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>>>Though Schneier is great for stating the issues and relationships, he tends to avoid proposing any solutions, and also avoids citing any existing attempts to

>>>Though Schneier is great for stating the issues and relationships, he tends to avoid proposing any solutions, and also avoids citing any existing attempts towards solutions. That's like criticizing someone who has discovered a disease because he hasn't also simultaneously created a cure.

bmj 14y ago
Agreed. Many, many people will never even consider the sorts of connections that Schneier makes. Simply getting a few people to think more deeply about the role of technology in our lives is progress.
jcr 14y ago
If you look at my HN submissions over the last half decade, you'll see I'm a huge fan of Bruce Schneier, I tend to follow his work closely. My criticism is quite mild and fair; he really does ask great questions and does a fantastic job of illuminating difficult problems, but he does so without proposing his own solutions or citing the proposed solutions of others. I believe part of the reason for his approach is for the sake of maintaining a strong defensive posture. For example, as the person who coined the phrase "Security Theater" in regards to the DHS airport screening, he did a great job of illuminating the problems. On the other hand, if he had proposed a solution, then he would have left himself open to criticism from political pundits. If he had stood up and said, "Abolish the DHS," then many would portray him as a kook and many would have written off his views. What he does is clever, but I'm uncertain how effective it is. Citing the research/proposals of others, without endorsement, would allow people to also see potential/proposed solutions, as well as see the problems.
- mikecane 14y ago
  >>>If you look at my HN submissions over the last half decade Who does that? Does anyone? Don't take an objection personally. It's all about the ideas here.
  - lifeisstillgood 14y ago
    I think the parent was trying to say "I have been a supporter of Schneier and I have a track record (should anyone care to look) to demonstrate that" I doubt he is expecting you to review his comments pages. Probably full of typos anyway :-)

bmj 14y ago

Agreed. Many, many people will never even consider the sorts of connections that Schneier makes. Simply getting a few people to think more deeply about the role of technology in our lives is progress.

jcr 14y ago

If you look at my HN submissions over the last half decade, you'll see I'm a huge fan of Bruce Schneier, I tend to follow his work closely. My criticism is quite mild and fair; he really does ask great questions and does a fantastic job of illuminating difficult problems, but he does so without proposing his own solutions or citing the proposed solutions of others. I believe part of the reason for his approach is for the sake of maintaining a strong defensive posture. For example, as the person who coined the phrase "Security Theater" in regards to the DHS airport screening, he did a great job of illuminating the problems. On the other hand, if he had proposed a solution, then he would have left himself open to criticism from political pundits. If he had stood up and said, "Abolish the DHS," then many would portray him as a kook and many would have written off his views. What he does is clever, but I'm uncertain how effective it is. Citing the research/proposals of others, without endorsement, would allow people to also see potential/proposed solutions, as well as see the problems.

mikecane 14y ago
>>>If you look at my HN submissions over the last half decade Who does that? Does anyone? Don't take an objection personally. It's all about the ideas here.
- lifeisstillgood 14y ago
  I think the parent was trying to say "I have been a supporter of Schneier and I have a track record (should anyone care to look) to demonstrate that" I doubt he is expecting you to review his comments pages. Probably full of typos anyway :-)