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Comic Discussion => QUESTIONABLE CONTENT => Topic started by: Redball on 04 May 2014, 20:02

Title: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Redball on 04 May 2014, 20:02
Here's a poll, my first and last, and a thread. It was a slow race, and I lost.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Rghfrgl on 04 May 2014, 20:11
Week ends with Claire, Tai and sparkles.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesium133 on 04 May 2014, 21:24
mmm... scones...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jmucchiello on 04 May 2014, 21:30
The secret bakery is closed on Mondays.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: GarandMarine on 04 May 2014, 22:00
I can't tell if Veronica is like "Damn, his passion is hot" or "Damn, this guy's a little too into baked goods" in the last panel.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: techkid on 04 May 2014, 22:04
Maybe Jeph didn't reference his wall of post-it notes today (see Read or Die (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Read_or_Die))?

I don't envy bakers at all, but I do respect their work.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesariojpn on 04 May 2014, 22:16
So basically, Jim just glorified minimum wage jobs in the second to last panel.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ankhtahr on 04 May 2014, 22:42
Well, if it actually is your passion, I don't see why not.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ysth on 04 May 2014, 22:44
Jim has phrased it a little off; he's not describing a baker, he's describing a bakery owner.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Platypodes on 04 May 2014, 22:54
I can't tell if Veronica is like "Damn, his passion is hot" or "Damn, this guy's a little too into baked goods" in the last panel.
I took it as something like a combination of the two....  "Damn, his passion is hot, but he's a little insane."

Overall, this date is going awfully well.

I think V.V. appreciates that Jim is basically neutral about her work--he's not shocked or critical, but he's not into her because she's a dominatrix.

Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Tova on 04 May 2014, 23:28
So basically, Jim just glorified minimum wage jobs in the second to last panel.

If you think that business owners are glorified minimum wage workers, then I suppose so, yes.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Nepiophage on 05 May 2014, 00:02
The secret bakery is closed on Mondays.
But it's Wednesday in strip time.

Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Akima on 05 May 2014, 02:33
So basically, Jim just glorified minimum wage jobs in the second to last panel.
I don't think bakers are minimum-wage workers. Hard work is not necessarily ill-paid work, or unworthy of passion. The second last panel could almost be a Mao-era poster (Edit: Found a better picture):
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8161106368_da704624c9.jpg)
    "Self-reliance and hard work building the motherland."
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 May 2014, 02:47
I like scones.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: NilsO on 05 May 2014, 03:16
Googling "BDSM 101" returns several links. Here (http://www.transcendingboundaries.org/resources/bdsm-101.html) is one that looks informative (SFW). Not that I am any kind of expert on this subject...

Here is another poster that Jeph could have used as inspiration for today's strip:
(http://scm.ulster.ac.uk/~B00582912/communication_design/tree_img/chinese_communist.jpg)
Jim's radiant passion for true bakers, and his similarity to certain all-powerful dictators, might impress VV. She might fall for alpha males.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Schwungrad on 05 May 2014, 04:24
Jim has phrased it a little off; he's not describing a baker, he's describing a bakery owner.
His description fits the work of employed bakers as well as that of bakery-owning bakers (not, however, the work of bakery owners who mainly act as managers of their business and leave the actual baking to their employees). It's just that, as an employed baker, your willingness to work "ungodly hours" might be curbed by union regulations/workplace laws, and your passion and zeal might wane if you feel they are exploited by your employer.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Border Reiver on 05 May 2014, 07:05
So basically, Jim just glorified minimum wage jobs in the second to last panel.

If you think that business owners are glorified minimum wage workers, then I suppose so, yes.

Early in her stint of being a small business owner my wife discovered that with all the time that needed to be spent on paperwork, etc for the store, that she was getting slightly less than minimum wage....
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesium133 on 05 May 2014, 07:27
I just calculated how much I make per hour, given I typically work ~65 hours per week: $6.70/hour. Granted, I am a graduate student, though...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Barmymoo on 05 May 2014, 08:13
Hm. Working on the assumption that I work 22 weeks a year (my degree is approximately 50% placement, 50% theory but I think it's actually more like 60% placement overall), I make £6.40 an hour. That's not too bad! It's not really a wage though, it's a bursary, and thankfully not taxed.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sorflakne on 05 May 2014, 08:16
Oh Jim, you set her heart all aflutter.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Near Lurker on 05 May 2014, 09:11
I think this is the first strip of the date where Veronica's face in the final panel doesn't say "he has one-third of one second to convince me not to start walking..."
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Storel on 05 May 2014, 10:13
Jim's radiant passion for true bakers, and his similarity to certain all-powerful dictators, might impress VV. She might fall for alpha males.

If so, then why did she ever fall for Henry? He's never seemed very alpha to me...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DSL on 05 May 2014, 10:48
It's "minimum wage" if you're working to make your employer rich.
It's your passion/dream/drive/sacrifice if you're working to make yourself rich.

Define "rich" how you want to. It's not all (your local monetary unit) signs.

Me, I define "rich" as the ability to get away with saying: "You're an asshole. I won't work for you."

By that measure, I'm ... comfortably well off, if I don't get incapacitatingly sick or my car doesn't break down catastrophically in this public-transitless place which I wouldn't trade for the finest city you can think of.

Might one say Jim ... (shades) DOMINATES the local baking scene? Oh, Veronica ... you've met your match and it's set the big blender thing on fire.

Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Rghfrgl on 05 May 2014, 11:43
If so, then why did she ever fall for Henry? He's never seemed very alpha to me...

Cocaine is a hell of a drug.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Thrillho on 05 May 2014, 12:37
I think Marten's mom's vagina just skipped a beat.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Kugai on 05 May 2014, 12:40
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-PiD1S4O_ahYqISBCN_B_TwqeJZIqSsMFfvYMb1n8_amfrM3G)

THIS IS BAKED GOODS!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: hedgie on 05 May 2014, 12:44
So basically, Jim just glorified minimum wage jobs in the second to last panel.
I don't think bakers are minimum-wage workers.
When I did it, it was actually at a coffee shop, and I got paid about a whole $1.50 USD above minimum wage in exchange for working really shitty hours.  I only took the position because I only had to do it once a week, and the rest of my shifts were as a barista for the same wage (they didn't put me at on a split pay scale) and get tipped on top of the higher pay rate.  My manager on the other hand covered a fair number of baking shifts, and was actually getting less than minimum wage because he was salaried and therefore exempt from overtime.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Detachable Felix on 05 May 2014, 17:52

Might one say Jim ... (shades) DOMINATES the local baking scene? Oh, Veronica ... you've met your match and it's set the big blender thing on fire.

Once again, DSL wins Comment of the Week.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: St.Clair on 05 May 2014, 18:44
Oh Jim, no.  No.  It really doesn't.
It makes you look (as she said) like you can't be bothered, or are one of those unfortunates who can grow stubble in six hours and a full beard in a week.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 May 2014, 19:51
"unfortunates"? I think being able to grow a beard makes me fortunate indeed.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Jazzmaster on 05 May 2014, 20:10
Can someone explain why he interjected with the hair comment?  I'm not sure I quite understand it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Indicible on 05 May 2014, 20:47
I think he wants to demonstrate he made an effort  when faced with the prospect of meeting her, in comparison to going across the whole country to meet him (and see her son).
Not that it is particularly impressive an effort, but still.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Jazzmaster on 05 May 2014, 20:49
I think he wants to demonstrate he made an effort  when faced with the prospect of meeting her, in comparison to going across the whole country to meet him (and see her son).
Not that it is particularly impressive an effort, but still.

Makes sense.  The only problem is he didn't even know she'd gone across the country solely to meet him. 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: specter177 on 05 May 2014, 22:17
Or he's just trying to be honest with her.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ysth on 05 May 2014, 22:30
Can someone explain why he interjected with the hair comment?  I'm not sure I quite understand it.
She said something that indicated Things Are Happening, and he freaked from nervous hysteria and said the thing hovering in his head that he didn't want her to know.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Penquin47 on 05 May 2014, 22:37
The six-hour stubble is extremely unfortunate when your school enforces a no-facial-hair code strictly.  With cheap razors.

Naturally, we have a freshman who now has to spend his lunch period going home to shave.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: KOK on 05 May 2014, 23:31
I think he wants to demonstrate he made an effort  when faced with the prospect of meeting her, in comparison to going across the whole country to meet him (and see her son).
Not that it is particularly impressive an effort, but still.

Makes sense.  The only problem is he didn't even know she'd gone across the country solely to meet him.
What else could it be? Why lie to him if the true purpose was e.g. seeing Marten?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Kugai on 06 May 2014, 00:02
It's her dominant energy that makes him do it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: TinPenguin on 06 May 2014, 00:57
The six-hour stubble is extremely unfortunate when your school enforces a no-facial-hair code strictly.  With cheap razors.

Naturally, we have a freshman who now has to spend his lunch period going home to shave.

So would they actually chuck you out of the school if you grew a beard? What the fuck is that.


Anyway, tangential comment: This might be the first instance I've seen of a cartoonist deliberately drawing a particular species of tree, rather than a general brown and green shape. Hooray for birch.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Akima on 06 May 2014, 02:30
Can someone explain why he interjected with the hair comment?  I'm not sure I quite understand it.
Veronica made a confession of deception, so he felt impelled to come clean about something he was perhaps insecure about?

The six-hour stubble is extremely unfortunate when your school enforces a no-facial-hair code strictly.
What do they do about Sikh, arguably Muslim, or Haredi Jewish students? Is this one of those "neutral" grooming standards that is really covert racist or religious bigotry?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 May 2014, 02:59
What the hell? What kind of school would do that? :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sidhekin on 06 May 2014, 03:13
Can someone explain why he interjected with the hair comment?  I'm not sure I quite understand it.
Veronica made a confession of deception, so he felt impelled to come clean about something he was perhaps insecure about?
That was my impression.  Well, not necessarily impelled.  Making a good first impression is nice, deceiving is less so.  He may have wanted to come clean, and V gave him a good opportunity.

The six-hour stubble is extremely unfortunate when your school enforces a no-facial-hair code strictly.
What do they do about Sikh, arguably Muslim, or Haredi Jewish students? Is this one of those "neutral" grooming standards that is really covert racist or religious bigotry?
I second that question.

And I question such a standard in any case: I'm neither Sikh, Muslim, nor Jew, but I keep my beard, and kept it even in the army.  (Of course, this was the Norwegian army.  For two weeks, before I was transferred to the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment.)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DSL on 06 May 2014, 04:18
Does it have to be "covert racist or religious bigotry" and not just simple ignorance?
Anyone with experience of a small(ish)-town U.S. local school board will understand my question, especially in an area in which people who differ visibly from the local norm are in short supply.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 May 2014, 04:43
like you can't be bothered
To be fair, this is why I shave so infrequently. I mean, I'm currently growing out a goatee (and it's an awesome goatee) but I should probably shave the other parts more often as opposed to every week or two.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 06 May 2014, 05:44
I just calculated how much I make per hour, given I typically work ~65 hours per week: $6.70/hour. Granted, I am a graduate student, though...

Wow! I make just shy of $30/hour, and that's not far above average here in Norway.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Storel on 06 May 2014, 10:08
I just calculated how much I make per hour, given I typically work ~65 hours per week: $6.70/hour. Granted, I am a graduate student, though...

Wow! I make just shy of $30/hour, and that's not far above average here in Norway.  :psyduck:

Yes, but how much of that do you get to keep, after taxes are removed? I've heard that Scandinavian taxes are pretty high by U.S. standards.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Platypodes on 06 May 2014, 11:47
like you can't be bothered
To be fair, this is why I shave so infrequently. I mean, I'm currently growing out a goatee (and it's an awesome goatee) but I should probably shave the other parts more often as opposed to every week or two.
That can be fine day-to-day, but for a big important date you want to look like you cared enough to "be bothered."  Like wearing something nice even if your day-to-day is old t-shirts.

I had the same thought as V.V. when I first saw Jim's date hair--"He was so eager to impress that he dyed his grey, but didn't shave??"
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 May 2014, 12:12
Well yeah, if I had occasion I'd shave.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Barmymoo on 06 May 2014, 12:34
I take a similar approach to shaving my legs and wearing makeup - I only bother for special occasions, not because I think those things make me look better but because they make me look different which feels kind of fancy.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 May 2014, 12:45
Well I shave because after a while it starts to itch and the longer I wait the harder it is when I do shave.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Storel on 06 May 2014, 13:54
I'm particularly interested in Jeph's note at the bottom saying OH MY GOSH QC VOLUME 4 IS FINALLY ON SALE!!! (http://www.topatoco.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=TO&Product_Code=QC-VOLUMEFOUR&Category_Code=QC).

Quote from: QC Volume 4 product page
Volume 4 is a different size than the others! It's now easier to hold and more fun to read and each page is half a comic!

Nice, I hope that means the word balloons will be larger and easier to read -- my middle-aged eyes have a really hard time trying to read volumes 1-3. And yes, I know I'm overdue for bifocals...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: NilsO on 06 May 2014, 14:14
I'm particularly interested in Jeph's note at the bottom saying OH MY GOSH QC VOLUME 4 IS FINALLY ON SALE!!! (http://www.topatoco.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=TO&Product_Code=QC-VOLUMEFOUR&Category_Code=QC).
Already ordered. But why are the albums so far behind the Web comics? Does it take a very long time to print and collect them into an album?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Rghfrgl on 06 May 2014, 14:28
(http://www.questionablecontent.net/images/qc-vol04.jpg)

QC volume 4. Featuring Hannerbutt.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Penquin47 on 06 May 2014, 14:35
Quote
So would they actually chuck you out of the school if you grew a beard? What the fuck is that.

No, they don't chuck you out of school.  They call you out of class to come to the office, be handed a cheap-ass razor from the dollar store and some shaving cream, and told to get shavin'.

Quote
What do they do about Sikh, arguably Muslim, or Haredi Jewish students? Is this one of those "neutral" grooming standards that is really covert racist or religious bigotry?

They wonder what the hell they're doing in a small town in West Texas?  ;)  Seriously, I don't know what they would do in such a situation, but to the best of my knowledge there are no Sikh, Muslim, or Jewish students in our district.  I'm not sure *why* we have the policy, but I can't imagine the district would want the lawsuit that would go with forcing a member of those religions to shave.

Then again, this is the same district that says grace before our monthly birthday luncheons (attendance not mandatory), has an after-school Bible study group for teachers (not mandatory), and arranges the calendar to be sure we're out of school on Good Friday, even if that means extending the school year because we need to make up a snow day.  So, yanno.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: FunkyTuba on 06 May 2014, 15:26
They'd probably start with the whole "Constitution says *congress* shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, but *we're* not *congress*" gambit, then they'd get smacked down in the lower courts with lawyers talking about  "secular purpose" and "primary effect" and "excessive entanglement". They'd appeal, causing Fox News and MSNBC to passiveaggressively natter back and forth with each other before the majority-catholic supreme court would make some ruling that would result in lawyers making a big pile of money.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesium133 on 06 May 2014, 15:34

Quote
What do they do about Sikh, arguably Muslim, or Haredi Jewish students? Is this one of those "neutral" grooming standards that is really covert racist or religious bigotry?

They wonder what the hell they're doing in a small town in West Texas?  ;)
Well, where else are you going to find good beef brisket?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 May 2014, 20:18
MAXIMUM WEIRDNESS
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesium133 on 06 May 2014, 20:20
Okay, so Veronica's son, Marten, previously dated Dora, who Jim dated once, and he also had a relationship with Jim's employee, Padma. Jim's 13-year-old daughter is at Dora's shop. Hmm... how can we make this more awkward... do any of the characters in either shop have a ~13-year-old brother for Sam to share an awkward almost-kiss with? (hey, that's as far as I went when I was that age...)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: sluthy on 06 May 2014, 20:43
Okay, so Veronica's son, Marten, previously dated Dora, who Jim dated once, and he also had a relationship with Jim's employee, Padma.

...and he is an employee of Tai (sort of), who Dora is dating now - and whose idea this date was in the first place.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 May 2014, 21:18
Well, if you want more weirdness, Dora could bring up she discovered her sexuality by looking at pictures of Veronica...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Game and Watch Forever on 06 May 2014, 21:30
Hmm... is there enough thumbtacks and colored string in the world to map this one out (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1089)?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: sluthy on 06 May 2014, 22:22
Hmm... is there enough thumbtacks and colored string in the world to map this one out (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1089)?

I've had a crack using the colour scheme I assume she used:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/alagm85wah6j5ie/qc.png (https://www.dropbox.com/s/alagm85wah6j5ie/qc.png)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ankhtahr on 06 May 2014, 22:23
I wonder if Sam is going to prompt some decision of Veronica. So far they're just on a date. But I can totally see Sam asking whether they are going to kiss or something.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 May 2014, 22:29
Hmm... is there enough thumbtacks and colored string in the world to map this one out (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1089)?

I've had a crack using the colour scheme I assume she used:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/alagm85wah6j5ie/qc.png (https://www.dropbox.com/s/alagm85wah6j5ie/qc.png)

What does the red stand for?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Schmee on 06 May 2014, 23:03
I don't recall Marten banging Tai, so... friendship?
Pink line is "Dated", green is "Family", the thin pink arrow is "Diddled self to", I'm not sure about the purple. "Business or Employment", maybe?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 06 May 2014, 23:36
Weird? No weirder than reality. I actually saw a diagram like this when I was 20. But it had 42 vertices, and several thousand lines. Vertices carefully unlabelled, so even though I knew my vertex, I never knew who were the 2 people who secretly "admired" me (according to the colour code).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 06 May 2014, 23:38
Hmm... is there enough thumbtacks and colored string in the world to map this one out (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1089)?

I've had a crack using the colour scheme I assume she used:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/alagm85wah6j5ie/qc.png (https://www.dropbox.com/s/alagm85wah6j5ie/qc.png)

Hang on - who's "Martin"? I haven't come across a character with that name, I think...  :wink:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 May 2014, 23:40
mmmm.. red=friendship would make sense. I was thinking purple=friendship. so that threw me off. But purple=business relationship also makes sense.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: NilsO on 06 May 2014, 23:45
MAXIMUM WEIRDNESS
Sam meeting Veronica: Sam is into swordfighting (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2345) and masks (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2346), so I guess some of Veronica's accessories will appeal to Sam (if not swords, I bet Veronica has a good collection of whips). Sadly, they are currently in Veronica's hotel room, so I guess we will not see them tomorrow. Sam will have some real awkward questions for Veronica.

Veronica meeting Dora: This may be the main reason Veronica came (it is really a business trip, after all). Veronica wants to retire, and is looking for someone to take over her business. Dora fits her requirements perfectly.

Jim meeting Dora: Meh. They just went on a date. Jim uses Dora regularly as a babysitter. Besides, they are business partners, sort of (trading cookies for coffee).

Marten and Tai (and Momo?) are probably also at CoD, they hang out there all the time.

Marten meeting Jim: Dad #3? He might ask if Jim has heard from Padma.

Marten meeting Sam: They have met previously at the Secret Bakery (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2012), and on the hiking trip (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2017). Marten thinks Sam has a bad influence on Momo. He might re-evaluate her as a possible stepsister.

Sam and Momo might go frog-hunting (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2026) again when they meet at CoD  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesariojpn on 07 May 2014, 02:07
Veronica meeting Dora: This may be the main reason Veronica came (it is really a business trip, after all). Veronica wants to retire, and is looking for someone to take over her business. Dora fits her requirements perfectly.

Goddamn kids not wanting to inherit the family business.... (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1305) It's selfish acts like this that is ruining society in some parts of the world. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQdtOzwRbWk&noredirect=1)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Mlle Germain on 07 May 2014, 02:24
Veronica meeting Dora: This may be the main reason Veronica came (it is really a business trip, after all). Veronica wants to retire, and is looking for someone to take over her business. Dora fits her requirements perfectly.
I seriously doubt that this is what's going on.

Hang on - who's "Martin"? I haven't come across a character with that name, I think...  :wink:
This is probably ridiculous, but for some reason seeing Marten referred to as Martin always really bugs me. I don't know why, exactly. Maybe because to me, they're very different names and it would be like Hanners being referred to as Hanna, Dora as Dorothee, Marigold as Maria, Dale as David etc. It's just not them if the name's wrong...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: sluthy on 07 May 2014, 03:25
Yes alright I screwed up Martin/Marten. I was at work and I rushed it, fixed now.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: GarandMarine on 07 May 2014, 04:24
Veronica turns the tables!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ankhtahr on 07 May 2014, 04:39
I don't know why, exactly.

I'd guess that being German causes it, as Martin is a common German name, which is pronounced like Mar-teen, the stress being on the second syllable. So it is a very different name than Marten.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Schmorgluck on 07 May 2014, 04:41
I love how Jeph tends to go for "comedy of raw honesty" instead of the more common "comedy of errors".
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sidhekin on 07 May 2014, 04:45
I love how Jeph tends to go for "comedy of raw honesty" instead of the more common "comedy of errors".
Oh, that's why I like QC?  I've been wondering.

Okay, I'm kidding.  (I know I like QC for the banter.)  But yes, I've kinda had my fill of "comedy of errors".  The tendency towards "comedy of raw honesty" is a refreshing aspect of QC, and one I had not consciously noticed before.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2014, 04:46
I don't know why, exactly.

I'd guess that being German causes it, as Martin is a common German name, which is pronounced like Mar-teen, the stress being on the second syllable. So it is a very different name than Marten.
Interesting. Over here, they're pronounced the same, or at least I think they are.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Zebediah on 07 May 2014, 04:57
Enhance awkwardness with maximum weirdness!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sidhekin on 07 May 2014, 05:00
I don't know why, exactly.

I'd guess that being German causes it, as Martin is a common German name, which is pronounced like Mar-teen, the stress being on the second syllable. So it is a very different name than Marten.
Interesting. Over here, they're pronounced the same, or at least I think they are.
They're homophones in some accents, according to Wiktionary, which also gives the following pronunciations:

Martin: /ˈmɑɹ.tn̩/ (US), /ˈmɑː.tɪn/ (UK);
Marten: /ˈmɑtən/ (US), /ˈmɑː(ɹ).tɪn/, /ˈmɑː(ɹ).tən/ (UK)

... which seems to suggest they're homophones in the UK only.

merriam-webster.com, however, gives \ˈmär-tən\ for both, so I guess it's good enough over there as well.  (And I guess the Websters have their own PA as well ...)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Mlle Germain on 07 May 2014, 05:07
If Marten and Martin have the same pronounciation in English, I have a wrong pereception of English pronounciation.

Ankhtahr is right about the German pronounciation, the i is longer than in English, which in German means it's an eee sound. Except I think the stress is still on the first syllable 'Mar-teen, not Mar-'teen.
In English, I thought Martin was pronounced Mah-tin with tin as in the metal tin (one doesn't hear the r in British English). And I've actually heard both of the Martins I know in England being pronounced like this all the time.
On the other hand, I would pronounce Marten more like Mah-ten with ten as in 10 - but with the e pronounced less, almost as if it was just Mah-tn. (And Pintsize seems to do as well: http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1312)

Ok, thinking about it a bit more, they're certainly closer in English than in German if you don't pay attention, but still not the same in the way Katherine and Catherine or Philipp and Filip (and the many other spellings of this name - I can never spell it right) are, right?

PS. This is really not me bashing people who misspell Marten; I'm genuinely interested.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Thrillho on 07 May 2014, 05:28
In UK English it's the exact same pronunciation to the point that I don't know how else I would say 'Marten'.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: SomeCanadianWeirdo on 07 May 2014, 06:00
Don't forget about Claire.  Veronica was pumping up Marten to her when they attended Marten's dad's wedding.  If Claire shows up at Coffee of Doom when Veronica and Jim do things could get even more interesting.  And as far as we know at the moment Marten is the only one, besides Clinton of course, who knows Claire is transitioning, which could complicate things if that fact somehow came out in the middle of this.

Oh, and as far as pronunciation goes I'm sure some English speakers will pronounce the second syllables in Martin and Marten as tin and ten respectively, just as others will pronounce them roughly the same.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: GarandMarine on 07 May 2014, 07:04
Holy shit Claire and Marten getting in the middle of this mess of weird and awkward would be fucking beautiful. As well as delicious ship bait. With custard on top.

You pronounce the last bit of "Marten" like the number "ten" and Martin like the metal "tin".

Also I really doubt Jeph would use Claire's status as a trans* person for a quick gag like that... he (to my eyes) did a really good job with her coming out and handled it like the serious subject that it is, and has never used it as a "comedy" thing. Which is good.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Thrillho on 07 May 2014, 07:11
I can only imagine 'Marten' in an over-exaggerated Southern drawl.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 07 May 2014, 07:12

In UK English it's the exact same pronunciation to the point that I don't know how else I would say 'Marten'.

I pronounce them close but not the same.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Border Reiver on 07 May 2014, 08:48
Holy shit Claire and Marten getting in the middle of this mess of weird and awkward would be fucking beautiful. As well as delicious ship bait. With custard on top.

<snip>
Also I really doubt Jeph would use Claire's status as a trans* person for a quick gag like that... he (to my eyes) did a really good job with her coming out and handled it like the serious subject that it is, and has never used it as a "comedy" thing. Which is good.

I also doubt Jeph would use Claire for cheap laughs, but if the whole gang was at CoD, it would maximize the awkwardness of the event and require more ridiculousity than we've seen in a while to overcome. 

 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ankhtahr on 07 May 2014, 09:34
I'd rather expect Tai and Claire to fall into the RomCom Squeeing mode.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: KOK on 07 May 2014, 10:15
It would be just like in a romantic comedy.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Rghfrgl on 07 May 2014, 10:25
Goddamn kids not wanting to inherit the family business.... (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1305)

"I'm going to tie you up and whip you now. Are you OK with that? You're sure? I don't want to do anything you aren't 100% comfortable with."

Marten, you are the worst dominatrix ever.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Thrillho on 07 May 2014, 12:40
This is why we have safe words, because you kinda have to get used to 'OH GOD NO NO THAT HURTS PLEASE DON'T.'
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2014, 12:45
I don't think I'd ever be able to hurt someone, even if they wanted me to. That's just me though.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Schmorgluck on 07 May 2014, 12:47
And as far as we know at the moment Marten is the only one, besides Clinton of course, who knows Claire is transitioning, which could complicate things if that fact somehow came out in the middle of this.
For one thing, I'm not sure "transitioning" is really the adequate word to use about Claire's current status, but my grasp on that matter is sketchy.
For two, you forgot about Emily. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2572) How dare you forget about Emily?

Slight tangent: in order to retrieve the comic linked above, I used TV Tropes' "Heartwarming" page for QC. I tend to use more and more the "Heartwarming", "Funny", "Awesome" and "Tear Jerker" TV Tropes pages for webcomics I like in order to retrieve specific pages, because it's often quite efficient. Am I the only one to do that?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Thrillho on 07 May 2014, 13:40
I don't think I'd ever be able to hurt someone, even if they wanted me to. That's just me though.

If there's one thing I've learned, Method Man, it's that you and I are very different people.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Barmymoo on 07 May 2014, 13:41
Yeah I think Claire is transitioned, if that's even a useful concept in this context. I don't see why it would come out that Claire is a trans woman though, why is that relevant even if she and Marten did start dating (for which there is no evidence in the strip - so let's not launch the ship just yet)?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2014, 14:00
I don't think I'd ever be able to hurt someone, even if they wanted me to. That's just me though.

If there's one thing I've learned, Method Man, it's that you and I are very different people.
In some ways, yeah.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 07 May 2014, 14:21
I don't think I'd ever be able to hurt someone, even if they wanted me to. That's just me though.
I used to think that too.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2014, 14:24
Interesting.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Kugai on 07 May 2014, 14:58
The plot thickens

Or will we need Tin Hats?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesium133 on 07 May 2014, 15:07
Little tin hats.... yessssss...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Storel on 07 May 2014, 15:08
Oh, and as far as pronunciation goes I'm sure some English speakers will pronounce the second syllables in Martin and Marten as tin and ten respectively, just as others will pronounce them roughly the same.

This. If I pronounce Martin and Marten without thinking about it, both their second syllables come out with the indeterminate vowel sound that is usually represented in dictionaries and in IPA with an upside-down 'e' (a schwa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwa)). If I concentrate, I might pronounce -tin and -ten like the respective words, but for the most part I don't bother.

(I also tend to pronounce the 't' in that name as a very soft, almost implied 't' rather than the hard 't' I would use if I were actually saying "tin" or "ten", and I do say "Mar" distinctly rather than "Mah". So my pronunciation is something like MAR'ən, where the apostrophe is a glottal stop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glottal_stop).)

"I'm going to tie you up and whip you now. Are you OK with that? You're sure? I don't want to do anything you aren't 100% comfortable with."

Marten, you are the worst dominatrix ever.

Yes, that is exactly what Marten would be like as a dom!  :laugh:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Zwammy on 07 May 2014, 16:29
I don't think I'd ever be able to hurt someone, even if they wanted me to. That's just me though.

I'm with you on this one. Each to their own, however.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2014, 16:52
Absolutely.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 07 May 2014, 17:14
Batten down the hatches:

Quote from: '@jephjacques (twitter)'
just wrote two comics where shit is kind of getting bonkers
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shjade on 07 May 2014, 17:36
I don't think I'd ever be able to hurt someone, even if they wanted me to. That's just me though.

It's unsettling to think this about yourself for most of your life only to find out that you not only can, but you enjoy it way, way too much.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2014, 17:42
We should take this discussion to the TMI thread.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2014, 17:58
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay also typo in panel 1 but yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Game and Watch Forever on 07 May 2014, 18:12
(http://i.imgur.com/dkToboq.jpg)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Zebediah on 07 May 2014, 18:17
Well, that escalated quickly.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ankhtahr on 07 May 2014, 18:58
oh, uhm, hehehe
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Estron on 07 May 2014, 20:34
Veronica turns the tables!

Jim turns 'em right back!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 07 May 2014, 20:43
Oh, if she would only use her powers for good instead of evil....
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DSL on 07 May 2014, 20:46
Jim's stubble seems to be more pronounced.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: SuctionCup Caper Two on 07 May 2014, 21:49
 :-o 

So what is Friday's cliffhanger.... daaaang.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 07 May 2014, 22:10
And as far as we know at the moment Marten is the only one, besides Clinton of course, who knows Claire is transitioning, which could complicate things if that fact somehow came out in the middle of this.

Claire has also told Emily. Who might not be able to keep herself from blurting it out, I might add...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sidhekin on 07 May 2014, 23:25
(http://i.imgur.com/dkToboq.jpg)
I don't think it's French yet.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: NilsO on 08 May 2014, 01:04
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay also typo in panel 1 but yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
Yay indeed. The title "Sudden Gradient Onset" probably refers to the pink gradient background in panel #4? I guess Jeph uses gradient backgrounds all the time, but probably not pink very often.

Why is Veronica keeping her eyes open? You are supposed to close them, right? Is she cold and calculating in this situation? If so, what is she trying to achieve? Or is the whole situation (dialog + kiss) just a habit from her dominatrix career? She sure knows how to dominate Jim.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 08 May 2014, 01:16
It looks to me like she's simply surprised by the kiss.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Thrillho on 08 May 2014, 01:20
Yeah she just wasn't expecting it methinks.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 08 May 2014, 01:21
Why is Veronica keeping her eyes open? You are supposed to close them, right?
No, you are supposed to kiss however the fuck you want.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 08 May 2014, 01:26
Why is Veronica keeping her eyes open? You are supposed to close them, right?
No, you are supposed to kiss however the fuck you want.

+1 intarwebz for this reply!  8-)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 May 2014, 04:41
Honestly, I've never really understood the whole closing eyes thing. I mean I sometimes do, but usually not.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: NilsO on 08 May 2014, 04:55
It looks to me like she's simply surprised by the kiss.
What I think is unclear, is who initiated the kiss. I had the impression it was Veronica.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 May 2014, 04:57
Really? I thought it was perfectly clear that panel 3 was him processing her statement in panel 2, and acting on it in panel 4. She's definitely surprised, but panel 5 makes it seem that she's not at all displeased.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 08 May 2014, 06:02
Honestly, I've never really understood the whole closing eyes thing. I mean I sometimes do, but usually not.
Reasons for closing your eyes:
* concentrating on the feeling of kissing and probably other touches by your partner
* relishing the sense of security you have

Reasons for not closing your eyes:
* seeing your partner up close
* if neither of you closes your eyes, you can look into each other's eyes


What direction do you lean your head when kissing?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Schwungrad on 08 May 2014, 06:24
To the left. I'm right-handed.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Mlle Germain on 08 May 2014, 07:28
I often close my eyes while kissing, but not nearly always. Looking into each others eyes is also nice.

What direction do you lean your head when kissing?
That depends.
And now for the incredibly romantic thing on which it mostly depends: Everybody will at different times breathe more through one nostril than the other (this just seems to be a thing the nose does), but since I'm allergic against tons of things in the air around me, my nose is a little stuffed at all times, so I usually can really only breathe comfortably through one of my nostrils. So when kissing with noses touching, my nose has to be on the side that leaves the "good nostril" open - the one that's already stuffed can be on the side that touches my boyfriend's nose. Otherwise the enjoyment of the kiss is drastically lowered by not being able to breathe properly.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: HiFranc on 08 May 2014, 08:08
Veronica looks shocked so that means that:

Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Cattus on 08 May 2014, 09:34
I think that Sam's going to have a cow when she meets Veronica (in a good way).  Then when she finds out what Veronica does her head will explode - it will be like a girl scout getting ALL the badges at the same time.  Veronica is off the wall enough for Sam to be ecstatic.  Like when Clinton met Hanners and found out who her Dad was.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Welu on 08 May 2014, 12:37
EEEEE!!  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: GarandMarine on 08 May 2014, 12:59
(http://stickerish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/VictoryGuyBlackSS.png)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Kugai on 08 May 2014, 14:30
Tin Hats be damned!

*Puts on MI Powered Armour Suit*
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: GarandMarine on 08 May 2014, 15:56
*flees from the fully armed and armored cap trooper that is suddenly where Kugai was*
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Zebediah on 08 May 2014, 20:04
Veronica just intimidates the hell out of some people. First Claire and now Samantha. Memo to Veronica: Turn off your dom-voice when you aren't working!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ankhtahr on 08 May 2014, 20:09
d'awww  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Indicible on 08 May 2014, 20:33
I don't think she used dom-mode on Sam. It's just she is a damn good-looking woman and that can be intimidating.

For the record: BDSM does not mean you have to hurt the partner. Tied-up tickling games are a part of BDSM and tickling is as far removed from hurting as you can find. The goal of BDSM is mainly the feeling of helplessness for the sub and the feeling of control for the dom that follows the situations. Pain is meerey a way to enhance some situations.
Of course, you will find some who are into some pretty extreme stuff (knife play, think Mack the Knife from the last episode of Criminal Minds), but they are stretching the boundaries, here. They are to BDSM what Mr Creosote is to gastronomy.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Redball on 08 May 2014, 20:36
The answer's probably obvious, but what's Sam doing in the first panel?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesium133 on 08 May 2014, 20:38
The answer's probably obvious, but what's Sam doing in the first panel?
SCIENCE!  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 May 2014, 20:52
Now we have a panel to use in the next caption contest.

Sam may simply be unsure what to do around unfamiliar adults. Aunt Pugnacious Peach made it easy for her by structuring the interaction around practical things. For many people handling a sword feels safer than making small talk.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: sluthy on 08 May 2014, 20:59
Did Faye change shirts in panel 2, or did Jeph accidentally reuse Sam's shorts colour in panels 3 and 4?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 08 May 2014, 21:30
I think Jeph screwed up with Faye's shirt in the last two panels.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 08 May 2014, 21:39
The goal of BDSM is mainly the feeling of helplessness for the sub and the feeling of control for the dom that follows the situations.
(emphasis mine)
Huh. Not at all how I would have described it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: mabhatter on 08 May 2014, 22:09
The answer's probably obvious, but what's Sam doing in the first panel?
It must have had surprising results because Faye's shirt changed color to match Sam's shorts in the last panel.

It is safe for such a young girl to know the secrets of Baking Arts AND a Barista Science? That seems like a lot of responsibility.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 08 May 2014, 22:11
I think Jeph screwed up with Faye's shirt in the last two panels.

Looks like he forgot about Sam's leg in the last panel as well.

Warning - while you were typing a new trend has come into fashion. You may wish to review your attire.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ysth on 08 May 2014, 23:05
The answer's probably obvious, but what's Sam doing in the first panel?
SCIENCE!  :-D
And from the color, Coffee Science.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: NilsO on 08 May 2014, 23:15
The answer's probably obvious, but what's Sam doing in the first panel?
SCIENCE!  :-D
It is a test tube (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test_tube) and a laboratory flask (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laboratory_flask). Is Sam learning how to make secret coffee recipes, or is she experimenting to make the next big hit in the barista world?

Regarding Sam's reaction to Veronica: Does she recognize Veronica from pictures she has seen? Remember, Dora looked at pictures of Veronica (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1047) when she was fourteen years old.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 08 May 2014, 23:31
Yes, Dora did look at those pictures - but her dad had them before she did.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: KOK on 08 May 2014, 23:41
For the record: BDSM does not mean you have to hurt the partner. Tied-up tickling games are a part of BDSM and tickling is as far removed from hurting as you can find. The goal of BDSM is mainly the feeling of helplessness for the sub and the feeling of control for the dom that follows the situations. Pain is meerey a way to enhance some situations.
Of course, you will find some who are into some pretty extreme stuff (knife play, think Mack the Knife from the last episode of Criminal Minds), but they are stretching the boundaries, here. They are to BDSM what Mr Creosote is to gastronomy.

BDSM-people are a varied lot, with many different tastes.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 May 2014, 23:44
The Pugnacious Peach said she was thoroughly intimidated by Ms. Reed, and that started while Ms. Reed was being sociable and before the "Bosch paintings" comment. If she had that effect on an assertive adult, imagine what she's like to someone Sam's age.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sidhekin on 08 May 2014, 23:46
Has it been established who was first?  As I recall, Dora was surprised ("what?! not him too!") when briefed on that awkward moment ...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: FunkyTuba on 08 May 2014, 23:46
Shy Sam is Cutest Sam
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 09 May 2014, 00:01
For the record: BDSM does not mean you have to hurt the partner. Tied-up tickling games are a part of BDSM and tickling is as far removed from hurting as you can find. The goal of BDSM is mainly the feeling of helplessness for the sub and the feeling of control for the dom that follows the situations. Pain is meerey a way to enhance some situations.
Of course, you will find some who are into some pretty extreme stuff (knife play, think Mack the Knife from the last episode of Criminal Minds), but they are stretching the boundaries, here. They are to BDSM what Mr Creosote is to gastronomy.

BDSM-people are a varied lot, with many different tastes.

Yeah, the "SM" part of the acronym stands for sadism and masochism, which is very much tied to pain.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Neko_Ali on 09 May 2014, 00:05
Not necessarily. There are ways to participate in sadomasochism that don't involve pain. Humiliation and pleasure denial are but two ways. And not everyone in the BDSM world is into all parts of it, of course.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: NilsO on 09 May 2014, 00:19
The Pugnacious Peach said she was thoroughly intimidated by Ms. Reed, and that started while Ms. Reed was being sociable and before the "Bosch paintings" comment. If she had that effect on an assertive adult, imagine what she's like to someone Sam's age.
You are referring to strip #459 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=459). Yes, if Veronica can intimidate Faye, imagine how poor Sam must feel right now. Still, Veronica only greeted her in a friendly way. It must be something with Veronica's eyes or body language that scare people.

EDIT: Perhaps Veronica is attracted to Jim because he is the first male that has not been intimidated by her?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Akima on 09 May 2014, 02:32
I think Jeph screwed up with Faye's shirt in the last two panels.
Or in the first; it's outvoted.

Looks like he forgot about Sam's leg in the last panel as well.
Simply hidden by Faye's hip and thigh, I think.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: KOK on 09 May 2014, 03:05
Her shirt is orange in 2695
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 09 May 2014, 03:24
Looks like he forgot about Sam's leg in the last panel as well.
Simply hidden by Faye's hip and thigh, I think.

Sorry, I meant next to last. The leg seems to be miscoloured.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: KOK on 09 May 2014, 04:09
Has it been established who was first?  As I recall, Dora was surprised ("what?! not him too!") when briefed on that awkward moment ...

Dora says that it was the only porn she had access to. I take that to mean it was her father's.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 May 2014, 04:25
He probably knew of VV before Dora was born.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Redball on 09 May 2014, 04:50
The answer's probably obvious, but what's Sam doing in the first panel?
SCIENCE!  :-D
It is a test tube (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test_tube) and a laboratory flask (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laboratory_flask). Is Sam learning how to make secret coffee recipes, or is she experimenting to make the next big hit in the barista world?
One of the joys of Sam's visits to the comic is the relationship with Faye. And always a different expression of it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Indicible on 09 May 2014, 10:54
On BDSM:
Everything has to stay SSC, which is why inflicting too much pain would cross the "sane" limit normally imposed. Hence why I say pain is here to enhance, but could not really become the focus of the game.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 May 2014, 12:09
SSC?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Neko_Ali on 09 May 2014, 12:27
Safe, Sane and Consensual.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 May 2014, 12:27
Ahh. Thanks.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Thrillho on 09 May 2014, 12:38
This is where the difference between 'hurt' and 'harm' comes in, but then this is a discussion for at least two other different threads.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Kugai on 09 May 2014, 15:42
Dawwwww   :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Zwammy on 09 May 2014, 18:57
Shy Sam is Cutest Sam

I second that!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 09 May 2014, 21:47
I've finally realized it.

Jephzibah draws people reaching out for handshakes in the same way. Or at least I'm fairly certain that this recent Veronica hand is quite similar to...well now that I think it, to when Tai reached out for a handshake ("Pleased to meetcha") to Veronica back in the day ("I just love the butchy ones!").

And both are a little different from my own I think. Huh.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: rae on 10 May 2014, 05:17
So cute.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: KOK on 10 May 2014, 05:55
I've finally realized it.

Jephzibah draws people reaching out for handshakes in the same way. Or at least I'm fairly certain that this recent Veronica hand is quite similar to...well now that I think it, to when Tai reached out for a handshake ("Pleased to meetcha") to Veronica back in the day ("I just love the butchy ones!").

And both are a little different from my own I think. Huh.

Here is another http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2380 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2380). Not so alike.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 10 May 2014, 09:32
Do we call that a handshake? I hadn't thought of that.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 10 May 2014, 09:34
I thought that was a prequel to a handkiss.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Fenriswolf on 10 May 2014, 21:37
Mostly a lurker but no one's specified this I don't think: BDSM = Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission and Sadism and Masochism. Just because you're into one of those doesn't mean you're into the other. I am all about D/s but mostly just find bondage interesting and am not really into S&M except peripherally.  /can't help attempting clarification.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Schmorgluck on 10 May 2014, 22:30
Some days ago, I heard a professional dominatrix on the radio saying that the 'S' is problematic, since a true sadist won't care at all for their sub's desires and feelings.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: toffee-skye on 11 May 2014, 09:11
Some days ago, I heard a professional dominatrix on the radio saying that the 'S' is problematic, since a true sadist won't care at all for their sub's desires and feelings.

sadism is a tricky word to use describing BDSM, but i don't know what else would fit.. obviously real, true sadism is frightening and aftercare is a big part of BDSM, so i can see the professional dominatrix's point.

poor Shy Sam. she looks petrified. maybe she's shy because this is the first time someone's really been there as a prospective step mother? i know it's way too early to be fetching confetti and dresses, but VV is very different to Dora; she's assertive, mature, cool and just.. older. maybe Sam's so intimidated because it's the first time she's been presented with the notion of a step parent?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 11 May 2014, 13:57
With all the change and emotional upheaval that would entail?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shjade on 12 May 2014, 02:02
Some days ago, I heard a professional dominatrix on the radio saying that the 'S' is problematic, since a true sadist won't care at all for their sub's desires and feelings.

Statements like "True X" generally make me skeptical. A "true" sadist is someone who gets gratification through causing pain in some form. You don't need to also be a sociopath to be a sadist.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Thrillho on 12 May 2014, 02:10
Actually that's a good point.

I mean, I'm a sadist. I enjoy inflicting pain on sexual partners. I enjoy their pain. Doesn't make me a sociopath. If I caused them any harm rather than pain I would be distraught.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shjade on 12 May 2014, 09:37
Exactly. And I'm sure that you'd check with your partner prior to such behavior to confirm it's something they'd enjoy receiving, since otherwise what's the point.

Mutual gratification is the goal. If it's one-sided, sadism alone isn't the problem.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: toffee-skye on 16 May 2014, 12:59
With all the change and emotional upheaval that would entail?

precisely! Sam seems used to a single-parent household now, whether it's just her mum or just her dad. whilst the divorce is fresh in the timeline, i'm willing to bet she can get a little anxious still at the idea of her newer position being changed.

of course i could be talking out my arse, but you know! love a bit of spinning  :-P

EDIT: i just realized i bumped the old comic discussion thread. D: apologies!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2696-2700 (5 May-9 May 2014) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Pilchard123 on 16 May 2014, 13:04
Oh no! How terrible! :P