I just wrote this on my Facebook wall:

Some are promoting the idea that CONVERSATIONS are the only desirable way to communicate on Facebook in order to problem solve. “Don’t send out any information articles. Let’s just have conversations.”

But if those in the conversation don’t know the information that is in those articles the problems can’t be solved?

Could it be that those GIFTED AT SPEAKING are diminishing the contribution of those GIFTED AT RESEARCHING by not even being willing to look at their research — because everything must fit into the conversation — their comfort zone where they can shine and win?

But IT’S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT WINNING. It’s about communication and successful problem solving, which requires a complete enough data base.

Conversations are not necessarily preferred to reading handpicked, carefully researched articles, because the act of having a conversation doesn’t make anything legitimate.

– –

“So long as at least two people are talking about anything, and irrespective of the de minimis knowledge base that any of the conversation participants enjoy, the mindless prattle and banter are somehow valid and legitimate because, after all, ‘we’re having a conversation.’

It’s the illusion of relevance that the conversation presents. Exhibit A: talk radio and television, political chat shows.”

– Lionel

Transcribed by Jeff Fenske

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxzvEe6kbqA]Enough With “Conversations”!

Uploaded by  on Oct 27, 2011

LIONEL
NY’s PIX 11 News Commentary
Aired: October 27, 2011

The new phrase and expression that makes my blood boil is “the conversation.” Translation: Stupid and vapid discussions over nothing of note.