I think the problem is the difference between geeks and nerds.

I may not be able to work a graphic calculator or memorize the Periodic Table of the Elements, but dammit, I can give you a blow-by-blow description of every episode of Buffy every aired, colored with tidbits of pointless trivia about said episode that nobody really cares about.

They just don't factor in that geek quotient that allows nerds and non-nerds to coexist peacefully.