Comments on: ‘Boasters, Maids And Cockroaches’ – Conversations With A Believer

By: Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:53:30 +0000

Wow! If I could argue in English as well as the Polish lady can, I’d be well proud. Good for you D!
But all credit to Marsh for taking the time to address all her issues; don’t you have work to do? Let’s hope D turns up at the pub (and resists the temptation of alcohol of course) to continue the debate.
But maybe she has a point about pubs… recovering alcoholics mighty prefer a temperance hall, but hey you can’t cater to everyone’s needs.

By: Colonel Molerat

Colonel Molerat — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:44:24 +0000

Hell’s bells and buckets of blood! I just lost a more detailed reply when I closed the wrong tab…
I’d like to know D’s background, as well as her real grudge (besides the ad-hominum attacks on you). The conclusion to her penultimate letter certainly suggests an (in my experience) evangelical protestant – ‘new Christian’?
And why are pubs so bad? A little self-administered, temporary stupidity is quite enjoyable – ignorance is bliss! In the extremes, temporary nirvanic oblivion can be refreshing!
In less excessive doses, alcohol is a valuable social lubricant – especially if we live up to the stereotype of asocial science nerds…
And for those who don’t drink? Apart from the noise, drunks and low-quality ‘dry’ drinks, pubs tend to be frequent, central, relaxed, fairly well-decorated, tolerant of groups and noise, free to occupy, and providing of refreshments.
They’re also usually easier to find and nicer to occupy than a university classroom (which are generally nestled deep within miles of labyrinthine halls, in my experience!).
When it comes to meeting places, I’d rather dally in the idiots’ lair than wherever the people like D reside…

By: Colonel Molerat

Colonel Molerat — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:13:47 +0000

Drat! I wish I could write gold like D can!

By: Trystan

Trystan — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:59:42 +0000

Couple of points:

1) It is a ridiculously snobbish attitude that only someone with ‘good education plus – … brains’ can be an effective skeptic. It does not necessarily follow. Sure, it helps to be aware of science and logic but to an extent everyone is skeptical to a certain extent. Skepticism explains why we don’t respond to Nigerian scam emails. There are a lot of people out there who aren’t engineers, scientists etc, who do not hold degrees but can be, or possess the potential to be very good skeptics.

2) I’m completely tee-total (oops, tautology!) but I have no problems meeting in a pub with other skeptically minded people. A pub is a reasonable venue because they have refreshments on tap and are something of a social centre. They are also far more alluring than the prospect of meeting in Goole community centre.

However, I have the suspicion that said correspondent is a wind-up merchant!

By: Lard

Lard — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:04:12 +0000

Machine translation?

By: Chris H

Chris H — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:02:02 +0000

I have never had a sceptic-oriented diatribe such as this from someone but I have had a fair few from religious individuals who seek discussions on science and philosophy. Mostly I start off with great enthusiasm before plunging into despair after hours of ploughing through mindless tripe… I have now started taking a proactive approach and telling them that I simply do not have time to engage in online debate, but if they ever fancy a coffee and a chat I am willing to meet up. I haven’t had anyone take me up on it so far, but I live in hope!

This particular lady’s vitriol reads like one of those Nigerian con-emails when the author has been spending too much time alone with a thesaurus. She sounds fun, though, if arrogant. Maybe invite her along to a meeting?