> -----Original Message----- > From: Jerry Gaiser [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > This is the third time I've subscribed to debian-user. Each time I leave > in disgust because of the attitude of a few posters. Debian is *not* the > easiest distribution to install, but some of you folks are not helping > your cause.
I agree with Jerry. Consider that as a new user of this list, I began with a post asking about ext3. I found the responses to be overall very helpful, although at first rather terse. Encouraged, I responded to a thread about the structure of the list itself, namely the use of reply-to headers. Instead of responding materially to my points, one poster, for example, made mention of my use of Outlook as a mail client, apparently attempted to embarrass or attack me. This is, of course, a variation of ad hominem. This argument is so common and recognizable in the computing field it can be given a special name, let us call it the 'ad technium' fallacy. The 'ad technium' fallacy is that the technology that one *uses* implies something about the correctness of their argument. So when someone attacks a user of this list for using Outlook (e.g., me) they are not considering that that person might not want to be using outlook, and, in fact, are using this list in order to stop using Outlook. (But not all criticism of technology usage is 'argumentum ad technium', especially in advocacy debates.) Despite this, I have stayed on to read, and for each arrogant, petty and bullying user of this list (perhaps tolerated because of some small sliver of actual knowledge), there are many more kind, courteous and patient experts (revered not only for great knowledge but also for just being Good People) more than happy to pass on some of the enormous and intricate wisdom of the field. To those especially who consistently use 'argumentum ad technium' to bolster ego and effect an elitist posture, I say , ha! You just don't get it! This is a forum that admires reason and correctness, the ultimate antithesis of the logical fallacy you employ with such sophomoric glee. Good day, Josh Rehman, Linux Guru Wannabe (LGW) P.S. If any Latin speakers out there could help me come up with a better name for "argument from technological elitism" that would be great. -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
