Pomposity v. Populism

In response to my recent audio collage on Rock Heals, my friend Dave had some tough love for me:

IM with HOTSTREAM 04/13/06
HOTSTREAM:
Hooker. You are swimming in the self-indulgent arty wank-off end of the pool again. Is this what happens when you live in DC too long?
ME:
Thanks dood. I love you too.
HOTSTREAM:
Hey, I'm just trying to offer constructive criticism.
ME:
it's supposed to be tongue in cheek.
HOTSTREAM:
Which part is supposed to be tongue in cheek? I mostly just heard a lot of noise.
ME:
Thanks for the criticism. Pffft.
HOTSTREAM:
I'm just trying to give you the benefit of my years of accumulated wisdom.
ME:
Is that what this is? I thought you were just berating me for my pomposity.
HOTSTREAM
I don't remember using that word
ME:
Self-indulgent arty wank-off
HOTSTREAM:
Yeah, that was it.