I think that geeks are used to being in conversations on a much higher technical level, and when someone comes around asking about what linux is or what a ‘cookie’ is (I get that one all the time), it is frustrating to bring down the complexity of conversational topics to adhere to a normal user’s technical background.

Something to notice is how poorly an uber geek will treat a newb, but then when another uber geek rolls around it’s like a natural best friend scenario.

On that note however, when it comes to me trying to actually get something done on linux (apparently people are able to be productive on it) I have never run into condescending people… usually geeks are very receptive to my naiveness.

Insult linux. Linux sucks because I can’t do {what you’re trying to figure out} and it’s really easy in Windows. Post it on a linux board somewhere. Where you were ignored and told to RTFM before, you’ll receive a dozen condescending explanations of how to do what you want to do, how very simple it is, and how vastly superior to windows it is, if you only had the brains to comprehend it, you poor, pathetic luser. But you get your answer right quick.

Just have to know how to milk the cow… or vogon… or something like that.