Andrew at Non Trivial Solutions justs deletes your comments if you beat him in a reasoned debate. There is a word for someone who suppresses free speech in this way. I think thats about all that needs to be said.
B4L, I didn't use the term likely I assure you. If someone deletes what you are saying, what are you supposed to do? The only way I could voice my opinion was to post my disgust at the situation on my own site.
Anyway I thought Godwin's Law applied only to comparing someone directly to Hitler and the Nazis? This is something I have not done.
Godwin's Law is trumped if you opponent has already deleted some of your argument. If somebody deletes your case, you win by default.
No, you 'win' when it's obvious that the person's back is against the wall and they're out of ammo, or when they admit you're right. Deleting comments proves nothing in itself. It could just as easily mean, "this is my blog, I'm in a huff and will get you back by doing X".
Godwin's Law, as I understand it, says that as soon as *anyone* mentions Hitler/Nazism/Fascism, etc. then the thread is polluted for ever, because the tone is lowered, because it's so much easier for future commenters to appeal to stereotypes and straw men, and because new commenters will see the dreaded word and steer clear. Also, because, realistically, nobody you talk to online will have done anything in their life that's even remotely on a par with what real-life fascists would do/have done. I mean, deleting comments isn't quite the same as dissolving Parliaments and assassinating Socialist politicians!
Point taken but what should I do, by using the word 'fascist' I just meant he was suppressing free speech. I thought that was clear, I wasn't accusing him of burning down the Reichstag.
Unfortunately the term "fascist" has been rather overused, particularly by some on the left whenever they encounter someone who disagrees with them. Eg Bush=Hitler. Many people don't like George Bush and he has made some questionable decisions (to put it lightly) but the connection is hardly true.
This overuse has devalued the term so much that it is hard even to make a valid historical connection without Godwin's Law being invoked.
RM
ps, by using the dreaded "H-word" does Godwin apply. If so sorry.
Hmm, think this post was a little ill-advised, if you don't mind me saying so. What about Moore's Law?
ReplyDeleteOops, make that Godwin's law.
ReplyDeleteGodwin's Law is trumped if you opponent has already deleted some of your argument. If somebody deletes your case, you win by default.
ReplyDeleteB4L, I didn't use the term likely I assure you. If someone deletes what you are saying, what are you supposed to do? The only way I could voice my opinion was to post my disgust at the situation on my own site.
ReplyDeleteAnyway I thought Godwin's Law applied only to comparing someone directly to Hitler and the Nazis? This is something I have not done.
Godwin's Law is trumped if you opponent has already deleted some of your argument. If somebody deletes your case, you win by default.
ReplyDeleteNo, you 'win' when it's obvious that the person's back is against the wall and they're out of ammo, or when they admit you're right. Deleting comments proves nothing in itself. It could just as easily mean, "this is my blog, I'm in a huff and will get you back by doing X".
Godwin's Law, as I understand it, says that as soon as *anyone* mentions Hitler/Nazism/Fascism, etc. then the thread is polluted for ever, because the tone is lowered, because it's so much easier for future commenters to appeal to stereotypes and straw men, and because new commenters will see the dreaded word and steer clear. Also, because, realistically, nobody you talk to online will have done anything in their life that's even remotely on a par with what real-life fascists would do/have done. I mean, deleting comments isn't quite the same as dissolving Parliaments and assassinating Socialist politicians!
Point taken but what should I do, by using the word 'fascist' I just meant he was suppressing free speech. I thought that was clear, I wasn't accusing him of burning down the Reichstag.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the term "fascist" has been rather overused, particularly by some on the left whenever they encounter someone who disagrees with them. Eg Bush=Hitler. Many people don't like George Bush and he has made some questionable decisions (to put it lightly) but the connection is hardly true.
ReplyDeleteThis overuse has devalued the term so much that it is hard even to make a valid historical connection without Godwin's Law being invoked.
RM
ps, by using the dreaded "H-word" does Godwin apply. If so sorry.