This also reminds me of how I’ve come to answer questions from the general public (you know, those strange non-T people) about things like the Bowflex, the Total Gym and even the Atkins Diet.
You know the type:
“Chris, does the Bowflex work?”
“Compared to doing nothing but clicking on the TV remote, yes, it works… but there are better, cheaper options.” Then I go into the free weight spiel.
OR
“Chris, is Atkins a good diet?”
“Compared to your current Twinkie and Pepsi diet, yes, it’s great… but there are smarter choices out there.”
While I used to want to strangle these people, I’ve learned to see their questions as an opportunity, and recognize this as their first steps into what could be something very positive.
Also, I think some people see this whole lifestyle (weights, good diet, etc) as a club they don’t want others to join, so they seem to be trying to keep them out by berating them. I can understand getting frustrated with newbie questions, but my mindset is slowly changing. Instead of thinking, “What an idiot” I try to think, “Okay, this person is making a baby step into improving himself or herself, how can I help out?”
Believe it or not, this is much more rewarding that just condemning them as dumb newbies and walking away.
(Damn, I must officially be an adult now or something.)