tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621026.post338813680716577520..comments2024-03-29T06:05:04.162+01:00Comments on Robert's Stochastic thoughts: Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455788499385673507noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621026.post-77661722075511733022008-09-01T13:04:00.000+02:002008-09-01T13:04:00.000+02:00Wow 2 comments. I think this is a record.However,...Wow 2 comments. I think this is a record.<BR/><BR/>However, I was trying to import the alleged trolls. They stayed over there. <BR/><BR/>Now as to trolls I distinguish between clearly ridiculous arguments and arguments which are also irrelevant and/or ad-hominim. <BR/><BR/>I think clearly ridiculous arguments can contribute to a thread as the simple refutation is useful. I would say they are especially valuable if they are cut and pasted from a source with wide circulation which does not allow feedback (say Fox news or the McCain campaign). <BR/><BR/>If an argument which can't withstand any scrutiny is out there, it is good to bring it in here (well not here no one is here but into an Angrybear thread). <BR/><BR/>The experience of seeing how quickly McCain talking points can be refuted might actually be informative to someone who hasn't noticed that the McCain campaign is totally bogus yet who is not severely mentally handicapped. It is hard to believe such people exist, but the polls show that they do. <BR/><BR/>On the other hand it is nice for a conversation to have a theme and irrelevant comments are distractions. Nastyness, rudeness and ad-hominimosity are unpleasant <BR/>and provoke flame wars which interfere with constructive debate.<BR/><BR/>I draw the line close to dmarek. I have no firm view on whether it would be best to leave his comment in the thread, delete it or delete and ban. Or how about disemvoweling <BR/>http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=disemvowel&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=<BR/>the word is wonderful and there seems to be a disemvowelling tool on the web.Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14455788499385673507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621026.post-50018997006345628052008-09-01T11:48:00.000+02:002008-09-01T11:48:00.000+02:00I would have thought someone consistently making c...I would have thought someone consistently making clearly ridiculous (as well as irrelevant and ad-hominim) arguments could be classed as a troll. I think we have at least 2 such commentors at Mark Thoma's place.reasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10958786975015285323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621026.post-37174231980249332022008-09-01T04:02:00.000+02:002008-09-01T04:02:00.000+02:00Robert,This post has been the best reading all day...Robert,<BR/><BR/>This post has been the best reading all day. Thanks. <BR/><BR/>The bad stuff is tucked away hidden on two other posts.<BR/><BR/>MG came by on one and lots of sparks. So today everyone was better behaved.<BR/><BR/>Technologically blogger is primitive for real banning, only using ip addresses which are fluid.<BR/><BR/>Please make this sort of thing available regulary. I will come here often.<BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/>DanRdanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285598945075456626noreply@blogger.com