Endless discussions / good or bad ?

[Stéphane Collin]

If wisdom had commercial value, it would have more success among the 
reptiles we all are.

anon.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "RicB" <ricb at pianostemmer.no>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 24, 2007 1:55 PM
Subject: Endless discussions / good or bad ?


> Hi folks
>
> I've thinking a bit about the recent comments about threads that never go 
> away, thinking about some of the stuff we've seen tossed around this past 
> couple years, and thinking about some subject matter that we seem to have 
> stopped talking about... or even see some advise folks not to talk 
> about...
>
> Seems to me that there is nothing wrong per se with round after round on 
> familiar themes.  And the only reason I see for not talking about any 
> particular subject matter (piano related especially since this is a 
> pianotech list) is the one that goes along the lines of <<avoiding 
> arguments / flames / etc).  Such a reason for not talking about something 
> is not the most flattering statement about we as humans IMHO.  Strikes me 
> that there are many many good reasons for continuing dialouge on a host of 
> subject matter, even if any particular one of us is rather sure of 
> ourselves for the time being. Again.. this last sorte into string seating 
> is a good example.
>
> We had a new fellow with limited experience and/or exposure to the 
> discussion about this proceedure asking a question.... seeking new 
> perspectives and answers.  What he got was a couple three very short posts 
> on mine and two or three others thinking, a refereal to the archives and 
> an article, and a warning to not bother taking up the subject matter 
> further because it was a hot potatoe.  Not exactly the most enlightening 
> of dialouges.
>
> I see several very good reasons why we should make every attempt to 
> continue discussion of just about any theme regardless of its 
> controversial nature.
>
> 1. Introduction of such discussion themes to new readers who continuously 
> check in.
> 2. Developing and displaying in ourselves the ability and desire to 
> recheck our own thinking by courteously dealing with others thoughts 
> regardless of how much in dissagreement we are.
> 3. Inherent admissions in said (2) that go along the lines of awareness 
> that we may always be wrong (or right) in our thinking.
> 4. Setting the example of comradeship and fellowship that is at the core 
> spirit of not only the PTG's stated values, (and I might add most of the 
> worlds religions)
>
> I could go on and on I suppose.  Perhaps others have a few other reasons 
> to keep talking about hot issues.  The only one for not doing so strikes 
> me as a self declaration of futility... one I dont accept personally.  The 
> alternative seems to me to let the list dissolve into a daily diary of 
> harmless niceties that no one really learns much from.
>
> I for one will never refuse to talk or communicate to anyone at all. I 
> reject utterly the thought of doing so.  Seeking contact, building 
> relationships is as much a part of this list, organization, and fellowship 
> as it is anything else.
>
> Cheers
> RicB