Comment by maxbond
2 days ago
> It’s a big deal to me not to spread misinformation or be mistaken in a situation like this.
Then why not either wait until there's more information or temper your remarks by acknowledging there's still ambiguity? That would directly hedge against spreading misinformation, whereas staking your reputation on it and then shutting up if you're wrong only works after the misinformation has spread and doesn't seem very productive.
I think the right response to realizing you've spread misinformation (in the event that you turn out to be mistaken [I think it's 60-40 in favor of deliberate]) is to temper your statements and rededicate yourself to checking the facts, not removing yourself from the discussion altogether. And if you were keeping your mouth shut, wouldn't you continue to see discussions you could meaningfully contribute to, and after a while wouldn't you wonder whether anyone was really benefitting from your silence?
I was about to leave a big reply, but then I remembered that the guidelines ask that we only comment when feeling intellectual curiosity. That’s not what I’m feeling now, so I’ll go spend the evening with my daughter. I hope you have a nice evening as well.
Sorry if I touched a nerve, wasn't my intention. My question was genuine and not intended to needle or carp. I hope you have a nice evening as well.