Dealing with a coworker making snarky jokes





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I work as a (male) data scientist in a small company (around 10 people, all males). My job is to provide tools for my coworkers to quickly get the information they need from our data to do their jobs.



I have this coworker, lets call him Bob. Bob and I are both relatively young, around 30 years old. Bob is the type of guy who does not like changes. He knows what he is good at, and prefers to work the same way as he did yesterday. This obviously means he is reluctant to use my tools. Now, this does not really bother me, since I am not his boss so it is not really my problem that he is not as effective as he could be.



What does bother me is that everytime I talk to him, or another coworker in the same room, about one of my tools, he comes with these snarky jokes on how my tools are useless. He says them as a combination of him finding them funny, and having an excuse not to use them, I assume.



I have tried to stop these jokes by demonstrating several the tools to him, so get him to understand why they can actually help him. When that did not help, I did the exact opposite by never showing them to him, but that does not stop him from making the jokes, when I talk to a coworker in the same room about them.



Given I work more or less fulltime on these tools, I cannot help but taking it personally when constantly having to listen to these jokes. How can I address this situation, without sounding over sensitive?










share|improve this question






















  • If your manager gets involved, are you able to demonstrate that your tools and methods are more effective than Bob's?
    – Kozaky
    yesterday










  • Yes, generally I get very good feedback from coworkers and my boss.
    – Acarbalacar
    yesterday






  • 6




    Put him on the spot - especially when others are around - by asking him specifically what is wrong with the tools, and how would he improve them for the average user of your tools. He may have useful input... or he may shut up and go away.
    – PeteCon
    22 hours ago






  • 1




    Depending on your own ability you can rebut with "Bob, maybe you should try to hold the hammer the other way around rather than saying that using rock is better?"
    – SZCZERZO KŁY
    20 hours ago






  • 2




    @SZCZERZOKŁY Or my old definition of software engineering: "Knowing which wrench to use to hammer the screw in".
    – David Thornley
    19 hours ago

















up vote
5
down vote

favorite












I work as a (male) data scientist in a small company (around 10 people, all males). My job is to provide tools for my coworkers to quickly get the information they need from our data to do their jobs.



I have this coworker, lets call him Bob. Bob and I are both relatively young, around 30 years old. Bob is the type of guy who does not like changes. He knows what he is good at, and prefers to work the same way as he did yesterday. This obviously means he is reluctant to use my tools. Now, this does not really bother me, since I am not his boss so it is not really my problem that he is not as effective as he could be.



What does bother me is that everytime I talk to him, or another coworker in the same room, about one of my tools, he comes with these snarky jokes on how my tools are useless. He says them as a combination of him finding them funny, and having an excuse not to use them, I assume.



I have tried to stop these jokes by demonstrating several the tools to him, so get him to understand why they can actually help him. When that did not help, I did the exact opposite by never showing them to him, but that does not stop him from making the jokes, when I talk to a coworker in the same room about them.



Given I work more or less fulltime on these tools, I cannot help but taking it personally when constantly having to listen to these jokes. How can I address this situation, without sounding over sensitive?










share|improve this question






















  • If your manager gets involved, are you able to demonstrate that your tools and methods are more effective than Bob's?
    – Kozaky
    yesterday










  • Yes, generally I get very good feedback from coworkers and my boss.
    – Acarbalacar
    yesterday






  • 6




    Put him on the spot - especially when others are around - by asking him specifically what is wrong with the tools, and how would he improve them for the average user of your tools. He may have useful input... or he may shut up and go away.
    – PeteCon
    22 hours ago






  • 1




    Depending on your own ability you can rebut with "Bob, maybe you should try to hold the hammer the other way around rather than saying that using rock is better?"
    – SZCZERZO KŁY
    20 hours ago






  • 2




    @SZCZERZOKŁY Or my old definition of software engineering: "Knowing which wrench to use to hammer the screw in".
    – David Thornley
    19 hours ago













up vote
5
down vote

favorite









up vote
5
down vote

favorite











I work as a (male) data scientist in a small company (around 10 people, all males). My job is to provide tools for my coworkers to quickly get the information they need from our data to do their jobs.



I have this coworker, lets call him Bob. Bob and I are both relatively young, around 30 years old. Bob is the type of guy who does not like changes. He knows what he is good at, and prefers to work the same way as he did yesterday. This obviously means he is reluctant to use my tools. Now, this does not really bother me, since I am not his boss so it is not really my problem that he is not as effective as he could be.



What does bother me is that everytime I talk to him, or another coworker in the same room, about one of my tools, he comes with these snarky jokes on how my tools are useless. He says them as a combination of him finding them funny, and having an excuse not to use them, I assume.



I have tried to stop these jokes by demonstrating several the tools to him, so get him to understand why they can actually help him. When that did not help, I did the exact opposite by never showing them to him, but that does not stop him from making the jokes, when I talk to a coworker in the same room about them.



Given I work more or less fulltime on these tools, I cannot help but taking it personally when constantly having to listen to these jokes. How can I address this situation, without sounding over sensitive?










share|improve this question













I work as a (male) data scientist in a small company (around 10 people, all males). My job is to provide tools for my coworkers to quickly get the information they need from our data to do their jobs.



I have this coworker, lets call him Bob. Bob and I are both relatively young, around 30 years old. Bob is the type of guy who does not like changes. He knows what he is good at, and prefers to work the same way as he did yesterday. This obviously means he is reluctant to use my tools. Now, this does not really bother me, since I am not his boss so it is not really my problem that he is not as effective as he could be.



What does bother me is that everytime I talk to him, or another coworker in the same room, about one of my tools, he comes with these snarky jokes on how my tools are useless. He says them as a combination of him finding them funny, and having an excuse not to use them, I assume.



I have tried to stop these jokes by demonstrating several the tools to him, so get him to understand why they can actually help him. When that did not help, I did the exact opposite by never showing them to him, but that does not stop him from making the jokes, when I talk to a coworker in the same room about them.



Given I work more or less fulltime on these tools, I cannot help but taking it personally when constantly having to listen to these jokes. How can I address this situation, without sounding over sensitive?







colleagues unprofessional-behavior






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asked yesterday









Acarbalacar

752247




752247












  • If your manager gets involved, are you able to demonstrate that your tools and methods are more effective than Bob's?
    – Kozaky
    yesterday










  • Yes, generally I get very good feedback from coworkers and my boss.
    – Acarbalacar
    yesterday






  • 6




    Put him on the spot - especially when others are around - by asking him specifically what is wrong with the tools, and how would he improve them for the average user of your tools. He may have useful input... or he may shut up and go away.
    – PeteCon
    22 hours ago






  • 1




    Depending on your own ability you can rebut with "Bob, maybe you should try to hold the hammer the other way around rather than saying that using rock is better?"
    – SZCZERZO KŁY
    20 hours ago






  • 2




    @SZCZERZOKŁY Or my old definition of software engineering: "Knowing which wrench to use to hammer the screw in".
    – David Thornley
    19 hours ago


















  • If your manager gets involved, are you able to demonstrate that your tools and methods are more effective than Bob's?
    – Kozaky
    yesterday










  • Yes, generally I get very good feedback from coworkers and my boss.
    – Acarbalacar
    yesterday






  • 6




    Put him on the spot - especially when others are around - by asking him specifically what is wrong with the tools, and how would he improve them for the average user of your tools. He may have useful input... or he may shut up and go away.
    – PeteCon
    22 hours ago






  • 1




    Depending on your own ability you can rebut with "Bob, maybe you should try to hold the hammer the other way around rather than saying that using rock is better?"
    – SZCZERZO KŁY
    20 hours ago






  • 2




    @SZCZERZOKŁY Or my old definition of software engineering: "Knowing which wrench to use to hammer the screw in".
    – David Thornley
    19 hours ago
















If your manager gets involved, are you able to demonstrate that your tools and methods are more effective than Bob's?
– Kozaky
yesterday




If your manager gets involved, are you able to demonstrate that your tools and methods are more effective than Bob's?
– Kozaky
yesterday












Yes, generally I get very good feedback from coworkers and my boss.
– Acarbalacar
yesterday




Yes, generally I get very good feedback from coworkers and my boss.
– Acarbalacar
yesterday




6




6




Put him on the spot - especially when others are around - by asking him specifically what is wrong with the tools, and how would he improve them for the average user of your tools. He may have useful input... or he may shut up and go away.
– PeteCon
22 hours ago




Put him on the spot - especially when others are around - by asking him specifically what is wrong with the tools, and how would he improve them for the average user of your tools. He may have useful input... or he may shut up and go away.
– PeteCon
22 hours ago




1




1




Depending on your own ability you can rebut with "Bob, maybe you should try to hold the hammer the other way around rather than saying that using rock is better?"
– SZCZERZO KŁY
20 hours ago




Depending on your own ability you can rebut with "Bob, maybe you should try to hold the hammer the other way around rather than saying that using rock is better?"
– SZCZERZO KŁY
20 hours ago




2




2




@SZCZERZOKŁY Or my old definition of software engineering: "Knowing which wrench to use to hammer the screw in".
– David Thornley
19 hours ago




@SZCZERZOKŁY Or my old definition of software engineering: "Knowing which wrench to use to hammer the screw in".
– David Thornley
19 hours ago










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
9
down vote



accepted











What does bother me is that everytime I talk to him, or another coworker in the same room, about one of my tools, he comes with these snarky jokes on how my tools are useless.




You've tried the gentle approach of teaching him how to use these tools, you need to be firm and direct. Next time he makes such a snarky remark, say something such as the following:




Bob, sorry to be blunt here, but I really don't appreciate these constant snarky remarks about my work. Why do you insist on making them every time we discuss this tool? If you think there's ideas you have which would improve the tools, that's great, and I'm more than happy to take those on board, but this isn't a constructive way of giving feedback.







share|improve this answer





















  • "Obviously management can see a need for these tools. I wonder why you can't. Perhaps you should ask your boss to explain?"
    – Mawg
    5 hours ago


















up vote
4
down vote













Being direct with Bob is the only way to address this situation. However, I would avoid mentioning the tools as the tools are not the issue, the issue is Bob's unprofessional behavior. Since you mentioned that you already stopped showing Bob your tools, you need to address him when he interrupts conversations that you are having with other co-workers:




Excuse me Bob, but I am currently speaking with Joe. Out of common courtesy to Joe and myself, please do not interrupt us.




This addresses Bob's unprofessional behavior and it removes your tools from the equation.






share|improve this answer








New contributor




sf02 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

























    up vote
    3
    down vote













    A good way to deal with snarky behaviour is to address it head on in a tactical way.



    For example:



    scenario: talking to a colleague about your tools and bob butts in with a rude comment. Say to him




    When you make that comment bob...what reaction are you looking for?
    (say nothing.




    ... cue very uncomfortable silence from bob).



    or you can say




    ' *thank you for your input bob...you say my tools are useless...can you
    give a incident when they haven't performed up to standard?




    (He might give you an incident)...then say




    'thank you. can you give me another incident? '




    or you can call him out on his snarky comment




    'bob, I'm finding your comment extremely snarky, my work tools have
    provided significant value in my work. You may not choose to agree
    and I respect that's YOUR choice. Still, please don't interrupt when
    I'm speaking with a college. Thank you.'




    Either way. Bob will quickly respect your boundaries and keep his comments to himself.






    share|improve this answer










    New contributor




    fypnlp is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.

























      up vote
      0
      down vote













      IT is notorious for being snarky. One nickname I had in here was "The Snark Knight". It's best to learn to deal with it, and when appropriate, respond in kind.



      Sometimes, the best response to snark is SNARK TO SNARK COMBAT



      Standard replies to snark about your tools could be




      Well, they do require a level of sophistication that not everyone has.




      or




      Too hard for you eh?




      or a nastier example if he's REALLY out of line.




      Your worthless opinion as been duly noted.




      The point is to push back without coming across as weak or vindictive, or the reply from bob will almost certainly be "What's the matter, can't you take a joke?" or something similar.



      Bob is using snark to try to bully you. Stand up to it, or it won't stop.






      share|improve this answer

















      • 4




        I was going to say much the same thing, so I just upvoted this answer. My personal response would have been along the lines of, "Yes, we all know your stone knives and bear skins work quite well, but we're trying to move the needle a bit, here."
        – Wesley Long
        21 hours ago






      • 4




        This isn't very helpful. Not everybody is either capable or willing to come up with sarcastic comebacks - whether not being able to think of them, being shy/introverted/embarrassed, not liking mocking people even if they deserve it, etc. I'd assume that if the OP was able to deliver suitable zingers, they'd do that rather than posting here.
        – Stuart F
        21 hours ago






      • 1




        @StuartF As per the last line: "Bob is using snark to try to bully you, stand up to it, or it won't stop." Not everyone can always speak either, like myself. I have selective mutism. No answer is universal, If you have a better one, please contribute.
        – Richard U
        20 hours ago






      • 1




        @WesleyLong - I like to say "I tried to idiot-proof it, but they always seem to find a bigger idiot...."
        – PoloHoleSet
        16 hours ago










      • Less actionable might be "Your.,<big pause>..opinion has been duly noted."
        – mkennedy
        13 hours ago











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      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

      votes








      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      9
      down vote



      accepted











      What does bother me is that everytime I talk to him, or another coworker in the same room, about one of my tools, he comes with these snarky jokes on how my tools are useless.




      You've tried the gentle approach of teaching him how to use these tools, you need to be firm and direct. Next time he makes such a snarky remark, say something such as the following:




      Bob, sorry to be blunt here, but I really don't appreciate these constant snarky remarks about my work. Why do you insist on making them every time we discuss this tool? If you think there's ideas you have which would improve the tools, that's great, and I'm more than happy to take those on board, but this isn't a constructive way of giving feedback.







      share|improve this answer





















      • "Obviously management can see a need for these tools. I wonder why you can't. Perhaps you should ask your boss to explain?"
        – Mawg
        5 hours ago















      up vote
      9
      down vote



      accepted











      What does bother me is that everytime I talk to him, or another coworker in the same room, about one of my tools, he comes with these snarky jokes on how my tools are useless.




      You've tried the gentle approach of teaching him how to use these tools, you need to be firm and direct. Next time he makes such a snarky remark, say something such as the following:




      Bob, sorry to be blunt here, but I really don't appreciate these constant snarky remarks about my work. Why do you insist on making them every time we discuss this tool? If you think there's ideas you have which would improve the tools, that's great, and I'm more than happy to take those on board, but this isn't a constructive way of giving feedback.







      share|improve this answer





















      • "Obviously management can see a need for these tools. I wonder why you can't. Perhaps you should ask your boss to explain?"
        – Mawg
        5 hours ago













      up vote
      9
      down vote



      accepted







      up vote
      9
      down vote



      accepted







      What does bother me is that everytime I talk to him, or another coworker in the same room, about one of my tools, he comes with these snarky jokes on how my tools are useless.




      You've tried the gentle approach of teaching him how to use these tools, you need to be firm and direct. Next time he makes such a snarky remark, say something such as the following:




      Bob, sorry to be blunt here, but I really don't appreciate these constant snarky remarks about my work. Why do you insist on making them every time we discuss this tool? If you think there's ideas you have which would improve the tools, that's great, and I'm more than happy to take those on board, but this isn't a constructive way of giving feedback.







      share|improve this answer













      What does bother me is that everytime I talk to him, or another coworker in the same room, about one of my tools, he comes with these snarky jokes on how my tools are useless.




      You've tried the gentle approach of teaching him how to use these tools, you need to be firm and direct. Next time he makes such a snarky remark, say something such as the following:




      Bob, sorry to be blunt here, but I really don't appreciate these constant snarky remarks about my work. Why do you insist on making them every time we discuss this tool? If you think there's ideas you have which would improve the tools, that's great, and I'm more than happy to take those on board, but this isn't a constructive way of giving feedback.








      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered 22 hours ago









      berry120

      9,53141135




      9,53141135












      • "Obviously management can see a need for these tools. I wonder why you can't. Perhaps you should ask your boss to explain?"
        – Mawg
        5 hours ago


















      • "Obviously management can see a need for these tools. I wonder why you can't. Perhaps you should ask your boss to explain?"
        – Mawg
        5 hours ago
















      "Obviously management can see a need for these tools. I wonder why you can't. Perhaps you should ask your boss to explain?"
      – Mawg
      5 hours ago




      "Obviously management can see a need for these tools. I wonder why you can't. Perhaps you should ask your boss to explain?"
      – Mawg
      5 hours ago












      up vote
      4
      down vote













      Being direct with Bob is the only way to address this situation. However, I would avoid mentioning the tools as the tools are not the issue, the issue is Bob's unprofessional behavior. Since you mentioned that you already stopped showing Bob your tools, you need to address him when he interrupts conversations that you are having with other co-workers:




      Excuse me Bob, but I am currently speaking with Joe. Out of common courtesy to Joe and myself, please do not interrupt us.




      This addresses Bob's unprofessional behavior and it removes your tools from the equation.






      share|improve this answer








      New contributor




      sf02 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.






















        up vote
        4
        down vote













        Being direct with Bob is the only way to address this situation. However, I would avoid mentioning the tools as the tools are not the issue, the issue is Bob's unprofessional behavior. Since you mentioned that you already stopped showing Bob your tools, you need to address him when he interrupts conversations that you are having with other co-workers:




        Excuse me Bob, but I am currently speaking with Joe. Out of common courtesy to Joe and myself, please do not interrupt us.




        This addresses Bob's unprofessional behavior and it removes your tools from the equation.






        share|improve this answer








        New contributor




        sf02 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.




















          up vote
          4
          down vote










          up vote
          4
          down vote









          Being direct with Bob is the only way to address this situation. However, I would avoid mentioning the tools as the tools are not the issue, the issue is Bob's unprofessional behavior. Since you mentioned that you already stopped showing Bob your tools, you need to address him when he interrupts conversations that you are having with other co-workers:




          Excuse me Bob, but I am currently speaking with Joe. Out of common courtesy to Joe and myself, please do not interrupt us.




          This addresses Bob's unprofessional behavior and it removes your tools from the equation.






          share|improve this answer








          New contributor




          sf02 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.









          Being direct with Bob is the only way to address this situation. However, I would avoid mentioning the tools as the tools are not the issue, the issue is Bob's unprofessional behavior. Since you mentioned that you already stopped showing Bob your tools, you need to address him when he interrupts conversations that you are having with other co-workers:




          Excuse me Bob, but I am currently speaking with Joe. Out of common courtesy to Joe and myself, please do not interrupt us.




          This addresses Bob's unprofessional behavior and it removes your tools from the equation.







          share|improve this answer








          New contributor




          sf02 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.









          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer






          New contributor




          sf02 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.









          answered 20 hours ago









          sf02

          4275




          4275




          New contributor




          sf02 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.





          New contributor





          sf02 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.






          sf02 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.






















              up vote
              3
              down vote













              A good way to deal with snarky behaviour is to address it head on in a tactical way.



              For example:



              scenario: talking to a colleague about your tools and bob butts in with a rude comment. Say to him




              When you make that comment bob...what reaction are you looking for?
              (say nothing.




              ... cue very uncomfortable silence from bob).



              or you can say




              ' *thank you for your input bob...you say my tools are useless...can you
              give a incident when they haven't performed up to standard?




              (He might give you an incident)...then say




              'thank you. can you give me another incident? '




              or you can call him out on his snarky comment




              'bob, I'm finding your comment extremely snarky, my work tools have
              provided significant value in my work. You may not choose to agree
              and I respect that's YOUR choice. Still, please don't interrupt when
              I'm speaking with a college. Thank you.'




              Either way. Bob will quickly respect your boundaries and keep his comments to himself.






              share|improve this answer










              New contributor




              fypnlp is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.






















                up vote
                3
                down vote













                A good way to deal with snarky behaviour is to address it head on in a tactical way.



                For example:



                scenario: talking to a colleague about your tools and bob butts in with a rude comment. Say to him




                When you make that comment bob...what reaction are you looking for?
                (say nothing.




                ... cue very uncomfortable silence from bob).



                or you can say




                ' *thank you for your input bob...you say my tools are useless...can you
                give a incident when they haven't performed up to standard?




                (He might give you an incident)...then say




                'thank you. can you give me another incident? '




                or you can call him out on his snarky comment




                'bob, I'm finding your comment extremely snarky, my work tools have
                provided significant value in my work. You may not choose to agree
                and I respect that's YOUR choice. Still, please don't interrupt when
                I'm speaking with a college. Thank you.'




                Either way. Bob will quickly respect your boundaries and keep his comments to himself.






                share|improve this answer










                New contributor




                fypnlp is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                Check out our Code of Conduct.




















                  up vote
                  3
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  3
                  down vote









                  A good way to deal with snarky behaviour is to address it head on in a tactical way.



                  For example:



                  scenario: talking to a colleague about your tools and bob butts in with a rude comment. Say to him




                  When you make that comment bob...what reaction are you looking for?
                  (say nothing.




                  ... cue very uncomfortable silence from bob).



                  or you can say




                  ' *thank you for your input bob...you say my tools are useless...can you
                  give a incident when they haven't performed up to standard?




                  (He might give you an incident)...then say




                  'thank you. can you give me another incident? '




                  or you can call him out on his snarky comment




                  'bob, I'm finding your comment extremely snarky, my work tools have
                  provided significant value in my work. You may not choose to agree
                  and I respect that's YOUR choice. Still, please don't interrupt when
                  I'm speaking with a college. Thank you.'




                  Either way. Bob will quickly respect your boundaries and keep his comments to himself.






                  share|improve this answer










                  New contributor




                  fypnlp is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.









                  A good way to deal with snarky behaviour is to address it head on in a tactical way.



                  For example:



                  scenario: talking to a colleague about your tools and bob butts in with a rude comment. Say to him




                  When you make that comment bob...what reaction are you looking for?
                  (say nothing.




                  ... cue very uncomfortable silence from bob).



                  or you can say




                  ' *thank you for your input bob...you say my tools are useless...can you
                  give a incident when they haven't performed up to standard?




                  (He might give you an incident)...then say




                  'thank you. can you give me another incident? '




                  or you can call him out on his snarky comment




                  'bob, I'm finding your comment extremely snarky, my work tools have
                  provided significant value in my work. You may not choose to agree
                  and I respect that's YOUR choice. Still, please don't interrupt when
                  I'm speaking with a college. Thank you.'




                  Either way. Bob will quickly respect your boundaries and keep his comments to himself.







                  share|improve this answer










                  New contributor




                  fypnlp is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.









                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited 14 hours ago





















                  New contributor




                  fypnlp is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.









                  answered 17 hours ago









                  fypnlp

                  973




                  973




                  New contributor




                  fypnlp is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.





                  New contributor





                  fypnlp is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.






                  fypnlp is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.






















                      up vote
                      0
                      down vote













                      IT is notorious for being snarky. One nickname I had in here was "The Snark Knight". It's best to learn to deal with it, and when appropriate, respond in kind.



                      Sometimes, the best response to snark is SNARK TO SNARK COMBAT



                      Standard replies to snark about your tools could be




                      Well, they do require a level of sophistication that not everyone has.




                      or




                      Too hard for you eh?




                      or a nastier example if he's REALLY out of line.




                      Your worthless opinion as been duly noted.




                      The point is to push back without coming across as weak or vindictive, or the reply from bob will almost certainly be "What's the matter, can't you take a joke?" or something similar.



                      Bob is using snark to try to bully you. Stand up to it, or it won't stop.






                      share|improve this answer

















                      • 4




                        I was going to say much the same thing, so I just upvoted this answer. My personal response would have been along the lines of, "Yes, we all know your stone knives and bear skins work quite well, but we're trying to move the needle a bit, here."
                        – Wesley Long
                        21 hours ago






                      • 4




                        This isn't very helpful. Not everybody is either capable or willing to come up with sarcastic comebacks - whether not being able to think of them, being shy/introverted/embarrassed, not liking mocking people even if they deserve it, etc. I'd assume that if the OP was able to deliver suitable zingers, they'd do that rather than posting here.
                        – Stuart F
                        21 hours ago






                      • 1




                        @StuartF As per the last line: "Bob is using snark to try to bully you, stand up to it, or it won't stop." Not everyone can always speak either, like myself. I have selective mutism. No answer is universal, If you have a better one, please contribute.
                        – Richard U
                        20 hours ago






                      • 1




                        @WesleyLong - I like to say "I tried to idiot-proof it, but they always seem to find a bigger idiot...."
                        – PoloHoleSet
                        16 hours ago










                      • Less actionable might be "Your.,<big pause>..opinion has been duly noted."
                        – mkennedy
                        13 hours ago















                      up vote
                      0
                      down vote













                      IT is notorious for being snarky. One nickname I had in here was "The Snark Knight". It's best to learn to deal with it, and when appropriate, respond in kind.



                      Sometimes, the best response to snark is SNARK TO SNARK COMBAT



                      Standard replies to snark about your tools could be




                      Well, they do require a level of sophistication that not everyone has.




                      or




                      Too hard for you eh?




                      or a nastier example if he's REALLY out of line.




                      Your worthless opinion as been duly noted.




                      The point is to push back without coming across as weak or vindictive, or the reply from bob will almost certainly be "What's the matter, can't you take a joke?" or something similar.



                      Bob is using snark to try to bully you. Stand up to it, or it won't stop.






                      share|improve this answer

















                      • 4




                        I was going to say much the same thing, so I just upvoted this answer. My personal response would have been along the lines of, "Yes, we all know your stone knives and bear skins work quite well, but we're trying to move the needle a bit, here."
                        – Wesley Long
                        21 hours ago






                      • 4




                        This isn't very helpful. Not everybody is either capable or willing to come up with sarcastic comebacks - whether not being able to think of them, being shy/introverted/embarrassed, not liking mocking people even if they deserve it, etc. I'd assume that if the OP was able to deliver suitable zingers, they'd do that rather than posting here.
                        – Stuart F
                        21 hours ago






                      • 1




                        @StuartF As per the last line: "Bob is using snark to try to bully you, stand up to it, or it won't stop." Not everyone can always speak either, like myself. I have selective mutism. No answer is universal, If you have a better one, please contribute.
                        – Richard U
                        20 hours ago






                      • 1




                        @WesleyLong - I like to say "I tried to idiot-proof it, but they always seem to find a bigger idiot...."
                        – PoloHoleSet
                        16 hours ago










                      • Less actionable might be "Your.,<big pause>..opinion has been duly noted."
                        – mkennedy
                        13 hours ago













                      up vote
                      0
                      down vote










                      up vote
                      0
                      down vote









                      IT is notorious for being snarky. One nickname I had in here was "The Snark Knight". It's best to learn to deal with it, and when appropriate, respond in kind.



                      Sometimes, the best response to snark is SNARK TO SNARK COMBAT



                      Standard replies to snark about your tools could be




                      Well, they do require a level of sophistication that not everyone has.




                      or




                      Too hard for you eh?




                      or a nastier example if he's REALLY out of line.




                      Your worthless opinion as been duly noted.




                      The point is to push back without coming across as weak or vindictive, or the reply from bob will almost certainly be "What's the matter, can't you take a joke?" or something similar.



                      Bob is using snark to try to bully you. Stand up to it, or it won't stop.






                      share|improve this answer












                      IT is notorious for being snarky. One nickname I had in here was "The Snark Knight". It's best to learn to deal with it, and when appropriate, respond in kind.



                      Sometimes, the best response to snark is SNARK TO SNARK COMBAT



                      Standard replies to snark about your tools could be




                      Well, they do require a level of sophistication that not everyone has.




                      or




                      Too hard for you eh?




                      or a nastier example if he's REALLY out of line.




                      Your worthless opinion as been duly noted.




                      The point is to push back without coming across as weak or vindictive, or the reply from bob will almost certainly be "What's the matter, can't you take a joke?" or something similar.



                      Bob is using snark to try to bully you. Stand up to it, or it won't stop.







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered 21 hours ago









                      Richard U

                      80.6k59206322




                      80.6k59206322








                      • 4




                        I was going to say much the same thing, so I just upvoted this answer. My personal response would have been along the lines of, "Yes, we all know your stone knives and bear skins work quite well, but we're trying to move the needle a bit, here."
                        – Wesley Long
                        21 hours ago






                      • 4




                        This isn't very helpful. Not everybody is either capable or willing to come up with sarcastic comebacks - whether not being able to think of them, being shy/introverted/embarrassed, not liking mocking people even if they deserve it, etc. I'd assume that if the OP was able to deliver suitable zingers, they'd do that rather than posting here.
                        – Stuart F
                        21 hours ago






                      • 1




                        @StuartF As per the last line: "Bob is using snark to try to bully you, stand up to it, or it won't stop." Not everyone can always speak either, like myself. I have selective mutism. No answer is universal, If you have a better one, please contribute.
                        – Richard U
                        20 hours ago






                      • 1




                        @WesleyLong - I like to say "I tried to idiot-proof it, but they always seem to find a bigger idiot...."
                        – PoloHoleSet
                        16 hours ago










                      • Less actionable might be "Your.,<big pause>..opinion has been duly noted."
                        – mkennedy
                        13 hours ago














                      • 4




                        I was going to say much the same thing, so I just upvoted this answer. My personal response would have been along the lines of, "Yes, we all know your stone knives and bear skins work quite well, but we're trying to move the needle a bit, here."
                        – Wesley Long
                        21 hours ago






                      • 4




                        This isn't very helpful. Not everybody is either capable or willing to come up with sarcastic comebacks - whether not being able to think of them, being shy/introverted/embarrassed, not liking mocking people even if they deserve it, etc. I'd assume that if the OP was able to deliver suitable zingers, they'd do that rather than posting here.
                        – Stuart F
                        21 hours ago






                      • 1




                        @StuartF As per the last line: "Bob is using snark to try to bully you, stand up to it, or it won't stop." Not everyone can always speak either, like myself. I have selective mutism. No answer is universal, If you have a better one, please contribute.
                        – Richard U
                        20 hours ago






                      • 1




                        @WesleyLong - I like to say "I tried to idiot-proof it, but they always seem to find a bigger idiot...."
                        – PoloHoleSet
                        16 hours ago










                      • Less actionable might be "Your.,<big pause>..opinion has been duly noted."
                        – mkennedy
                        13 hours ago








                      4




                      4




                      I was going to say much the same thing, so I just upvoted this answer. My personal response would have been along the lines of, "Yes, we all know your stone knives and bear skins work quite well, but we're trying to move the needle a bit, here."
                      – Wesley Long
                      21 hours ago




                      I was going to say much the same thing, so I just upvoted this answer. My personal response would have been along the lines of, "Yes, we all know your stone knives and bear skins work quite well, but we're trying to move the needle a bit, here."
                      – Wesley Long
                      21 hours ago




                      4




                      4




                      This isn't very helpful. Not everybody is either capable or willing to come up with sarcastic comebacks - whether not being able to think of them, being shy/introverted/embarrassed, not liking mocking people even if they deserve it, etc. I'd assume that if the OP was able to deliver suitable zingers, they'd do that rather than posting here.
                      – Stuart F
                      21 hours ago




                      This isn't very helpful. Not everybody is either capable or willing to come up with sarcastic comebacks - whether not being able to think of them, being shy/introverted/embarrassed, not liking mocking people even if they deserve it, etc. I'd assume that if the OP was able to deliver suitable zingers, they'd do that rather than posting here.
                      – Stuart F
                      21 hours ago




                      1




                      1




                      @StuartF As per the last line: "Bob is using snark to try to bully you, stand up to it, or it won't stop." Not everyone can always speak either, like myself. I have selective mutism. No answer is universal, If you have a better one, please contribute.
                      – Richard U
                      20 hours ago




                      @StuartF As per the last line: "Bob is using snark to try to bully you, stand up to it, or it won't stop." Not everyone can always speak either, like myself. I have selective mutism. No answer is universal, If you have a better one, please contribute.
                      – Richard U
                      20 hours ago




                      1




                      1




                      @WesleyLong - I like to say "I tried to idiot-proof it, but they always seem to find a bigger idiot...."
                      – PoloHoleSet
                      16 hours ago




                      @WesleyLong - I like to say "I tried to idiot-proof it, but they always seem to find a bigger idiot...."
                      – PoloHoleSet
                      16 hours ago












                      Less actionable might be "Your.,<big pause>..opinion has been duly noted."
                      – mkennedy
                      13 hours ago




                      Less actionable might be "Your.,<big pause>..opinion has been duly noted."
                      – mkennedy
                      13 hours ago


















                       

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