Melvin Morrow.
This has nothing to do with over 1480 participants on the site. You've indicated before that you think that my essay is totally responsible for the ugliness of the Merion threads on the theory that I should have known, from past experiences, that Wayne, TEPaul, and Mike Cirba would react badly to my opinions, and so I therefore you think I should not have expressed them.
I'd prefer you to address this openly and direct your criticism to me rather than disparage others.
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If I might offer a suggestion, as a non-involved participant: each side should establish some sort of criteria for what it would take to convince themselves of the other side's side. One of the founding principles of the scientific method is that you come up with both a hypothesis, and a way of testing that hypothesis. Try to establish in advance the guidelines, and then let the evidence fall where it may.
George, I would be glad to let the evidence fall where it may. That was my intention from the beginning.
I think the ground rules would be simple.
1. Try to treat each other as we would if we were face to face.
2. Stick to specific, substantive, and supported critiques rather than empty platitudes and vague and general insults.
3. If you cannot or will not back up your factual claims with the facts, then do not make the claims.
4. Play by the same rules as everyone else.