Based on recent experience on some big websites for which I write, I am inclined to agree (around 90 percent, anyway). In one particular case relating to a health care matter, a commenter seemed to delight in—paraphrasing a certain Jesus of Nazareth—ignoring the "plank" in his argument, while scrutinizing the speck in mine.
I have encountered this often, among
what I tend to call "stat freaks," those who would endlessly and
misguidedly analyze the quality of data while missing the obvious point of the
research. Ironically, stat freaks tend to criticize the few good studies out
there, while ignoring the junk science.
On political websites, you might see the
"regulars" gang up on a newbie, just for being a newbie. This sort of "engagement" probably
scares off more visitors than it attracts....This Appeared Here.....
Personal Note: I find this to be
unendingly true. I have one objective. Find out that which is factual and
follow those facts wherever they may lead. Entirely too many, seemingly
intelligent and well educated people, are only interested in what they believe,
not what's believable. I have found this to be true regarding Rachel Carson
and DDT, global warming, claims that chemicals - especially pesticides - cause
cancer, endocrine disruption, asthma, and a host of other afflictions. They
search out poorly done studies - and those are the majority by the way - that
are nothing more than conclusions in search of data. Like that Non Sequitur cartoon
about Pre-conceptual Science.
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