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People Explain Which Groups They're In The Top 1% Of

People Explain Which Groups They're In The Top 1% Of
Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash

There are roughly 7 billion people on earth so being the top 1% of anything sounds like it might be an incredible honor.

Maybe you've received an award or a certification that only a few people have gotten. Or maybe you have a rare disease, which doesn't sound as fun.

We went to Ask Reddit to find the people who are in a top 1% of people.


Redditor I_Love_Small_Breasts asked:

"What are you in the 1% of?"

Here's some of the rare groups people are apart of or things they experience.

Could be totally great or totally inconvenient.

"If I shake my head in a certain way, I can give myself an orgasm. Never met anyone who can do that."

- KindlyOlPornographer

"Wow that sounds incredibly inconvenient."

- WiIdCherryPepsi

"'Shaking my head' has a whole new meaning now. Damn."

- RuthlessRex

Survived a flesh eating bacteria.

"Survived flesh eating bacteria in the bloodstream after sepsis. Most people die within 3 days."

- skyth2k1

"Had MRSA and sepsis because of an open wound on my left foot. Thing is a nurse was treating the wound with Santyl and it was fully bandaged at all times. The nurse changed the dressings 3 times a week but I still ended up in the hospital with antibiotics IV'd into each arm plus oral antibiotics. Spent 15 days in ICU having all my organs sonogramed for signs of the infection spreading. X-rays and MRI's to check for bone infections and when they released me I had to wear a wound vac pump for 2 months to seal the wound on my foot."

- marcuscrassus98

Pancreatic cancer survivor.

"I had pancreatic cancer last year. Out of 10,000 patients they normally find 100 who have another form of this cancer who kill a little slower, like in 2 years instead of months."

"I was one of the hundred. Out of those, normally 15 can have surgery. I was one of them."

"Out of those 15, some die and some come back to basically normal life."

"That's about a 0.07% chance in all."

"I am still one of them. I should be dead by now."

- WillingnessSouthern4

A superpower.

"I can stop my hiccups on command."

- mcrfreak78

"There’s a superpower for sure."

- isat_u_steve

This is way less than 1%

"I am one of only 1300 board certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners for the adult and adolescent population. In the world."

- eziern

"I'm unsettled by how small that number is."

- redhair-ing

"To be fair, there are more SANE nurses, meaning nurses who take care of these patients and are qualified to do so. Being board certified just means I took an extra step after I reached a qualifying time to take a test to prove it. I’m actually up for renewal. At the time I first tested, I was one of something like 1100."

"Still, even knowing that, there aren’t enough SANEs or FNEs overall."

- eziern

Being ambidextrous.

"I’m naturally ambidextrous. Apparently that’s something only 1% of people naturally are. I can use both right and left hands ably for any task. For example, I often switch which hand I write with based on how I’m sitting."

"It’s worth noting natural ambidexterity is not the same as learned or acquired ambidexterity. For example, left handed people often have to use things designed for right handed people but otherwise are left handed."

- Stormaen

"I’m of the .002% of people with osteopoikilosis. This freaked the sh*t out of me because when I was diagnosed the first thing the doctor said was 'wow I’ve never seen this in anything but textbooks before.'"

"Basically, I have bones growing inside my bones. It’s not anything I should be worried about, at least for a while, so that’s nice."

- IgDailystapler

How many people can say this?

"I've represented my country in the Paralympic games."

- L-E-S

"That’s a really nice one! Which specialty?"

- AntiSnoringDevice

"Volleyball for Great Britain in the 1996 games in Atlanta."

- L-E-S

Backwards heart.

"Not me but my dad."

"He was born with a backwards heart and didn’t find out till his heart attack a few years ago and it actually saved his life."

"His doctor later told him that after being a doctor for over 30 years he’d never seen someone with a backwards heart and that apparently 1% of people on the planet have it."

- SaphireJames

Seeing static.

"I am diagnosed with Visual snow syndrome. Basically seeing through static. It may not be rare as thought but I am one of very few people to be formally diagnosed."

- condensemilks

"Same! I figured it out when people didn’t see the static and I heard it mentioned! Used to think I was seeing molecules when I was a little kid haha."

- MammothGlum

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HIV resistant gene mutation.

"I have a double gene mutation that makes me highly resistant or even immune to the HIV virus."

- Som12H8

"Can doctors use your blood to help those with HIV?"

- lydsquad

"I have the same mutation and I've donated samples towards research. I got an email last year about vaccine hopes but I'm not sure where it went."

- threewhitelights

Survived air travel crashes.

"I’ve been in 2 helicopter crashes and 1 plane crash. There is only a small group of people who have survived that many crashes. I’m also not a pilot."

- No1uNo_Nakana

"Have you considered alerting fellow passengers and crew when you book a flight?"

- thebeautifulseason

"That would go over great with tsa."

- aquoad

A very large eye.

"So apparently my left eye is 32mm. The average size is 21-27mm. My eye doctor said it was neat."

- sumtinfunny

"So you look like this? o_0"

- SmokyTower

"What about your right eye?"

- AnaNg_zz

"Don't worry. His other eye is all right."

- WordUnheard

Albinism.

"I'm albino."

- Xylogie

"Ooh, that's neat. I'm sure you never hear the end of it in public or social situations."

- Patsfan618

"Haha, oh boy do people talk about it! Mostly things about my hair and how much some people would pay for it lol."

- Xylogie

Just walking.

"According to my step counter, walking."

"Not even kidding, I manage a warehouse and walk 10-15 miles a day at work. Apparently this is more than 99.3% of users."

"Turns out the one thing I'm exceptional at is the one thing almost everyone can do. Yay."

- FastWalkingShortGuy

"25-30k steps a day, if my math is right?"

- blackbrandt

Two uteruses.

"Mine's pretty godawful. I have 2 uteruses."

"Lot of people asking why I put up with it till I was around 33. I didn't know. Because doctors don't listen to women complaining of menstrual issues, is why. The endless pain and bleeding? Suck it up, take 3 Advil not two (holla). Starting at age 12. Till I lucked into a rare empathetic gynecologist who, since I'd always known I was uninterested in parenting, offered me a minimally invasive (just removes the top of the uterus, the rest of me stayed there) hysterectomy to stop the pain and hemorrhaging. And in doing the surgery, he discovered what no other doctor had cared enough to find."

"I love that guy!"

- therookling

One of only 200 people in the world.

​"I’m one of only 200 deaf pilots in the world and one of only four (that are commonly known of) in the world with Commercial & Instrument training."

"I’m also one of the only deaf people who hold both a pilots license and a commercial drivers license."

- deafaviator

"Can you work at commercial airliners? How do you communicate on radio? This is so cool. My dad works on planes for FedEx and now the military so I’ve always respected pilots. Hard work."

- ThalesOfRivia

"No. Airlines won’t touch me with a 10 foot pole. Way too much accommodation and liability involved."

"I don’t personally use the radio. If it’s necessary I’ll take a copilot along with me to handle the radio."

- deafaviator

Better than average vision.

"Eyesight. I have 20/10 vision, turns out only about 1% of people have better than normal 20/20 vision."

- Skumbob

"Ted Williams (HoF baseball player and WW2 pilot) told a story about his 20/10 vision. He was landing with his team and as the plane was circling the runway. He turned to a fellow player and says "I know that man in the yellow hat" The other player could barely make it the person in question and said there was no way Ted could see a face from this far away."

"They get off the plane and Ted walks up to the man in the yellow hat and shakes his hand."

- Helix1322

Heterochromia Iridum.

"I have a brown eye and a blue one."

- NoMatter07

"That's heterochromia iridum. Only four people out of a million have that, meaning you'd share that trait with approx. 0.0004% of the world population."

- FleurCannon_

There are some incredible people out there in the world, and thankfully the internet is bringing them all together.

It's fascinating to see how diverse humans really are.

Want to "know" more? Never miss another big, odd, funny, or heartbreaking moment again. Sign up for the Knowable newsletter here.

Purchases People Made As Adults That They've Wanted Since Childhood

Reddit user zydollasiign asked: 'What did you purchase as an adult because you could never have it as a child?'

Vintage toy store window
Nong on Unsplash

It's funny, because depending on our financial management, some of us get really "spend happy" once we have an adult job with adult money.

But others realize instead that they may not need to buy everything they can suddenly afford, but just that one thing they've wanted since childhood.

Curious about others' wish list items, Redditor zydollasiign asked:

"What did you purchase as an adult because you could never have it as a child?"

A Metal Detector

"A metal detector. I always wanted one as a kid, but my dad said I'd use it a handful of times, and then it would sit and collect dust forever."

"I bought myself one, and it turns out that my dad was right."

- AlmostSane67

Just Desserts

"Desserts at restaurants."

- TenderPhoenix

"Yes! And appetizers and a soda. I was only ever allowed to get one thing; I could choose an appetizer, a main dish, OR a dessert. But getting all three and a drink makes me feel so bougie."

- Fun_Acanthisitta1101

Options at the Book Fair

"It's not about what I buy myself but I make sure my kid has plenty of money for the book fair."

- EnvironmentSmart4698

"The parent I dream to be… you’re awesome."

- lmwk4gcc

The Big Pack

"The gigantic pack of Crayola crayons!! Just took me 65 years… lol (laughing out loud)... and I love them!"

- MyCat_SaysThis

"I don’t share my 120-pack, either. I got the variety pack of Sharpie and Flair, too!"

- littlescreechyowl

Proper Clothes

"Clothes that fit."

- dark-medicine

"Ugh, my mother was absolutely DELUSIONAL about what size clothing I wore. I was 18-20 before I realized that you weren't SUPPOSED to buy clothes you could just barely squeeze yourself into, clothes that dug deep red marks into you all day, clothes that caused you physical pain to wear. It was incredible the first time I bought myself a pair of pants that actually fit."

- SharMarali

"Opposite for me. My mom was paranoid about me "growing out" of stuff and it was so embarrassing and uncomfortable. Having so much extra fabric is so uncomfortable and makes it so hard to just function like a normal human."

"Having clothes that were the correct size was life-changing."

- pm_me_your_shaved_ice

"I work somewhere that sells a specialty clothing item for a youth activity (think something like sports jerseys). I frequently have to talk moms out of buying several sizes too big for their teenagers!"

"Yes, when the kid is eight and wearing a medium, I tell mom to get a large or even an XL so it fits for more than six months. But it is shocking to me how many moms want to buy a 2XL for their 15-year-olds who wear a small!"

"They’re not going to keep growing that much! Let them get the one they’ll be comfortable in. It’s like they have no idea when a kid will stop growing, even when the kid is taller than them."

- TheWishingStar

Therapy

"Therapy."

- HeresDave

"I can relate to this so hard, it hurts."

- candid84asoulm8bled

A Gaming System

"All the current gaming consoles. Feels good, man!"

- ImInJeopardy

"And never have time to play anything! My PS5 might as well be a $600 paperweight."

- Agreeable_Pizzy93

"Feel you here. I’m able to buy any game I want now. Have about 300 quality games in my library. Super juiced computer. If I am able to play for a few hours on a Friday night, it’s a win. Adulting is a paradox."

- ask_me_about_my_band

Ice Cream Cake

"Ice Cream Cake."

"My sister was a spring baby. She got ice cream cakes. I never got ice cream cakes because it was hot for my birthday and my mother said they'd melt too quickly."

"Now I get my own d**n ice cream cakes. I don't care if they melt."

- RumandDiabetes

"Growing up, I never got a birthday cake in the flavor that I liked because my mom hated those flavors. Now I don't have to dread having to eat my own birthday cake anymore."

- yodelingllama

High-Speed Internet

"The fastest Internet I could buy in my area."

- Cic3ro

"Same, grew up on Dial-up. It was torture."

- DukeOfJokes

A Comfortable Mattress

"As a teen, I started sleeping on the floor because my childhood mattress was so bad. I remember buying my first new one as an adult. It was one of those memory foam ones that came in a box."

"I ordered it online and paid $600. I felt like I was rich being able to do that. And it was the best mattress I had ever slept on."

- BartenderNichole

A Cat

"A cat."

- kittengoesrawr

"Same here. My mom kept saying she was allergic, but suddenly, now that I'm on my own, she has no issues taking care of him when I leave town. Make it make sense."

- anny_elle17

Comfortable Shoes

"Comfortable shoes! Growing up with flat feet and parents who didn’t want to shell out a lot of money for shoes meant that I wore uncomfortable tennis shoes for years. That’s why as soon as it was warm enough and sometimes not, I would wear flip-flops because they didn’t hurt my feet."

"My husband makes sure my shoes fit comfortably because when we met, my one 'comfortable' pair was falling apart because I was so broke, I couldn’t afford shoes. He took me shoe shopping as a date and bought me comfortable shoes."

- coffeeandjesus1986

"(Crying emoji), what a keeper."

- alley_underland

"Protect that man at all cost."

- No-Panda-8606

Playing Doctor

"I grew up in a home where my parents practiced a religion that said you can’t seek medical help or go to doctors. I always wanted the Operation game and a pretend doctor’s bag like my friends had."

"When I became a parent, my child received a play doctor’s kit and the Operation game for Christmas one year."

- MadMomma85

Basic Privacy

"Privacy."

- Puzzled_Cheetah8390

"Raising my glass to FINALLY knowing 100% no one will rifle through my things and then confront me because they didn’t like what they found and then blame god for telling them to do it."

"No, Mom, no one told you to snoop. You went through my stuff hoping to find something shocking, and got mad because all you learned was that I left my laundry in the dryer without folding it on purpose just to annoy you and that Dad let me have half a beer one night while we watched 'Bubba HoTep' on USA UP All night."

- 5hrs4hrs3hrs2hrs1mor

"Same! My mom used to go through my things and read my journal. I never understood it, I was a nerd with a small group of friends who didn't drink, smoke, or do drugs, or have a boyfriend for that matter."

"I caught her so many times that she banned me from using the word 'snoop.'"

"Anyway, I understand now, it wasn't about being worried about me, it was about having control over me and me knowing I didn't have a safe space."

"Congrats to all the kids that finally reclaimed their safe place."

- RebelRigantona

Backups

"Aww man. I could name multitudes. I have been very blessed since I got married."

"But the main thing I do now is buy multiples of various grocery items we buy regularly to just keep the house stocked. When we open the last one, I go out and buy two or three more."

"Something about just knowing you have it available is comforting. Growing up we never bought anything unless we were OUT of it."

- No_Property1875

This conversation went from wholesome to anticlimactic to heartbreaking and back again.

There were some basic wants, like privacy, properly-fitting clothing, and appropriate shoes, that everyone should just be able to have. They should be a right rather than a privilege.

But fortunately, there were enjoyable things here, too, like more money for the Book Fair, fuzzy companions, and ice cream cake, that are wonderful to give to ourselves when our parents were unwilling or unable.

Adult money needs to be put toward bills and basic expenses, yes, but it should be put toward joy, too.

Dangling legs of two teens
Aedrian/Unsplash

Kissing can be as romantic as it is in the movies.

There's nothing more satisfying than sharing a passionate kiss with a person who has the exact same romantic feelings as you do.

In spite of the unknown future of a relationship, the first physical confirmation of love is still a moment you won't soon forget.

But perhaps what's most memorable is your very first kiss.

People shared their funny stories when Redditor 4_wheels_ specifically asked:

"Where did you have your first kiss?"

Can we get a location please?

On The Up And Up

"Hotel stairwell on my grade 8 school trip to the capital."

"UPDATE: It was with a girl (I am male). In the 80s. We're still great friends."

– NewsboyHank

An Appointment Made

"Dentist office."

– crixy98

"This is not what the doc means when he says 'alrighty, open up!'"

– AestheticCopacetic

Things got hot and heavy.

After Meeting In The Library

"Was about 13 met a 15yo girl at the library after school went home with her and we made out heavily in her bedroom. I remember our mouths were so wide open our teeth would clack together and I don’t think I’ve ever been kissed with such vigor again... Still think of her from time to time."

– Aggressive_Warthog_4

Crazy In Love

"In a psych ward when I was 13! A 14 year old girl in the ward with me told me I was cute and asked if I wanted to kiss…I figured why not, LOL"

– feslan

"What happens in the psych ward stays in the psych ward."

– Accomplished_Pen5755

Getting Cozy

"My Honda civic at 19 years old parked out her place."

– ScoobyDooStoned

"You guys parked next to each other?"

– rightcow9vpaperclip

It's like magic.

Fresh Memory

"Middle of the night in my childhood playground under the stars. This was like two weeks ago I’m 14 lol"

– Bazoonial

"W sh*t bro, enjoy the childhood while u still got it."

– Heelflipsrsick

"That’s so sweet, it happened for me too like that."

– Pleasant-Pattern-566

Gen X Love

"At the mall like the typical 80s kid that I was."

– LadyoftheHounds

Not everyone's memory of a first kiss resulted in fireworks.

A Miss Match

"On the tennis courts behind the elementary school. I did you wrong, Kelly. I'm sorry. I hope you're doing well."

– nick1158

Peer Pressure

"Playing truth or dare at a party when I was in like 6th grade. It was awkward as f'k.'"

– Cheese_Pancakes

My first kiss was with a girl. (Didn't all closeted gay boys experiment with girls at first?)

I was in sixth grade at my first after school party.

Before my mom came to pick me up, Dorothy, my classmate, wanted to slow dance with me–even though there was no music playing.

I agreed to it, and that was when she grabbed my face and pulled me toward her lips to make out.

Yup, I knew right then and there, I didn't like girls that way and never would.

When American tourists travel abroad, they often find themselves startled if not downright perplexed by several international cuisines.

If haggis doesn't sound disgusting enough, they find themselves even more shocked by how awful it tastes.

What these very same tourists might not take into account, is that visitors from abroad are often equally baffled by several iconic American dishes.

And no, we're not just talking about the gargantuan portions.

Redditor Seraphicly329 was curious to hear all the American cuisines foreigners can't quite wrap their minds, let alone their tongues, around, leading them to ask:

"Non-Americans what American foods do you find unusual or odd?"

Can they Not Taste How The Root Beer Compliments The Ice Cream?

"Used to host a lot of non-American when they came here from Europe or Asia."

"Root beer floats baffles them every time!"

"Tastes just like their toothpaste and can’t understand how we enjoy it."- WhiskeyTangoFoxy

Say CHEESE!

"My friend from the Mediterranean said 'You Americans put cheese on everything'."

"'Cheese on eggs, cheese on meat, cheese on pasta, cheese on salad, cheese on BREAD, on FISH!!'"

"And you know, she's right."

"Love me a tuna melt."- WildAsTheyCome

Sweet And Salty

"I moved to the states years ago and the first time I saw chicken and waffles I was confused by this combo."-SmittenKitten0303

Chicken And Waffles Syrup GIF by F*CK, THAT'S DELICIOUSGiphy

What Is So Offensive?!?!

"I had a Swedish friend who told me he wasn’t even willing to try mac and cheese because it sounded gross lol."- offbrandbarbie

"Kraft boxed Mac and cheese."

"I don't understand how something so processed can taste like the color yellow and yet be enjoyable but here we are."- RagePandazXD

An Aquired Taste, For Sure...

"I had a Portuguese boss once, and our team would often go out for lunch."

"Me, being a bit of a foodie/adventurous, would often recommend lunch spots."

"I decided for a change we should go to this restaurant that served nothing but PB&J sandwiches, with various twists like the Elvis - a warm sandwich with bananas and bacon slices, etc."

"He later recounted it as "'he worst lunch [he] had ever had", and thought I did it out of revenge'."- spaetzelspiff

Kevin Smith Celebs GIF by DiggGiphy

FIrst Impressions Can Be Dangerous...

"Thought smashburgers would make the burger dry and juices ooze out."

"I had one from Shake Shack when I was in NYC."

"It was delicious and crispy and not dry at all."

"A bit salty but oh well."- teems

Most Cakes Don't Have A Shelf Life...

"Twinkies."- vali241

"Those are gross to most Americans over 15 years old too."

"Honestly, most snacky cakes."

"Maybe twice a year I'll get a wild craving for a Star Crunch or a Swiss Roll, but then I'll have one and remember why I rarely buy them."- Not_a_werecat

Carbs And Fat...

"If you've never eaten biscuits and gravy, you're missing out."

"If you've had it and say you don't like it, you've either eaten it at a bad restaurant or you have no soul."- Mother_Wash

Giphy

Oscar Wilde Was The One Who Said "Sugar Is No Longer Fashionable..."

"Unsweetened iced tea."

"Love it."- Quinocco

So Much For Southern Hospitality...

"Things my South African/British wife found weird."

"Scrapple, chicken and waffles, biscuits, sausage gravy, chicken fried steak, okra, Brunswick Stew, real BBQ (as opposed to grilling), grits, pickled pig feet, pork brains, Boudin sausage, pecan pie, Key Lime pie, boiled peanuts."

"If I think about it, a lot of Southern/Soul food."

"She was also unfamiliar with Mexican and TexMex other than those horrid Old El Paso hard shell taco kits."- Shuggy539

A Cute Alternative Word For "Scraps"...

"Many people are repulsed by scrapple."

"I have been enjoying it all my life, but I don't try to push it on anybody."- Warren_Puffitt

hungry pork GIF by Chipotle Mexican GrillGiphy

If You Know The Origins...

"I taught history for years and now I am a chef."

"So food history is a professional area, and a personal passion."

"I have also lived in my 40 years in three country's and 6 states, and I have been to 45 out of 50 states."

"Peanut Butter was invented for medical use and an easy way to get vitamins and nutrients into patients."

"Peanut butter and jelly became popular during world War 2 due to food rationing."

"Most Americans grow up on it, so for many of us its traditional."

"Chicken and waffles is from a subset of American Cuisine, Southern Cuisine."

"Most people outside the South dont get it either."

"Also, if the balance of the savory chicken and sweet waffle/syrup is off, it really is terrible, but if you get it right, it's delicious!"

"Most people outside the South have no idea how to cook grits, or even what they are."

"Many people in the South don't do it right either."

"Gravy in America is NOT the same as in the rest of the world."

"The gravy traditionally used in biscuits and gravy is even more different, and easy to screw up also."

"Southern Biscuits go best with this gravy, and Northern Biscuits and definitely SCONES are not the same as these Biscuits (the South uses a softer wheat to make flour)."

"Many American don't get spray cheese either."

"Combining savory and sweet is not just an American thing, but we do combine them a lot."

"Keep in mind we ARE a melting pot of cultures and different cultures can combine in odd ways, especially in food."

"As an American chef I always tell people to lay off a lot of canned or packaged items in stores because of the amount of salt and preservatives, and even sugars in them."

"I even mix and sell my own seasonings to my local community to help people with this."

"If your in a restaurant and find the food too salty, chances are part or all of it was prepackaged and not fresh."- zeljadis

Fast Food GIF by US National ArchivesGiphy

At the end of the day, one's taste in food is personal, and everyone reserves the right to like and dislike whatever they want.

Even so: WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND DOESN'T LIKE MAC AND CHEESE?!?!?!


It is not uncommon in this world for people to be underappreciated or even ridiculed for their work because they were ahead of their time. Nicolaus Copernicus was mocked for his theory that the universe was heliocentric. Jackson Polluck's art was only revered posthumously.

This is true for many things, including inventions, movies, video games, and even restaurants.

Redditors know this all too well. They have identified what things failed when they were initially released but turned out to be ahead of its time, and are eager to share.

It all started when Redditor kingpin000 asked:

"What failed when it was initially released, but turned out to be ahead of its time years later?"

Dual Uses

"Viagra. Fascinating history. It was developed as a blood pressure medicine in the 80s. The bonerific side effect was “embarrassing” and “unwanted” in the 80s, but desired a decade or so later when sex became less taboo."

"So, it failed as a mainstream blood pressure pill, but succeeded as a boner pill."

– Myzyri

"It's actually used as a blood pressure medication still, but it's for the more rare Pulmonary Hypertension."

– Blueshark25

That's Why They're Called Sticky Notes

"The glue that became part of Post-Its. The guy who invented them was trying to create a stronger glue for the aerospace industry, but the adhesive he created was a weak adhesive. Years later one of his colleagues used that adhesive to create a bookmark that didn't fall out of the book he was reading. Eventually, that idea became Post-Its."

– mom_with_an_attitude

"If I recall the story correctly, it was a hymn book which had delicate pages."

"The Post-Its adhesive worked great on it by not ripping or ruining the pages."

– teems

Pre-Spotify

"I always feel like the Zune and their music model was ahead of its time. 10 dollars month for unlimited downloads while at the time you were paying 1 dollar per single. Now everyone just uses Spotify for the same thing."

– sausagepizza

"You also got to keep 10 of the songs you downloaded at the end of each month. It was essentially paying for 10 songs with as free streaming on top."

– evanzknigh39

If Only They Waited

"Touch screens."

"Yes they are everywhere now but the Buicks 1986 model had one, and most cars today have it."

"Hell, the concept was developed in 1965!!!"

– BotherDesperate7169

"Microsoft pushed a tablet computer about 5 years or so before the iPad got released. It failed miserably and they quickly gave up on the idea."

– saugoof

Almost, But Not Quite

"Vine. They were almost TikTok, but weren’t."

– Gauzey

"I don’t understand why Vine died and Tik Tok lives?"

– kapt_so_krunchy

"Because Vine was ahead of its time."

– MrBoomf

The Big Screen

"The movie Blade Runner."

– Agreeable_Pizza93

"Shawshank flopped in the theaters. It's a classic because TNT began airing it because it was cheap. Boys grew up watching Shawshank. Now it's one of IMDb ten greatest films."

"We can also look at It's a Wonderful Life."

– Econoj

"I've said it on here before somewhere. But The Thing went from being an absolute critical bomb at the time... to being one of the most lauded (and rightfully so) horror sci films ever created now. Specific tastes aside, anyone who enjoys horror probably has The Thing in their top 10."

– 10019245

Can't Believe This Flopped

"Bluetooth was released with a huge fanfare and then fizzled for a few years before it really took off."

– FearlessTomatillo911

"This should be a huge one! It flopped on the market for a long time before someone figured out how to use it correctly and now it’s a staple for electronics."

– ballnout

Just When He Got Rid Of It...

"Debit cards. My dad got one in the 70’s when they were a new idea and nobody seemed to understand them and didn’t take them. He finally got rid of his. Now……"

– sas5814

My Favorite Childhood Toy

"Slime (silly putty). originally, it was an attempt to replace rubber during WW2."

– pupunhaLover

Vroom, Vroom

"Electric car."

"German engineer Andreas Flocken built the first real electric car in 1888. The first electric car in the United States was developed in 1890–91 by William Morrison of Des Moines, Iowa; the vehicle was a six-passenger wagon capable of reaching a speed of 23 km/h (14 mph)."

– george_sg

What Might've Been

"Google Glass the biggest argument against it was ppl being so angry about the wearers filming them. Here we are 10+ years later and everyone films everything everywhere they go. And we have ppl wearing GoPros and other klunky cameras all the time."

"The Google Glass offered AR, filming, assistant functionally, map and web access all in an easy to wear and use piece of tech that was also super cool and futuristic. I think if it had taken off we would have even more advanced models now. It was just WAY too ahead of it's time for widespread adoption. I think it would be wildly popular now."

– JubalHarshawII

For Man's Best Friend

"Pets.com. Everyone laughed at the idea after the tech bubble burst. Chewy.com is worth $10B today."

– Bishop_Pickerling

"If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that animal lovers will drop some serious cash."

– FunAdministration334

Shut Up And Drive

"The Sinclair C5 electric vehicle. Complete flop in 1985, but now a thriving hobby as many people are upgrading them with modern batteries, motors, disc brakes, etc. So much fun to drive."

– TheKingOfDub

"Sinclair C5."

"Can't help but feel had it been succesful, the following iterations would be superior to the e-bikes we have now."

– SmeeegHeead

Eye Of The Beholder

"Van Gogh's paintings. Amy Pond from Doctor Who knew how good he was, but none of Vincent's contemporaries did, and he eventually died by his own hand."

– tunghoy

Poor Van Gogh. He's my favorite artist!

I'm glad he's appreciated now, even if he wasn't in his own time.

(And this is exactly why Doctor Who's Amy Pond was my favorite companion!)