Johning

From what I've heard the term "No Johns" originated from a Super Smash Bros Melee group in Texas. They had a frequent friend and competitor named John, who always made excuses when he lost. So "No Johns" basically means "no excuses" and it has grown extremely large in the smash community. Reggie Fils-aime has even used the term in a smash brothers video, showing that the terms popularity has even breached Nintendo HQ. If the "Johning" originated from this or had it's own start from a Smogon related experience, I wouldn't know because my current Smogon knowledge is pretty small

 

This is also where I heard the word john. It's often used in the Super smash brothers community like the above post said not too long ago. However, johning I have a mixed opinion about in a way. I don't like it when people do it, but in a way when I see people say it then I believe they can do better. Don't just say an excuse, you learn through losing and you get stronger because of it. So in a way I do feel sad for people who john.

 

Well geez, apparently I was johning this past weekend, by some people's definition. The Valor tournament I wanted to try my hand in, but the LV Showdown server hates my home internet for some reason (or the other way around). I really feel like if I was a more anticipated competitor, this would have seemed like me avoiding the battle. It doesn't matter how often I click "retry connection", I won't be able to connect again for a couple of days probably. In my case it's an absolutely unavoidable event that really, really sounds like an excuse. "Hey, isn't Zero supposed to be having a battle soon?" "Yeah, but he said his internet crapped out on the server." "Really? So lame, what a John that guy is."

However... my opinion is that I think a probable hardware/software issue that can't be proven/disproven by a third party shouldn't be considered johning. Internet's out? Laptop is being borrowed? Too busy with a prior engagement? Those are all entirely possible and valid explanations for avoidance of a battle. Something like complaining over bad luck with Confusion or an unfortunate crit leading to your loss? That's just a gameplay mechanic that didn't work for you. All I have to say is tough toenails, you John (or crybaby as we used to say, but times change).