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"I have followed your work for a decade." "I have followed your work for a decade." "I have followed your work for a decade." But... Here are some suggestions

by GHFigs 15y ago

"I have followed your work for a decade." "I have followed your work for a decade." "I have followed your work for a decade." But... Here are some suggestions for what to do with your money.

whit537 15y ago
The suggestions are Tufte's own. He spent six hours telling me to do science instead of pitching, and to work in the public interest instead of a commercial interest.
- whit537 15y ago
  I mean, wouldn't it be awesome if he took his money and invested it in a non-profit Foundation for Beautiful Evidence?
- GHFigs 15y ago
  That was completely unclear from the text. It might be clear if I were Edward Tufte, and in that sense it works as an open letter. But for a broader audience (I've read two of his books, if that matters) the supposed contradictions or hypocrisy aren't apparent. His 'sins' are presented, but the covenant being violated can only be guessed at. Even if it comes down to your own personal dashed expectations, elaborating on exactly what those were would make it easier to connect the dots in the way you intend. As it is, it comes across as though there is something inherently wrong with him having what you think is a lot of money. Why should it matter? If you believe that a "Foundation for Beautiful Evidence" should exist, there must be reasons. But just going by the text that's there, it sounds like the main reason is that you think Tufte can afford to endow one. That may be a useful practical detail, if true, but it's not really a reason for him to do it. Remember: you're also asking him to do something with his time and attention, which he has no more of than you do. Why would he? Why would anybody? It might be understandable to someone who attended the course, but it could be elucidated to someone who hadn't by being direct about what you think such an enterprise could accomplish.
  - whit537 15y ago
    Yeah, I can see that. Thanks.

by GHFigs 15y ago

"I have followed your work for a decade." "I have followed your work for a decade." "I have followed your work for a decade." But... Here are some suggestions for what to do with your money.

whit537 15y ago

The suggestions are Tufte's own. He spent six hours telling me to do science instead of pitching, and to work in the public interest instead of a commercial interest.

whit537 15y ago
I mean, wouldn't it be awesome if he took his money and invested it in a non-profit Foundation for Beautiful Evidence?
GHFigs 15y ago
That was completely unclear from the text. It might be clear if I were Edward Tufte, and in that sense it works as an open letter. But for a broader audience (I've read two of his books, if that matters) the supposed contradictions or hypocrisy aren't apparent. His 'sins' are presented, but the covenant being violated can only be guessed at. Even if it comes down to your own personal dashed expectations, elaborating on exactly what those were would make it easier to connect the dots in the way you intend. As it is, it comes across as though there is something inherently wrong with him having what you think is a lot of money. Why should it matter? If you believe that a "Foundation for Beautiful Evidence" should exist, there must be reasons. But just going by the text that's there, it sounds like the main reason is that you think Tufte can afford to endow one. That may be a useful practical detail, if true, but it's not really a reason for him to do it. Remember: you're also asking him to do something with his time and attention, which he has no more of than you do. Why would he? Why would anybody? It might be understandable to someone who attended the course, but it could be elucidated to someone who hadn't by being direct about what you think such an enterprise could accomplish.
- whit537 15y ago
  Yeah, I can see that. Thanks.