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Subject: Exodus

Author: Dann Corbit

Date: 13:44:21 11/07/98


People who know a lot about computer chess seem to be upset and are leaving.
Why not just recognize that people are, well, only human.  Some are bound to
have differing opinions.  Some will even oppose.  But differing opinions are
good, even if highly polarized.  Which is better, high speed simple calculations
or slow speed complicated calculations?  We really don't know, but both camps
have their advocates.  Perhaps both are right under certain conditions.  The
point is, without opposing debate, how will knowlege increase?

Now, as to personal assaults -- I think these are also inevitable.  However, I
appeal to all parties to keep them confined to private email if you must.  And
when someone attacks you in public, why not just giggle at it.  Some time back,
someone called me a biggot.  I thought it was the most hilarious thing anyone
ever said against me.  The way I look at it, if someone says something against
me there are three possibilities.
1.  It is completely true, and therefore excellent counsel.  I should listen to
it no matter who it came from and try to improve myself
2.  It is completely false, and therefore funny.  If someone says a bunch of
totally false things against me, won't those that have known me for some time
know how ludicrous such statements are?  So we can all have a good laugh over it
3.  It is partly true.  This is the most difficult area really.  It requires
more thought and pondering on all parties and is probably the most painful.  But
I don't want to push this aside either, because it does contain value.  The part
that is true criticism is good counsel which I should try to benefit from.
A long time ago somebody said:
"The way of the foolish one is right in his own eyes, but the one listening to
counsel is wise."
Also:
"A rebuke works deeper in one having understanding than striking a stupid one a
hundred times."





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