In another thread, someone mentioned putting together a list of arguments that we've seen from Bullshidoka about why they can't/won't provide information. The idea was to put together a numbered list so the Bullshido investigator can respond to an attempted argument by simply saying, "Your last post is #12 on the Bullshidoka Arguments page" rather than clutter the thread.
I put this in MABS because it is directly relevant to any number of Bullshido investigations. I believe the user knowledge base here can identify certain patterns of behavior among the subjects of our investigations (and their supporters) who make every effort to avoid posting reasonable answers to our questions.
For example, I'll quote Is It Fake?? from the comba-tai thread:
With that example, I'll start the list
Bullshidoka Argument #1 - Demanding that we train with or under the subject of the investigation before we make any conclusions about his claims.
Counter - An experienced martial artist can make reasonable judgments about someone else's level of skill or expertise. Although first hand experience is effective, informed judgments can be drawn from video clips and other media. This may not stand alone as conclusive proof of anything, but it can be a factor that raises the red flag of bullshido.
Bullshidoka Argument #2 - Questioning the ability of posters here to make informed judgments.
Counter - Similar to the counter for argument #1. The presence of skilled practioners of a variety of styles is one of Bullshido.net's greatest assests. That said, you don't have to be able to sing to identify someone who can't (American Idol, anyone?).
Bullshidoka Argument #3 - Refusal to provide information because people were not polite.
This argument also sets the stage for a future refusal to provide information even to a polite request - the Bullshidoka need merely say, "I am not providing information to any of you because you were mean to me."
Counter - Subtance over form. If the person is willing and able to provide information that would help prove their point, it is reasonable to assume that they would do so in most situations.
Bullshidoka Argument #4 - Claims that the investigation has gone beyond its original purpose. For example, a man who claims an impressive but unverified tournament record is also found to have claimed military or law enforcement experience, but the subject or his supporters get upset because that wasn't the original point of the investigation.
Counter - The investigative process involves gathering as much relevant information as possible, forming a preliminary hypothesis, and then finding evidence that will substantiate or unsubstantiate that hypothesis. Throughout the entire process, the hypothesis is reviewed, updated, and modified, based on new information. Supplemental information may be relevant to the hypothesis that the person has lied about or misrepresented parts of his history to bolster his own authority (usually as it relates to MA).
Bullshidoka Argument #5 - Makes a number of suggestions about additional questions which are not relevant to the issues at hand. Takes the position that a lack of interest in following up irrelevant information reveals an intentional double-standard in the investigative process. The "suggestions" can also be accusatory - "Why didn't you ask Jane if Jack's karate made him a better family man?"
Counter - Simple explanation about why that line of questions isn't relevant.
I put this in MABS because it is directly relevant to any number of Bullshido investigations. I believe the user knowledge base here can identify certain patterns of behavior among the subjects of our investigations (and their supporters) who make every effort to avoid posting reasonable answers to our questions.
For example, I'll quote Is It Fake?? from the comba-tai thread:
Originally posted by Is It Fake??
Bullshidoka Argument #1 - Demanding that we train with or under the subject of the investigation before we make any conclusions about his claims.
Counter - An experienced martial artist can make reasonable judgments about someone else's level of skill or expertise. Although first hand experience is effective, informed judgments can be drawn from video clips and other media. This may not stand alone as conclusive proof of anything, but it can be a factor that raises the red flag of bullshido.
Bullshidoka Argument #2 - Questioning the ability of posters here to make informed judgments.
Counter - Similar to the counter for argument #1. The presence of skilled practioners of a variety of styles is one of Bullshido.net's greatest assests. That said, you don't have to be able to sing to identify someone who can't (American Idol, anyone?).
Bullshidoka Argument #3 - Refusal to provide information because people were not polite.
This argument also sets the stage for a future refusal to provide information even to a polite request - the Bullshidoka need merely say, "I am not providing information to any of you because you were mean to me."
Counter - Subtance over form. If the person is willing and able to provide information that would help prove their point, it is reasonable to assume that they would do so in most situations.
Bullshidoka Argument #4 - Claims that the investigation has gone beyond its original purpose. For example, a man who claims an impressive but unverified tournament record is also found to have claimed military or law enforcement experience, but the subject or his supporters get upset because that wasn't the original point of the investigation.
Counter - The investigative process involves gathering as much relevant information as possible, forming a preliminary hypothesis, and then finding evidence that will substantiate or unsubstantiate that hypothesis. Throughout the entire process, the hypothesis is reviewed, updated, and modified, based on new information. Supplemental information may be relevant to the hypothesis that the person has lied about or misrepresented parts of his history to bolster his own authority (usually as it relates to MA).
Bullshidoka Argument #5 - Makes a number of suggestions about additional questions which are not relevant to the issues at hand. Takes the position that a lack of interest in following up irrelevant information reveals an intentional double-standard in the investigative process. The "suggestions" can also be accusatory - "Why didn't you ask Jane if Jack's karate made him a better family man?"
Counter - Simple explanation about why that line of questions isn't relevant.
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