> ....I originally contended
> that on the internet, which is not controlled by violence (unlike other
> mediums), that rational ideas will win out over irrational ideas (as
> opposed to best memes win).
These ideas are not in opposition.
You think: "rational ideas will win out over irrational ideas". Some of
us think: "the best (most suited) ideas (memes) will win out over less
suited ideas (memes)".
Where we differ is in the assumption that "rational" ideas are the "best
suited" ideas in this niche (human culture). I, personally, don't think
that is the case. I'm not going to make a blanket statement, though. In
many situations rationality is the "best" tact (School, Work, dealing with
Officers of the Peace, and such). But in just as many other cases,
"irrational" ideas can be much more suited than "rational" ones
(comforting a hurt lover, understanding art or music, taking part in a
newsgroup that is getting too self-referential).
I, again personally (I won't speak for the other dupes), find the worship
of the mighty and uncaring god, Rationality, too limiting for the world in
which I live.
Maybe your world is different.
(What color are it's clouds, David?)
Prof. Tim