I had an appearance in an LTT video for the first time Sunday. Disappointingly, if there were any comments about me, most were some variation of this (the "nicest" of the bunch). Instead of being upset I'll choose to educate. Maybe it'll help someone be a better human. 🧵
My tweets don't usually get too much attention, which is fine, but if you did make it to the end of this thread thanks for letting me vocalize my thoughts. 🧡
Some BTS:
1. Astute viewers noticed that the IO shield was missing. It was misplaced at the office prior to filming but you'll be happy to know that it's been located and is now in the PC!
2. Yes we forgot to put in the GPU support bracket but I put it in that night.
Firstly, yes, I'm aware that my teeth are crooked and so is everyone else that's like me. Unhelpful comment on my appearance aside, in NA at least, when a person has crooked teeth in their adulthood, it is a pretty good indicator that they grew up poor, neglected, or both.
My exact circumstances are nobody's business except mine, but suffice it to say that my family was squarely in the camp of "too much income to access social programs, but too little to afford some necessities," dental care being a big one.
There's a reason why my mouth is closed in my PFP and in my staff photo on the LMG website, and it's not because that's my natural smile. 🤓
Everyone who is like me knows exactly what getting a photo taken like this feels like, and it's not good.
Last thing; I'd be remiss not to say that I immensely enjoyed being on camera and will continue to take those opportunities if they come up, braces or not. In the end the video wasn't about me and by and large 99% of our viewers either didn't notice or didn't care.
You might innocently be asking "well, you're an adult, why don't you get braces now?" The answer comes down to cost, but it's not as simple as you might assume. For one, most employer-provided dental plans do not cover orthodontics for adults; 18 or younger only.
I'm lucky to have achieved some measure of success in my life despite this. I will most likely end up getting braces anyway; possibly even soon! But in the meantime, if this has taught you anything, I hope it'll help you be kinder to the next person that comes along.
This is because it's assumed that most people will have gotten braces during that time of their lives, but again, some people can't. Even when covered, braces can cost between 3-10 thousand dollars, or more if surgery is required, which means some costs will be out of pocket.
This choice SHOULD be personal. However, there is an implicit societal bias against people with crooked teeth. People who make comments like the one I showed above probably know this, at least subconsciously, or else why would they feel compelled to say anything?
I am absolutely certain that at points in my life, my teeth have cost me employment opportunities, relationships, friendships, you name it. It's not hard to put 2 and 2 together when you smile at someone for the first time and catch them wincing.
So at best, this type of comment comes across as unhelpful and at worst, mean-spirited. And even well-meaning people in my life have assumed, incorrectly, that I haven't gotten braces because I somehow prefer it this way.
This issue simply isn't on most people's radar.
This isn't necessarily the employer's fault (at least not entirely). Covering adult orthodontics carries a premium, for a treatment that the majority of their employees probably won't need ('cause they did it already). It's a very simple cost/benefit equation to just not cover it
To the (admittedly very small) small number of people saying I need to grow a thicker skin:
Bro I work in customer service. My skin is thicker than yours.
Some orthodontists will offer payment plans, but not all, and not everyone can or should take out a 10k dollar loan. So many people, including myself, have to choose between straight teeth, or prioritizing other parts of their life. That's just the reality.
Blown away by the support this has gotten tonight. Thanks everyone, esp. to my colleagues who supported me/signal boosted this.
To be clear, I wasn't looking for a pity party; I'm good! The negative comments were few and far between. Hope I didn't unintentionally overstate that
I had an appearance in an LTT video for the first time Sunday. Disappointingly, if there were any comments about me, most were some variation of this (the "nicest" of the bunch). Instead of being upset I'll choose to educate. Maybe it'll help someone be a better human. 🧵
@suuuoppp
"Overuse of certain medications has led to widespread addiction. We should use more caution when prescribing them and making diagnoses, and take greater care in helping patients understand and manage the risks."
Doctors: "Best I can do is treat all my patients like criminals."
@MVG_Mew2King
With all the kindness in the world: log off, talk it over with someone you really trust and who really understands you, or talk with a therapist.
Twitter strangers like us aren't here to help and you're likely to say or do something you'll regret later if you stick around.
@JamiePilkey
@linusgsebastian
I'll echo this sentiment 100%. LMG has changed my life for the better in so many ways and it hasn't even been a full year yet! I feel incredibly fortunate.
But I did feel strongly this was an opportunity to talk about an issue I felt was not discussed often enough.
Judging by many of the replies I'd say that I made the right choice, and I'm so glad some of you felt seen. 😄
6. The cats' names are Astrid (the black one) and Nova (the tabby). They're 3 and 2 years old, respectively. You can buy a sticker of Nova on lttstore!
@nathanluxford
Whenever I see an adult with braces I always think it's such a flex to be honest. 'Cause I know they probably had to overcome a lot.
Congrats!
@CatieOsaurus
I feel this but in reverse. I would have to force myself to say anyone's name in any context except "trying to get your attention," and then I feel strange for having said it.
3. Some folks in the comments wanted to make sure I had a good grinder to go w/ the espresso machine. I've been running the Rocket Faustino since way before this, which you can see in the background. I got that first and have just been using it for filter coffee until now.
I'm lucky to have achieved some measure of success in my life despite this. I will most likely end up getting braces anyway; possibly even soon! But in the meantime, if this has taught you anything, I hope it'll help you be kinder to the next person that comes along.
4. I didn't articulate this while we were filming, but a big part of my espresso machine choice is because of how moddable it is. I figured it'd be a good starter machine that I could make better overtime, same philosophy as PC building really. :P
@Aprime
We were all going through some pretty complex emotions at that time and our ability to cope with that varies, a lot. Not to detract from what you're saying here, but many would have fared worse in the same situation.
Glad to hear you're doing well these days!
@TaranVH
I thought your story was touching and highly relatable (I've gone through similar). Thank you for sharing that.
Glad to have met you and wish you the best of luck going forward!
Pro tip, if you're going to enter a giveaway for, let's say, a trip to Vancouver, it is wise to include literally *any* contact info, and maybe your name for good measure.
Not gonna name any names of course. Because I literally don't know your names, mainly.
@jonotan86
I've seen you speak on this in the past and it's worth saying, it helped me. I may not have had the courage to do so otherwise.
Hope the new gig is good! Miss having you around. 👊
Also, special shout out to the guy who rode the escalator next to me at the end of day 1 and said "Yo, are you Adam from the support team!?" That actually made me feel so cool lmao.😭
Big thank you to everyone who's left nice comments or tweeted nice things at me since the video came out. I'm so glad most everyone seems to enjoy it. Filming it was a blast and by the end of it I found myself wishing I could do it every day!
Sarah sits right by me at the office -- can confirm she's awesome to work with or just be around. Also, she was one of the first to make an effort to talk to me back when I was really new which I still appreciate. 😅
Congrats Sarah!
Today a customer referred to our screwdriver's "standard" bit set as "basic bits".
And I just need you all to know what a missed opportunity I think that is.
Can't be the only LMGer that slept in till noon today. 😴
Anyway here's me contemplating my life after we finally cleared out the screwdriver build line on day 1.
Thanks everyone for being awesome. It was hectic but had a lot of fun!
Got my first real taste of the 🇨🇦 healthcare system yesterday when I went into the ER w/ extreme back pain. Got seen in an hour, only charged for parking.
10/10 would injure myself again (except not really existence is pain rn).
One of my direct-reports just told me that whenever I help them de-escalate things with an upset customer, for later reference they've been saving my response to a folder called "Adam Dunk Tips."
@LinusTech
As an ex BBY employee, my favorite flavor of this is when they tell you this and then you spot them at the Geek Squad service desk a while after.
The consequence of not going to many parties in high school/college is that you don't learn what your limits are as early. But you do eventually learn.
Related, today my toilet and I have become deeply acquainted with one another.
Happy new year. 🤮🥴
Yo
@EasyParkVan
this is crazy.
One of your enforcement officers ticketed me for non-payment in Fort Langley yesterday and included this photo as proof. YOU CAN LITERALLY SEE ME AT THE KIOSK PAYING THE PARKING FEE IN THE BACKGROUND OF THE PHOTO.
GET IT TOGETHER.
@edzelyago
The primary reason I'm opting out of this game is because Rowling is widely believed to be funding anti-trans action, and she makes royalties on all HP media.
So buying/consuming that media is almost directly funding those causes, and I personally can't square that w/ my values.
When I was 15, I got banned from the official WoW forums for pointing out that these two wings in Icecrown Citadel (the newest raid at the time) look like a penis and vagina on the map.
#Warcraft
I do struggle with various confidence/body image issues (esp. dental!) and difficulty articulating myself in speech sometimes, so I honestly wasn't sure how people would react, but I can honestly say I've never felt more confident in myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 🧡
@itsjonzi
@real_lakia
Remember when I came back from a vacation, then Trust Me Bro™️ happened, then you went on vacation?
... Why does this keep happening to us.
In a message to employees, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said goodbye to the company he rebuilt and led over the last 32 years, expressing his pride in how far it and its people have come. His last day will be December 29th, 2023.
Teaching my wife how to build a PC today. Wanted to do this since we met and we couldn't afford to until now.
To say I'm fucking excited would be an understatement.
@TimHolowachuk
I can see why they would, but it seems to me like there's an assumption being made that you were implying Labs' methodology is objectively better than peers.
I know just from knowing everyone here that you for sure didn't mean that, but maybe it comes off that way to the public?
@jmart604
Imagine being in his position. Like less than 5 years ago he was pretending to be president on TV. Now this. You couldn't write his story in fiction -- it defies believability.
Absolute superhuman.
If you're the type to find this information important, you'll be happy to know, I can now attest that an
@AeroPress
Go, fully packed, fits quite snugly in the water bottle holder of a
@LinusTech
backpack. 😎