5 ms·

I think this argument about semantics is distracting from the main topic

• whatshisface 5y ago
  Arguing against Assange in 2010: don't say anything about Assange because it's better if nobody knows about WikiLeaks Arguing against Assange in 2018: Vaguely refer to the allegations against him while making sure to avoid linking any detailed articles or starting a facts-based discussion. Arguing against Assange in 2021: Okay, I know the US government is trying to arrange a show trial, but is key the same word as keystone?
  • cookie_monsta 5y ago
    The original point wasn't about semantics it was about the difficulty of parsing reality when both sides are so adept at managing spin that they don't even notice they're doing it. Sorry you got tangled up with the details.
    • whatshisface 5y ago
      I don't think semantic details like whether a headline uses "key" or "keystone" are significant impediments to figuring out what's going on when it's easy to read what's going on and make the judgement that way. There is plenty of distortion in the emotional affect created by phrasing, and plenty of ignorance in the abstract theory-of-policy level comment thread discourse, but fortunately there's nothing restraining us to operate on those once-removed levels.
• boringg 5y ago
  True but that is one of the key defining elements of HN comment section: arguments about semantics.
  • kemayo 5y ago
    I think it's really more a keystone element, thank you very much.
    • boringg 5y ago
      Thanks for the clarification ;)