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* ILikeMyXLikeILikeMyY: Not actually in the comic (which is about Scott preferring coffee black rather than adulterated with other things) but the comments section to "[[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2013/8/15/how-to-enjoy-something-for-what-it-is.html How to Appreciate Something for What It Is]]" has a wonderful collection of "I like my coffee like..." jokes.
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the boss is actually Meyer in a mullet
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A [[CutAndPasteComic cut-and-paste]] [[http://basicinstructions.net/ web-comic]] by Scott Meyer, which offers, well, basic instructions on modern living. And how to deal with moon invaders. Features cartoon/traced versions of Meyer, his wife, [[JerkAss his boss]], his friends and co-workers, random annoying strangers, moon invaders...
to:
A [[CutAndPasteComic cut-and-paste]] [[http://basicinstructions.net/ web-comic]] by Scott Meyer, which offers, well, basic instructions on modern living. And how to deal with moon invaders. Features cartoon/traced versions of Meyer, his wife, [[JerkAss his boss]], his friends and co-workers, random annoying strangers, moon invaders...
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Deleted line(s) 13 (click to see context) :
* BackStory: Most of the alleged superheroes get a capsulized one, in an episode that explains HowToGiveACharacterSuperpowers.
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* SuperheroOrigin: Most of the alleged superheroes get a capsulized one, in an episode that explains HowToGiveACharacterSuperpowers.
** The Judger is a Non-Human Hero [[MySpeciesDothProtestTooMuch exiled]] from a race of SpaceElves for her judgements being "too vague and poorly-considered".
** The Knifeketeer is a BadassNormal whose pacifist parents were "slapped [[DeathByOriginStory to death]] by a hemophiliac, and I was powerless to save them."
** Omnipresent Man [[VoodooShark won his powers in a game of contract bridge]].
** Rocket Hat got his "[[ClothesMakeTheSuperman powers]]" in a FreakLabAccident involving a hot glue gun, some bottle rockets and a plastic Viking helmet.
** The Judger is a Non-Human Hero [[MySpeciesDothProtestTooMuch exiled]] from a race of SpaceElves for her judgements being "too vague and poorly-considered".
** The Knifeketeer is a BadassNormal whose pacifist parents were "slapped [[DeathByOriginStory to death]] by a hemophiliac, and I was powerless to save them."
** Omnipresent Man [[VoodooShark won his powers in a game of contract bridge]].
** Rocket Hat got his "[[ClothesMakeTheSuperman powers]]" in a FreakLabAccident involving a hot glue gun, some bottle rockets and a plastic Viking helmet.
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* NamesToRunAwayFromVeryFast: Stabby, who's something of a Comicbook/{{Robin}} to the Knifeketeer.
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* NamesToRunAwayFromVeryFast: NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: Stabby, who's something of a Comicbook/{{Robin}} to the Knifeketeer.
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* NamesToRunAwayFromVeryFast: Stabby, who's something of a [[{{Batman}} Robin]] to the Knifeketeer.
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* NamesToRunAwayFromVeryFast: Stabby, who's something of a [[{{Batman}} Robin]] Comicbook/{{Robin}} to the Knifeketeer.
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* BackStory: Most of the alleged superheroes get a capsulized one, in an episode that explains HowToGiveACharacterSuperpowers.
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* NamesToRunAwayFromVeryFast: Stabby, who's something of a [[{{Batman}} Robin]] to the Knifeketeer.
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* PureIsNotGood: In the last panel of [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2013/5/26/how-to-argue-with-your-spouse.html this comic]].
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* ReminiscingAboutYourVictims: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2006/8/23/how-to-fake-a-smile.html This comic]] about how to fake a smile suggests, in its final panel, just thinking of a pleasant memory and letting your face do the job by itself. What was the memory in question?
-->I remember the time I murdered that hobo and made a poncho out of his skin. Good times.
-->I remember the time I murdered that hobo and made a poncho out of his skin. Good times.
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Translation By Volume cross-wicked
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* TranslationByVolume: {{Parodied}} in "How to Talk to Someone who Speaks a Foreign Language". To sum up, be patient and remember that people might stereotype. [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2008/8/11/how-to-talk-to-someone-who-speaks-a-foreign-language.html Read it here]].
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* DamnedByFaintPraise: The tourism slogans in [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2013/3/24/how-to-plan-a-vacation-rerun.html "How to Plan a Vacation"]], such as "Death Valley -- It's Better Than It Sounds!" and the apparently-real-life "Missoula -- We Like It Here!"
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* StealthInsult: Scott is fond of these. The third panel of [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2013/2/14/how-to-gain-perspective.html this comic]] is one example.
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* ActingUnnatural: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2012/10/30/how-to-maintain-a-low-profile-rerun.html "How to Maintain a Low Profile."]]
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* ThrowTheDogABone: Once in a while, Rick gets the better of Scott, generally in a meaningless way. Ironically, it appears that the real Rick does not like those occasions, because then he envies his fictional self.
* TrickArrow: The Knifeketeer uses a Boxing Glove Knife, being a parody of Green Arrow and other superheroes who have to rely on inventive stupidity to remain useful and nonlethal at the same time.
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* TrickArrow: The Knifeketeer uses a Boxing Glove Knife, being a parody of Green Arrow and other superheroes who have to rely on inventive stupidity to remain useful and nonlethal at the same time.
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* AuthorAvatar
to:
* AuthorAvatarArtEvolution: The earlier comics are simple and have less stuff in each panel; modern strips are generally more complex in their art and word bubble placement. More to the point, Rick apparently changed his look at some point, meaning there's "classic" Rick and "modern" Rick.
* AuthorAvatar: Scott shows up as himself in the comic, and is also "Omnipresent Man" for good measure. (And despite looking the same, [[TheAce Rocket Hat]] is [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/1/6/how-to-kill-off-a-fictional-character.html explicitly a different person]].)
* AuthorAvatar: Scott shows up as himself in the comic, and is also "Omnipresent Man" for good measure. (And despite looking the same, [[TheAce Rocket Hat]] is [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/1/6/how-to-kill-off-a-fictional-character.html explicitly a different person]].)
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** He isn't considered badass because heroes are judged by their recurring villains, and he has no living enemies.
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** He isn't considered badass because heroes are judged by their recurring villains, and he has no living enemies. Except Macra Mayhem.
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* ClothesMakeTheSuperman: Rocket Hat.
to:
* ClothesMakeTheSuperman: Rocket Hat. Not quite played straight, as while he needs the hat to fly to and from the Moon, he's perfectly capable of dealing out one-sided beatings without it.
* CurbStompBattle: Pretty much any time Rocket Hat fights the Moon Men.
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* GoldfishPoopGang: The Moon Men. THE DETAILS ARE UNIMPORTANT!
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* GoldfishPoopGang: The Moon Men. [[CatchPhrase THE DETAILS ARE UNIMPORTANT!UNIMPORTANT!]]
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* InvincibleHero: Rocket Hat.
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* InvincibleHero: Rocket Hat. The mortal-but-badass type.
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* VideoWills
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* VideoWillsVideoWills: Sort of a running gag in the strip.
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* DrosteImage: The [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2008/9/4/how-to-select-a-t-shirt.html infinitee]]
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* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: Very early comics had Scott giving the advice as himself, rather than as a neutral third party, and then following it to the letter in the illustrations. The more modern versions start at around [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2006/8/13/how-to-talk-to-your-kid-about-smoking.html here.]]
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* FauxToGuide: The advice is generally good - or at least ''accurate'' - but the characters don't quite follow through...
to:
* FauxToGuide: The advice is generally good - or at least ''accurate'' - but the characters don't quite frequently follow through...it badly.
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* IdiosyncraticEpisodeNaming: "How to X"
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* IdiosyncraticEpisodeNaming: "How to X"X". There are also a handful of exceptions.
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* WinYourFreedom
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* WinYourFreedomWinYourFreedom: Rocket Hat occasionally has to go through this.
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* FauxToGuide: The advice is generally good, but the characters don't quite follow through...
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* FauxToGuide: The advice is generally good, good - or at least ''accurate'' - but the characters don't quite follow through...
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* StreisandEffect: [[InvokedTrope Invoked]] when relating a story he'd heard from someone involving [[CompleteMonster their having removed the keys from a handicapped woman's scooter]] [[MoralEventHorizon and thrown them as far away as they could]]. But as he [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/11/17/how-to-form-your-opinion-of-another-human-being.html puts it in the last panel]]...
to:
* StreisandEffect: [[InvokedTrope Invoked]] when relating a story he'd heard from someone involving [[CompleteMonster their having removed the keys from a handicapped woman's scooter]] [[MoralEventHorizon scooter and thrown them as far away as they could]].could. But as he [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/11/17/how-to-form-your-opinion-of-another-human-being.html puts it in the last panel]]...
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* TownWithADarkSecret: Parodied - the people in Scott's hometown of Sunnyside never discuss "The Unpleasantness", [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2012/5/29/how-to-show-some-civic-pride.html but everyone else in the state of Washington did.]]
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* FandomNod: "[[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2012/7/24/how-to-re-explain-details-in-a-long-running-narrative.html How To Re-explain Details In A Long-Running Narrative]]".
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* AbstractScale: A ruler that measures [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/18/how-to-justify-investing-in-quality-merchandise.html?currentPage=2 disapproval]]
to:
* AbstractScale: A ruler that measures [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/18/how-to-justify-investing-in-quality-merchandise.html?currentPage=2 disapproval]] in "milliscorns".
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** He isn't considered badass because heroes are judged by their recurring villains, and he has no living enemies.
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Falls somewhere between being a SliceOfLife and LifeEmbellished comic. Strips appear frequently on {{Cracked}}.
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Falls somewhere between being a SliceOfLife and LifeEmbellished comic. Strips appear frequently on {{Cracked}}.
Website/{{Cracked}}.
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NI
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* NoodleIncident: Whatever [[http://www.gocomics.com/basicinstructions/2012/05/30 "the unpleasantness" of Sunnyside]] was, it made national news.
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* BadassNormal: Rocket Hat. Played with with The Knifeketeer: he's ''effective'', but nowhere near badass.
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* ClothesMakeTheSuperman: Rocket Hat.
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* DescriptionCut: Pretty much every panel of every strip
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* DescriptionCut: Pretty much every panel of every stripstrip, with the "instruction" text clashing with the depiction of events.
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ISRH
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* ItSucksToBeTheChosenOne: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/28/how-to-fulfill-the-prophecy.html Word for word.]]
to:
* ItSucksToBeTheChosenOne: ImStandingRightHere: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/28/how-to-fulfill-the-prophecy.net/basic-instructions/2012/5/20/how-to-explain-why-you-like-something.html Word for word.Said twice by Rick.]] [[ButtMonkey Not that anyone cared.]]
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* ItSucksToBeTheChosenOne: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/28/how-to-fulfill-the-prophecy.html Word for word.]]
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* {{Jerkass}}: Jenkins.
-->'''Scott:''' [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2012/4/17/how-to-understand-someones-seemingly-irrational-behavior.html Poor Jenkins.]] Everyone he talks to is always angry.\\
'''Smitty:''' That's Jenkins' curse. He only deals with people who are, at that moment, dealing with Jenkins.
-->'''Scott:''' [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2012/4/17/how-to-understand-someones-seemingly-irrational-behavior.html Poor Jenkins.]] Everyone he talks to is always angry.\\
'''Smitty:''' That's Jenkins' curse. He only deals with people who are, at that moment, dealing with Jenkins.
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[[quoteright:289:[[SelfDeprecation http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/BI-2010-04-07-little-things-panel1_2618.gif]]]]
[[caption-width-right:289:Meyer demonstrates [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/7/how-to-take-pleasure-from-the-little-things.html "How to Take Pleasure from the Little Things"]].]]
A [[CutAndPasteComic cut-and-paste]] [[http://basicinstructions.net/ web-comic]] by Scott Meyer, which offers, well, basic instructions on modern living. And how to deal with moon invaders. Features cartoon/traced versions of Meyer, his wife, [[JerkAss his boss]], his friends and co-workers, random annoying strangers, moon invaders...
Falls somewhere between being a SliceOfLife and LifeEmbellished comic. Strips appear frequently on {{Cracked}}.
----
!!Contains (mostly one-shot) examples of the following:
* AbstractScale: A ruler that measures [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/18/how-to-justify-investing-in-quality-merchandise.html?currentPage=2 disapproval]]
* AuthorAvatar
* BlessedWithSuck: Omnipresent Man. He's everywhere. ''[[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/21/how-to-explain-a-fictional-technology-or-superpower.html EVERYWHERE ELSE.]]''
* ButtMonkey: Almost bordering on CosmicPlaything, the universe seems to have it in for Rick. Noteworthy example in [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/8/28/how-to-discuss-a-decision-with-which-you-do-not-agree.html this comic.]]
* TheChewToy: Again, Rick. Explained in [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/6/23/rick-ep2-full-groan.html this comic.]]
* ComicallyMissingThePoint
* ConservationOfCompetence: At the one end you have Mullet Boss. At the other, Rocket Hat. Which end is which? Rocket Hat can beat the Moon Men handily, frequently, single-handedly, and [[TheVoiceless silently]] (strangely). Mullet Boss... can kick a dog in its junk.
* DeliciousFruitPies: Scott once suggested that superhero movie [[TheStinger stingers]] could end with hero stopping the villain from stealing Hostess Fruit Pies.
* DescriptionCut: Pretty much every panel of every strip
* DidIJustSayThatOutLoud
* DisSimile
* DoesntLikeGuns: Parodied with the Knifeketeer- his sole power is stabbing, which has actually left all his nemeses dead. Rather than being praised, he is a laughing stock due to his lack of worthy foes. Well, that and his boxing glove knifes.
* EmbarrassingMiddleName: Scott Oscar Meyer.
* EnemyMine: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/3/3/how-to-unite-against-a-common-foe.html How to Unite Against a Common Foe]]
* EveryoneIsJesusInPurgatory: Discussed in-universe.
* EverythingTryingToKillYou: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2009/11/15/how-to-play-video-games-together.html Parodied.]]
* EvilTwin
* FauxToGuide: The advice is generally good, but the characters don't quite follow through...
* FleetingDemographicRule: It only took three years to accidentally [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/4/14/how-to-run-a-joke-into-the-ground.html remake]] [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2008/3/10/how-to-create-a-running-gag.html this comic]].
* FlippingTheBird
* GoldfishPoopGang: The Moon Men. THE DETAILS ARE UNIMPORTANT!
* GoodAngelBadAngel
* AGoodNameForARockBand: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/11/2/how-to-name-your-band.html How To Name Your Band]].
* GoodIsNotNice / AffablyEvil: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2006/7/7/how-to-make-a-decision.html That's why I suggest doing the right thing in the most evil manner possible]].
* IdiosyncraticEpisodeNaming: "How to X"
* ItSucksToBeTheChosenOne: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/28/how-to-fulfill-the-prophecy.html Word for word.]]
* InvincibleHero: Rocket Hat.
* JustBetweenYouAndMe
* MartialArtsAndCrafts: "Macramayhem, master of the martial crafts!"
* {{Metaphorgotten}}: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/7/28/how-to-face-the-consequences.html "There comes a time in every father's life when he has to fire one of his kids."]]
* MoneyDearBoy: InUniverse example in [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/4/10/how-to-give-constructive-criticism.html how to give constructive criticism]]:
-->'''Scott:''' You shouldn't write a book for the title.\\
'''Mullet Boss:''' I'm not. I'm writing it for the money.\\
'''Scott:''' Oh. That's okay then.
** This probably means there's another Basic Instructions book coming out soon.
* MyFriendsAndZoidberg: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/6/9/how-to-be-kind-to-the-least-among-you.html The Legion of Super Heroes, and the Knifeketeer,]] a collection of the world's mightiest crime-fighters. And the Knifeketeer.
* OneDialogueTwoConversations: Conversations between Scott and Mullet Boss often involve this. Perhaps exemplified best [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2008/3/3/how-to-explain-something-to-someone-who-doesnt-get-it.html here]].
* PointyHairedBoss: Scott's boss qualifies in every way. He even has a terrible hairstyle.
* ProductPlacement: Parodied [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/5/10/how-to-work-product-placement-shamelessly-into-your-narrativ.html here]] and played with [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/1/6/how-to-kill-off-a-fictional-character.html in the last panel]].
* RightHandCat: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2006/7/27/how-to-negotiate-with-the-un.html Here.]]
* RougeAnglesOfSatin: A frequent issue of Scott's - the comment pages typically have a number of corrections in them, and he fixes misspellings as they are pointed out to him. [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/2/3/how-to-correct-your-mistakes.html Lampshaded in the comic.]]
** I'll say [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/5/5/how-to-bother-someone-back.html this comic]] is more representative of this trope. Also serves as a TakeThatAudience.
* SelfDeprecation: A [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2012/2/5/how-to-visit-the-mirror-universe.html few]] [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2012/2/2/how-to-reinvent-a-classic-character-for-modern-audiences.html comics]] break the fourth wall to mention Scott's drawing ability:
-->'''Scott''': I got sucked into a vortex this morning.\\
'''Rick''': What'd it look like?\\
'''Scott''': Like something only a skilled artist could draw.\\
'''Rick''': It's a shame I'll never see one.
* ShoutOut: Frequent.
* StockholmSyndrome: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2008/12/15/how-to-watch-a-movie-you-are-told-you-will-love.html Scott explains]] the {{Disney}} movie ''Disney/BeautyAndTheBeast''.
* StreisandEffect: [[InvokedTrope Invoked]] when relating a story he'd heard from someone involving [[CompleteMonster their having removed the keys from a handicapped woman's scooter]] [[MoralEventHorizon and thrown them as far away as they could]]. But as he [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/11/17/how-to-form-your-opinion-of-another-human-being.html puts it in the last panel]]...
-->'''Scott:''' To the person who told me the story in panel one: I have not told anyone your name, nor have I drawn any likeness of you. You can never sue me, or even act offended without identifying yourself. I win.\\
'''Rick:''' In the most cowardly way possible.
* SummationGathering
* SustainedMisunderstanding: Scott [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2009/9/27/how-to-figure-out-what-someone-said.html mishearing]] "back waxing" as "bag wag sing":
-->'''Scott:''' I'm sorry, what was that?\\
'''Mullet Boss:''' My bag.\\
'''Scott:''' Yes.\\
'''Mullet Boss:''' Wags.\\
'''Scott:''' Uh, okay.\\
'''Mullet Boss:''' WAG SING! WAG SING, MY BAG!\\
'''Scott:''' I still don't know what you're talking about, but I'm begging you to stop explaining.
* TechnicalPacifist: The Knifeketeer has several special knives for defeating a foe harmlessly, most prominently the "Fist-knife". It's actually very effective, as foes collapse from laughing too much.
* TheUnSmile: A classic - [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2006/8/23/how-to-fake-a-smile.html "Your hide will make a fine poncho!"]]
* TrickArrow: The Knifeketeer uses a Boxing Glove Knife, being a parody of Green Arrow and other superheroes who have to rely on inventive stupidity to remain useful and nonlethal at the same time.
* VideoWills
* VitriolicBestBuds: Scott and Rick spend half their time insulting each other... and they're basically each others' only friends in-comic.
* TheVoiceless: The resident superhero Rocket Hat. [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/2/10/how-to-assemble-a-mighty-team-of-superheroes.html Lampshaded within the comic as well.]] Sorta. And subverted in [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/7/21/how-to-stage-a-hostile-takeover-of-another-strip-guest-strip.html a guest strip]].
* WinYourFreedom
* WorldOfSnark
* WriterRevolt: Scott Meyer got several comments asking him to make his wife look hotter, and 'less like a lesbian'. He responded by replacing her with pictures of [[LipstickLesbian Portia de Rossi]].
* YetAnotherChristmasCarol: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2009/2/8/how-to-learn-the-error-of-your-ways-from-three-ghosts-that-v.html How to Learn The Error of Your Ways From Three Ghosts that Visit You On Christmas Eve.]]
* YourAnswerToEverything: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/5/22/how-to-be-a-good-husband-during-ladytimes.html Getting kicked in the groin, apparently.]]
----
[[caption-width-right:289:Meyer demonstrates [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/7/how-to-take-pleasure-from-the-little-things.html "How to Take Pleasure from the Little Things"]].]]
A [[CutAndPasteComic cut-and-paste]] [[http://basicinstructions.net/ web-comic]] by Scott Meyer, which offers, well, basic instructions on modern living. And how to deal with moon invaders. Features cartoon/traced versions of Meyer, his wife, [[JerkAss his boss]], his friends and co-workers, random annoying strangers, moon invaders...
Falls somewhere between being a SliceOfLife and LifeEmbellished comic. Strips appear frequently on {{Cracked}}.
----
!!Contains (mostly one-shot) examples of the following:
* AbstractScale: A ruler that measures [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/18/how-to-justify-investing-in-quality-merchandise.html?currentPage=2 disapproval]]
* AuthorAvatar
* BlessedWithSuck: Omnipresent Man. He's everywhere. ''[[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/21/how-to-explain-a-fictional-technology-or-superpower.html EVERYWHERE ELSE.]]''
* ButtMonkey: Almost bordering on CosmicPlaything, the universe seems to have it in for Rick. Noteworthy example in [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/8/28/how-to-discuss-a-decision-with-which-you-do-not-agree.html this comic.]]
* TheChewToy: Again, Rick. Explained in [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/6/23/rick-ep2-full-groan.html this comic.]]
* ComicallyMissingThePoint
* ConservationOfCompetence: At the one end you have Mullet Boss. At the other, Rocket Hat. Which end is which? Rocket Hat can beat the Moon Men handily, frequently, single-handedly, and [[TheVoiceless silently]] (strangely). Mullet Boss... can kick a dog in its junk.
* DeliciousFruitPies: Scott once suggested that superhero movie [[TheStinger stingers]] could end with hero stopping the villain from stealing Hostess Fruit Pies.
* DescriptionCut: Pretty much every panel of every strip
* DidIJustSayThatOutLoud
* DisSimile
* DoesntLikeGuns: Parodied with the Knifeketeer- his sole power is stabbing, which has actually left all his nemeses dead. Rather than being praised, he is a laughing stock due to his lack of worthy foes. Well, that and his boxing glove knifes.
* EmbarrassingMiddleName: Scott Oscar Meyer.
* EnemyMine: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/3/3/how-to-unite-against-a-common-foe.html How to Unite Against a Common Foe]]
* EveryoneIsJesusInPurgatory: Discussed in-universe.
* EverythingTryingToKillYou: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2009/11/15/how-to-play-video-games-together.html Parodied.]]
* EvilTwin
* FauxToGuide: The advice is generally good, but the characters don't quite follow through...
* FleetingDemographicRule: It only took three years to accidentally [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/4/14/how-to-run-a-joke-into-the-ground.html remake]] [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2008/3/10/how-to-create-a-running-gag.html this comic]].
* FlippingTheBird
* GoldfishPoopGang: The Moon Men. THE DETAILS ARE UNIMPORTANT!
* GoodAngelBadAngel
* AGoodNameForARockBand: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/11/2/how-to-name-your-band.html How To Name Your Band]].
* GoodIsNotNice / AffablyEvil: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2006/7/7/how-to-make-a-decision.html That's why I suggest doing the right thing in the most evil manner possible]].
* IdiosyncraticEpisodeNaming: "How to X"
* ItSucksToBeTheChosenOne: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/4/28/how-to-fulfill-the-prophecy.html Word for word.]]
* InvincibleHero: Rocket Hat.
* JustBetweenYouAndMe
* MartialArtsAndCrafts: "Macramayhem, master of the martial crafts!"
* {{Metaphorgotten}}: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/7/28/how-to-face-the-consequences.html "There comes a time in every father's life when he has to fire one of his kids."]]
* MoneyDearBoy: InUniverse example in [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/4/10/how-to-give-constructive-criticism.html how to give constructive criticism]]:
-->'''Scott:''' You shouldn't write a book for the title.\\
'''Mullet Boss:''' I'm not. I'm writing it for the money.\\
'''Scott:''' Oh. That's okay then.
** This probably means there's another Basic Instructions book coming out soon.
* MyFriendsAndZoidberg: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/6/9/how-to-be-kind-to-the-least-among-you.html The Legion of Super Heroes, and the Knifeketeer,]] a collection of the world's mightiest crime-fighters. And the Knifeketeer.
* OneDialogueTwoConversations: Conversations between Scott and Mullet Boss often involve this. Perhaps exemplified best [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2008/3/3/how-to-explain-something-to-someone-who-doesnt-get-it.html here]].
* PointyHairedBoss: Scott's boss qualifies in every way. He even has a terrible hairstyle.
* ProductPlacement: Parodied [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/5/10/how-to-work-product-placement-shamelessly-into-your-narrativ.html here]] and played with [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/1/6/how-to-kill-off-a-fictional-character.html in the last panel]].
* RightHandCat: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2006/7/27/how-to-negotiate-with-the-un.html Here.]]
* RougeAnglesOfSatin: A frequent issue of Scott's - the comment pages typically have a number of corrections in them, and he fixes misspellings as they are pointed out to him. [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/2/3/how-to-correct-your-mistakes.html Lampshaded in the comic.]]
** I'll say [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/5/5/how-to-bother-someone-back.html this comic]] is more representative of this trope. Also serves as a TakeThatAudience.
* SelfDeprecation: A [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2012/2/5/how-to-visit-the-mirror-universe.html few]] [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2012/2/2/how-to-reinvent-a-classic-character-for-modern-audiences.html comics]] break the fourth wall to mention Scott's drawing ability:
-->'''Scott''': I got sucked into a vortex this morning.\\
'''Rick''': What'd it look like?\\
'''Scott''': Like something only a skilled artist could draw.\\
'''Rick''': It's a shame I'll never see one.
* ShoutOut: Frequent.
* StockholmSyndrome: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2008/12/15/how-to-watch-a-movie-you-are-told-you-will-love.html Scott explains]] the {{Disney}} movie ''Disney/BeautyAndTheBeast''.
* StreisandEffect: [[InvokedTrope Invoked]] when relating a story he'd heard from someone involving [[CompleteMonster their having removed the keys from a handicapped woman's scooter]] [[MoralEventHorizon and thrown them as far away as they could]]. But as he [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/11/17/how-to-form-your-opinion-of-another-human-being.html puts it in the last panel]]...
-->'''Scott:''' To the person who told me the story in panel one: I have not told anyone your name, nor have I drawn any likeness of you. You can never sue me, or even act offended without identifying yourself. I win.\\
'''Rick:''' In the most cowardly way possible.
* SummationGathering
* SustainedMisunderstanding: Scott [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2009/9/27/how-to-figure-out-what-someone-said.html mishearing]] "back waxing" as "bag wag sing":
-->'''Scott:''' I'm sorry, what was that?\\
'''Mullet Boss:''' My bag.\\
'''Scott:''' Yes.\\
'''Mullet Boss:''' Wags.\\
'''Scott:''' Uh, okay.\\
'''Mullet Boss:''' WAG SING! WAG SING, MY BAG!\\
'''Scott:''' I still don't know what you're talking about, but I'm begging you to stop explaining.
* TechnicalPacifist: The Knifeketeer has several special knives for defeating a foe harmlessly, most prominently the "Fist-knife". It's actually very effective, as foes collapse from laughing too much.
* TheUnSmile: A classic - [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2006/8/23/how-to-fake-a-smile.html "Your hide will make a fine poncho!"]]
* TrickArrow: The Knifeketeer uses a Boxing Glove Knife, being a parody of Green Arrow and other superheroes who have to rely on inventive stupidity to remain useful and nonlethal at the same time.
* VideoWills
* VitriolicBestBuds: Scott and Rick spend half their time insulting each other... and they're basically each others' only friends in-comic.
* TheVoiceless: The resident superhero Rocket Hat. [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2010/2/10/how-to-assemble-a-mighty-team-of-superheroes.html Lampshaded within the comic as well.]] Sorta. And subverted in [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/7/21/how-to-stage-a-hostile-takeover-of-another-strip-guest-strip.html a guest strip]].
* WinYourFreedom
* WorldOfSnark
* WriterRevolt: Scott Meyer got several comments asking him to make his wife look hotter, and 'less like a lesbian'. He responded by replacing her with pictures of [[LipstickLesbian Portia de Rossi]].
* YetAnotherChristmasCarol: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2009/2/8/how-to-learn-the-error-of-your-ways-from-three-ghosts-that-v.html How to Learn The Error of Your Ways From Three Ghosts that Visit You On Christmas Eve.]]
* YourAnswerToEverything: [[http://basicinstructions.net/basic-instructions/2011/5/22/how-to-be-a-good-husband-during-ladytimes.html Getting kicked in the groin, apparently.]]
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