Re:Ask HN: After Slate Star Codex, where are the nuanced dis...
by dredmorbius on Friday July 03, 2020 @09:56AM
(#23724056)
By deleting the blog, SA created a scenario in which if the NYT run their story about a significant blog, they're also left with how to address the readers' curiosity as the why the blog no longer exists.
The Times could address this directly, or not. In either case, the Times's outing of SA is made a major focus of the story. And to that degree, SA's action strikes me as exceptionally well considered, as it turns the Times's own strength and public status and reputation against itself. Far more so than any possible argument or appeal might.
And in terms of strategy and tactics, I have to admire the move regardless of the merits or insensitivity of the Times or its identification policy.
I think the questions surrounding identity really need deeper exploration, and that there isn't a simple pat answer.
There are cases where pseudonymity or anonymity is valid and justified, cases in which they are not. Cases in which at least some self-labelling is reasonable, others in which it's clearly not. Names and labels are powerful tools. As with all tools, it's how they're used and to what ends which ultimately determines morality.
The Times could address this directly, or not. In either case, the Times's outing of SA is made a major focus of the story. And to that degree, SA's action strikes me as exceptionally well considered, as it turns the Times's own strength and public status and reputation against itself. Far more so than any possible argument or appeal might.
And in terms of strategy and tactics, I have to admire the move regardless of the merits or insensitivity of the Times or its identification policy.
I think the questions surrounding identity really need deeper exploration, and that there isn't a simple pat answer.
There are cases where pseudonymity or anonymity is valid and justified, cases in which they are not. Cases in which at least some self-labelling is reasonable, others in which it's clearly not. Names and labels are powerful tools. As with all tools, it's how they're used and to what ends which ultimately determines morality.