3 ms·

This is the sort of vapid meta-comment that someone has to make in all of these discussions. He's obviously interested in shaping the direction of the evolution

by mhb 2y ago

This is the sort of vapid meta-comment that someone has to make in all of these discussions. He's obviously interested in shaping the direction of the evolution. Don't be upset if not everyone agrees with your preferred evolutionary direction.

archagon 2y ago
A random HN user will have zero effect on shaping the evolutionary direction of language.
- mhb 2y ago
  I'm sure you can understand why the counterargument to that nihilistic contention need not even be articulated? Presumably you think your participation in this discussion will change the course of history.
  - archagon 2y ago
    Why is some random user getting upset over the usage of a word any more or less valuable than another random user telling them that language will evolve despite their wishes? If anything, the only "vapid meta-comment" in this thread is your own.
    - mhb 2y ago
      You're the one asserting that there is no reason to discuss the preferred direction of the language's evolution. And yet you persist. I would have thought it difficult to mix up which of us is making which argument, but you seem to have achieved it.
mindslight 2y ago
And the comment it's replying to is vapid meta discussion as well. Yes, the euphemism treadmill exists. Yes, it's a tedious in-group out-group classlike thing. If there is one way it indisputably helps, it's shaking out people who are focused on tone policing (either way) rather than actually solving problems. Very few of the comments here are discussing the posted article, and it's downright shameful. Creating a reproducible substantive shelter on permanent wheels that can be moved by its resident themselves is novel, at least to me. Underhousedness (/whatever you want to call it) is not even a pet issue of mine. But I respect a good hack, and this is a great hack.

3 ms·

This is the sort of vapid meta-comment that someone has to make in all of these discussions. He's obviously interested in shaping the direction of the evolution

by mhb 2y ago

archagon 2y ago
A random HN user will have zero effect on shaping the evolutionary direction of language.
- mhb 2y ago
  I'm sure you can understand why the counterargument to that nihilistic contention need not even be articulated? Presumably you think your participation in this discussion will change the course of history.
  - archagon 2y ago
    Why is some random user getting upset over the usage of a word any more or less valuable than another random user telling them that language will evolve despite their wishes? If anything, the only "vapid meta-comment" in this thread is your own.
    - mhb 2y ago
      You're the one asserting that there is no reason to discuss the preferred direction of the language's evolution. And yet you persist. I would have thought it difficult to mix up which of us is making which argument, but you seem to have achieved it.
mindslight 2y ago
And the comment it's replying to is vapid meta discussion as well. Yes, the euphemism treadmill exists. Yes, it's a tedious in-group out-group classlike thing. If there is one way it indisputably helps, it's shaking out people who are focused on tone policing (either way) rather than actually solving problems. Very few of the comments here are discussing the posted article, and it's downright shameful. Creating a reproducible substantive shelter on permanent wheels that can be moved by its resident themselves is novel, at least to me. Underhousedness (/whatever you want to call it) is not even a pet issue of mine. But I respect a good hack, and this is a great hack.