About
“Don’t Do the Thing, I’m Going to Do the Thing” is a popular template for Tumblr posts which summarizes a popular TV show or movie by asserting that the plot is driven primarily by one character doing something he is advised against. This formula can also be worded “(main character name) no,” “(main character name) yes.”
Origin
On May 21st, 2013, Tumblr user sorion[2] published a text post including the “Don’t Do the Thing, I’m Going to Do the Thing” formula, applying it to the Star Trek franchise. As of September 2014, the post has gained over 40,000 notes.
Spread
On May 26th, Tumblr user hesitant-satan[2] published a similar Star Trek post using screenshots. As of September 2014, the post has gained over 200 notes.
On August 9th, Tumblr user jordan-the-optimist[3] published a cartoon depicting Star Trek’s use of the formula. As of September 2014, the post has gained over 100 notes. On January 25th, 2014, reddit user slightlyfunnyposts[4] posted the image to the r/funny subreddit, as of September 2014, the post has gained over 1,000 points.
On December 28th, 2013, Tumblr user ntlibrary[5] published a post titled “Harry Potter: A Summary” which reads:
“Everyone: Harry No.
Harry: Harry Yes.”
As of September 2014, the post has gained over 240,000 notes.
On July 15th, 2014, Tumblr user leeeeeeeeeegooooooooolaaaaaaaaas[6] published a post featuring GIFs from The Hobbit captioned:
“everyone: thORIN NO!
thorin: THORINYES!
As of September 2014, the post has gained over 6,000 notes. On August 11th, Tumblr user captain-foulenough[7] published a post on Captain American which reads:
“Bucky: Steve NO
Steve: Steve YES
Bucky: sighfurious cursing Bucky also yes"
As of September 2014, the post has gained over 15,000 notes.
On September 19th, Tumblr user suckaflute[8] published a post using the formula covering multiple fandoms. Within 24 hours the post gained over 100 notes.
