The Connotator (Name Pending) Episode 1

I'm going to start an episodic post, though, like this blog itself, the posts will come unplanned. These posts will often be spurred by something I heard, or was told, during the day, but some, like today's post, will be inspired by things in the past.

Each post I will take a sentence, no, a line of dialogue that someone has told me, scripted and fake as it sounds, and break it apart to reveal its true meaning.

Notice my annoyed tone. The way a person structures their sentences can reveal a lot about who they are and what they are saying. There are numerous ways to say the same thing, so if you take into consideration the nuances in their choice of words, you can learn a lot.

Be warned, this can make you a cynical, over-analytical bastard.

Sentence 1:
(Over the phone - I had just asked an old friend to test a game I made.)
"It's too late for me to come over, but I'll tell you what, I'll buy a copy of your game when it comes out."

1) "It's too late for me to come over,"

We can go ahead an mark through this first part of the sentence. It's a common excuse. She doesn't want to come over, she doesn't want to play the game, it's an easy excuse that only a pitiful person would argue with. If someone tells you it's too late to come over, deal with it. They don't want to come over. Don't prod, pry or try to get 'the truth.' It doesn't matter, the person doesn't want to come over. Once you hear this, take your first steps to getting over it.

2) "I'll tell you what"

Go ahead, tell me. Grandpa. Who are you? It sounds like you're about to make me a promise about something in the future that probably won't happen. Have you ever heard 'I'll tell you what' followed by anything other than 'if?'

"I'll tell you what, if comic book characters come to life, I'll hang out with you. And them."

Well, it's not totally true. Other things can come after "I'll tell you what." Sometimes it's "I'll tell you what, next time that I stop by..." This is what your dad that left your mom says after he visits for the first time in years. I'll buy you new shoes next time I'm around. Thanks dad.

3) "I'll buy a copy of your game when it comes out."

Well, this has a few meanings. It all depends on how optimistic you are. First case, the bright side. The person believes that you'll make the game. You're young, in college and have a brand new idea for the game. She can't wait to help you out.

Second case, the truth. The person killed two birds with one... To the naive audience, it's a compliment. See the first case. This person really thinks I'll make it, even though they don't want to come over and help test it. It's late, testing is boring. The real product will be a blast compared to whatever I had in store tonight. This person believes in me.

On the other hand, the person is completely relieved of ever helping again. She'll get a copy when it comes out, so there's no need to ever ask for her help again. She'll help the cause, but only if I make it that far. Is it too pessimistic to say that this is the same person who is surprised when your game comes out, and makes up another excuse to not buy it?

Yes, it is. (Connotator over, regular blog taking over)

Let's forget about this person. It's cool, it really is. My point was to take apart the sentence, not to rant. Plenty of times I've turned people down for various activities, I understand. But one thing I've learned is that you CAN NOT expect people to believe you will make it. When I was young and ripe, about a year ago, I finally figured that out. How many people have come up to you with dreams of making it big - sports, acting, filmmaking, video game design, politics - and you went along with them, yet on the inside you just shook your head. It's just hard to believe - no, I'll say it - it's naive to believe that this random person so openly expressing their dreams to you will actually make it.

That's who I am. I'm that guy telling you all of my ideas, but you may or may not believe I'll make it. I used to fish for compliments. I wanted to confirm that my teachers saw in me what I saw in me. But how can they? You just have to believe it yourself. That's all there is to it.

Step 1) Cut a hole in the box Believe in yourself.
Step 2) Put your dick in the box Put the hours in.

We've all heard it. It just clicked one day. I haven't made it, yet, though. You may not think I will, I may not think I will sometimes. But that doesn't mean I'm just going to give up.

Sorry if the last bit caused a flinch in you cliche-conscious people. I don't believe what I said is cliche, because I mean it, but there's only so many ways to say something, right? ;)