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Comment by alaskamiller | Hacker News Reader

Ladies and gentlemen: you're arguing about buying a computer.

100 monks just died in protest of military crackdown in Tibet. The Feds just okayed 30 billion dollars of printed money to ensure a big bank stays alive. Women in Darfur are raped and killed.

Put all this in perspective. You're arguing about computers.

Buy what you need to use, pay the price if you think it's worth that price, and shop around to get the best value for your dollar. But at the end of the day: they're computers. Stop indulging in your mindless masturbation.

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I don't like this argument. For one you're on "Hacker News," a forum for hackers who hack with (mostly) computers.

Keep in mind also that a lot of what we regard as essential today, say, the foundations of computer science (bits, formal language theory, algorithms) were once the trivial ejaculations of bearded professors in some ivory tower.

We need people dicking around in masturbatory enclaves solving puzzles, just as we need agitators and activists. I think it's unfair to say one group works at the expense of the other.

Real hackers can use tools at their disposal, they have preferences for a particular computer but really... does it really take all this effort, blog posts and commentary for a $1000 dollar computer?

How is this not in any way but masturbatory? Is there any arguments about the perceptions that exist in either market segment? Any explanation of user interaction differences? Is there anything relevant for a computer software developer to chew on and discuss? No. This is a blog post about whether or not a Macbook it too trendy for web browsing.

I'm not quite sure where you're venturing off to in your last paragraph so I'll just ignore it.

I just think it's unfair to say something is "masturbatory" when you're using human life as your measuring stick.

You can't expect everyone to devote themselves to your idea of worthwhile work, and you shouldn't begrudge their momentary diversions.

I don't begrudge you for closely following an internet comment thread when there are people suffering.

There aren't that many synonyms to masturbatory. And I find it adequate in using it.

And these posts aren't explaining my expectations, I've already expected people to focus on dorky and trivial things, but rather pushing my political agenda.

You're on a site that is dedicated to discussing computers, programming, business, and random niche "geek" news.

Clearly this isn't the site for you -- try reddit or anything mainstream like Fox News or CNN.

Got it, Metallica.

So... how can I free Tibet, end the Federal Reserve System, and save Darfur?

Eschew giving China money.

Buy gold.

Write to your congressman.

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