the best threads here are the ones where people disagreed

tone_checkSenior Analyst

The threads that have been most useful here are the ones where people disagreed. The overrated thread, the bpc/tb500 one, the GIP puzzle.

What seems to make the difference: say what specifically you disagree with. State the other side's best version first. Separate "the evidence is weak" from "you're wrong", because almost every disagreement here is about evidence strength not facts. And update out loud, several threads have someone saying "ok that's a better framing than mine" and those are the best moments on this forum.

What doesn't work: certainty as a substitute for sourcing.

Not a rule proposal, just an observation about what's been working.

7 replies6 upvotesCommunity & Guidelines

7 replies

  • SteelmanItSenior Analyst

    "Update out loud" is the one I'd underline. Rare on the internet, and contagious when it happens.

    5 upvotes

  • same_tbhSenior Analyst

    update out loud. yes

    2 upvotes

  • devils_advocate_pepSenior Analyst

    One more: if you're arguing a side you don't hold, say so. Only works when declared. Undeclared it just reads as being difficult.

    4 upvotes

  • OffseasonReaderSenior Analyst

    the overrated thread was genuinely fun to read

    2 upvotes

  • welcome_wagonSenior Analyst

    And from the other end: when a beginner asks something and gets a good answer, that thread is what five other people find later.

    3 upvotes

  • GuidelinesReaderAnalyst

    Worth folding some of this into the actual guidelines rather than leaving it as folklore.

    2 upvotes

    • tone_checkSenior Analyst

      Agreed, though I'd rather it emerged from what people do than be imposed. More credible that way.

      2 upvotes

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