You're getting my vote. Fascinating discussion: You unique words stirred an image that was funny...an image that did not appear with someone else's earlier attempt. Yours is substantially unique and creative. The magic of the joke is released/created by your words. There are lots of ways of saying, for example, "You're mom is so stupid" but I like the one where she's so stupid she "asked for a price check at the dollar store." The joke is...in the telling, or in the crafting, oh, I don't know. You know what I mean: A little help here?
Re: "You're getting my vote. Fascinating discussion: You unique words stirred an image that was funny...and image that did not appear with someone else's earlier attempt. Yours is substantially unique and creative. The magic of the joke is released/created by your words. There are lots of ways of saying, for example, "You're mom is so stupid" but I like the one where she's so stupid she "asked for a price check at the dollar store." The joke is...in the telling, or in the crafting, oh, I don't know. You know what I mean: A little help here? [anon] yesterday 11:57pm"
Taking the time to spin such an elaborate ruse, is pathetically transparent. Like the cowardly thief tries overly hard to cover his tracks.
This place is starting to stink. No wonder the brightest leave. Enjoy your sycophant circle jerk.
I'm the author of the ramble above, supporting the author of this brilliant caption. My critic called my ramble "a ruse"? I mean, I don't even know the author. Let's try to get along: If - like you say - "the brightest leave" it looks like you and I will be here for a very long time...so let's be nice.
I saw both captions and didn't consider them to be the same. I voted for both. I suppose a nod would have been the sporting thing to do. I would have been more concerned about the possible sexism and fat shaming (they were both getting close).
That said, if it actually happened, he really would be a man trapped inside a women's body.
Well said, Willie. I expect the rambler will be here long after I'm gone.
What's the point of getting here early to post your comment, if someone can just change a few words to post the same joke later? Of course he knows it's the same joke, or why would he try to excuse the steal by saying "I thought of it a couple of days ago?"
You know why the author would say, "I thought of it a couple of days ago?" (which is obviously a lame defense). You know why?...The author is probably sick of the unfair criticism: That "defense" was the author "baiting the piranha." ...."Come and get me," ...and you did.
This is just MORE evidence of the author's superior intelligence.
In three days you'll see the author of the above caption and you'll be better placed to judge, based on the caption history of the author.
I'm not suggesting this caption was a deliberate copy of 20:00:07, but if we find the author has a history of copying, then this is something I will follow up on. If, on the other hand, the author doesn't have a history of copying, then let's give them the benefit of the doubt and move on.
Re : "You know why the author would say, "I thought of it a couple of days ago?" (which is obviously a lame defense). You know why?...The author is probably sick of the unfair criticism: That "defense" was the author "baiting the piranha." ...."Come and get me," ...and you did.
This is just MORE evidence of the author's superior intelligence. "
Thank you. So happy to hear it. From now on, instead of coming up with my own jokes, I'll just steal other's, dumb them down a bit, say I thought of them ... a full WEEK ago.. wow, imagine how people will be impressed by my "superior intelligence."
We all check the gallery of upcoming photos. Formulate our ideas well in advance. Many times, I've had mine typed out, reworked down to perfection, anxiously following that countdown, refresh as fast as I can, but someone has pipped me at the post with something too similar. So I sadly throw mine away.
Is this what Willie means by "the sporting thing to do?"
This is a caption site and is meant to be fun. I personally don't see the problem. Regardless of who this captioneer is, they worded a caption similar to your idea (for the record, you don't own the copyright to an idea), otherwise I'd be living in a 20 bedroom mansion in LA due to the royalties from Tina from Doncaster. Suck it up, move on, and think of your next caption.
Obviously anon doesn't read Chris's comments which were spot on. As The Wolf said it's meant to be a bit of fun - we don't need to resort to personal attacks . Also we don't all preview photos. I never do and never will. Not saying anything against it but I just prefer to be spontaneous. But if you do formulate in advance, just post it. A few seconds between captions should not matter even if the same theme is used in several captions. There is a discussion thread on this subject I think but I can't find it. Enjoy the site for what it is and don't feel disheartened if someone has the same idea as you - your wording/phrasing may be even better and get more votes.
I was going to send you a private message [anon] by going to your profile, but for some reason I couldn't find it so I'm posting here (not you [anon], the other one, the last one). I think the problem we're all trying to avoid here is plagiarism - the intentional copying of someone else's work and using it as your own, or, keeping a caption too similar to an earlier one and getting all the votes while the other one languishes. But if you do find that you've posted the same thing just a moment later or something that's almost the same, it's only fair that you acknowledge the other caption. That's what I mean by "the sporting thing to do". Other than that, I agree with Mr. Dome, Mr. Beach and The Wolf. This site should be fun, most things shouldn't be taken too seriously, and there will be plenty of other opportunities if things don't go your way this one time. In a hundred years, how important will all this be anyway?
A minute is hardly any time at all and certainly not enough time to copy an idea and make their own version. It took me a day before I even understood the captions. I hope the author doesn't feel too traumatised by the attacks and feels reassured by the comments above that are kind. I'm often humbled by someone who makes a great caption using an idea I've been half heartedly thinking about and try to be glad they made a better job of it than me because great captions bring smiles.
I refuse to rise to the attacks. I know I did not cheat, or look at the said caption before posting my own. How do you nod a caption, if you didn't see it? Too late now, the said damage has been done. Thank you to everyone who has supported me. I would also like to apologise in advance, just in case I enter a caption which includes the contents of the photograph and you have done the same.
One thing I would like to add to all this is that I think that making personal attacks while posting anonymously is nothing but cowardice, and (I am sorry to say this) feels like the sort of thing that goes on in places like Facebook or Twitter rather than a friendly community like this. If somebody feels strongly about something, strongly enough to post a whinge about it, they should have the courage of their convictions and post under their own name.
''In a hundred years, how important will all this be anyway?'' What the hell are you saying, Willie? Are you infering that the caption site won't be functioning in 2121 with all these vital issues still being discussed. Shame on you! Next you'll be telling us that superglue won't be funny in a hundred year's time.
Some people "remain anonymous" to be mean; others remain anonymous because OTHER people are mean.
Note above the mix of meanness and kindness in the shadows. Also note the mix of virtues and vices displayed by those who share their identity. The key is to be nice, mask or not.
By the way, YOU...look GREAT. Have you been exercising?
Dave, I think maybe you meant 2122. I know time flies, but not THAT fast. Personally, by the time I'm 166 I'll probably either be dead or way past caring.
[anon] above, if I said anything that you construed as mean I sincerely apologize. It was certainly not my intention if such was the case.
Interesting and surprising to learn people don't read through the captions before posting their own. As Willie alluded to, I always do this as a common courtesy. If people all have the same idea, similar captions, surely this site would be duller than fakebook. If a comedian went on stage and repeated the jokes of the previous act, worded slightly differently, nobody would tolerate that, why is it so "confrontational" or "attacking" to encourage and respect originality here?
Also, anonymity affords people the ability to express what society, peer pressure or future attacks hinder. Free speech is never cowardice. Silence is.
This a message from the other anonymous, the one that Willy addressed: No, Willy: no offense. I could always be wrong but I think you're GREAT: ....You're consistently respectful and thoughtful in your responses.
Well, we're are all going to know who is who in a couple of days. I was debating taking my caption down, but decided not to. Not only because I stand by my principles of not cheating, but I need my points for next week, as I have loads of captions ready and waiting. I'll try and get them in before I go and make my cheese toastie though ;-0
I agree with everything the identified Captioneers have said, and some of the things the Anons have said, but it is a bit difficult to keep track of which Anon is who. Perhaps Anons should give themselves aliases, like Angry Anon, or Anon the Mildly Displeased.
The one thing I haven't seen mentioned is the actual closeness of the two captions, which for me isn't dramatically close. Yes, they both focus on the same basic idea, but gravity is hard to ignore. I've seen many much closer later captions on other pics escape persecution.
Anyway, enough said, except, like Mr. Dome, I'd love the process to be more spontaneous. I've said it many times before, but I'd much prefer it if nobody knew what photo was coming, and quick wits were more important than quick pasting.
"OMG if I drop this, the comments won't swallow me whole." Wow. I've just been reading through, is 30 comments (at present) on a caption a new world record?
Caption author, whoever you are, good on you for sticking to your guns. [anon] with your comment "Free speech is never cowardice. Silence is" so with that taken into account, with the Caption author having posted this caption aren't they asserting their right to free speech otherwise wouldn't the above would be a blank caption? Or would there be no caption at all? And if the caption author decided to take down their caption as a result of the comments above wouldn't that be them submitting to being silenced? And even if they did want to be silent aren't they entitled to assert their right to free silence because isn't silence the thing that fills the gaps in between the words when someone is using free speech?
Oh, and Harpo Marx was silent but he still had freedom of expression.
You might have missed the point, Glyn. All we're asking for is consideration of others, by reading the captions before you post your own. If there is one that is too similar, think of something else. Most of us do that. They were first, we respect that. It's such a simple concept, why would people argue about it?
Read all the captions for this pic, they're so diverse and creative. Some real laugh out loud originality. All this brouhaha has robbed so many of these great captions of the attention they deserve. Personally I think many of them are better than the one with the current top position. Perhaps some people here vote out of spite?
The discussion on whether or not someone can think up a great idea in a minute, isn't the topic here. Whatever time I'm posting, I read first to see if someone beat me to it with the same joke. Sometimes mine might be better, but it's the same joke, I dump it instead of posting it, because they were first. Of course many of us will have similar ideas on these photos, but if someone else is first, then we are forced to stretch our creativity and come up with something else original, as many here with this pic have.
If the members have no code of ethics or system of honor, what is the point?
One thing which we must remember is that everybody's sense of humour differs. If the quality of a caption was something which could be regarded as objective rather than subjective, there would be no point in voting, because everybody would agree. Just because voters do not necessarily agree with one person's own point of view does not in any way mean that captions are "robbed of the attention they deserve", or that people are voting "out of spite", or "have no code of ethics or honour". One person may well think that their caption is really brilliant - after all, that is why they posted it - but others do not necessarily agree, and nobody should get cross just because their caption did not get the votes they had hoped for. It's only a game, it's all a bit of fun, and getting thoroughly stroppy about it is absolutely pointless.
Hey [anon], my comment above was mainly in relation to the "Free Speech is never cowardice. Silence is" quote.
In regards to consideration I find that most people on this site are generally considerate. Sometimes people might not be in the mood or might be in a rush when they're posting so they might not have the time to read all the previous captions before they post.
And even if you do post something that is similar, there's no way of telling if someone's copied someone else because unless someone uses a common moniker like "Tina from Doncaster, Dave, Superglue etc" unless folk don't mind which in certain circumstances, I think it's all about how distinctive it is. And heck, I've used elements or stuff occasionally from other captions, hopefully with the original author doesn't mind too much (I'd expect them to speak up if they do) and whether my resulting caption is funny or not is a different story. I play around with things quite a bit, however as a rule of thumb I try to come up with my own stuff if possible. If someone comes up with the same thing as yourself, I always think that it's great because then you have to challenge yourself to find something new or original as them thinking the same as you shows that it may very well be a similar association with the visuals.
I mean, there was that copied caption from the other week that made fun of it's own time stamp (nod to 08:00:58), but if you can't be free to use whatever content or material you like, some humour is going to fall short. Or you'll simply have to look elsewhere. It's like making a recipe without all of the ingredients.
Sometimes there are captions that I think deserve more attention or are better than what's on top. However the voting system is important because it's important that people vote for what they believe is best and when you said about spiteful voting because so many people have voted unless they're in cahoots with one another which I'd say is highly unlikely then if it proves most popular it proves most popular. But remember that if there are great captions that you think are kicking about, they're still posted up and the most important thing is that you have recognised and appreciated that caption yourself, it doesn't matter what other people think. Sometimes stand ups can bomb when they're on stage and although they're very funny, if the audience hasn't been worked up properly they're not going to get those laughs.
And coming back to the Groucho, Chico, Zeppo and Harpo once more, there's a story that could be quite relevant. So Warner Brothers Studios tried to sue them accusing them of infringing copyright when they made "A Night in Casablanca" four years after the Bogart picture so Groucho countersued saying that as they were "Brothers" before the Warners, they were technically infringing on their copyright. Talk about not taking yourself too seriously!
Ok ...here's my tuppence..personally I play on my phone ..which to be blunt is a chore...I don't read other captions cos it's a pain in the arse trying to..The site is not mobile friendly...so should I stop because I don't fit in with someones agenda...No bollocks...who gives a shinola...its a bit of fun if and when you've got thd time...Anyone who thinks different ..do us a favour and give your head a wobble....keep on keeping on peoploids.x
Regarding the disgusted "returning Anon" (the alleged, mythical ~DAFATAA)...It's very-likely that entry was a A FAKE, designed to manipulate and shame those in this string, who - by the way - have mostly been very-thoughtful, and considerate.
How convenient - and strategic - that a disappointed captioneer from the past would flutter in like an angel to shake their righteous head at all of us.
Only Chris will know for sure (maybe).
Whoever you are: My heart goes out to you. My guess is, like I said, you are probably "one of us" who commented earlier in the string. If so, my heart goes out to you, because you are obviously very bright and creative and caught up in all of this.
But, If the mythical ~DAFATAA does exist, I hope you've stuck around to read this, that you consider leaving the solitaire behind, and join us once again - imperfect as we are, a-work-in-progress, and sometimes pretty-darn clever: We'd be glad to have you back.
As you probably noticed, DAFATAA, if you ARE for real, this current string an an anomaly, (probably spawned in part by the frustration of the pandemic, etc.). Not an excuse, just saying things are tense, and for many our "social circles" have shrunk (not to mention other stressors). As I look back over the string, I think we're working on this, and on the verge of pivoting to a better run!
Oh boo hoo... let's run & hide because people are trying to intelligently discuss stealing, borrowing, mimicking or coincidentally arriving at the same material. Are we such snowflakes that any discussion "offends" someone?
All this is about is the tiniest consideration, nothing more.
Whether people post "nod to 8:08:08" or whatever form of respect they come up with, otherwise the time stamp is worthless.
Hehe... this is now bleeding into other photo captions. Just want to say, I was the first anon who started this thread and at no point was I "furious," but at last count there seem to be at least 3 other anons in the thread.
Regarding people getting offended; have you ever fine tuned the perfect caption and you're just about to click "Add Caption".. but as is often the case, your caption is somehow dick related (as are on average about 30% here), do you ever feel a pang of guilt, that perhaps it might offend some of our dear members that might be vegan lesbians, who are desperately trying to stop thinking about meat in all its wondrous forms?
Nina. Surely you jest, anon, it's Nina Dutton, esteemed captioneer, long awaited and recently returned from a 2 year sabbatical. A much respected stalwart in the international captioning community. Gadzooks, man, do you not subscribe to WCM? (World Captioning Monthly).
Might I suggest you apprise yourself of this fine publication, if only to avoid future embarrassment thru similar faux-pas at dinner parties, poetry readings, etc.
Just a momentary swelling, Mr. Dome, shall soon subside. Of course we heartily revel in your ironic gift of humour, as your very name is synonymous with a willy's helmet.
I'm glad all this is (hopefully) over. I've got dibs on the rights to the book, and undoubtedly the blockbuster movie to come. Addendum: Looking through all the captions for this picture, I realize too late that I missed a lot of good ones. Apologies to everyone who didn't get as many votes as they should have.
Being a dick? I honestly was not being a dick (not THIS anon). I was actually surprised, didn't know the name. I didn't mean anything bad by being surprised. Guess we are overdue to move on from this toxic thread. A "hello," or a "welcome back" can understandably be seen as sarcastic. (I said welcome back cuz the other anon said the author was away.) Actually, maybe I said welcome back on the heels of...was that sarcasm?
email us
Great steal from 20:00:07
very brave
8:00pm
They are performing to the Spice Girls's classic '2 Become 1'
8:28pm
Thought of the caption 2 days ago. But will give the other caption a vote when no ones looking 😊
8:48pm
How delightfully refreshing that "thinking" about something has replaced the tedious timestamps.
Finally. Let lawless the wild west begin!
9:10pm
I thought about a social networking website in 1999, but bloody Mark Zuckerberg refuses to give me a share of Facebook.
9:17pm
You're getting my vote. Fascinating discussion: You unique words stirred an image that was funny...an image that did not appear with someone else's earlier attempt. Yours is substantially unique and creative. The magic of the joke is released/created by your words. There are lots of ways of saying, for example, "You're mom is so stupid" but I like the one where she's so stupid she "asked for a price check at the dollar store." The joke is...in the telling, or in the crafting, oh, I don't know. You know what I mean: A little help here?
10:57pm
Be succinct?
11:54pm
Re: "You're getting my vote. Fascinating discussion: You unique words stirred an image that was funny...and image that did not appear with someone else's earlier attempt. Yours is substantially unique and creative. The magic of the joke is released/created by your words. There are lots of ways of saying, for example, "You're mom is so stupid" but I like the one where she's so stupid she "asked for a price check at the dollar store." The joke is...in the telling, or in the crafting, oh, I don't know. You know what I mean: A little help here?
[anon]
yesterday
11:57pm"
Taking the time to spin such an elaborate ruse, is pathetically transparent. Like the cowardly thief tries overly hard to cover his tracks.
This place is starting to stink. No wonder the brightest leave. Enjoy your sycophant circle jerk.
12:26am
I'm the author of the ramble above, supporting the author of this brilliant caption. My critic called my ramble "a ruse"? I mean, I don't even know the author. Let's try to get along: If - like you say - "the brightest leave" it looks like you and I will be here for a very long time...so let's be nice.
3:03am
I saw both captions and didn't consider them to be the same. I voted for both. I suppose a nod would have been the sporting thing to do. I would have been more concerned about the possible sexism and fat shaming (they were both getting close).
That said, if it actually happened, he really would be a man trapped inside a women's body.
4:04am
Well said, Willie. I expect the rambler will be here long after I'm gone.
What's the point of getting here early to post your comment, if someone can just change a few words to post the same joke later? Of course he knows it's the same joke, or why would he try to excuse the steal by saying "I thought of it a couple of days ago?"
9:06am
You know why the author would say, "I thought of it a couple of days ago?" (which is obviously a lame defense). You know why?...The author is probably sick of the unfair criticism: That "defense" was the author "baiting the piranha." ...."Come and get me," ...and you did.
This is just MORE evidence of the author's superior intelligence.
10:56am
Can we keep the discussion friendly please folks.
In three days you'll see the author of the above caption and you'll be better placed to judge, based on the caption history of the author.
I'm not suggesting this caption was a deliberate copy of 20:00:07, but if we find the author has a history of copying, then this is something I will follow up on. If, on the other hand, the author doesn't have a history of copying, then let's give them the benefit of the doubt and move on.
11:44am
Re : "You know why the author would say, "I thought of it a couple of days ago?" (which is obviously a lame defense). You know why?...The author is probably sick of the unfair criticism: That "defense" was the author "baiting the piranha." ...."Come and get me," ...and you did.
This is just MORE evidence of the author's superior intelligence. "
Thank you. So happy to hear it. From now on, instead of coming up with my own jokes, I'll just steal other's, dumb them down a bit, say I thought of them ... a full WEEK ago.. wow, imagine how people will be impressed by my "superior intelligence."
8:03pm
We all check the gallery of upcoming photos. Formulate our ideas well in advance. Many times, I've had mine typed out, reworked down to perfection, anxiously following that countdown, refresh as fast as I can, but someone has pipped me at the post with something too similar. So I sadly throw mine away.
Is this what Willie means by "the sporting thing to do?"
8:14pm
This is a caption site and is meant to be fun. I personally don't see the problem. Regardless of who this captioneer is, they worded a caption similar to your idea (for the record, you don't own the copyright to an idea), otherwise I'd be living in a 20 bedroom mansion in LA due to the royalties from Tina from Doncaster. Suck it up, move on, and think of your next caption.
11:49pm
Obviously anon doesn't read Chris's comments which were spot on. As The Wolf said it's meant to be a bit of fun - we don't need to resort to personal attacks . Also we don't all preview photos. I never do and never will. Not saying anything against it but I just prefer to be spontaneous. But if you do formulate in advance, just post it. A few seconds between captions should not matter even if the same theme is used in several captions. There is a discussion thread on this subject I think but I can't find it. Enjoy the site for what it is and don't feel disheartened if someone has the same idea as you - your wording/phrasing may be even better and get more votes.
6:52am
I was going to send you a private message [anon] by going to your profile, but for some reason I couldn't find it so I'm posting here (not you [anon], the other one, the last one).
I think the problem we're all trying to avoid here is plagiarism - the intentional copying of someone else's work and using it as your own, or, keeping a caption too similar to an earlier one and getting all the votes while the other one languishes. But if you do find that you've posted the same thing just a moment later or something that's almost the same, it's only fair that you acknowledge the other caption. That's what I mean by "the sporting thing to do". Other than that, I agree with Mr. Dome, Mr. Beach and The Wolf. This site should be fun, most things shouldn't be taken too seriously, and there will be plenty of other opportunities if things don't go your way this one time. In a hundred years, how important will all this be anyway?
8:55am
A minute is hardly any time at all and certainly not enough time to copy an idea and make their own version. It took me a day before I even understood the captions. I hope the author doesn't feel too traumatised by the attacks and feels reassured by the comments above that are kind. I'm often humbled by someone who makes a great caption using an idea I've been half heartedly thinking about and try to be glad they made a better job of it than me because great captions bring smiles.
9:40am
I refuse to rise to the attacks. I know I did not cheat, or look at the said caption before posting my own. How do you nod a caption, if you didn't see it? Too late now, the said damage has been done. Thank you to everyone who has supported me. I would also like to apologise in advance, just in case I enter a caption which includes the contents of the photograph and you have done the same.
10:49am
One thing I would like to add to all this is that I think that making personal attacks while posting anonymously is nothing but cowardice, and (I am sorry to say this) feels like the sort of thing that goes on in places like Facebook or Twitter rather than a friendly community like this. If somebody feels strongly about something, strongly enough to post a whinge about it, they should have the courage of their convictions and post under their own name.
10:51am
''In a hundred years, how important will all this be anyway?''
What the hell are you saying, Willie? Are you infering that the caption site won't be functioning in 2121 with all these vital issues still being discussed. Shame on you! Next you'll be telling us that superglue won't be funny in a hundred year's time.
11:05am
Some people "remain anonymous" to be mean; others remain anonymous because OTHER people are mean.
Note above the mix of meanness and kindness in the shadows. Also note the mix of virtues and vices displayed by those who share their identity. The key is to be nice, mask or not.
By the way, YOU...look GREAT. Have you been exercising?
11:34am
Dave, I think maybe you meant 2122. I know time flies, but not THAT fast. Personally, by the time I'm 166 I'll probably either be dead or way past caring.
[anon] above, if I said anything that you construed as mean I sincerely apologize. It was certainly not my intention if such was the case.
12:07pm
Thanks, Willie. It's bad enough not knowing what day it is but when you can't get the century right......
12:32pm
Interesting and surprising to learn people don't read through the captions before posting their own. As Willie alluded to, I always do this as a common courtesy. If people all have the same idea, similar captions, surely this site would be duller than fakebook. If a comedian went on stage and repeated the jokes of the previous act, worded slightly differently, nobody would tolerate that, why is it so "confrontational" or "attacking" to encourage and respect originality here?
Also, anonymity affords people the ability to express what society, peer pressure or future attacks hinder. Free speech is never cowardice. Silence is.
12:40pm
This a message from the other anonymous, the one that Willy addressed: No, Willy: no offense. I could always be wrong but I think you're GREAT: ....You're consistently respectful and thoughtful in your responses.
1:14pm
Well, we're are all going to know who is who in a couple of days. I was debating taking my caption down, but decided not to. Not only because I stand by my principles of not cheating, but I need my points for next week, as I have loads of captions ready and waiting. I'll try and get them in before I go and make my cheese toastie though ;-0
3:33pm
I agree with everything the identified Captioneers have said, and some of the things the Anons have said, but it is a bit difficult to keep track of which Anon is who. Perhaps Anons should give themselves aliases, like Angry Anon, or Anon the Mildly Displeased.
The one thing I haven't seen mentioned is the actual closeness of the two captions, which for me isn't dramatically close. Yes, they both focus on the same basic idea, but gravity is hard to ignore. I've seen many much closer later captions on other pics escape persecution.
Anyway, enough said, except, like Mr. Dome, I'd love the process to be more spontaneous. I've said it many times before, but I'd much prefer it if nobody knew what photo was coming, and quick wits were more important than quick pasting.
7:56pm
"OMG if I drop this, the comments won't swallow me whole." Wow. I've just been reading through, is 30 comments (at present) on a caption a new world record?
Caption author, whoever you are, good on you for sticking to your guns. [anon] with your comment "Free speech is never cowardice. Silence is" so with that taken into account, with the Caption author having posted this caption aren't they asserting their right to free speech otherwise wouldn't the above would be a blank caption? Or would there be no caption at all? And if the caption author decided to take down their caption as a result of the comments above wouldn't that be them submitting to being silenced? And even if they did want to be silent aren't they entitled to assert their right to free silence because isn't silence the thing that fills the gaps in between the words when someone is using free speech?
Oh, and Harpo Marx was silent but he still had freedom of expression.
8:02pm
You might have missed the point, Glyn. All we're asking for is consideration of others, by reading the captions before you post your own. If there is one that is too similar, think of something else. Most of us do that. They were first, we respect that. It's such a simple concept, why would people argue about it?
Read all the captions for this pic, they're so diverse and creative. Some real laugh out loud originality. All this brouhaha has robbed so many of these great captions of the attention they deserve. Personally I think many of them are better than the one with the current top position. Perhaps some people here vote out of spite?
The discussion on whether or not someone can think up a great idea in a minute, isn't the topic here. Whatever time I'm posting, I read first to see if someone beat me to it with the same joke. Sometimes mine might be better, but it's the same joke, I dump it instead of posting it, because they were first. Of course many of us will have similar ideas on these photos, but if someone else is first, then we are forced to stretch our creativity and come up with something else original, as many here with this pic have.
If the members have no code of ethics or system of honor, what is the point?
And why even have the timestamp?
Let's just get rid of it, if it's meaningless.
9:50pm
I agree with Chris.
[Posted by Synonymous]
10:02pm
One thing which we must remember is that everybody's sense of humour differs. If the quality of a caption was something which could be regarded as objective rather than subjective, there would be no point in voting, because everybody would agree. Just because voters do not necessarily agree with one person's own point of view does not in any way mean that captions are "robbed of the attention they deserve", or that people are voting "out of spite", or "have no code of ethics or honour". One person may well think that their caption is really brilliant - after all, that is why they posted it - but others do not necessarily agree, and nobody should get cross just because their caption did not get the votes they had hoped for. It's only a game, it's all a bit of fun, and getting thoroughly stroppy about it is absolutely pointless.
5:34am
Hey [anon], my comment above was mainly in relation to the "Free Speech is never cowardice. Silence is" quote.
In regards to consideration I find that most people on this site are generally considerate. Sometimes people might not be in the mood or might be in a rush when they're posting so they might not have the time to read all the previous captions before they post.
And even if you do post something that is similar, there's no way of telling if someone's copied someone else because unless someone uses a common moniker like "Tina from Doncaster, Dave, Superglue etc" unless folk don't mind which in certain circumstances, I think it's all about how distinctive it is. And heck, I've used elements or stuff occasionally from other captions, hopefully with the original author doesn't mind too much (I'd expect them to speak up if they do) and whether my resulting caption is funny or not is a different story. I play around with things quite a bit, however as a rule of thumb I try to come up with my own stuff if possible. If someone comes up with the same thing as yourself, I always think that it's great because then you have to challenge yourself to find something new or original as them thinking the same as you shows that it may very well be a similar association with the visuals.
I mean, there was that copied caption from the other week that made fun of it's own time stamp (nod to 08:00:58), but if you can't be free to use whatever content or material you like, some humour is going to fall short. Or you'll simply have to look elsewhere. It's like making a recipe without all of the ingredients.
Sometimes there are captions that I think deserve more attention or are better than what's on top. However the voting system is important because it's important that people vote for what they believe is best and when you said about spiteful voting because so many people have voted unless they're in cahoots with one another which I'd say is highly unlikely then if it proves most popular it proves most popular. But remember that if there are great captions that you think are kicking about, they're still posted up and the most important thing is that you have recognised and appreciated that caption yourself, it doesn't matter what other people think. Sometimes stand ups can bomb when they're on stage and although they're very funny, if the audience hasn't been worked up properly they're not going to get those laughs.
And coming back to the Groucho, Chico, Zeppo and Harpo once more, there's a story that could be quite relevant. So Warner Brothers Studios tried to sue them accusing them of infringing copyright when they made "A Night in Casablanca" four years after the Bogart picture so Groucho countersued saying that as they were "Brothers" before the Warners, they were technically infringing on their copyright. Talk about not taking yourself too seriously!
7:35am
Ok ...here's my tuppence..personally I play on my phone ..which to be blunt is a chore...I don't read other captions cos it's a pain in the arse trying to..The site is not mobile friendly...so should I stop because I don't fit in with someones agenda...No bollocks...who gives a shinola...its a bit of fun if and when you've got thd time...Anyone who thinks different ..do us a favour and give your head a wobble....keep on keeping on peoploids.x
9:45am
Regarding the disgusted "returning Anon" (the alleged, mythical ~DAFATAA)...It's very-likely that entry was a A FAKE, designed to manipulate and shame those in this string, who - by the way - have mostly been very-thoughtful, and considerate.
How convenient - and strategic - that a disappointed captioneer from the past would flutter in like an angel to shake their righteous head at all of us.
Only Chris will know for sure (maybe).
Whoever you are: My heart goes out to you. My guess is, like I said, you are probably "one of us" who commented earlier in the string. If so, my heart goes out to you, because you are obviously very bright and creative and caught up in all of this.
But, If the mythical ~DAFATAA does exist, I hope you've stuck around to read this, that you consider leaving the solitaire behind, and join us once again - imperfect as we are, a-work-in-progress, and sometimes pretty-darn clever: We'd be glad to have you back.
As you probably noticed, DAFATAA, if you ARE for real, this current string an an anomaly, (probably spawned in part by the frustration of the pandemic, etc.). Not an excuse, just saying things are tense, and for many our "social circles" have shrunk (not to mention other stressors). As I look back over the string, I think we're working on this, and on the verge of pivoting to a better run!
12:29pm
Oh boo hoo... let's run & hide because people are trying to intelligently discuss stealing, borrowing, mimicking or coincidentally arriving at the same material. Are we such snowflakes that any discussion "offends" someone?
All this is about is the tiniest consideration, nothing more.
Whether people post "nod to 8:08:08" or whatever form of respect they come up with, otherwise the time stamp is worthless.
12:36pm
Hehe... this is now bleeding into other photo captions. Just want to say, I was the first anon who started this thread and at no point was I "furious," but at last count there seem to be at least 3 other anons in the thread.
5:15pm
Wow
11:37pm
Regarding people getting offended; have you ever fine tuned the perfect caption and you're just about to click "Add Caption".. but as is often the case, your caption is somehow dick related (as are on average about 30% here), do you ever feel a pang of guilt, that perhaps it might offend some of our dear members that might be vegan lesbians, who are desperately trying to stop thinking about meat in all its wondrous forms?
Me neither.
11:54pm
It's Nina. OF COURSE who's Nina?
12:48am
Nina. Surely you jest, anon, it's Nina Dutton, esteemed captioneer, long awaited and recently returned from a 2 year sabbatical. A much respected stalwart in the international captioning community. Gadzooks, man, do you not subscribe to WCM? (World Captioning Monthly).
Might I suggest you apprise yourself of this fine publication, if only to avoid future embarrassment thru similar faux-pas at dinner parties, poetry readings, etc.
1:36am
Haha, oh THAT Nina: Welcome back, Nina!
2:35am
Snapdragon and anon - why are you being such, erm, dicks?
7:35am
Just a momentary swelling, Mr. Dome, shall soon subside. Of course we heartily revel in your ironic gift of humour, as your very name is synonymous with a willy's helmet.
9:10am
I'm glad all this is (hopefully) over. I've got dibs on the rights to the book, and undoubtedly the blockbuster movie to come.
Addendum: Looking through all the captions for this picture, I realize too late that I missed a lot of good ones. Apologies to everyone who didn't get as many votes as they should have.
9:20am
Regarding the movie, is it a remake of Swallows and Amazons?
10:17am
Being a dick? I honestly was not being a dick (not THIS anon). I was actually surprised, didn't know the name. I didn't mean anything bad by being surprised. Guess we are overdue to move on from this toxic thread. A "hello," or a "welcome back" can understandably be seen as sarcastic. (I said welcome back cuz the other anon said the author was away.) Actually, maybe I said welcome back on the heels of...was that sarcasm?
I get it. Let's move on: Let's caption the next.
10:46am
re: the upcoming movie
Has to be in the spirit of all the great romantic films.. perhaps a trilogy?
50 First Weights
Titanic
Jonah in the Whale
11:40am
I think we're going to have to name the movie The Neverending Story.
12:16pm
I think it's anon starter
2:32pm
Re: "I think we're going to have to name the movie The Neverending Story."
Well, it does seem to be dragon on a bit..
3:28pm
Ok, just because of all the requests... one last comment here..
Wouldn't the caption be a little more concise without the third "w" ?
7:05pm