My new rule of debate

[Dave B]

I'm going to save myself a lot of time and effort by adopting this simple rule. If anybody makes a claim but fails to back it up with a source, I shall simply ignore it. I'm fed up of getting sucked into so-called debate with people who invent or exaggerate data, or make sweeping generalisations.

So "Most Xs are Y" will get ignored, "I read somewhere that most Xs are Y" will attract derision, whilst "60% of Xs are Ys and here's the source" will attract a reasoned debate.



I feel better already!

[Mark]

87% of statistics are just made up anyway.

[Dave B]

Unless you can source that I'm ignoring you la la la la la la la la la

[Mark]

[Daniel]

Love the tags Completely agree. Also there shall be no creative "interpretation" of what someone has said so you can have a go at them for saying something they never said

[Mark]

What? You want to have a go at interpreters? They're just doing their job

[schmenke]

87% of statistics are just made up anyway.

Link please!

[Mark]

Link please!

http://financialrounds.blogspot.com/...e-made-up.html

[Retro Formula 1]

Link please!

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_perce...up_on_the_spot

It's actually over 99% but with a margin for error that would make a Politicians Expenses claim blush

[Bolton Midnight]

So even if something is plainly true you'll only believe it with a link, how strange.

How's this then, what is the UK's biggest employer, I know it's the NHS as it is the 4th biggest in the world (or was recently) but cba to provide a link so guess that means it isn't the NHS but is in fact Mr Patel's mini mart in Bromsgrove High Street.