Was this inspired by a Less Wrong post[1]? I really liked it at first, but eventually realized it's almost completely inapplicable in real life (except possibly

Was this inspired by a Less Wrong post[1]? I really liked it at first, but eventually realized it's almost completely inapplicable in real life (except possibly theological discussions). For example, in this case, there are things well within the realm of physical possibility that would in fact change the mind of every single person "tarring and feathering" GitHub, such as Julie Ann Horvath and Melissa Severini publicly announcing this was all a hoax. And vice versa, of course. Of course we all think that's unlikely happen, but the point stands that people on both sides of this discussion came to their beliefs through a combination of evidence and emotion, and could be dissuaded by the same; and your not-so-subtle suggestion that people on the side opposite you are being "irrational" is unfounded and in bad faith. [1]: http://lesswrong.com/lw/jr/how_to_convince_me_that_2_2_3/ http://lesswrong.com/lw/jr/how_to_convince_me_that_2_2_3/