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d.a. opines (or maybe he is just trying to "provoke a discussion or argument): It has surprised me that my post, which dealt with using 9.01c (that's 9.01c for you bluezebra), has gotten 5 responses, but my username and signature has generated three seperate posts!
I count six, now seven, such posts.
d.a continues, possibly sincerely, maybe not, who knows?: Wait a little while before you judge "devilsadvocate". If your impression is based on a username and signature, then you have limited your criteria to the most superficial. I think that you will find that when I post "an opposite view for the sake of discussion" the ensuing discussion is generally worthwhile, and does enlighten the subject.
My impression is based on years in the corporate and other real worlds where I have been exposed to countless individuals who attempted to hide behind "devil's advocacy" when making arguments. One could not be sure the reason why the argument was taking place, which despite d.a.'s opinion, does matter, and whether or not it would lead anywhere. Usually, it was a waste of time.
Fortunately, at least in the marketeing arena, those individuals did not last long. They were seen as empty vessels attempting to gain recognition by spouting off on something they were either ill informed or just trying to provoke discussion and argument for the sake of argument and discussion. What an utter waste of time.
That said, an honest question from someone who needs an answer is never a waste of time. But a question posed "purely" and solely for the purpose of engaging an argument serves no positive purpose.
It's the "what" I post, not the "why" I post. concludes Mr. d.a.
Wrong, simply wrong. Answers depend as much on the why as the what. Much more thought and consideration is returned to those who sincerely want to learn. Those who are simply attempting to draw others into an argument are eventually left to themselves.
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advocatus diaboli Somebody who criticizes or opposes something purely in order to provoke a discussion or argument.
And that's the problem.
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