Now, this might simply be a result of my participation and/or reading of some threads (not all), but I think that this might be typically the case: the process of dialogue often seems one-sided. What I mean is that it often seems that someone will start a thread with a certain idea in mind, and then others will either support the idea or attempt to undermine the idea.
Certainly one of the great things about discussion is the opportunity to have an idea critiqued—put through its paces to reveal flaws and weaknesses. However, it often seems that some will offer negative thesis after negative thesis and spend little or no time offering a positive thesis. Thus, I think it would be additionally helpful when critiquing an idea to also make the attempt to say something positive—either about the original idea or on a variation of the idea that can be seen as making a positive contribution to the thread. Put differently, anyone with a bit of sense and a modicum of intelligence can tear an idea down and expose its weaknesses and hidden assumption—and yes, this is certainly helpful; however, it takes a little more thought, care, and sincerity to not only critique but provide alternate approaches or ideas with respect to the topic of any specific thread.
I generally feel that the level of discussion in the Headshop is great and that there are many active contributors who make dialogue beneficial. However, I also feel that we can do more to raise the bar even higher—and why shouldn’t it be—this would include also taking the time to offer positive theses and not merely negative ones.
Again, these are simply some thoughts that I’ve had about this matter, and, due to my lack of omniscience, do not entirely represent the whole of every thread that has ever been in the Headshop. Thank-you. |
