On Apr 13, 2005, at 5:23 PM, Warren Ockrassa wrote way too much on the topic of disclaimers:
Why add more disclaimer than point to a discussion? "In my opinion, this thing is invalid, but of course I could be wrong and I'm open to discussion on the topic" ... kind of wordy if we can *presume* that the statement "this thing is invalid" is already an opinion and all the other verbiage associated therewith is understood to be applicable in all cases.
I started this drift. I never intended that anyone lard their statements of opinion with disclaimers.
"This thing is invalid" differs from "I cannot see the validity in this thing" in important respects having to do with rhetorical intent.
With "this thing is invalid," the speaker draws a line in the sand and throws down an implied challenge to wrong-thinking "this thing is valid" believers.
"I cannot see the validity in this thing" expresses the speaker's state in trying to understand this thing and invites others to agree, disagree or leave the speaker with his or her doubts.
Agreed. One approach invites discussion which, with luck, may lead to discovery of the truth about the subject or to building a consensus of opinion, or at least leave the participants "agreeing to disagree."
The other approach is an invitation to an argument or a flamewar . . .
I personally prefer the first type of discussion. YMMV.
Though There Are Days When I Am In The Mood To Throw Gasoline On The Fire Maru
-- Ronn! :)
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