[chimpinee]

There's a kind of emotional economy that nerds don't tune into. To those who aren't strong enough to resist participating in this collective exchange, it seems like the nerd is cheating. And he's perpetually anxious, so he must be in the wrong, right?

>everyone - including the teacher - had laughed

Yes. 'Socialization' --a purportedly legitimate function of schooling-- exists on the same continuum as teasing and bullying.

[wwwtyro]

> There's a kind of emotional economy that nerds don't tune into.

Please expand on this as much as you're willing.

[scrumper]

Might be referring to this essay by Paul Graham: http://www.paulgraham.com/nerds.html

[wwwtyro]

That was very good; thanks.