Why is "Mr. Parallax" considered a pejorative?
Martin Hodge
Posts: 1,246
Parallax's official Twitter account is labeled "Mr. Parallax" I don't understand why a couple of members here have been reprimanded, and had their threads locked, for using it. Genuinely curious about this.
Comments
That's all I'll say about it. I hope that this thread doesn't devolve like some others.
Paul
These forums are not to be a place for personal attacks, whether direct or with finely tuned sarcasm. There's a difference between disagreements and negative value judgements about someone else's postings. There's also a difference between expressing one's opinion and repeating the same idea over and over again appearing to try to dredge up a response from others.
The general rule here is "If you don't have something nice to say (or at least neutral), don't say it" and "If you don't like someone else's project or solution or discussion. If you think it's a waste of time or something like that, go look at something else more interesting." There are all sorts of people here, from absolute beginners to people who have worked in this field for many years. What's interesting to one person may be meaningless or boring at best to someone else.
Perhaps, but those two words joined together did annoy a few people.
If only we had an artist to draw a nice rendition of a Mr. Parallax cartoon character, everything would be right with world. Something like that could be used for marketing.
I see the confusion now. I have always thought that it was a way to address Parallax as a company on the forums, not making the connection to the Twitter name. Perhaps the best way to address Parallax on the forums is as "Parallax" or to the individual you wish to contact. Mr Parallax sounds as if there's a single person, yet there are 44 of us.
I don't think anybody has been reprimanded for using Mr. Parallax. If it feels appropriate because it is the Twitter name, feel free to use it. We have no opinion or preference.
There is the PM system too. Sometimes, it's worth just pinging the other party directly. That way one doesn't create an "indignant public spectacle"
__________
Forum posts that I find insufferable (but that others seem to tolerate) are musings presented as accomplishment -- regardless of who authors them. It's quite simply dishonest behavior that shouldn't be given sanctuary in this forum. I have to confess that reading such things brings out the worst in me for some reason, including the kind of sarcasm Mike refers to. I suppose I do it hoping that oblique hints, rather than direct confrontation, will lead to some sort of behavior modification. Sometimes it works. More often it doesn't, leading me to acknowledge -- as I often must -- that diplomacy has never been my strongest suit.
In view of that, it would be helpful, I think, if the following guidelines dealing with intellectual integrity were included in the forum rules:
2. There is nothing wrong with mere musings in the forum for the purpose of spurring discussion. But if you're simply musing on a subject or making plans for a future project, make it very clear to the reader that that's what it is and nothing more. Don't try to cover the hypothetical with a smokescreen of false concreteness or authority.
3. If you use, paraphrase, or quote someone else's work, include a citation to that work, preferably with an active link. If you can't locate the original work on the web, provide as much information about it as possible in hopes that another person might assist in finding the original source.
Numbers 1 and 2 address the topic at hand. Number 3 hasn't been a problem of late, AFAIK, but I think it's important to include it anyway for completeness. In any event, these are simple rules that forum members of all abilities can understand and observe. Intellectual honesty is not just the domain of an academic elite.
Anyway, that's my take on the subject. At least with such (or similar) guidelines in place, there will be something one can point to as a gentle prod when called for, rather than succumbing to baser instincts. And if that doesn't work, having published guidelines could provide grounds for further action. Without such guidelines in place, though, I fear that personalities might continue to be an issue here (despite the best-intentioned personal restraint).
Thanks,
-Phil
1) One person's claim is another person's empty claim. It partly depends on what you believe to be possible or true. There are many examples from the history of science of people who have literally had their lives destroyed for a claim that challenged the establishment and was later found to be true. On the other hand, there's a lot of weakly supported claims that probably are garbage out there. It is fair to ask "where's the data?" or at least "how would you propose to get the data?"
2) "and nothing more" ... I wouldn't require that ... musings can be very important stepping stones to concrete ideas and data. Transparency is good. Smokescreens are bad. A lot has to do with intentions.
3) If you think you got the idea from someone else it does indeed help to say so and give as much information as you can to find the original idea. We're not pretending to have academic papers here. It's always very wrong to claim someone else's idea as your own. It's also good for others to provide references when they have them.
We all have different forum posts that we find insufferable or otherwise annoying. It's fair to say (once) that "I don't like this because it's missing ..." or "I don't believe this is true because ...". If nobody seems to care about what we say, then it's up to us to stop paying attention to the posts we don't like. You can always report a thread or posting ... that doesn't mean that a moderator or administrator will do what you would like.
Doing what you've done ... posting or PM'ing a well thought out proposal is very helpful. Maybe there'll be further discussion in the forum ... or not. I'm sure the folks at Parallax will discuss it over time.
Phil,
Very well stated! I totally agree.
Plus, threads should be placed in the appropriate forum - (correct placement can sometimes be debateable).
Like the people who claim the Earth is round?
I'll have you know the "Flat Earth Society" begs to differ!
http://theflatearthsociety.org
My preference is not to use the "Mr Parallax" in the title as these titles tend to imply, at least to me, that Parallax is not being responsive. To me, exactly the opposite is true. Parallax cannot respond to, nor please everyone.
Speaking if incomplete content, is that loctite 220? Or some lesser medium or low strength?
Ray, I think that's what I was unable to put into writing. Though Mr. Parallax may make sense for Twitter, in the forums it seems to imply some kind of division between our customers and staff because it's not directed to anybody but some mysterious "man". And while we can't answer all questions all the time (and the forum members actually do a better job) it's probably best to still address us as a group by "Parallax" if you aren't sure who is supposed to answer, or just address it for the individual you wish to reply. One way or another that person will always be notified that there's a public message waiting for them. If you aren't sure who to reach:
Chip Gracey - Propeller architect technical visionary!
Jeff Martin - software engineer maintains all of our IDEs and is involved in the new PropGCC/Eclipse efforts, plus all documentation
Jen Jacobs -graphics, promotions, forum management
Bump Jacobs - forum manager and behind-the scenes web architect
Lauren Davis - marketing management and director of all public interactions for web, shows, ads, etc.
Ken Gracey - I do a little bit of everything, backup and support for all these people and make sure we can achieve Chip's long-term goals
Jen Fearn - manufacturing and inventory manager
David Carrier - Propeller FAE, applications
Daniel Harris - Propeller FAE, applications
Thomas Bauer - PCB layout and design
Chris Savage - product manager, documentation, applications
Kevin Cook (AKA Cookie) - basic circuit design, tech support
Nick Ernst - tech support, product testing, QA/QC
Andy Lindsay - education focus, curriculum development
Aristides Alvarez - education manager, Asia purchasing and business development
Stephanie Lindsay - editor and organizational leader
Karen Arneson - purchasing manager
Jim Carey - sales manager, inside and out
Chantal Woods - sales and significant tone setter for long-term
Kristina Stewart - sales and strong advocate of Parallax and customers
Jessica Ulemen - manages all engineering and leads many technical and marketing efforts
Bonnie Teuton - human resources, office manager and internal leader
Beau Schwabe - IC layout
Matt Gilliland - does everything, period
There are 15-20 more who you are less likely to interface with but lead key roles in the office. I guess I could get an org chart for you. . .
Hope this helps.
Ken Gracey
Bruce
And truthfully, it's not a big deal Bruce. I've enjoy reading your posts and learning about your projects. All of us have much greater concerns and interests, so carry on.
The Twitter name existed before it was used in posts.
Thanks,
-Phil
Now that is funny. That is what we need around here, more humor.
now, where be the cape?
-Matt
I am glad you liked it Matt
Perhaps a caricature of Chip wearing a cape and showing off his muscles while he holds up a BASIC Stamp in one hand and a Propeller in the other.
EDIT: And as he flys through the sky, he leaves a twirling trail of ones and zeros.
Bruce
If you have to ask, you haven't read Matt's book.
a) Our Marketing Department would never do it...
and
b) I'm old, and have met (and worked with) a lot of intelligent people over my lifetime - Chip is the smartest guy I've ever met, hands down. Yet humble, and non-assuming. - a powerful combination.
-Matt