Quote:
Originally Posted by xelasnave
I find it hard to understand however why discussions where there is a difference in the beliefs get so personal. There is no point in getting annoyed if someone does not share your viewpoint.
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Is it a lack of training or experience? Or just that people feel they can be rude via email - more rude than they would ever be in person?
I was at (yet another) seminar earlier this week on the causes of the Australian megafauna mass extinction. This debate has gone on for decades. The presenter was completely blaming humans but some in the audience clearly didn't agree. There were some pointed questions and some counter-arguments presented but no one would think of name calling or questioning someone's competency. You stick to the issue and deal with the evidence (or lack thereof).
Some years ago we had a conference here where the past climate of inland Australia, as revealed by studies around Lake Eyre, was discussed. During the debate a local academic and a visiting academic went at each other hammer and tongs. No name calling but they each clearly thought the other's interpretations were completely wrong and each thought the other couldn't see facts that stood out like sore thumbs. You would think they hated each other. Actually the visiting academic was staying with the local academic who had had some BBQs for the visitor and other academics. Personally they got on fine and really had great respect for each other despite their disagreements. A bit more of such maturity would be nice here (and elsewhere!) at times.