It bugs me when people bring lame things to a potluck

[Anonymous]

Yes; potlucks are like a little snapshot of "the tragedy of the commons" with a bunch of free riders. It's why communism produces such lame results--it doesn't even work with people who are supposed to like each other!

OP, I'm a lame cook and wouldn't inflict my lack of skill on anyone other than my direct family, but when going to a potluck I buy nice stuff. One thing to recognize, OP, is that how one behaves with respect to bringing food to a potluck is indicative of how one behaves in other situations where there is a lack of accountability. The people I want to hang out with are the ones who behave well even when they think no one is watching.

[Anonymous]

I think it's lame when people bring things from WF or another grocery store. The idea is to enjoy home cooking!

[Anonymous]

We all have our pet peeves, but here's a different take on this: I have on occasion hosted a potluck dinner. I recall when a friend sheepishly brought a package of storebought cookies to one. She apologized and had had a rough day, kid schedule challenges, etc, and that was what she could manage to do that day. I was not mad, and thought that I was glad she still came, and didn't shame herself into not coming because she didn't have a homemade dish that day.

[Anonymous]

9:21 Whoa! Ever notice the different between a potluck of childless adults and a potluck of parents? Huge! Time crunch, simple as that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate potlucks.

I do, too.

It's akin to a poorly assembled quilt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's lame when people bring things from WF or another grocery store. The idea is to enjoy home cooking!

No, it isn't. The idea is for people to bring different things. Not everyone is into cooking.

[Anonymous]

I am the bacon lady of potlucks. I either bring mashed potatoes with bacon or Mac and cheese with bacon. For Jewish potlucks I bring the matzoh balls and a kugel. Those are your only options with me. I cook very few things, but what I make is done well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's lame when people bring things from WF or another grocery store. The idea is to enjoy home cooking!

No, it isn't. The idea is for people to bring different things. Not everyone is into cooking.

Ok, fair enough, and I am not saying I would be mad or anything. Being totally honest, though, when I go to a potluck at the preschool and I am the only one who made an actual dish, I do think it's a little silly. Oh bagels and cream cheese from giant...great. And btw, my DH and I work full time, have kids, and still can do something the majority of the time.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes people have better things to do than cook for a party they didn't plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes; potlucks are like a little snapshot of "the tragedy of the commons" with a bunch of free riders. It's why communism produces such lame results--it doesn't even work with people who are supposed to like each other!

OP, I'm a lame cook and wouldn't inflict my lack of skill on anyone other than my direct family, but when going to a potluck I buy nice stuff. One thing to recognize, OP, is that how one behaves with respect to bringing food to a potluck is indicative of how one behaves in other situations where there is a lack of accountability. The people I want to hang out with are the ones who behave well even when they think no one is watching.

So what I bring to a potluck is a direct referendum on my ethics and worth as a person. Got it.

Thank you for handing down your wisdom, oh mighty perfect person.

[Anonymous]

I agree with you, OP. if I can't make something decent then I buy it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes people have better things to do than cook for a party they didn't plan.

Then they should not attend. Don't accept and then fail to live up to the obligation to contribute in a quality way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes people have better things to do than cook for a party they didn't plan.

Then they should not attend. Don't accept and then fail to live up to the obligation to contribute in a quality way.

What's a "quality" way? If I'm hosting, of course I'll cook and prepare appropriately. But if someone invites me, I think bringing a 6 pack or a veggie tray is fine. If I wanted to cook for a party full of people if have one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's lame when people bring things from WF or another grocery store. The idea is to enjoy home cooking!

No, it isn't. The idea is for people to bring different things. Not everyone is into cooking.

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

Why aren't the folks that are bringing the lame dishes being taken care of by social norms? So they stop getting invited if they bring dishes with less thought or effort that went into it.