[lurkerperpetual]

A not ignored nerd is not a nerd.

How about this idea: if such people would not be constantly derided and ignored they may be more socially successful, start spending more time with people with less potential and start lowering their own expectations as a consequence, trading their dreams for the cosiness of mere run-of-the-mill success.

[dgabriel]

Come on, you don't have to be a social pariah to find success as a start-up founder. That's just silly.

[JeanPierre]

I see your point, but saying hi every now and then, or talking about stuff while walking to and from school doesn't really hurt. Besides, being ALL alone makes it pretty hard to get some constructive criticism from others, and you might suffer from depression/low self-esteem and such.

But obviously, don't party every single night if you want to become a rocket scientist.