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In general, I find that if the conversation stays civil, the topic retains the spotlight and is not overshadowed by personalities and hurt feelings. In other w

• asperous 13y ago
  Yeah, I don't mind some heavy criticism at all when it's deserved-- but not everyone can take critism as well. I don't know if this is true, but the stereotype of geeks is that they lack "emotional intelligence". I think it's important to recognize the people we talk to on irc, news lists, etc. are people too and it's important to be truthful & helpful, not just needlessly hurtful.
• Millennium 13y ago
  That works sometimes, even many times. However, it assumes good-faith, rational, and informed discussion: three qualifications that do not always apply. When they don't, civil discourse breaks down into precisely the sort of thing that needs to be cut through. It can easily be argued that nerd culture takes this too far, reaching for the metaphorical cutting blade long before it is truly necessary. I'd agree with that statement, in fact. But nerd culture's refusal to treat it as a non-option is one of the major reasons we've proven so effective at getting things done and, in so doing, effecting change. Is this dickish? Sometimes, yes; even often. That doesn't mean it's never appropriate.