Topic: Pc World

A TikTok video advocating for terms like "the-bies" instead of babies and "birthing people" instead of mothers is discussed. John Dvorak recounts a story from 1986 involving a PC World editor who insisted on using "congress-person" instead of "representative" to signal gender neutrality, a practice he views as early virtue signaling.

A discussion on gendered language covers the replacement of "guys" with "folks" or "y'all" and "manpower" with "workforce." An anecdote is shared about an editor at PC World rejecting the word "representative" as sexist, insisting on "spokesperson" instead. The hosts conclude that these linguistic trends reflect a broader marginalization of straight white males on college campuses.

An anecdote about a joke gone wrong at a PC World event illustrates the sensitivity of corporate environments. The hosts warn that once a creator relies on advertisers, they become vulnerable to "social justice warrior" tactics where activists contact sponsors to force content changes or cancellations.

The concept of "in-groups" and "out-groups" is explored through the lens of political slogans and corporate language. Martin O'Malley's apology for saying "all lives matter" is cited as an example of failing to use the correct group code. Dvorak shares a story from his time at PC Magazine regarding PC World's insistence on using the term "spokesperson" over "representative" to avoid perceived sexist language.

Tech journalist Mike Elgan is "de-douched" after making a $200 donation following a call-out on a previous show. Elgan's post on Google Plus about the show sparked a wave of negative comments from tech "fanboys" who criticized Adam Curry's hair and the show's "conspiracy theories." The hosts read the insults aloud, comparing the experience to Matt Damon's practice of reading mean tweets to stay humble.

Sensitive Iraq War documents were reportedly stolen from a lawyer on a UK train. The hosts speculate that many such "thefts" are actually cases of drunken bureaucrats losing unencrypted laptops or papers after consuming alcohol during their commutes.

An anecdote from a former PC World writer describes an editor's insistence on using the term "spokesperson" instead of "representative" to avoid sexist language. The hosts discuss the absurdity of these linguistic requirements and how they relate to the broader culture of avoiding sexual harassment lawsuits in public companies.