My game "crowd" includes AI programmers, astrophysicists, sommeliers, and editors. Maybe YOUR crowd is anti-social. ; }

I have to jump in Laura's corner, here. While the gamers I hang out with aren't really in the "crowd", my possé has a distinct lack of dickery in our game sessions or game-related activities.

I'm not saying that we all have jerks playing in our games. I'm saying that to the general a lot public gamers come off as conceited asshats. I'm looking at the RPGA crowd specifically and the WW "Freak the Norms" in general.

It just seems that when I go into a FLGS and scan the population there is a higher percentage of Dicks and Social Idiots than you would find in your average McDonalds/Target/Neiman Marcus.

I used to have them in my group years ago when I had an open game. I tend to only play closed games now, i.e., by invite and 100% agreement from existing players. Solves almost all the problems you describe.

And the stereotype exists *because* those types exists. Those of us that are NOT like that need to teach others the reality of it. That those goombas are the exception, not the rule.

Personally, I just hand them their asshat when they get out of line. I am well versed in the arts of war. :)