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I feel that after this comment, and it's parent, and it's parent's parent, I should address the topic. No, I am not the smartest person here. I understand that

by 37 5y ago

I feel that after this comment, and it's parent, and it's parent's parent, I should address the topic. No, I am not the smartest person here. I understand that. A few days ago I asked a question and people told me to get more involved in HN with commenting and posting and such. People also warned about gatekeeping. I had seen it talked about with regards to HN before, but never really noticed it. So then I try to get more involved and now I understand. I am not trying to be an "armchair contrarian" or "backseat driver" or anything of the sort. I am just wondering out loud on the internet. And I don't think I was JAQing off either. (and btw jason, I'm not a tech industry clown, I'm just a nobody clown.)

pdonis 5y ago
> I am not trying to be an "armchair contrarian" or "backseat driver" or anything of the sort. Statements like these... > Hmm, sounds dubious, but I will read on. > But nah, these knowledgeable astronomers must have already thought of all this stuff. ...do not lend support to your claim here. Not knowing much about an area of science on which many people have spent a lot of time and effort is fine. Being dismissive about it without knowing much about it is not.
- 37 5y ago
  Hmm, okay, I think I understand. For the record, the 'sounds dubious' comment was directed at the claim that we know the "exact" age of the moon. It is more a criticism of shoddy journalism than a statement of my knowledge of the subject. I know enough to know that we cannot pinpoint the "exact" age of the moon. And the 'knowledgeable astronomers' claim was almost more of a meek confession that idk wtf I am talking about. It was not meant sarcastically at all. I know a little, but not as much as people who went to school and do this stuff professionally. Everyone, please note: I'm not trying to back-peddle or make excuses or anything like that here, just explaining my reasoning. (Edit: but thanks for the criticism, it really does help to see your point of view on these things. This is a discussion board after all.)
  - pdonis 5y ago
    > the 'sounds dubious' comment was directed at the claim that we know the "exact" age of the moon. Yes, I agree shoddy journalism is a pain. I never even read the articles, I just look for a link to the actual paper (btw, thank you for providing it).
    - jasonwatkinspdx 5y ago
      The quality of pop science journalism is absolutely atrocious, but I'm not gonna pretend I know the answer to that problem. It just annoys me a lot.
jasonwatkinspdx 5y ago
Hey I want to be clear I was just talking about a meta trend, not specifically attacking you. Sorry it clearly read that way. My apologies.

by 37 5y ago

pdonis 5y ago

> I am not trying to be an "armchair contrarian" or "backseat driver" or anything of the sort. Statements like these... > Hmm, sounds dubious, but I will read on. > But nah, these knowledgeable astronomers must have already thought of all this stuff. ...do not lend support to your claim here. Not knowing much about an area of science on which many people have spent a lot of time and effort is fine. Being dismissive about it without knowing much about it is not.

37 5y ago
Hmm, okay, I think I understand. For the record, the 'sounds dubious' comment was directed at the claim that we know the "exact" age of the moon. It is more a criticism of shoddy journalism than a statement of my knowledge of the subject. I know enough to know that we cannot pinpoint the "exact" age of the moon. And the 'knowledgeable astronomers' claim was almost more of a meek confession that idk wtf I am talking about. It was not meant sarcastically at all. I know a little, but not as much as people who went to school and do this stuff professionally. Everyone, please note: I'm not trying to back-peddle or make excuses or anything like that here, just explaining my reasoning. (Edit: but thanks for the criticism, it really does help to see your point of view on these things. This is a discussion board after all.)
- pdonis 5y ago
  > the 'sounds dubious' comment was directed at the claim that we know the "exact" age of the moon. Yes, I agree shoddy journalism is a pain. I never even read the articles, I just look for a link to the actual paper (btw, thank you for providing it).
  - jasonwatkinspdx 5y ago
    The quality of pop science journalism is absolutely atrocious, but I'm not gonna pretend I know the answer to that problem. It just annoys me a lot.

jasonwatkinspdx 5y ago

Hey I want to be clear I was just talking about a meta trend, not specifically attacking you. Sorry it clearly read that way. My apologies.