Message-Id: <3.0.1.32.19990207223953.00ac1194@popmail.mcs.net>
Date: Sun, 07 Feb 1999 22:39:53 -0600
To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
From: Aaron Lynch <aaron@mcs.net>
Subject: RE: Papers critical of memetics
In-Reply-To: <000301be530c$6867d220$bf2a3fce@uymfdlvk>
At 06:40 PM 2/7/99 -0800, Richard Brodie wrote:
> I think you are a mean-spirited, uncooperative, ineffective self-promoter.
I have certainly become uncooperative with *you*, Richard, even as I refer
reporters etc. to other memetics authors. I have found that being nice to
you from 1994 to 1997 did not stop you from doing some pretty mean-spirited
things, such as that usenet "MemeGenius@aol.com" campaign and other things
you've already heard about. Given the history of your actions, you should
certainly have expected to encounter uncooperative reactions. However, I am
not attempting to promote myself to you, and would certainly not claim to
be effective at it if I were.
Memetics itself is a target of harsh criticism, some of which may appear
mean and deceptive. Having internal processes of criticism (of both ideas
and, at times, professional conduct) will be important in establishing the
field's credibility as a science. I have a reputation for being able to
consider memetics work with a critical eye, and for not being bought off by
flattery and other favors. This has lead me to be invited to review
memetics articles submitted to other journals besides JoM-EMIT. Editors at
those journals want to find good new science, but do not want the
reputations of their journals tarnished by articles of poor quality.
>I haven't been approached by anybody doing
>empirical research in memetics. I am occasionally queried by benefactors who
>are looking for scientific work to fund, and I do give them my honest
>opinions when asked.
I'm glad you are being honest with benefactors. Benefactors also
occasionally query me, and I likewise give my honest opinions.
--Aaron Lynch
http://www.mcs.net/~aaron/thoughtcontagion.html
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