From: Spike (spike66@comcast.net)
Date: Thu Jul 17 2003 - 22:02:20 MDT
From: Harvey Newstrom
... Sadly, there seems to be a very large and silent contingent that is
too afraid or too tired to speak up, due to the flamewars and personal
attacks on the list...
Ja, this list is indeed flamey, always has been. I
would suggest that it is possible to have totally
open and honest discussion of difficult topics while
maintaining diplomacy, good will and having some fun.
We can maintain the spirit of Crocker's rules while
still being open, diplomatic, kind and honest.
As a thought experiment, think of the most honest
never-tell-a-lie person you can imagine, one who is
also a kind-hearted soul. Consider him in a typical
extropianesque no-win situation, translated
into an old familiar setting: "Jesus, do these
pants make my butt look fat?"
Now, he could use my usual technique of feigning an
epileptic seizure, but that in itself is a form of
dishonesty and they don't fall for it after the
fourth time. It would be perfectly honest for him to
answer with a simple "no", even if he is actually thinking:
"No, those pants dont make your butt look fat. Its your
fat butt that makes your butt look fat." Notice
that a simple "no" is true, is far more diplomatic,
spares feelings, follows the spirit of Crocker's rules
of internet exchange.
We deal with some difficult topics on this list, but
I call on people to eschew heated argument in
favor of controlled argument. That is really
the best way for me: Im a lover not a fighter.
Well, ok, Im not much of a lover either. But
while we are practicing a modicum of diplomacy and
taking into consideration human emotions, do let us
remember to have fun, for there is little point
of extending our lives if we are not having fun.
Religion Incorporated realized long ago that their
memes propagate much more effectively from people
that are happy.
ExI's best days are yet before of us. Let us
cut down on rancor and fan the flames of progress.
We are on the eve of construction.
spike
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