There’s also a sort of reverse sunk cost fallacy. Example: you’re reading a book that’s worth 8 hours of your time but only if you read all of it, and after 5 hours of reading you realize it’s going to take another 5 hours to finish the book, so the original investment of 5 hours was a mistake, so to “correct” the mistake you stop reading when you can now get 8 hours’ worth of time for only an additional 5 hour investment.
ETA: I googled “reverse sunk cost fallacy” and found this, which makes the same point.
(Off-topic) In terms of karma, what should I take away when this comment gets a negative score? Do I need to expound on my point? Was my point invalid/stupid/inane/irrelevant?
Also, is there a kosher method for switching to off-topic discussion or is it something to avoid altogether?
(Edit) Hm. After asking about it, my comment was apparently modded up, so nevermind. Weird.
Also, is there a kosher method for switching to off-topic discussion or is it something to avoid altogether?
For small bits of off-topic discussion, no special action is required. For lengthy asides, you can start a new post (for lengthy topics) or use the monthly open thread (for smaller ones), leaving a link in the place where you would segue.
In my opinion, off-topic discussion should be fine since it will just get voted down and thus be below the threshold for people who only want to see on-topic stuff.
There’s also a sort of reverse sunk cost fallacy. Example: you’re reading a book that’s worth 8 hours of your time but only if you read all of it, and after 5 hours of reading you realize it’s going to take another 5 hours to finish the book, so the original investment of 5 hours was a mistake, so to “correct” the mistake you stop reading when you can now get 8 hours’ worth of time for only an additional 5 hour investment.
ETA: I googled “reverse sunk cost fallacy” and found this, which makes the same point.
This reminds me of the Dollar Auction. What happens if the estimate keeps getting pushed out? Are you willing to read the book forever?
I suppose if you keep messing up the estimate, the confidence in your next estimate will go down, which should tip the scales at some point.
(Off-topic) In terms of karma, what should I take away when this comment gets a negative score? Do I need to expound on my point? Was my point invalid/stupid/inane/irrelevant?
Also, is there a kosher method for switching to off-topic discussion or is it something to avoid altogether?
(Edit) Hm. After asking about it, my comment was apparently modded up, so nevermind. Weird.
For small bits of off-topic discussion, no special action is required. For lengthy asides, you can start a new post (for lengthy topics) or use the monthly open thread (for smaller ones), leaving a link in the place where you would segue.
In my opinion, off-topic discussion should be fine since it will just get voted down and thus be below the threshold for people who only want to see on-topic stuff.
Or to put it another way, no, it’s not fine.