On Thu, 28 May 1992 02:05:35 GMT Robert E. Irie said:
Quote:>I have a feeling that all this discussion is leading nowhere. Those who
>believe firmly that it is ok will continue to do so, those who
>don't will continue to argue against it.
Well, I for one don't think it's a waste of time. I happen to enjoy
discussing it for one thing. For another, I don't believe that discussion
is pointless. When I argue a point, I keep an open mind. I accept the
fact that I may be wrong. I listen to the other side and check it agaisnt
my own. I ponder the logic in the other persons statements and sometimes
I find that I've overlooked something. In rare cases, I've even changed my
mind on certain issues based on what someone else said. I think that people
that say, "There's nothing you can say to change my mind." have absolutely
no business stating their point of view. If they have a closed mind and
refuse to listen to reason and look at evidence that would suggest that they
may be wrong, they're no different than people that have been brain washed.
It's pointless to discuss something when you don't accept the fact that you
may be wrong.
While I'm on this subject I'll bring up another point. As I've been reading
this net over the past few years, most of the arguments I've seen have been
very similar to this. People aren't interested in finding the truth and
determining what's right. They're only interested in saving face or basking
over that fact that they won an argument. It's always, "I'm right and I'll
be damned if I ever admit I'm wrong, regardless of what's really right and
if I prove you wrong, I'll rub it in your face!" This makes it difficult for
people to acknowledge that they were wrong.
If people would just go into discussions (not arguments) about subjects
without saying, "I'm right and you're wrong!" and everyone involved agree
to investigate the matter and try to come to a mutual agreement, this place
would be alot nicer to hang around.
If people could take a stand such as,
"According to the evidence I've seen, and I admit it's limited and I
by no means have all the evidence and facts, I'm currently standing
on the position that ..... with an open mind and willingness to view
new evidence I haven't been able to gather yet to form a complete
decision, I welcome any input you may give to help me do so."
sign here_____________________ :)
Okay, so that's extremely corny, but you get my drift, I hope. I'm sometimes
guilty of having the "in your face" mentality too, but I usually start a
discussion with the previous paragraph in mind. It makes it difficult for me
to discuss it though, when the person or people I'm discussing it with have the
"in your face mentality". It makes it impossible to admit minor errors or
oversights in logic because the other person gets a bloated head and rubs
in.
The bottom line is, it shoudn't be who's right and who's wrong, but WHAT's
right and WHAT's wrong. There's nothing wrong with forming an incomplete
hypothesis based on limited knowledge. You've gotta start somewhere. That's
the scientific process. Once you've got you're initial hypothesis, check it
against new information that other people contribute. Try to work WITH these
people instead of against them all the time. It's really lame watching
everyone arguing just so they can say, "-I'm- right!".
Stepping off self righteous saop box.
Quote:>A few years ago, I would have without thought been on the "copying is
>ok side" for software of dead companies. Now, I am not so sure....
At least somebody on this net is willing to admit it's possible for them
to change their mind!
Quote:>Whatever we all think, how about we stop wasting our energies debating
>the legality/morality of copying, and try to contact the authors of
>the games/programs in question? It would be difficult for the really
>old programs, but I am sure the time that is takes to search will
>be better spent than arguing endlessly. We are blessed with thie
>great network, and as a consequence have a formidable "research staff."
>We KNOW the authors to most of the really great programs, so I dont think
>it would be impossible to track them down... (unless they have turned into
>hermits :)
I don't see why we can't discuss it too. I don't have any plans of copying
any software right now, or anytime soon, so there's, currently, no need for
me to go look up anyone.
Quote:>What do you guys/gals say? Am I being too naive?
Wellll :)
>Robert
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