Running Lane - Whose Call?

[tcarilli]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

...And it should not surprise you that people that have been doing something for a long time and been through the fires do not go around changing their positions because someone has a different idea...

I have not said you should change your opinion. Not all conversation is about changing opinions of the other person. Sometimes its about finding out my own opinion. Sometimes its about finding out whether my opinion holds water. I just made a mistake in how you were engaging me. That's my fault, that i received a noisy signal.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

My opinions are not just based on some opinion; I have done this quite a lot and done it at a high level with many other high level people.

I never assumed otherwise. Why have you assumed otherwise of me and my experience? You have repeatedly hinted that I must not have the experience that you have or do not work at the high levels you work at. I think ideas are interesting for understanding regardless of whom they are attached to. I haven't read you my resume as you have yours to me. If you are interested send me a pm and I will read it for you.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

And long before you were here and long before you knew this place existed

Um...I have been a member since January 2001 and you since June of 2000. Hardly a difference I would contend.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

It would be better if your position was 100% supported by mechanic, but it is not.

Whatever my opinion or your opinion on this we are both in the same boat here. Neither position can be 100% supported by mechanic. In fact, no mechanics standard or non-standard can be 100% supported by mechanic.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Not all conversations are had to change an opinion...If you think this place is a constant conversation to convince people they are right, then you are at the wrong place

I suggest a third alternative, seeking the truth or something approximating it. Argument need not be about wining and losing, that's just a pissing contest and what's right takes a back seat. Think competitive debate. A good debater could take the side the earth is flat and win a debate according to the rules of engagement.

It need not be a series of opinions that's what op ed pages are for.

It instead may about truth seeking. Think scientific method and experimentation. Its about figuring out what works or doesn't work. That's where I come from.