REPLY How to promote good work (SD6564)

[SDMAIL Paul Holmström]

Posted by  Paul Holmström <ph at holmstrom.se>

I am glad that Bob moderates this forum, so that it does not turn into
flaming as on many unmoderated sites, which I have turned away from. Maybe
we should allow us to discuss the moderation policies. Bob is doing a
difficult job, with a difficult balance to hold. Earlier this year I stopped
participating in a thread after what I considered as a slur by another
participant.

On the other hand, another thread in which I took part was very much on the
borderline, which I jokingly commented, by writing that it was getting a bit
like a barroom brawl. Bob edited that bit away, which I accepted as it might
have been misinterpreted as not being as jocular as intended.

I appreciate Richards attempts at giving us all prods, if not even whacks on
the head. It is fairly easy for many of us to complacently occasionally
grumble about how misunderstood we are. I would not be here or at
conferences if I did not think that this is really interesting and at times
mindboggling stuff. But I do find it a bit difficult to get others as
enthusiastic.

Richards stark comments make me sit up and think about it. I do not think he
is rude. It is just a bit of a shock being told that the emperor is nude. We
need to be able to discuss what he says without evoking all our defence
mechanisms. Just as we in sd modelling ask ourselves a lot of "what if"
questions, we need to ask ourselves "what if" Richard is right and explore
that possibility with the vigour and rigour that we use in our sd work.

Thank you Richard! I might not agree with exactly everything you write, but
most of it, to a high degree. I would gladly participate in a discussion
here about the possible consequences if you are right and what to do about
it. 

Kims post in another thread, suggesting a Systems Dynamics Institute is a
very interesting thought. It could very well be that the field could gain
from having a top-notch professional and ideological centre.

Regards
Paul Holmstrom
Posted by  Paul Holmström <ph at holmstrom.se>
posting date  Mon, 03 Sep 2007 20:03:21 +0200