I’ve been thinking about this issue for awhile. There are certain debates that crop up again and again. The same points are made with the same counterpoints. Why not have a wiki for this? This wiki would have a very specific and neutral structure. This is not to say that both viewpoints are valid, I clearly don’t believe this. Neutrality is necessary for both sides to feel comfortable using the site as a reference, otherwise it would be ineffective. The point is not to convince one side or another or to say both sides are equally right. The point is merely to save space, time, and emotional “energy” repeating the same points over and over.
If done right, this could serve a purpose not too disimilar to Snopes. The difference is that the site would be a curated, authoritative record of both sides of the debate, not an authoritative answer. Instead of wasting a lot of time composing a rejoinder, just say, oh yes, this is degenerating to “static typing vs. late binding,” then copy & paste a link, which, if things go as planned, would point to a well organized, edited, and generally well curated entry. (*) Such a site could probably make a modest ad revenue.
I’d also like to see a Wikipedia-style website for errata of public record. If a person or publication makes a mistake which is published or stated in a venue like a press conference, it would be added to a curated (and fact-checked) record. (With an opportunity for that person/publication to recant or respond, of course.)
These two sites would be complimentary, of course. (Unfortunately.) If only the errata wiki existed, then it would be gamed for political purposes. We cannot eliminate such manipulation from the Internet, but I think we can at least avoid a lot of repetition. Those gaming public debate will continue to do so, but no one has an inexhaustible supply of energy.
(*) I would let registered users pick one side or another of the debate, so they could see the debate presented from their POV, though the both sides would still be represented.
(This may not have much bearing on many debates on Less Wrong—many of those do have a point and explore new ideas, but I was reminded of my old idea and thought I should post about it.)
I’ve been thinking about this issue for awhile. There are certain debates that crop up again and again. The same points are made with the same counterpoints. Why not have a wiki for this? This wiki would have a very specific and neutral structure. This is not to say that both viewpoints are valid, I clearly don’t believe this. Neutrality is necessary for both sides to feel comfortable using the site as a reference, otherwise it would be ineffective. The point is not to convince one side or another or to say both sides are equally right. The point is merely to save space, time, and emotional “energy” repeating the same points over and over.
If done right, this could serve a purpose not too disimilar to Snopes. The difference is that the site would be a curated, authoritative record of both sides of the debate, not an authoritative answer. Instead of wasting a lot of time composing a rejoinder, just say, oh yes, this is degenerating to “static typing vs. late binding,” then copy & paste a link, which, if things go as planned, would point to a well organized, edited, and generally well curated entry. (*) Such a site could probably make a modest ad revenue.
I’d also like to see a Wikipedia-style website for errata of public record. If a person or publication makes a mistake which is published or stated in a venue like a press conference, it would be added to a curated (and fact-checked) record. (With an opportunity for that person/publication to recant or respond, of course.)
These two sites would be complimentary, of course. (Unfortunately.) If only the errata wiki existed, then it would be gamed for political purposes. We cannot eliminate such manipulation from the Internet, but I think we can at least avoid a lot of repetition. Those gaming public debate will continue to do so, but no one has an inexhaustible supply of energy.
(*) I would let registered users pick one side or another of the debate, so they could see the debate presented from their POV, though the both sides would still be represented.
(This may not have much bearing on many debates on Less Wrong—many of those do have a point and explore new ideas, but I was reminded of my old idea and thought I should post about it.)
I like this idea!