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0 pointscitricsquid13y ago0 comments

    No, but he did assume he was asking for funds simply because he 
    wasn't manning up

How can any comment ever be made on the internet about something happening then if every commenter is expected to a) assume they know very little of the situation b) not make judgement c) later be held accountable for what they've said based on information not known at the time?

Do people need to start including disclaimers when they comment? "This comment is based on my understanding of the situation as presented by the article and would be revised if new things come to light that are not included in this article"?

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5 comments · 1 top-level

thaumaturgy13y ago· 4 in thread

I don't understand this sentiment at all. What's wrong with simply not commenting? HN isn't a semi-private coffee shop; this whole post illustrates quite nicely that what is said here is public and long-lasting.

Let's try this on for a little more discomfort: what do you think the odds are that Aaron himself read the comments of a few threads posted here about his case?

Your entire argument here seems predicated upon people absolutely needing to comment on things that they have no special knowledge of. I don't think that's very defensible.

jacquesm13y ago

> what do you think the odds are that Aaron himself read the comments of a few threads posted here about his case?

About 100% or so. That's the bit that hurts the most.

The simple solution is this: If you're going to say something positive, absent information feel free to do so.

On the other hand, if you're going to say something negative you'd better make damn sure you know what it is that you're talking about. If you don't those words might take on a life of their own at some unspecified point in the future.

thaumaturgy13y ago

Jacques, incidentally, I think you deserve some praise for being a real stand-up guy here. Aside from being generally a heck of a decent person, you're one of the few here who seems to have taken some actual action throughout this -- reaching out to Aaron to offer assistance, and, later, contacting Lessig to follow up on the EFF's involvement.

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dennisgorelik13y ago

"Not commenting" means no discussion.

No discussion mean no learning.

thaumaturgy13y ago

I'm sure you're smarter than to argue that all comments lead to learning, so I'm not sure what you mean here.

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