned" attitude is just too ironic...

Anyway, threads "combined" and moved.

--janak

[daS]

I don't like the "Dell dude" character any more than the next guy, but come on. What's with the singing and dancing because the poor guy's going through all this? Do you honestly find it that amusing? He just an actor, give him a break already and stop mixing reality with fiction.
You have a point. But..

I guess it’s because I have lived in Southern California all my life and it's kind of hard to feel sorry for actors that make huge amounts of money for doing a trivial job and then expect to be treated like gods. Of course, this schmuck is not exactly a superstar, so I suppose I could give him a little more slack.

But also keep in mind, this guy is not a victim and we’re not taking him out for tar and feathering. He broke the law (not the most heinous crime of course) and he has chosen a profession that puts him up for public comment (good or bad.) Having a little anonymous fun here isn’t going to taint his jury pool or hurt this guy in any way.

[Kati Compton]

I predicted to my husband that that Stephen was going to get busted for trying to pick up a transexual hooker. I guess I was a little off.

(No, I had no particular reason for that prediction. Same for my unfounded supposition that baseball closing pitcher Rod Beck has a big dog named Lucy. I don't know why I make up these stories... It just happens)

[Dave Beauvais]

... I don't know why I make up these stories... It just happens)
Yes, I hear drugs will do that. :lol:

--Dave

[Dell Dude]

Dudes...

I am soooo busted!!! I think I was framed by the "interns"...

Later dudes!!! I'll be out in like, a few months for righteous behavior...

[Dave Beauvais]

I am soooo busted!!! I think I was framed by the "interns"...
:rofl:!!

[Janak Parekh]

... I don't know why I make up these stories... It just happens)
Yes, I hear drugs will do that. :lol:
You mean... you mean... these voices I hear in my head are not normal? 8O Say it ain't so! ;) :lol:

--janak

[Rirath]

Dudes...

I am soooo busted!!! I think I was framed by the "interns"...

Later dudes!!! I'll be out in like, a few months for righteous behavior...

Okay, now that was funny. I don't mind jokes about the character, it's coming down so hard on a simple actor that bugs me. Not to mention the painful puns like "cell". Ugh... 4 threads posting on the same topic, each one thinking they found it first or something. :roll:

Anyhow... Righteous Behavior... :lol:

[kellys26]

I never thought much about the Dell Dude one way or the other, but my 75 year old mother, who has never (and will never) own a PC or know about PC companies told me that she loves the Dell Dude commercials! I was suprised that she was even aware of them. So, they are getting to some with those commercials. I suspect that we won't see him making anymore of them though, depending on his contract with Dell. I doubt they'll want him representing them any longer.
KellyS

[daS]

I don't mind jokes about the character, it's coming down so hard on a simple actor that bugs me. Not to mention the painful puns like "cell". Ugh... 4 threads posting on the same topic, each one thinking they found it first or something. :roll:

Anyhow... Righteous Behavior... :lol:
Well, as expected, Jay Leno had fun with this one too last night. He also used the same "you're gett'n a cell" pun, which by the way, was in the original clipping on The Smoking Gun web site.

As for the multiple threads - I started what I thought was the first, here in off topic (where I thought it belongs) but others got posted in the Dell section then moved. While this is a trivial subject that people are having fun with (due to the obvious irony), perhaps in the future I should avoid starting threads here. I would hate to be part of such grief if someone misses a post and starts a different thread on the same news item.

Anyhow... There seems to be a lot of Self Righteous Behavior around here... :roll:

[Jonathan1]

Maybe they will replace him with his little brother.....You know the one. In the latest round of ads with the "newbies being trained" They have the Dell dude saying we're getting another dell and this kid pokes his head out the door and say sweet.

8O My GOD! They HAVE perfected the art of cloning! 8O :D

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

... I don't know why I make up these stories... It just happens)
Yes, I hear drugs will do that. :lol:
You mean... you mean... these voices I hear in my head are not normal? 8O Say it ain't so! ;) :lol:
I'm not sure about the voices, but I bet I can come up with scientific evidence linking drugs to abnormal amounts of posting activity!! :lol:

[DrtyBlvd]

And with a count of 722 Mr. ekkie.....

Just put the cuffs on and come quietly why don't'cha? :lol:

[DrtyBlvd]

Can anyone point me in the direction of these 'ads' online at all?

The references to them have actually been annoying me for some time now - so I may as well go see what the fuss is all about.... :?:

[Janak Parekh]

And with a count of 722 Mr. ekkie.....

Just put the cuffs on and come quietly why don't'cha? :lol:
Thanks. I was going to say it, but you put it much better. :)

--janak

[DrtyBlvd]

ROFL - Sorry, couldn't resist :lol:

[Kati Compton]

... I don't know why I make up these stories... It just happens)
Yes, I hear drugs will do that. :lol:


;) I'm sure they do. Unfortunately, I don't need drugs to be as strange as I am.

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

And with a count of 722 Mr. ekkie.....

Just put the cuffs on and come quietly why don't'cha? :lol:
Thanks. I was going to say it, but you put it much better. :)

8O I am approaching circus freak status, ain't I? Just checked and realized that I just broke the top 10...

I guess with Janak as a role model...

[Rirath]

Honestly I think many of the big posters have all but disappeared in the last month or so. Hasn't been much to do lately, news has slowed, and the forums are mostly repeat questions from new Dell users. Eh, could be some big stuff coming.

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Honestly I think many of the big posters have all but disappeared in the last month or so. Hasn't been much to do lately, news has slowed, and the forums are mostly repeat questions from new Dell users. Eh, could be some big stuff coming.
Yeah... looking at that list, quite a few people have grinded their activity to a near halt (ThomasC22, JonnoB,...), though you and Kati are still going...

I started posting more frequently once I started using PPCT as my main posting board instead of BrightHand, which was about a few months ago.

I guess different news appeals to different people, b/c I've found a lot of interesting topics during that timespan. I do see somewhat of a slowdown, but more during the past couple of weeks as opposed to months.

[Kati Compton]

Yeah... looking at that list, quite a few people have grinded their activity to a near halt (ThomasC22, JonnoB,...), tho

We'll see how much I can keep it up with the job interview thing going on for the next few months...

[Janak Parekh]

Hasn't been much to do lately, news has slowed, and the forums are mostly repeat questions from new Dell users.
Yes, it's hard being a front-page poster right now - I have to scrounge around for stuff, as new devices aren't being introduced every day now. About two months ago we had more news submitted than we knew what to do with... in any case, I try and keep the front page lively. :)

And ekkie, while Jonno and Thomas are hiding, the rest of the top 10 are pretty darn active...

--janak

[Rirath]

Yes, it's hard being a front-page poster right now - I have to scrounge around for stuff, as new devices aren't being introduced every day now. About two months ago we had more news submitted than we knew what to do with... in any case, I try and keep the front page lively. :)

And ekkie, while Jonno and Thomas are hiding, the rest of the top 10 are pretty darn active...

--janak

Indeed, not really your guys fault... PPC news has just slowed in general. It comes and goes. And since this really isn't a gaming site like pocketgamer.org, that limits the topics somewhat. I think the top 10 may indeed be active, but I also think it's a new top 10 than what the top 10 was a few months ago.

[shawnc]

Hasn't been much to do lately, news has slowed, and the forums are mostly repeat questions from new Dell users.
Yes, it's hard being a front-page poster right now - I have to scrounge around for stuff, as new devices aren't being introduced every day now. -janak

Janak,

My guess is that by the very nature of this type of forum, as people gain a better understanding of how to maximize their PPC experience, their posting activity will begin to subside. As one of the new Dell users that rirath is likely referring to, let me state that I enjoy the patience and eagerness to help that most of the veterans of this community exhibit in helping us "newbies" out.

IMO the lack of front-page news does not diminish from this site. I've visited many similar sites since I purchased my initial PPC, and this site is the best by far. Second place isn't even close :rock on dude!:

Just my 2-cents.

[DrtyBlvd]

2 Cents eloquently put and worth 10 bucks :lol:

[Rirath]

My guess is that by the very nature of this type of forum, as people gain a better understanding of how to maximize their PPC experience, their posting activity will begin to subside. As one of the new Dell users that rirath is likely referring to, let me state that I enjoy the patience and eagerness to help that most of the veterans of this community exhibit in helping us "newbies" out.

Hmm, I've my doubts about that. I mean, if nothing else users should have more reason to stick around than ever after learning more. They'll understand more of the conversations and be able to fully join in on the going ons. The repeat questions I spoke of are more simple stuff, you'll know em when you see em. Until then I'll keep praying for a sticky FAQ in the forums. Lets see... some quick examples of FAQ worthy stuff:

"What's the difference between a PDA and a PPC"
"Can I keep notes on my pocket pc?"
"Can my pocket pc play mp3 / how"
video / music file types and bitrates
"Where are good places to find freeware?"
"Is the Dell SDIO compatable?"
"What's the difference between CF and SD?"
"Why haven't I got my Dell yet?"
"My D-pad is flaky, should I return it?"
"How is the Dell for gaming?"
"Does Xscale run ARM programs?"
"How do I get landscape mode?"
"How do I store programs in ROM?"

etc etc.

[Janak Parekh]

Until then I'll keep praying for a sticky FAQ in the forums.
I've been thinking about ways to implement this, or a more general Q&A mechanism, and I'm going to start discussing it with the team next week. :)

--janak

[PetiteFlower]

The problem with that is, people who aren't patient enough to read what's already posted on the boards, probably aren't going to bother to click on an FAQ either. I mean, I only joined this site a few weeks ago, and I've had my Dell only maybe a week longer then that, I'm a total newbie, but I haven't felt the need to start a single thread because every question I had, was either answered by something already posted, or relevant to a thread that was already started so I could post it there. Kind of bugs me to see people who join and the first thing they do is post a question that would have been answered if they'd read a few days back first.

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

The problem with that is, people who aren't patient enough to read what's already posted on the boards, probably aren't going to bother to click on an FAQ either.
This is true, but I certainly think a FAQ is still needed here. If for no other reason, we can just provide a simple response of, "Look at the FAQ". It ensures that all newbies get the same quality advice and at least would block common follow-up questions (since they would also be addressed). Rirath certainly provided good examples of the newbie FAQs we're seeing over and over (which is inevitable on nearly every board after it has grown a bit).

[shawnc]

The problem with that is, people who aren't patient enough to read what's already posted on the boards, probably aren't going to bother to click on an FAQ either.

This is so not true. Why do you people insist on painting everyone with the same brush? Sure, there are probably a few folks who will not read FAQ's prior to posting a question. That is certainly not true of the majority. I for one have a hard time doing searches on this site. I always try, but sometimes I get all kinds of results. So then I post the question to this site. Just because it is a repeat question doesn't mean I didn't attempt a search. Would I check the FAQ's? ABSOULUTELY! By the way, if it is a question that offends anyones sensibilties in terms of proper "posting etiquette", the option is simply NOT TO RESPOND! Different people have varying technical skills and it always amazes me when folks NOT named Janek, Jason, Ed, etc. attempt to dictate to the community their standards for posting. I have seen many post where the response was courteous and suggested to the questioner that they do a search. Usually those responeses included some type of guidance as to how the search should be directed. But I have also seen all to many rude replies to do a search and everytime I see one I shake my head and wonder why did the responder even bother. Remember, if the question bothers you, don't respond. I'm sure Jason won't remove your site privliges for showing restraint.

Often times it's not what you say but how you say it. If you are suggesting to someone that they do a search as a means to help that person find information, then that's all good. But if you are telling someone to do a search because you are irritated by the repeat question, then that is another issue entirely.

I continue to be amazed by how helpful most of the people in this community are. Folks going out of there way to help people they don't even know. To those few who seem to be consistently bothered by postings that don't meet their standards, geez, lighted up and get a life.

Would this site benefit from a FAQ's section, of course. It is needed, absolutely not. Even without the FAQ's, this site is the best thing going :multi: .

[Steven Cedrone]

Different people have varying technical skills and it always amazes me when folks NOT named Janek, Jason, Ed, etc. attempt to dictate to the community their standards for posting. I have seen many post where the response was courteous and suggested to the questioner that they do a search. Usually those responeses included some type of guidance as to how the search should be directed. But I have also seen all to many rude replies to do a search and everytime I see one I shake my head and wonder why did the responder even bother. Remember, if the question bothers you, don't respond. I'm sure Jason won't remove your site privliges for showing restraint.


I have just started to really crack down on users that jump on new members for posting what they think is a "useless" question. Too many times I hear from people that say they love this community but that they are afraid to post here...

Afraid to post - that to me is very sad... :cry:

Anytime anyone sees a post that they feel is nasty or insulting, please feel free to contact me and I'll take care of it - I really mean that!!!

Steven Cedrone
Community Moderator

Now, lets try to get back on topic - what is the topic anyway? :wink:

[PetiteFlower]

Hey I'm not trying to dictate anything, I just said that it's something that kinda bugs me. I would never be rude to anyone for it. I haven't seen anything that could be considered "hostile" from posters here; of course maybe my standards for what is hostile is a bit high from other online communities I've been in :) Reading before posting in a new place though, is part of the common Netiquette guidelines and I am a bit of a snob about them I guess :)

[shawnc]

I have just started to really crack down on users that jump on new members for posting what they think is a "useless" question. Too many times I hear from people that say they love this community but that they are afraid to post here...

Afraid to post - that to me is very sad... :cry:

Steven Cedrone
Community Moderator

Steve,

Not to beat a dead horse, but let me just share my personal experience. I've never been afraid to post, but I am so aware of getting the dreaded "Do a Search" response (again, only from a vocal minority. Most folks are really helpful), that I spend an inordinate amount of time searching the site. There have been occasions where I have said "aw, the hell with it" and not post a question simply because I either don't have the time or desire to read through hundreds of post to see IF my question has already been answered. Sometimes the benefit of the knowledge is simply not worth the effort expended. When that happens I'm not the only one who loses because as we all were taught in school, there is no such thing as a stupid or irrelevant question. In all likelihood the question I didn't ask was on the mind of many readers of the site.

I agree with your sentiments, it is very sad. OK, I've had my say, now how about that Dell Dude :D ?

[Rirath]

The problem with that is, people who aren't patient enough to read what's already posted on the boards, probably aren't going to bother to click on an FAQ either.

This is so not true. Why do you people insist on painting everyone with the same brush? Sure, there are probably a few folks who will not read FAQ's prior to posting a question. That is certainly not true of the majority. I for one have a hard time doing searches on this site. I always try, but sometimes I get all kinds of results.

Well, you misread that quote. PetiteFlower said people who aren't patient enough, IE don't want to. Would you call yourself that? :|


By the way, if it is a question that offends anyones sensibilties in terms of proper "posting etiquette", the option is simply NOT TO RESPOND! Different people have varying technical skills and it always amazes me when folks NOT named Janek, Jason, Ed, etc. attempt to dictate to the community their standards for posting.

And it always amazes me when folks decide that the help given isn't worthy of their high standards so it's time to cry to the admins about it. Well excuse me that my name isn't Jason, I hope my humble suggestion of where to look for the answer is helpful enough. Sometimes, it's just NOT practical to search for someone on a hard to find answer when I myself have no interest in the result. It's just easier to tell them WHERE to look. I've been chewed out about this once too often and it's really getting on my nerves.

I really have no idea if I'm included in that group or not, but to some people at this site I more than certainly am, and it's really getting annoying having folks going behind my back.

I see one I shake my head and wonder why did the responder even bother. Remember, if the question bothers you, don't respond. I'm sure Jason won't remove your site privliges for showing restraint.

Ever think of practicing what you preach? Ever think of just ignoring the responce if it doesn't meet your ultra high standard of help? Forgive me that by the time I answer a question for the 3rd or 4th time my answers tend to be a little pointed. If you don't want to hear from me then move on.

I have just started to really crack down on users that jump on new members for posting what they think is a "useless" question. Too many times I hear from people that say they love this community but that they are afraid to post here...

Afraid to post - that to me is very sad... :cry:

And that's so fake it really makes me wonder. I mean, come on. Do you HONESTLY think grown men and women should have to contact admins because they're afraid to post? If they have some kinda social paranoia, that's their own fault. It's not the fault of the posters of this board, who spent hours upon hours every day helping folks out and learning in the process. Perhaps if they'd get out of their plastic bubble and join the real world, they'd get over it.

Ya know, we all work so hard around here yet we're turned on at a moments notice! I really wish you'd give us the benefit of the doubt. If a newbie came in and said you admins were a bunch of mean folks and they were afraid to post, don't you think we'd stick up for you? Can't you tell by the way people's been backtracking their own comments that you're making US afraid to post?

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Well, whatever the case may be, I can't think of a single reason not to implement a FAQ. If done thoroughly, it ensures complete answers to common questions every time, while also covering those common follow-up questions that often get asked. If a newbie happens to post the question anyway, all we have to do is point to the FAQ.

[Steven Cedrone]

And on that note...

Thread locked...

Steven Cedrone
Community Moderator