[Sigia-l] The Menace

[Listera]

> And Derek has some valid criticisms, which I tried to address
> (though I probably did not do it well, I did try).

Which is commendable and as it should be.

> However, I do not think being called a liar in public constitutes
> constructive criticism. ;-)

Public discourse, like democracy, is messy and thorny. I'm not sure how
labeling one's interlocutors as "lazy snipers", "trolls", "impediments",
etc., help build/sustain community.

In a public setting, one doesn't get to choose one's opponents. People who
aspire for leadership need to start by learning to respond to criticism
(however biting it might be) without resorting to name calling. That's 101
and "trust me" is not a defense in this case.

Now, I don't know much about AIfIA and don't care one way or the other. But
I'll oppose efforts to turn this list into even more of a vehicle for
self-promotion or to gang up on members who may have differing views. People
ought not be promoting ideas or organizations they cannot defend on the
merits alone, without having to besmirch their opponents.

Best,

Ziya