The problem is how the reader chooses to interpret the phrase, and usually such phrases aren't made in a clear context. From what I see, it looks like most rea

The problem is how the reader chooses to interpret the phrase, and usually such phrases aren't made in a clear context. From what I see, it looks like most readers interpret that phrase as an arrogant arm chair expert assuming NASA, or who ever, are full of really stupid people and the person "asking" is essentially suggesting he knows better. The simpler interpretation that a person who knows they don't know is simply asking is often the secondary thought, if that thought occurs at all. I think that has a lot to do with the combat nature of on-line "debate". People now are sort of trained to expect confrontation rather than a mellow old chat. Kinda ties in to a recent thread here about , er, negative and harsh replied to Show HN articles. This is one of the things I'm beginning to really not like about on-line discussions. I end up spending more time trying to make sure I'm not misinterpreted than making my actual point.