It used to be that derision led to shame and silence

What kind of a blogger lives in West Virginia, but doesn't know this... until s/he reads it in The The Sunday London Times? 

Palin attracted derision from many for consulting notes written on her hand while speaking, a system quickly named the “hillbilly Palm Pilot”.

 

 

As for the "hillbilly" thing, read Peggy Noonan: Almost Heaven.