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Microsoft Patent Deems Comic Books Shameful

Posted by samzenpus on from the worst-patent-ever dept.

theodp writes "A newly-surfaced Microsoft patent application describes methods of secretly matching up individuals whose shared 'fringe interests' might be 'a source of shame or embarrassment' to them should they become known to society-at-large. No, not sexual preferences. A much bigger taboo. Comic books. 'For example,' explains Microsoft in its filing, 'an ambitious professional is not likely to divulge that he likes, say, comic books, even though quite true. Appreciably, certain affinities especially those relating to fringe interests, eccentricities, or topics about which there is a common misconception or very little mainstream familiarity or understanding are generally omitted rather than included in conventional descriptions. Typically, this is so because these affinities might be a source of shame or embarrassment or incur undue explanation.'"

9 of 209 comments (clear)

  1. People associate it wrongly by devxo · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Well, are you sure would really want to tell right away to some girl you meet that you read comic books or watch anime? Things like can make people think about you wrongly. And for example, when I'm visiting Thailand I like the ladyboys there, but it's not something I'd say to anyone when I first meet them.

    1. Re:People associate it wrongly by Drakkenmensch · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Just because you don't mention something you like right off the bat doesn't make it shameful. I hardly ever talk of my love of whole grain pepper, but that doesn't make it a dirty secret. Comics are a mainstream interest now, with multi-million dollar movies in the spotlight. Comics are not an under-the-counter phenomenon.

    2. Re:People associate it wrongly by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      If someone judges me without first meeting me then I would rather not be associated with them.
      Sadly, too many people judge themselves by what others think of them.
      Don't be ashamed or embarrassed, grow some thick skin and enjoy life.
      You only live once!

    3. Re:People associate it wrongly by boristdog · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Comics may be a mainstream interest now, but if one of the first things I find out about someone is that they are really into comic books, my first reaction is still: "Hopeless Nerd!"

      Then again, if the first thing I find out about them is that they are really into football, I think "Brainless Sports-a-holic!" Even though football is WAY more mainstream than comic books.

      It's human nature.

    4. Re:People associate it wrongly by GooberToo · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Thus showing exactly why I tell people I like comic books: I don't need short sight knee jerk reactionary bozos like you in my life.

      So you're saying your personality can't otherwise compensate for what may be a cushioned negative reaction once someone gets to know you.

      IT's not human nature. It's social training and the inability to actually think.

      It is human nature. There is practically endless studies validating this point exactly. The old cliche, you only get one chance to make a first impression, has been endlessly validated. Your position on the matter is factually incorrect and should hopefully give you pause as to the origin of such incorrect "self discovery."

      Like it or not, within seconds of meeting someone for the first time, consciously and unconsciously you have read the book by its cover. Period. Now then, what you do with that summation will differ from person to person but nonetheless, it absolutely is human nature.

      You see someone with a asymmetrical facial feature, subtract points based on the degree of asymmetry. They don't have perfectly groomed hair? Subtract again. Wear glasses? Subtract again. Bald? Subtract. Teeth? Subtract again. Now the cultural norm will dictate the severity of subtraction (example, teeth in UK vs USA) but nonetheless, its programmed into the DNA of humanity. And as physical characteristics play a major role in this analysis, so does behavior. Someone with a reputation for state sanctioned executions is far less approachable than someone who is a well established lover.

      So honestly, until societal norms change, if in fact they ever do in this regard, its by far to your own advantage to not discuss things like comic books and D&D to people you just met. If in fact you develop a friendship, its far less likely that such disclosure later will have any impact on the relationship other than perhaps some friendly jabs.

  2. Sounds like a Good Idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The title of this article is pretty sensational, and hides the true idea behind the patent.

    The patent isn't saying comic books (and other fringe interests) are "shameful", it's saying that if you are putting yourself out there in some way, like a resume or a dating site, fringe interests aren't going to be the first things you list.

    For example I used to do a college radio show on Japanese noise rock, it's cool, but if I tell most people about right off the bat, I get a blank look.

  3. Actually not a bad idea by pifactorial · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I get the humorous Microsoft-bashing potential of this, but... I think they're actually thinking along the right lines here. It's not news anymore that any sort of public profile on the internet can land you in trouble with an employer. Certain categories of online services (e.g. dating services) depend on a person being willing to divulge potentially embarrassing information about themselves. People will continue to want to take advantage of these services, but given the opportunity to avoid embarrassing yourself in front of potential employers / friends / etc., I think one would choose the option of having this sort of information kept secret.

    But haha, yes, comic books are taboo. Scott McCloud would have some choice words.

  4. So what's the story here? by 91degrees · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The patent doesn't seem particularly terrible on comparison with a lot of the ones we've seen. The example given is clearly chosen to be as inoffensive as possible whilst still being something that someone might plausibly want to keep to themselves.

    So, I guess the story is "Microsoft is evil, patents are also evil, here's something that's potentially mildly offensive to easily offended comic book fans so this proves they're evil"

  5. I can imagine how this conversation went by Ghostworks · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Lawyer: "So why did we originally create this feature?"
    Engineer: "Porn. Mostly the kinky stuff. Tranvestites, golden showers, that sort of thing."
    Lawyer: "We can't use 'defense of transvestite porn' in a patent,"
    Engineer: "Why not? It's why we made it."
    Lawyer: "Yeah, but every patent is also a public document, which means it's a potential PR nightmare. Do you want to see 'Patent Protects Porn' on Slashdot?"
    Engineer: "Actually..."
    Lawyer: "Forget it. Just come up with something normal people would find both a harmless interest and somehow secretly shameful. Mainstream fringe."
    Engineer: "...."
    Lawyer: "Never mind, we'll think of something."