[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: [atlarge-discuss] tone of debate...



A few thoughts on the use of "agressive language" in the debate.

Firstly:

Even if there is a case for rudeness and confrontation
when dealing directly with ICANN, that does not mean that
when posting to this list you should let yourself down
by having to resort to abuse instead of reason.

Those on this list who have not made up their minds
whether you are part of the problem or part of the
solution will be neither impressed nor convinced.


Secondly:

It is much easier for businessnen, legislators, and
professionals to ignore objections which are incoherent,
or abusive in tone, or poorly argued.  Not only are they
ineffectual in themselves, but they dilute the effect of
the better-argued, more reasoned responses. Indeed, if they
can be portrayed as "typical" of the objections, they
can be used to discredit all in opposition as "cranks",
"extremists" or nutcases.

If you must use "colorful metaphors" in your own responses
to ICANN, don't inflict them on the rest of our membership.

On the other hand, feel free to respond robustly to any
inaccuracies of fact, errors of logic, inconsistencies,
conflicts of interest, or dishonesty on the part of ICANN.


Finally:

Remember that we are speaking as much to government bodies
and the public, as to those in ICANN we are directly addressing.

Remember that *to an outside observer*, ICANN are the incumbent,
official voice, and the burden of proof is on us.

Remember that they already have (apparent) credibility, while
we will be judged (or written off) on the basis of what we
write.

Most of all, remember that there ARE a lot of cranks out there,
with all sorts of hobby horses, and the internet is FULL of
flamers.  We need to stand out from them, not become more of
the same.

just a thought.


regards,

    Paul


PS. Another final point -- unless you're writing for
committed zealots, more than two unexplained acronyms
is probably too many.



DannyYounger@cs.com wrote:
Hans,

The current Milquetoast At-Large strategy has accomplished absolutely nothing except the total and complete loss of all At-Large director seats. All the mild-mannered, timid, meek, and unassertive exchanges between At-Large "advocates" and the Board have cemented ICANN's belief that they can readily crush the spineless At-Large movement.

This is not a time for politeness with ICANN staff. This is a time for down-and-dirty in-your-face confrontation. Either you stand up and fight loudly for your principles or you let them walk all over you. ICANN is an organization that only that will only change its mind when its back is up against the wall, and when it is facing a united front of opposition so furious that tensions spill over into the aisles.
Aggressive language is exactly what is called for at this point. Your tactics of "make nice" will be the death of the At-Large..de



--
 Paul the argumentative     ( notmyopinion@btinternet.com )
  "Opinions expressed in this email are not necessarily incorrect."



---------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe, e-mail: atlarge-discuss-unsubscribe@lists.fitug.de
For additional commands, e-mail: atlarge-discuss-help@lists.fitug.de