Jim wrote:
... I think we've beaten the "you're
with us or against" us thread to death, so that is omitted.
Fine. Perhaps we can conclude that we finally at least understood each other's point.
...
I guess I was not clear here: after they go through my course,
they are not scared of SI. However, they are not necessarily
cheerleaders either.
Fine. Indeed one does not have to be a cheerleader, but at least nourish a much more
positive attitude towards the issue. Thanks for the clarification.
Much of Marcus' subsequent comments arise from this same
miscommunication, so I will not address them individually.
No problem. Thanks.
...
Well, "slander" may have been a stronger term than necessary,
but you did call them "pseudo-scientists" and "ifp goons," neither
a term of endearment.
He, he... 'Course... But please notice that such terms are only to be applied when
their position is self-evident or unquestionably biased/emotional/etc. When someone
presents his case well (though as misguided as it may be) I usually have no reason to
use these terms on them.
However, since you always strive to be
civil, I hereby eat the word "slander" (gulp) and replace it with
"berating of."
Hmm... Thanks for your acknowledgment of my attitude of 'striving to be civil' (which
is the truth, BTW). However, please rest assured that I also strive not to misapply
these terms. I should extra-clarify that it's not because someone may defend the ifp
system that s/he should automatically gets to be labeled 'pseudo-scientist/ifp goon'
and the likes! ;-) It's only when they edge on the unreasonable and
disproportionately passionate/biased about it.
My intended point being: even some anti-metric people will come
around to our thinking if we educate them, and we can't educate
them if we start by berating them.
No argument here, Jim. As I said above there are the opponents of the cause and the
goons, too, evidently. These are not the same class of people indeed.
...
I think we're just using the terms differently. I assure you that I
do my utmost best to help people come away excited about
metric. But, if they leave my classes able to use it properly, then
I cannot justify added time and money to turn them into
cheerleaders if it did not happen during the course of the training.
Fine. In any case it's mostly the *positive* attitude that counts. Fine, people
should also be given some room to be suspicious and all. However, when the job is
well done they at least should leave with the sense that metric is not some monster as
many may portray it to be. Therefore, please keep it up. :-)
...
Sorry, Jim, mine has been running out, and for a few years
already... :-( In any case, this should take us more than just
being patient, IMHO.
As always, this is where we differ the most, Marcus!
I was thinking about this the other day: why am I so much more
patient with metrication than some on this list? Possibly it is
because I spend equal amounts of time and energy on another
battle (libertarianism), and in comparison to that battle,
metrication is a cake walk. Plus, it will stay won once we get
there, whereas freedom is a never ending battle.
Interesting perspective, Jim. Your last sentence is very true. Thank you for your
insight. I guess I understand a little better your 'patience' argument. I'm just
sorry if I'm still not that gracious as you are on this issue. But at least you got
me thinking... :-)
Take care and thank you for a great high level debate (as usual...).
Marcus
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