I’ve often wondered why news sites like the NYTimes, BBC, and so on bother allowing readers to comment on stories, since the comments are almost without exception so appallingly stupid that they make me embarrassed to be human. Since it’s so obvious that they’re attracting the wrong kind of crowd, why not just get rid of the comments boxes?
But I just came across a well-commented BBC piece that makes me feel a bit better about humanity. At least some people still have a sense of humour. The comments are in response to a piece on an alleged war against white socks in the Dutch Finance Ministry. Here’s my favourite comment:
In my office we have now banned white socks altogether. We used to have a special white socks room, but that has been claimed by the marketing department. Nowadays people have to take breaks outside to wear white socks. There are always a couple of white sockers huddling together near the entrance to the building.
Sydney
Alan Schmierer
I like the “scientific study” comment:
A recent survey split office workers into two test groups, one group wearing white socks and one wearing black. They were surveyed after one week and queried as to whether they felt their socks affected there day to day routine. The black sock group said they noticed no change in their routine. The white sock group however reported desires to roll their suit jacket sleeves up & a need to wear sunglasses inside. There were reported incidents of designer stubble, pastel tee-shirts and greatly improved balance and co-ordination. Several male employees noted that they felt more confident when approaching women in bars.
Andy, London