Reply #68: I read ER threads with intensity.

[troubleinwinter]

I read them slowly and carefully. It is a very complicated issue, with many facets. I find that I learn the MOST when challenging argument and back & forth discussion/disagreement is played out at length.

One thing that has bothered me for some time, was a habit of certain posters to 'cut out' of the discussion when things got particularly challenging, only to start another thread to assert their ideas without answering questions or challenges.

I asked some sincere questions to the 'all hand-count' folks about logistics and presented some facts and numbers, but they abandoned the thread, only to start a new one asserting their position again and avoiding the questions altogether.

This new block function appears to have simplified and streamlined their avoidance of challenging discussion. It seems a shame, because the challenging discussions are educational, even to those who may not take part in them, but read them.

I learned two interesting and important ideas in two threads here in ER in 2 days, brought about by challenging back & forth discussion.

Those who 'block' others seem to want to propagandize or cheerlead or gain fans & followers, but not to educate and convince by honest discussion. So there ya go.

Our Thursday meeting will take up the debate about whether or not OnTheOtherHand should be bringin' a flask to fancy up his punch or not. My position will be that 'taint nobody's bisness nohow, so long as he brings me some too. Some might propose he hasta bring enough for all. We'll probly argue for some time over it. See ya there! (bring a flask)