Ray Saintonge wrote:
I agree that that article is dreadful. To begin with it is sprinkled throughout with with words like "supposed" or "alleged" which if repeated tend to bias the commentary, and certainly detract from the flow of the text. Expressions like "ESP's critics, a group that includes most mainstream scientists," is a gratuitous reference to the authority of scientists. I think that it would be closer to the truth to say that most scientists have never paid any serious attention to ESP, so that the basis which that majority criticizes ESP is its own lack of knowledge. That to me is not very reassuring. Many articles would be much better if the science lobby started to show some restraint. A single well-written paragraph can more than adequately represent the views of the detractors. Trying to debunk concepts that have never been proven, with equally questionable data only makes for an article full of sniping. The average reader does not choose to read the article to watch the sniping.
I agree with that approach. Most people do not take ESP seriously, and so it's not necessary to beat them over the head every other sentence with "but, ESP is actually a bunch of cranks!!!". I imagine if I were looking for an article on ESP, I would want to know what people who believe it is true think about it, and why, and so on. Of course it should also be mentioned that the vast majority of scientists think it's nonsense, and that the few purported scientific studies to demonstrate it have been roundly criticized.
Mostly I think tone is a big issue. When I read an article and it sounds to me like whoever wrote it is trying to push a point of view, it irritates me, even if I agree with the point of view. Think, "does this sound like it's written by someone with strong feelings on the subject?", and if so, why, and how can we change that?
-Mark