Why Malcolm Gladwell is right - Even though John Paulson did a good thing

[Tsing Tao]

Apparently. Although I have yet to see you call out anyone for their blatant bigotry in P&R. (And if you did, I apologize for missing it.) You seem to think Gladwell is the bigger prick. (Your word.)

And you view my observation as "snark." Is that short for disagreement?

I've called out people before for "uncalled for" commentary. But I don't exactly patrol those forums and most of the time I don't read a lot of the chatter after the first few posts unless I'm directly involved.

As for snark, that's Ricter's favorite word. It's sarcastic commentary sprinkled in a debate/argument in order to score perceived (but imaginary) points. It inflames the discussion, degrades the quality and overall brings on a flame war. It is very possible to have a disagreement without snark.

 

[Frederick Foresight]

I've called out people before for "uncalled for" commentary. But I don't exactly patrol those forums and most of the time I don't read a lot of the chatter after the first few posts unless I'm directly involved.

As for snark, that's Ricter's favorite word. It's sarcastic commentary sprinkled in a debate/argument in order to score perceived (but imaginary) points. It inflames the discussion, degrades the quality and overall brings on a flame war. It is very possible to have a disagreement without snark.

Well look whose delicate sensibilities are suddenly all aflutter. You mean like that?

And what was your pressing need to bring up my ET history if not in an effort to disparage me? Because I had an opinion and asked a question directly related to the theme in this thread and the apparent inconsistency of views? Yeah, mature discourse, that.

 

[Tsing Tao]

Well look whose delicate sensibilities are suddenly all aflutter. You mean like that?

And what was your pressing need to bring up my ET history if not in an effort to disparage me? Because I had an opinion and asked a question directly related to the theme in this thread and the apparent inconsistency of views? Yeah, mature discourse, that.

Because your snark pissed me off, so I figured I'd return the favor. That, and as I said before, I think it's cowardly to engage someone (MS in this case) when you know who that person is, but they don't have equal knowledge of what your agenda is because you are hiding behind yet-another username. Incidentally, there was a time when MS used to do the same thing, and I banned the pseudonyms he tried using then, too.

If you don't like that sort of thing, then perhaps your discourse should be more civil and not trying to get a rise out of people. You might find it yields more positive conversation. Or, continue with your pissy attitude and reap the rewards. Personally I could go either way, and will let you choose.

You once told me, long ago, that this place had taken more from you than you cared to admit (something along those lines), so I suspect you would find more mature conversation preferable as well.

 

[Frederick Foresight]

Because your snark pissed me off, so I figured I'd return the favor. That, and as I said before, I think it's cowardly to engage someone (MS in this case) when you know who that person is, but they don't have equal knowledge of what your agenda is because you are hiding behind yet-another username. Incidentally, there was a time when MS used to do the same thing, and I banned the pseudonyms he tried using then, too.

If you don't like that sort of thing, then perhaps your discourse should be more civil and not trying to get a rise out of people. You might find it yields more positive conversation. Or, continue with your pissy attitude and reap the rewards. Personally I could go either way, and will let you choose.

You once told me, long ago, that this place had taken more from you than you cared to admit (something along those lines), so I suspect you would find more mature conversation preferable as well.

You are just a bundle of outrage today, aren't you? I have not once sought to hide my ET identity. I changed neither my message nor my writing style. I neither volunteered my previous usernames nor tried to keep them under wraps. You're just lashing out because you don't like the message. It had nothing to do with the form it took, because nothing I wrote in this thread was offensive. Playful, maybe, but that's it. Can't handle it without going on the offensive? Suit yourself.

...We seemed to share a certain civility for a while there, TT. It was good while it lasted. But you have chosen a different path.

 

[Frederick Foresight]

No, I was not aware that my favorite Canadian returned to the site. Welcome back! surf

Thanks, surf.

Behave yourself. (For my sake.)

 

[Tsing Tao]

You are just a bundle of outrage today, aren't you? I have not once sought to hide my ET identity. I changed neither my message nor my writing style. I neither volunteered my previous usernames nor tried to keep them under wraps. You're just lashing out because you don't like the message. It had nothing to do with the form it took, because nothing I wrote in this thread was offensive. Playful, maybe, but that's it. Can't handle it without going on the offensive? Suit yourself.

You were asked several times what your identity was, you refused to say. You want the links? I'm not positive, but most would consider that hiding.

I'm not lashing out, and I don't have a problem with your message. I just don't agree with it. As for your comments being "playful", that's a bunch of horseshit. You don't get to decide what is provocative to others. They do.

Future conversations with you will go down one of two paths, with you being the one to decide which to take.

Go ahead and have the last word.

 

[MrN]

Gladwell is completely over rated. I am suprised he gained any traction at all. surf

He has perfectly positioned himself as "unconventional" while being 100% conventional and conformist in the sense that he tells his audience exactly what it wants to hear.

"This free thinker agrees, so I am even more certain I am correct. This feels good... what is his next book?"

Its a great marketing.

 

[i960]

Anyone like Paulson who has amassed $400 million to just give away deserves more respect than getting trashed over where his donation goes to.

To play Devils advocate what if he donated it all to the GOP or something equally sketchy? The only reason its less of an issue here is because its an educational establishment (which btw usually only the well off have access to).

 

[Fractals 'R Us]

Is there a personal ROI on a donation to Harvard? Perhaps it buys some influence that cannot be got via any other venue...

 

[Frederick Foresight]

He has perfectly positioned himself as "unconventional" while being 100% conventional and conformist in the sense that he tells his audience exactly what it wants to hear.

"This free thinker agrees, so I am even more certain I am correct. This feels good... what is his next book?"

Its a great marketing.

That would be a great point...if it were actually true.

But if you read any of his books, I think you would realize that there is no inconsistency here. And his books do provide an interesting perspective. You just don't like what he has to say. And so you reach beyond the message. A rather familiar approach in these here parts...