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XKCD Author's Unpublished Book Remains a Best-Seller For 5 Months
destinyland writes Tuesday is the official release date for the newest book from the geeky cartoonist behind XKCD — yet it's already become one of Amazon's best-selling books. Thanks to a hefty pre-order discount, one blogger notes that it's appeared on Amazon's list of hardcover best-sellers since the book was first announced in March, and this weekend it remains in the top 10. Randall Munroe recently announced personal appearances beginning this week throughout the U.S. (including Cambridge, New York, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area) — as well as a Google Hangout on Friday, September 12. Just two weeks ago he was also awarded the Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story — and now many of his appearances are already sold out.
Yeah well, I disrespectfully disagree. Randall Munroe is giant asshole with a rabid following of brainless morons. He only seems smart to you because you're so incredibly stupid.
Both you and grandparent are wrong.
Randal Munroe is evidence that if you draw stick figures for long enough you will eventually gain recognition.
Harder than making XKCD funny in English? Even Randall hasn't puzzled that one out.
Required reading for internet skeptics
I have a different theory. His comic appeal to people who merely believe themselves to be above average. Like the 'Big Ban Theory' or the bad joke that is new 'Cosmos' series. Presumably a show for 'geeks' that has broad consumer appeal because everyone wants to believe that they're smarter than the people around them.
As we've seen, that's a pretty big audience.
Required reading for internet skeptics
The "sudo make me a sandwich" one? Just not funny. I "get" the "joke", it's just not even a little bit funny. It's "Ha, ha! That's a thing that I know about! Familiarity for the win!"
The "Bobby Tables" strip also isn't funny. For the same reasons.
Let me guess: You have a large collection of "nerdy" t-shirts? Most of those are about as funny, insightful, and entertaining as XKCD. You know this already, as I'm sure when you're shopping on whatever website sells that stuff you like some and reject others. The difference between those and XKCD, of course, is that the t-shirt shop doesn't come with a personality for you to worship.
You'll note, of course, that I'm not actually addressing your real point
I did notice. I don't blame you. Reality is very difficult to face.
Required reading for internet skeptics
We all stroke our egos in one way or another. For example, if I were to say "you take pride in your work", you could also say that I was "accusing" you of "ego stroking". Would you find that insulting?
I think you find it insulting because you believe it, and find that revelation uncomfortable.
Required reading for internet skeptics