Terry said:
I don't recall saying (or indeed implying) that I would not use the decimal
datatype.
We've reach agreement (i.e. we would both use the DECIMAL data type
despite its bugs/features) and that's good.
If you review some of the threads in this NG (which I know you do)
You are correct, I do...
Maybe if you asked the questions you wanted answered you would get straight
answers.
Maybe. Only asking questions is a submissive exercise...it really means
you learn only what people are prepared to throw your way. Answering
questions is a whole different kettle of fish, it means your setting
your stall out on what you believe, you are inviting comments which on
occasion can be quite aggressive, but the major advantage is that
people really start to think about their replies you tend to get much
stronger responses and discussions. The bottom line is that answering
questions frequently ends up answering your own questions and certainly
improves your knowledge far more than the passive exercise of just
asking.
You seemed far more intent on sparring and scoring points than
getting an answer to a question
That's not my intention.
I suppose in a way I consider these groups to be 'politics'. Take this
thread, for example: my interest is to attack what I see as the
negative (no pun intended) propaganda against the DECIMAL data type.
*I* think that people who post things like 'buggy as hell' and 'the
sorting is wildly inaccurate' have not been looking at things
rationally. For me, it is these people who are causing a distraction.
It seems to have become a soapbox issue for me but I am growing weary.
I would *love* to have one 'definitive' discussion on this topic where
all the interest parties (particularly Allen Brown) get to the bottom
of these issues. Then everyone could link to the discussion on google
groups, rather than the Allen Brown article that seems to have been the
start of all this heat. If you can help me formulate the question (i.e.
one that does not have 'wouldn't touch it with a barge pole' written
all over it), I'll be glad to post it.
Maybe I'm giving you more credit than you feel you need, I got the
impression you were enjoying this thread, oh well, I'll know better next
time
No, no, no! I *am* enjoying this thread. It's hard work but ultimately
rewarding, I guess.
you want "lies to adults" (to quote Pratchett et al) rather than the
truth? OK.
I want the truth.
I used to think the worst thing was people clamming up just when things
get interesting i.e. you know they know something but they stop
replying. I have recently learned that it's worse when someone claims
to know something when you suspect they don't replies only to inform
you they will not tell you. I don't think that helps anyone get to the
truth.
If you want to challenge me, David or anyone in this NG that's is your
right, but don't for one second believe that because someone neglects or
declines to answer you that this in some way proves you point.
Again the 'politics'. I want to ensure that someone who refuses to 'put
up or shut up' loses 'votes'. If my case is the strongest then I see
myself as being closest to the 'truth'; I do not want my case to be
built on fallacies, though.
is a valued contributor and part of his value
is his willingness to contradict anybody he thinks is talking garbage. His
unwillingness to fully explain his points can be frustrating but at the same
time it's his prerogative to do this.
I don't consider myself to have been contradicted if someone *says* I
am wrong; being *shown* to be wrong is another matter and something I
very much welcome.
I don't have much respect for someone who would purposely frustrate the
learning process.
Jamie.
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