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How bad are non road geeks

Started by roadman65, October 28, 2024, 03:36:48 AM

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SectorZ



paulthemapguy

To be clear, my main point was that we should be fair. If some normies treat us badly for not living up to their expectations, that's bad, and we should grant no credence to that. But we also can't treat normies badly when they don't live up to our standards of roadgeekery. Just as normies need to learn to be accepting of roadgeeks, roadgeeks need to learn to be accepting of those who don't have the level of knowledge or interest we have in this highly particular topic.
Avatar is the last interesting highway I clinched.
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National collection status: Every US Route and (fully built) Interstate has a photo now! Just Alaska and Hawaii left!

PNWRoadgeek

I deal with it personally, my friends and the people generally around me typically just call freeways "the freeway" and not  by highway number. I assure you, the people I talk to know nothing about geography besides knowing where the closest McDonalds is or where the new Walmart has opened up, just citing examples here. An option could try to get into roadgeeking are just browse Google Maps every day, like I do. I'm kinda surprised considering everyone should at least know something "geeky" about roads unless you are a 5 year old child.

Applying for new Grand Alan.

jdbx

Quote from: roadman65 on October 28, 2024, 03:36:48 AMHow do you all deal with friends who say stuff about roads that are wrong?

Better yet, if a friend says a road you know well is something that is not, and calls you for knowing too much about worthless topics how do you handle them?

At my age (45), everybody that I know is well-aware that my brain is jammed full of "useless" trivia and knowledge about several particular interests.  It's a blessing and a curse of how my brain is wired. My wife and kids all appreciate me for it simply being a part of who I am, and that's all that matters.

The key is to learn how to not be obnoxious about it.  Most people absolutely *hate* being corrected.  If a friend or family member makes a statement about a highway, and it's not in the form of asking you a question, you should probably not respond with "Actually...."  Even if they are wrong and you know better, it's OK to just let the be wrong about something, especially if it doesn't really matter. I'm well-aware that nobody that I know wants to hear me drone on about the minutiae of our local highway system, its history, numbering, etc...

When people do enjoy my knowledge and appreciate it?  When they complain about traffic and I can propose a shortcut. When people wonder if/when a local road is ever going to be fixed, or what some ongoing construction project is actually doing.  In fact, sometimes people will ask me directly "Say, whats all that road work down on Contra Costa Boulevard all about?  Are they taking away the right turn lane?" and it's fun to give them the answer.

Also on trivia night at the bar, people *love* having me on their team....

1995hoo

Quote from: jdbx on October 31, 2024, 12:21:30 PM....

When people do enjoy my knowledge and appreciate it?  When they complain about traffic and I can propose a shortcut. When people wonder if/when a local road is ever going to be fixed, or what some ongoing construction project is actually doing.  In fact, sometimes people will ask me directly "Say, whats all that road work down on Contra Costa Boulevard all about?  Are they taking away the right turn lane?" and it's fun to give them the answer.

....

Heh. For years, my brother gave me shit about knowing umpteen ways to get everywhere. He felt it was enough to know one route and he said it was a waste of time to be looking at maps or to be interested in other ways to go. Then, of course, one Friday before a holiday weekend my phone rang. It was my brother. He was stuck in traffic and wanted to know if I could give him an alternate route to go somewhere (I don't remember where). I thought about giving a snarky response about how knowing one way is sufficient, but instead I gave him directions.
"You know, you never have a guaranteed spot until you have a spot guaranteed."
—Olaf Kolzig, as quoted in the Washington Times on March 28, 2003,
commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

hbelkins

My wife refers to me as the "human GPS."
Government would be tolerable if not for politicians and bureaucrats.

GaryV

Quote from: hbelkins on October 31, 2024, 02:12:38 PMthe "human GPS.

I'm kinda like that. Yet once when I put in a destination, a new way was suggested. Much better, not through a sketchy section of town.

I use it primarily for traffic info and ETA. Although from time to time my wife laughs at me, reminding me that said, "I'll never use GPS."


pderocco

Then there's another divide: people who think GPS is about maps and directions, vs people who know it just tells you your numeric location.

NE2

Here's something else a human definitely wrote on social media:
Oh, the colorful quirks of Route 66! The Kansas section of Route 66 is super short, just about 13 miles, but it's packed with charm. Route 66 is generally known for its iconic red, white, and blue shield. However, Kansas decided to mark its stretch with distinctive purple shields as a nod to its unique character and importance as a tourist attraction. It's one way to make that short drive memorable and special compared to the more common signage found elsewhere. Plus, it stands out nicely against the surrounding views, kind of like a little gem in the Sunflower State. 🚗🌻
pre-1945 Florida route log

I accept and respect your identity as long as it's not dumb shit like "identifying as a vaccinated attack helicopter".

Road Hog

SEK looks a lot like NWA considering they're only about 80 miles apart. :)

webny99

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 31, 2024, 12:48:50 PMFor years, my brother gave me shit about knowing umpteen ways to get everywhere. He felt it was enough to know one route and he said it was a waste of time to be looking at maps or to be interested in other ways to go. Then, of course, one Friday before a holiday weekend my phone rang. It was my brother. He was stuck in traffic and wanted to know if I could give him an alternate route to go somewhere (I don't remember where). I thought about giving a snarky response about how knowing one way is sufficient, but instead I gave him directions.

I know many people (possibly including myself) who would have given both the snarky response and the directions.  :sombrero:

PColumbus73

Quote from: hbelkins on October 31, 2024, 02:12:38 PMMy wife refers to me as the "human GPS."

I've been called that and Rand McNally



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