shoot or talk?

[larvatus]

As Tuco told the corpse of his would-be assassin, “When you have to shoot, shoot, don’t talk.” There’s them that talk, there’s them that shoot, and never shall the twain be one.

I have enjoyed countless hours conversing with like-minded online personae. Through these discussions I have learned not to expect any return from my contributions. In keeping with Sayre’s Law, the intensity of debate tends to vary inversely with the value of its gravamen. That is why online debaters never confer any benefits. Time is money. Anyone who can afford to waste your time is bound to come short in making up its value.

Next time someone engages you in a time-wasting dispute, treat him as Tuco treated his assailant. Cut him short by shooting. Don’t talk.

Comments

[remi-jakovlevic.livejournal.com]

кажется, что я пока вхожу в категорию не отвечающих "like-minded". Но нет, задним умом крепок (хоть, может быть, и лишен ума): беседу о Платоне продолжу. Benefit , чую, будет скорее всего мой, но он будет :-)

[larvatus.livejournal.com]

Realspace discussions always yield a return on meaningful contributions. In debates mediated by keyboards, eristic agenda tend to preempt heuristic benefits. It takes a real Mensch to reverse the trend. Regrettably, I am seldom up to the task.