Re: SUO: Re: Focus and Volume
"John F. Sowa" wrote something that expresses my sentiments very well
indeed:
>
> Jon,
>
> Jesus was also criticized for speaking in parables. So you're in good
> company. But you must also realize that he got himself crucified.
>
> Jon Awbrey wrote:
>
> > Now, given my dedication and my duty to all of these disciplines,
> > all of which are part of my every working thought, and have been,
> > incrementally, if intermittently seriously, for thirty years now,
> > I would have to be a pathological sado-masochist if that was the
> > only mode of thinking that I ever engaged in or exercised others
> > with. So there must be room for different styles of thought and
> > expression, even within the straits of a single heart's desiring.
>
> We recognize that you have done a lot of hard work and study,
> and you often have valuable comments to contribute. But most of
> us have other sources of entertainment, and many of us feel that
> we are being "used" as a captive audience for a mode of entertainment
> that is not of our choosing. You have a right to express yourself
> as you like, but no one has a right to force their expressions on
> communication channels that are intended for other purposes.
>
> > Perhaps it is a question of alternative bases of culture, dialect, education,
> > or just plain fancy, but where I come from it would be regarded as downright
> > rude to read a story to somebody and then to tell what it means, before they
> > should have a chance to think it over for themselves.
>
> Most subscribers to SUO list do not regard it as a place for "story
> telling" or entertainment. We all appreciate a good joke or an
> interesting anecdote, but we have work to do. We subscribe to SUO list
> because it is related to our jobs, and we can't afford to spend time
> on puzzles written by people who want to "express themselves".
>
> > All in all, I am genuinely sorry that you find so much
> > permanent distraction in the secondary characterictics
> > of style that are meant to be such transient diversion,
> > but my observation of human nature, generally speaking,
> > tells me that those who seek distraction usually do so
> > for reasons of their own heart's desiring, and so that
> > is a good place to look for a piece of the explanation.
>
> We don't mind your diverting yourself in any way you see fit,
> but many of us would rather not have the communication channels
> filled with distractions that are not of our own choosing.
>
> John Sowa