[Sigia-l] ROI/Value of Search Engine Design - Resources?

[Jared M. Spool]

Boniface Lau wrote:

>In the last couple days, you and I have been responding to each
>other's beliefs. So, if you believe that I have misunderstood your
>latest 'user error' belief, it would make sense for you to respond to
>what I'd said, unless of course you have trouble disagreeing.

Boniface,

I'm sorry, but I'm just not a worthy opponent against your exceptionally 
persuasive discourse. I gave it my best try -- truely, I did -- but, I'm 
obviously no match for your incredible skill.

I have to admit that I was never good at debate team in school. This 
conversation has reminded me that I really should study my rhetoric 
techniques more rigorously before I try to post anything on this list.

To that end, I wish I could have been the debate partner you are seeking. I 
wish I could master the oral sparring techniques that I really admire in 
your style. But, alas, as I have proven in this discussion, it is something 
I am not capable of.

I mean it with all sincerity -- you are very good at this. I loved how you 
took every statement, no matter how seemingly insignificant, and somehow 
just poked tremendous holes in it. It's quite a talent. Archbishop Whately 
would be very proud at how you executed this discussion so brilliantly.

I have to say, you *really* impressed me when you compared the apparent 
success of my organization to that of a tobacco company -- I didn't see 
that one coming at all. That was just awesome. (Hey, other people might 
have gotten offended when you did that, but it really just convinced me 
that you really are an amazing master of persuasion. I'm on the verge of 
completely rethinking our entire business model because of the saliency of 
your arguments.)

I do know that, at such point I find myself replying to an email of yours 
in the future, I'm going to have to really dust off and study my copy of 
The Elements of Rhetoric. Without far more practice and knowledge, there's 
just no way I'll ever come away looking anything but a fool compared to 
your high-caliber sophistry.

Thanks for engaging me in this entertaining volley of dialectic arguments. 
I hope that your next discussant is an opponent who is far more worthy of 
your grand skill than I ever was.

Jared

p.s. I tingle with anticipation at your response to this message. I know it 
will be brilliant and poignant, entertaining and enlightening, surprising 
and provocative -- everything I've come to expect from your messages. 
Frankly, I just can't wait to see it. And, if you don't get a response from 
me, please don't fret. Unfortunately, my other responsibilities beg for my 
attention. Just know that, even though you don't hear it directly from me, 
you have my complete admiration.


Jared M. Spool
User Interface Engineering
http://www.uie.com    jspool at uie.com

Don't miss User Interface 7 West, March 23-27, Burlingame, CA. 
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