Whimsy Trial
The Whimsy Trial (also known as The Silly Lil' Guy Test) is a simple process deployed by the WIDEBOYS, notably Taylor and Prude, to quickly "test" people to check for social compatibility.
Thesis
The basis of the trial is to present to a new group or individuals a highly characterized and rarely nuanced "bit", and from that gauge the reaction. From there the bit is usually dropped or toned down. The two most usual reactions are either taking the bit at face value, wherein they fail to detect the presence of irony either deliberately or on purpose, or amusement. The former group, in most cases, in the long run prove to be incompatible with the nature of the WIDEBOYS, either taking themselves too seriously or valuing either ingroup dynamics or the concept of appearing "normal". Those that detect the bit, are usually those more open to creativity and spontaneity, and will almost always be compatible with WIDEBOY culture.
Notable Examples
- The Wonkas: The most notable and infamous of all examples is The Wonka's, who being midwits, never once understood the nature of the bit or even bit's in general, causing endless tension between them and Taylor, eventually culminating in their belief he was stupid and that they could break off and do BMW better, realizing quickly how wrong they were.
- The Enclave: A more recent example of a failed trial, specifically in regards to being overly puritanical in regards to anime avatar's, but also falling into the same trappings as The Wonka's, going as far as to believe Taylor "doxxed' himself when he posted his address (which when simply Googled, revealed to the the FBI HQ in Knoxville, TN)
- Pergo Joins: An old but very notable example to the opposite was the COMMUNISM joins in 2014 during Wildstar, most notably Solgnir and Tony (and to a lesser degree Dianic and Gauze), who almost immediately not only understood the bit, but joined in fully, adopting the COMMUNISM branding with ease.