Comic 871: Randall learns about altruism

Alt text: I usually respond to someone else doing something good by figuring out a reason that they're not really as good as they seem. But I've been realizing lately that there's an easier way to handle these situations, and it involves zero internet arguments.

Well, it seems Rob has awoken for the springtime and written two actual, timely reviews in a row. I assume he has moved his laptop into his walk-in fridge, so he can reach the 14 comic-sized hams he has as a snack without drowning in a river of his own sweat.

Well fuck it. I’m still writing a review.

My first impression of this made me think this was a not great, but not terrible, advert for charitable giving. Haha, asshole guy is buying games instead of listening to Megan! Haha, what an asshole! I don’t want to be an asshole like him! But then I read the alt-text, and I wonder whose side we’re meant to take in this comic, because maybe the point is that Megan is being preachy and annoying.

That alt-text suggests Randy has been in an internet argument, or has at least read something about charitable giving that has upset him. My guess is that he has read this article about using 'dead children' as a currency unit, or something similar. It’s quite preachy, but it makes a pretty good case for itself.

If Randy is for some reason pissed off with this argument, he doesn’t make a good case for himself in the comic. In fact, he doesn’t make a case at all. If it was a funny, ironic or insightful non-case-making, like Tim Minchin’s Fuck The Poor (seriously, watch it if you haven't yet), I could forgive it. But of course it doesn’t.

There’s no joke. There’s no social commentary. There’s no maths or geek references or anything really. It reads like a particularly shitty and half-arsed Cyanide and Happiness strip with the swear words removed.

Given that the comic links to a malaria prevention charity, maybe we should be charitable, ignore the alt-text and assume that it is merely a mediocre poke at our lack of altruism.

Finally, if Randall the Ultimate Rationalist wanted to give something to charity, why didn’t he link a website that dedicates itself to finding the most efficient charities around? Like this. 

BINGO TIME!

Almost forgot it.

Well, despite spirited cheating from cptnoremac, Mike and Capn, there is still no bingo. Guys, your incompetence delights me.