Absolutely. But it is not the reader’s place to determine if the writer was simply wrong, confused, or lying. Accusing the writer of being disingenuous, which has happened to me (I’ll refer you to the Penner thread but you won’t find the exchange, because Merv wisely deleted it.) when I asked for clarification, is not the place of the reader.
Being called a liar is of hightened importance to me. Because I am not one.
I’m going to do one better than they, and assume that the one who accuses me of disingenuity is not being disingenuous about my intent, but merely confused ;), so I’ll express confusion about their being confused. Haha.
Seriously, that’s a great response. Thanks. I agree. And then–maybe the Biblical suggestion of confronting, then reporting to the elders (mods) if not responding.
Great question, but even here, often scientists miscommunicate. I agree with Kendel–accusation of bad intent does not help communication at all. It is very important to always assume good intent on the other person’s part. It’s in keeping with the Forum recommendations, to my understanding.
Thanks.
I make a lot of mistakes–no one’s perfect. I have had to apologize to my kids for attributing ill intent to them. I really feel bad about that.
Jesus’ words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” make me really think.
This is so true! And it brings up a really complicated issue with how do you confront your kids when you are almost sure they are lying to you. Kind of relates here a little.
My parents scared me good by telling me they could tell when I was lying to them. My kids haven’t done so well with that lesson I tried on them. They probably saw right through it.
I had a boss in the IRS who “cured” me of prevarication when he told me: “Ya know, you wouldn’t have trouble remembering the truth if you told it the first time.”