> The general sentiment I get from the community is that > if you're an expert on a particular issue, and you > happen to have an unpopular viewpoint, you

> The general sentiment I get from the community is that > if you're an expert on a particular issue, and you > happen to have an unpopular viewpoint, you shouldn't > participate. For all the talk of deference to logic, facts and expertise here, the reality is that this community is just as emotional, superstitious and irrational as any other group of humans you'll find. Forget about "facts" and "evidence": If you want to win people's support you'll have to court them like a politician courts voters. Study the techniques of some politicians who had to gain support for unpopular or controversial legislation. Dale Carnegie is also worth a read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People#Twelve_Ways_to_Win_People_to_Your_Way_of_Thinking http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influenc...