Quote:
Originally Posted by Sun Tzu
I understand what you're saying, but I think each case deserves to be treated differently. If someone came to you saying that they thought everyone walking around was really an alien from the planet Jimmyjam, then...maybe I'd have an odd reaction too. However, if someone were to come to you and say "hey, I don't even believe in aliens, or that a planet Jimmyjam exists, but I am wondering what your thoughts on other planets existing are." I imagine you'd have a different reaction.
Eh?
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That seems to be a different scenario than the one I drew from the original question. (And it's totally possible the difference lies entirely with interpretation error on my part)
Generally speaking a reasonable question deserves a reasonable answer afaic. Now the definition of "reasonable answer" has a pretty wide range, not everything is worthy of (or even demanding of) a detailed thoughtful response; i.e. there's some shit that's just so dumb that it warrants a terse/pointed/wiseass reply.
Using the Jimmyjam example, I don't necessarily see a problem with a response along the lines of "My thoughts? I think anybody who believes that about Jimmyjam belongs on a funny farm under heavy medication". It isn't the
only answer possible but it's a fair enough option if that accurately summarizes your thoughts on the subject (which is what was requested). And there's a pretty big difference between responding with disdain for the question (if you find it ludicrous enough) and calling the person before you an outright idiot for asking. That's a distinction that may be lost on some folks I suppose.
Thing is though, with the description you've used in this reply, I don't know how often I see legitimate questions on FOFC get the user completely torched. The
question may get a flippant wiseass shorthand reply, but
with so many regulars here, shorthand isn't all that unreasonable as a starting point for a reply IMO.