The value of the discussion, at least here, is not in the convincing. It's in 
seeing new ways of looking at the issue or problem. It's in seeing how "the 
other side" thinks and argues about their 'side'. It's in adding to your 
repertoire of arguments for your 'side'. Of limited external use is the 
exposure of the person behind the comments as well. Does he or she have well 
thought out arguments, are they knee-jerk, or are do they reveal something else 
about the person?

That's one of the reason most lurk - posting reveals something about the 
poster. Even posting a single word reveals that the issue was worth 'exposing' 
oneself rather than staying anonymous... ;)

When one posts an article on modulating LED brightness, I doubt it is to 
'convince', but rather to inform. So it is with GW I would say. A lot of 
information was offered in the thread, some of it directly GW related. ;)

If it's a topic I am emotionally attached to, and opinionated about as well, 
then let the information fly! If you're really good, maybe your information is 
good enough to alter my opinion - the result of really good discussion. 
Otherwise, I enjoy seeing how future (or present) debate opponents might 
present their side. Either way I benefit... And on a topic that, unlike the use 
of pull-up resistors, doesn't have a firm conclusion yet, policies and 
strategies (which affect real work) are set by the preponderance of evidence, 
so the more postings the better - more information (either about the facts, or 
about how the facts are presented).



Rich wrote:
> There is a saying that I recall about trying to convince people to change 
> their position on matters they hold close.  It goes like this:  "A man 
> convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."  I have found it 
> to be quite accurate.  Yes, Gerhard, you are right on, "the PIClist is one 
> of the least suited places to convince people."
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Vitaliy" <spam@maksimov.org>
> To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." <piclist@mit.edu>
> Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 3:56 AM
> Subject: Re: [EE] Un-subscribbling so Russell can play all he wants
> 
> 
>> Gerhard Fiedler wrote:
>>>> In my experience the PIClist is one of the least suited places to
>>>> convince people. So for all proponents and opponents of GW actions,
>>>> NuclearEnergy, Iraq war, etc: why post here at all? Most PIClisters have
>>>> a firm opinion on these matters, which your post won't change. So why
>>>> not take your writings elsewhere, [...]?
>>> Depends on what you want from a discussion. I don't want to convince
>>> people, I want to hear what good arguments people have who don't share my
>>> opinion. This is a good place for this.
>> Agreed.
>>
>> And FWIW, discussions on this list have changed or strongly influenced my
>> opinions on various subjects. Wouter's suggestion that the PICList 
>> consists
>> of mostly closed-minded people is incorrect, IMHO.
>>
>> Vitaliy
>>
>> -- 
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> 
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