WCDT 2056-2060; Nov. 14-18, 2011

[Method of Madness]

Cut to comic 1887, but with different characters

Wow, the poll actually called it!

Yep!  Huzzah!

@stoutfiles - Second date.  And they knew each other a while beforehand.  Also, everything else that's wrong with that statement!

Whoa, a red text that actually says what I was gonna say first.  Eh, I'll keep it.

[akronnick]

Also, sex on a first date?  Padma is the definition of slut.  I think if Marten got herpes that would be a good lesson for all the readers out there, a girl putting out on the first date is usually a girl putting out for everyone.

Really?

Really?

[iduguphergrave]

I guess I know what one of next week's caption images is gonna be 

Also yaaaaaaaaaaaaay Marten! Also did anyone else notice that the bags under his eyes are gone now?

Padma seems to be quite proud of her...assets. Also her breastets (I only feel the need to link since it's such an old comic). 

[stoutfiles]

Also, sex on a first date?  Padma is the definition of slut.  I think if Marten got herpes that would be a good lesson for all the readers out there, a girl putting out on the first date is usually a girl putting out for everyone.

...wow, epic fail.

Earth to stoutfiles: being a slut is not a bad thing. Sleeping together on the first date is not a bad thing. And the two are not necessarily related. Seriously, what the hell?

Slut (n) - a dirty, untidy woman.  It is a bad thing.  Marten won't get any STD's because I don't think Jeph would ever go there, but he should have at least asked if this is something she normally does after a couple of drinks.

First date sleeping is not always a bad thing, but when you're leaving soon to head across the country it goes back to the slut definition.  They are related in this instance.

Cut to comic 1887, but with different characters

Wow, the poll actually called it!

Yep!  Huzzah!

@stoutfiles - Second date.  And they knew each other a while beforehand.  Also, everything else that's wrong with that statement!

Whoa, a red text that actually says what I was gonna say first.  Eh, I'll keep it.

Oh, that's right...it would be the second group date.  That does make it slightly better.  

Marten knows about her, but only right before they made out has Padma ever gotten to know Marten.  Padma talks, Marten listens.          

[Shadic]

Yeah, because dialogue never happens off panel. 

[LeeC]

Uh last I checked this wasnt a date.

[haikupoet]

Slut (n) - a dirty, untidy woman.  It is a bad thing.  

Dictionary flame (n) - the use of a dictionary definition to make a point in an argument about a word that may have shifted in meaning.

Slut = promiscuous person. That's its primary meaning these days, and a lot of people are trying to get rid of the perception that promiscuity in and of itself is bad, thus the reclaiming of the word for things like Slutwalks.

First date sleeping is not always a bad thing, but when you're leaving soon it goes back to the slut definition.  They are related in this instance.

Again, it's not a bad thing. It's not even really anyone's business but her and Marten's.

Oh, that's right...it would be the second group date.  That does make it slightly better.  

Marten knows about her, but only right before they made out has Padma ever gotten to know Marten.  Padma talks, Marten listens.          

You're kind of a spiteful person, you know that?

[haikupoet]

Uh last I checked this wasnt a date.

Shhh, don't say that. You'll just make stoutfiles hate Padma more.

[LeeC]

they just met up for some fun, had a few drinks, got to know a little about each other and had some more fun.

honestly its not slutty if this was a spur of the moment hook up. Now if she usually does this then yes she would be a slut.

[akronnick]

Slut (n) - a dirty, untidy woman.  It is a bad thing.  Marten won't get any STD's because I don't think Jeph would ever go there, but he should have at least asked if this is something she normally does after a couple of drinks.

Really?

Really?

[Fen]

*/macnut looks at comic #2057, gets to the last panel, dances.*

Things are going a LOT better for Marten than I expected so far. Longs like the few posters who predicted Padma would indulge herself in a goodbye fling with Marten were dead on. Me, I didn't think Marten would get anywhere near that lucky.

Not really, once she leaves we'll get a mopey, depressed Marten for who knows how many strips.  I'm not looking forward to that arc.

Also, sex on a first date?  Padma is the definition of slut.  I think if Marten got herpes that would be a good lesson for all the readers out there, a girl putting out on the first date is usually a girl putting out for everyone.

Ah, I see it is time to get smacked with the Great book of not-being-a-prick.

Let us see.

1. Though I understand your referring to the first-date rule out of 50s induced habits, but for the record Marten and Padma are not on a date. They have known each other for some time and interacted extensively, though they have never dated per se, and probably never will. Technically the term for this is a one-night-stand.
2. You can't get herpes if you use a condom and Marten is a responsible boy so he probably has some.
3. Though I respect your personal values which labes anything with a sex drive a slut, I'd like to point out that you might want to keep them to yourself. Notice how I am not here to insult you for being a prude. Whispering slut under your breath would suffice. Each has their own personal values and disrespecting them is a crime against democracy, good sir. Seriously. Freedom of speech is one thing, but using it to suppress others freedom of expression is a misuse.
4. I am horribly offended by your use of the term slut solely referring to Padma. Though I understand your personal values place a person who has casual sex at an unpleasant level(see pt. 3) I would kindly remind you that both of them are at "a first date", as you call it. Therefore, both of them are sluts.
5. Generalization fail. Since according to your values both of them are sluts(see pt.4) then Marten should also have herpes since it is clear that since he has had sex with a girl on the first date he is putting out for everyone he has ever met. Unfortunately we are fully aware of Marten's sexual history, unlike Padma's, so you have a contradiction. Either the generalization stands on a nonsensical level and the past 2000 strips are a lie, or your generalization is incorrect. I would vote for the latter.
6. It is not called PUTTING OUT. It is called HAVING SEX. This is not the 50s.
7. Just as a side-note, the amount of sex you have is not directly related to the amounts of STDs you suffer from. Though it seems like a logical step, there are many unfortunate people who have contacted STDs during their first sexual encounter or worse, whilst still being virgins. There are also many STDs which can be contracted through non-sexual means. Herpes also has many subbranches, though through various weird interactions it can lead to the probably genital herpes you are reffering to. But going back to the amount of sex=amount of STDs thing, it is incorrect. People who have lots of sex tend to also be well informed on the dangers and use proper protection, which keeps them safe from most sexual diseases. Obviously, each person treats his/her health differently so this may vary. When in a relationship you can have a huge amount of sex but without any risks of disease(minor a few situaitons: if one of them is infected pre-relationship, which can be checked, if one of the cheats with an infected person, which is them being a bastard and having a low opinion on the cheated-on party is just disrespectful, or in case one memeber contracts a STD through non-sexual means which is, again, extremely unfortunate.

Thank you good sir. A bright future to you! By taking this post into account and improving your attitude you may truly make this world a better place.

[Tova]

Oh goodie, here we go.

Not really, once she leaves we'll get a mopey, depressed Marten for who knows how many strips.  I'm not looking forward to that arc.

I'm looking forward to that arc, because if it turns out that Marten does not go all mopey and depressed, I'm going to enjoy pointing out how wrong you were.

I'll leave the rest of the post for others to discuss - Fen's done quite a nice job, for starters.

[amandathehunter]

Ah, I see it is time to get smacked with the Great book of not-being-a-prick.

Let us see.

...

Thank you good sir. A bright future to you! By taking this post into account and improving your attitude you may truly make this world a better place.

This. All of this.

[haikupoet]

6. It is not called PUTTING OUT. It is called HAVING SEX. This is not the 50s.

It's interesting that the term is even still in use. It implies that the woman gives, the man takes (or, occasionally, the other way around), which is kind of messed up if you think about it. Sex, if done right, is a shared experience, and the idea of "putting out" tends to deny that. Then again, I think of what you do with a DVR as "taping" even though I know it goes to a hard drive, so make of that what you will.

[Overkillengine]

Last I checked, women had the same rights as men, and the same cravings. If a woman wants a meaningful one night relationship, as long as she is safe and ethical about it, nothing really wrong with it.

Otherwise Marten deserves the same derision that I somehow don't see him getting.

[Fen]

haikupoet: I KNOW, RIGHT? I hate that idiom so much. And what irks me is that I've only heard it used by US citizens or media, where the whole political correctness thing is extreme. You'd think there would be a bigger problem with that than with the word "stewardess" but nooo....

Overkillengine: Technically this is not a rights issue, but a social factor. Though obviously the rights to have sex are there for both genders, the social perspective on what one chooses to do with it is the issue. It doesn't help that promiscuity is a problem in itself for both genders (as it relates to personal values more than anything).

[stoutfiles]

1. Though I understand your referring to the first-date rule out of 50s induced habits, but for the record Marten and Padma are not on a date. They have known each other for some time and interacted extensively, though they have never dated per se, and probably never will. Technically the term for this is a one-night-stand.

Do you think Marten is going to see it that way?  Be honest now.

Also, once again, they have not interacted extensively, unless you're including Marten's listening as interacting.  Marten has not talked to her about himself until just recently.  In fact, one of the strip's where Marten tried to tell her what was bothering him, she just walked away as the punchline.

I don't hate Padma, I just think she's kind of dirty now, like Sven dirty.  Some people might like that, whereas I think you should get to know the person a little more.  I also don't know why everyone is rooting for Marten to be depressed in the very near future.

[Fen]

Marten is an adult and though he might get understandably mopey he should be realistic enough to understand how this is not going to turn into a relationship.
He is mature enough to know that what he feels for Padma is infatuation and that this was an act of lust and nothing more.

And even if he would be immature enough to not comprehend that, why would this make the act any worse from Padma's side? It's not her duty to coddle a guy she barely knows.

[iduguphergrave]

1. Though I understand your referring to the first-date rule out of 50s induced habits, but for the record Marten and Padma are not on a date. They have known each other for some time and interacted extensively, though they have never dated per se, and probably never will. Technically the term for this is a one-night-stand.

Do you think Marten is going to see it that way?  Be honest now.

Also, once again, they have not interacted extensively, unless you're including Marten's listening as interacting.  Marten has not talked to her about himself until just recently.  In fact, one of the strip's where Marten tried to tell her what was bothering him, she just walked away as the punchline.

I don't hate Padma, I just think she's kind of dirty now, like Sven dirty.  Some people might like that, whereas I think you should get to know the person a little more.  I also don't know why everyone is rooting for Marten to be depressed in the very near future.

Yes, because Marten's not an idiot. He know she's leaving in a few weeks, he knows they don't know each other terribly well, and he went ahead anyway because it's really not that big a frigging deal. They both wanted some fun; they're pals, but not with a deep enough friendship that sex would make awkward. Dammit this is a good thing and you're fucking it up for everyone by making a mountain out of a molehill.

Warning - while you were typing a new reply has been posted. You may wish to review your post. Goddammit whatever I'm not retracting

[leahneedsanap]

Oh god you guys I'm just...

Somebody was a misogynist asshole on a forum and I didn't have to be the one to drop that knowledge hot and fast before the whole thing deteriorated into completely unfunny rape jokes

I'm just

I'm so happy *tears up*

[LeeC]

I am willing to bet she never intended to hook up at the end of the night but it just flowed that way.

[Overkillengine]

Thus my disclaimer about safe and ethical.

Basic checklist for what I mean by that: 1) Anyone being harmed? 2) Anyone being deceived or misled?

As far as we know Padma hasn't gone and done an entire biker bar unprotected immediately prior to this and has been very clear about her not likely being around after this for a relationship.

And as a final point: if it isn't wrong for Marten to do it, then it isn't wrong for Padma to do it, at least in societies that believe in equal gender rights.

End of line.

[muffmasta]

Yeah, I hate it when people apply the double standards of *slut* for the woman and *the man* for a guy. They were both drunk and might both regret it in the morning, but otherwise, they both liked eachother, and both wanted it. Why the trash talk only towards the woman?

[haikupoet]

Oh god you guys I'm just...

Somebody was a misogynist asshole on a forum and I didn't have to be the one to drop that knowledge hot and fast before the whole thing deteriorated into completely unfunny rape jokes

I'm just

I'm so happy *tears up*

Hey, I'm just some guy who went to a Slutwalk with no intention of trying to get laid

[Tova]

Holy shit, this is hilarious. And I can't get my retorts in even nearly fast enough. Stuff it, I'm just grabbing the box of popcorn and sitting back.

[lavacano201014]

I volunteer to model for the men's line of "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG" underwear.

(I'd volunteer for the women's line too but that'd hurt and I probably wouldn't look good in a thong anyway)

[Fen]

Oh god you guys I'm just...

Somebody was a misogynist asshole on a forum and I didn't have to be the one to drop that knowledge hot and fast before the whole thing deteriorated into completely unfunny rape jokes

I'm just

I'm so happy *tears up*

I'm actually making a huge-ass poster for stuff like this with the intention of posting it whenever someone is misogynistic/misandric/just not getting it to just save the trouble of retyping the arguments over and over again.

[Kazukagii]

People, people. We are getting distracted. Let us return to the topic at hand: Marten finally, for once in the damn comic, getting exactly what he deserves: a few comics of things going his way.

[cuzsis]

  I think the major difference is that Martin would dig having a relationship.

It's Padma who's deciding not to have one (moving away ect...).

Thus, her starting sexytimes with Martin is rather uncool. (We're all pretty sure it wasn't Martin who instigated, unless his character has taken a sudden and major change.)

She knows she's leaving, yet she's doing this anyway...with a guy she knows totally digs her.

That's not a good move. in fact, she probably didn't even think it out all the way. Heck that's already an established character trait (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2053).

And people who tend to not think out their sexytimes, frequently end up with issues. Anything from STDs, massive emotional baggage, or pregnancy. I don't think the other poster was too far off calling her a slut. If she just kinda "reacts to things" she may well have had the biker bar before Martin got there.

[Soban]

Ok a few thoughts on the last few posts and comics. As someone who is in a interracial relationship, I enjoy the portrayal of it in QC and want to see more of it in all fiction. However, I will admit that a interracial relationship comes with inherent greater difficulties then a relationship within your race. (Worth it!) However, given the circles that Marten Runs in this may be a comparatively easy relationship. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

On Fen's point 2. Per CDC STD Facts: Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm

I don't think that this encounter makes Padma a slut mainly becuase I don't feel we have enough data points for this. To be a slut to me you have to have multiple casual sexual encounters. We don't know how casual this is, we will see. Marten has not at this point had any casual sex that I can remember at this moment.

If Padma leaves, it will result in emotional baggage for Martin. I doubt an STD or pregnancy at this point. I don't think QC is that kind of comic.

[amandathehunter]

However, she may just enjoy having an emotional connection. Based off of how I've viewed the things she's said recently about leaving, she's going to miss everyone here, but needs to spend time with her family. This may be her "goodbye" sex with the east coast, personified in Marten.

I think Jeph will also use this to show some emotional maturity on Marten's part, when he *doesn't* sell everything he owns and fly across the country for Padma. It's also the end of his emotional healing from the Dora Disaster.

[haikupoet]

Holy shit, this is hilarious. And I can't get my retorts in even nearly fast enough. Stuff it, I'm just grabbing the box of popcorn and sitting back.

Oh, now someone gets the popcorn, after I've used up all my good snark.

[MamiyaOtaru]

Also, sex on a first date?  Padma is the definition of slut.  I think if Marten got herpes that would be a good lesson for all the readers out there, a girl putting out on the first date is usually a girl putting out for everyone.

Really?

Really?

someone has a different opinion about something than I do?

really?

really?

*is that insufferable person who says "really? really?"*

[Overkillengine]

Also, Marten as a grown man amazingly has responsibility for his own emotional well being.

If he despite knowing a relationship is not likely, let her have a ride and then got depressed over her leaving in the end, then it is actually his fault for allowing that situation to occur.

[akronnick]

 I think the major difference is that Martin would dig having a relationship.

It's Padma who's deciding not to have one (moving away ect...).

Thus, her starting sexytimes with Martin is rather uncool. (We're all pretty sure it wasn't Martin who instigated, unless his character has taken a sudden and major change.)

She knows she's leaving, yet she's doing this anyway...with a guy she knows totally digs her.

That's not a good move. in fact, she probably didn't even think it out all the way. Heck that's already an established character trait (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2053).

And people who tend to not think out their sexytimes, frequently end up with issues. Anything from STDs, massive emotional baggage, or pregnancy. I don't think the other poster was too far off calling her a slut. If she just kinda "reacts to things" she may well have had the biker bar before Martin got there.

Also, sex on a first date?  Padma is the definition of slut.  I think if Marten got herpes that would be a good lesson for all the readers out there, a girl putting out on the first date is usually a girl putting out for everyone.

Really?

Really?

someone has a different opinion about something than I do?

really?

really?

*is that insufferable person who says "really? really?"*

m-/

[FunkyTuba]

Ok, so I think they might be naked under the sheets in this one.

*tries to hold it together* *fails miserably* *collapses into giggles*

[HeavyP]

Woo!  Go Marten!

Glad he got some good times before she left!

And my $0.02, I think Marten's character has grown by leaps and bounds since the beginning of the comic; he's a level-headed and well-rounded adult.  He didn't seem to go into this expecting a long-term or long-distance relationship, it's just two people who are mutually attracted enjoying an emotional and physical connection.  Good sex, snuggling and pillow-talk, and once the sun rises they part as friends who shared something special.  Maybe another bedsheet tango before she leaves, but my personal prediction is that regardless, Marten is going to have a good outlook on life and be ready to enjoy dating again.  Though it may lead to inappropriate erections around baked goods. 

[Kugai]

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!


That is all.

[Torlek]

Ok, so I think they might be naked under the sheets in this one.

No wai!

Lol, the forum is arguing with stoutflies again. It's like a game of whack-a-mole.

Sometimes both parties just want to get laid. Is it ill-advised? Well it's not particularly well-advised but if it's consensual and they take precautions (Marten's smart enough to use a condom and it'd be a safe presumption that Padma's on the pill) there's no harm done. Will Marten be mopey about it when Padma jumps on a plane? Maybe, but if so that's his own damn fault.

Also, called it back in February.

[Tova]

Erections are never inappropriate around baked goods.

Hmmm do I post that? Why not, it's that kind of thread.

Lol, the forum is arguing with stoutflies again.

Daaaaaaaaaaaang.

[haikupoet]

Also, sex on a first date?  Padma is the definition of slut.  I think if Marten got herpes that would be a good lesson for all the readers out there, a girl putting out on the first date is usually a girl putting out for everyone.

Really?

Really?

someone has a different opinion about something than I do?

really?

really?

*is that insufferable person who says "really? really?"*

Oh, never mind then. I forgot that whenever someone decides to moralize for no particularly good reason about a character's actions which happen to be well within the bounds of normal human behavior, we're supposed to be quiet because the prudes know better than the rest of us filthy disease-ridden monkeys how we're supposed to enjoy each other's company. I'm sorry. I'll just go fill out that application for the priesthood now, because you have shown me the error of my ways. Praise PersonNamedAfterARidiculouslyExpensiveCamera!

[TRVA123]

Also, sex on a first date?  Padma is the definition of slut.  I think if Marten got herpes that would be a good lesson for all the readers out there, a girl putting out on the first date is usually a girl putting out for everyone.

Really?

Really?

someone has a different opinion about something than I do?

I don't think that akronnick was commenting on the fact that he had a different opinion than stoutfiles. I think he was expressing surprise that someone could be so... out of touch with basic ideas of human interaction, labels, STD risk, and the character precedent set by QC as a whole.

[CompSarge]

First of all: Good on ya, Marten! 

Second of all: my mom was sitting at the table behind my chair when I opened today's comic, so when I saw "Daaaaaaaaaaaang" I knew I'd have to wait until she moved.

Third of all: regarding the argument before: "Daaaaaaaaaaaang" 

[leahneedsanap]

Hey, I'm just some guy who went to a Slutwalk with no intention of trying to get laid

Oh man AND there are dudes doing it this is so great, you've reminded me of another thing to be So Happy about
Plus I am totally okay with an ongoing fact sheet.  Save everyone the time.

Oh also Padma certainly has plenty of flaws, but it's nice to see a girl in QC who goes after what she wants, has self-confidence and has problems (personal flaws, her grandmother's illness, etc) but doesn't let them rule her life.  I know the joke upon introduction of the secret bakery was that they were basically social doppelgangers for the existing crew, but at least in Padma's case, it's like they are the future, been-there-dealt-with-my-shit-about-that versions.

[Tova]

I don't think that akronnick was commenting on the fact that he had a different opinion than stoutfiles. I think he was expressing surprise that someone could be so... out of touch with basic ideas of human interaction, labels, STD risk, and the character precedent set by QC as a whole.

Not to mention that hoping that another person, even a fictional one, contract a disease does not reflect well on the person expressing that hope. To put it very mildly. It's really unnecessarily nasty.

[Lubricus]

Also, sex on a first date?  Padma is the definition of slut.  I think if Marten got herpes that would be a good lesson for all the readers out there, a girl putting out on the first date is usually a girl putting out for everyone.

Uh, seriously? That's a pretty messed up view you have there. First of all, wouldn't it depend on the situation? Padma knows Marten quite well at this point, and could even be counting the hiking trip as a "date" of sorts. And second of all, why is SHE a slut, while HE isn't? That's not a very progressive view...

[Is it cold in here?]

"I used to think I was a slut until I realized I was acting like a man".

(moderator)Don't let this turn personal. You are headed in the wrong direction if you find yourself talking about another poster and not about that person's ideas.(/moderator)

What does this mean for Marten? We've never seen him do casual. Granted that may have been for lack of opportunity, but he may believe that Sensitive Guys are supposed to get emotionally involved. Doing so now would result in making him unhappy, so it must be about to happen.

[srpilha]

people, am I really the only one who WANNNNNTS that line of underwear in the Topatoco shop FOR THIS VERY CHRISTMAS OMG PLEEZ ? Ok, I'd love it for boys too, but what a heck of a present in any case.

Also: hello Fen, here's your one bazillion cookies. Thank you so much, and do make that poster. I'm amazed that someone with a worldview like that of stoutflies reads this comic at all.

[Vurogj]

I am willing to bet she never intended to hook up at the end of the night but it just flowed that way.

She chose to wear uinderwear with writing on it. Underwear like that is designed to be seen. She knows she's on a tight schedule (leaving for Cali in what, 10ish days?), she likes Marten and thinks he likes her.
For all her protestations that she just "reacts" to situations, I'm willing to credit her with enough intelligence to have weighed up some ways the night *might* have ended and planned accordingly. While they are both drunk, they haven't yet appeared stupid drunk, merely socially drunk.

As a side note, this in no way makes her a slut, it makes her someone who, when she knows what she wants, is ready to do what it takes to get it. Go Padma.

[CompSarge]

people, am I really the only one who WANNNNNTS that line of underwear in the Topatoco shop FOR THIS VERY CHRISTMAS OMG PLEEZ ? Ok, I'd love it for boys too, but what a heck of a present in any case.

Also: hello Fen, here's your one bazillion cookies. Thank you so much, and do make that poster. I'm amazed that someone with a worldview like that of stoutflies reads this comic at all. Trolling much?

If I had a girlfriend, I'd totally get a pair for her. Sadly, I don't, and unlike Pintsize, I don't like to feel pretty sometimes.
(Also, loving the Jumbo avatar. Just started reading that manga yesterday)