MikeGene Complaints Dept 2007
by MikeGeneOver a year ago, I hosted the first MikeGene Complaints Dept. I guess it's time for another one.
Periodically, there are people in cyberspace who have a complaint about something they think I said. More often than not, such complaints are rooted in misunderstanding or taking things out of context. So if you have a complaint about me or about something I have written on the Internet, here is the chance to publicly air those complaints. Maybe your complaints are valid. If so, it will become apparent to most readers. As such, I can either apologize or dig myself deeper into the hole. On the other hand, maybe your complaints are rooted in misunderstanding. In that case, it would be helpful for me to explain the nature of this misunderstanding.
Have a complaint? Welcome to the MikeGene Complaints Dept. How can I help you?
September 4th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Yes, I thought you said you had written a book.
Comment by Bilbo — September 4, 2007 @ 12:58 pm
September 4th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Hello Mr. Bilbo,
You raise a valid complaint. But not for much longer.
Comment by MikeGene — September 4, 2007 @ 7:44 pm
September 4th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Hi Mike,
Let me see if I increase your book orders through guilt.
I have pre-ordered The Design Matrix.
If a critic of the ID Movement like me can manage to shell out a little cash in appreciation of earnest efforts, ID proponents should hide their heads in shame if they don't do the same.
But I wouldn't want to be accused of not being on topic. Here are my complaints/suggestions…
Change the sub header from
"Telic Thoughts is an independent blog about intelligent design."
to
"Telic Thoughts is an independent blog that critically investigates evolution."
And change the About Us box to read…
"About Us
If the mention of flagella makes you spin, if you're a hopeful monster for mutations, and if you think that there's nothing that Kant can't, then Telic Thoughts is the blog for you. Here, we explore various aspects of evolution, hopefully in a pleasant and fruitful atmosphere.
We are a group of individuals, coming from diverse backgrounds and not speaking for any organization, who have found common ground around teleological concepts, including intelligent design. We think these concepts have real potential to generate insights about our reality that are being drowned out by political advocacy from both sides. We hope this blog will provide a small voice that helps rectify this situation."
Don't worry about telling me "no thanks" gently, but I hope you will seriously consider these minor changes.
Comment by Thought Provoker — September 4, 2007 @ 9:21 pm
September 5th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
TP, as soon as the book is available, I'll order a copy. If it's as good as I expect it to be, I'll probably be ordering extra copies.
Comment by Bilbo — September 5, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
September 5th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
This isn't really a complaint. I hope that I don't go into an area I shouldn't be… if I offend anyone then let me apologize in advance.
There is a non-teleological person I chat with and debate with at times on-line. He claims to have been on the 'bottom floor' with these discussions. Mike, he said that you use to also post under a woman's name on various sites.
Again, I'm not trying to be a jerk by bringing this up. It doesn't bother me personally, because I have numerous handles that I use on other ID/design related sites.
Just curious.
Comment by Doug — September 5, 2007 @ 5:46 pm
September 5th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Doug, did the critic mention the name of the woman?
Comment by Bilbo — September 5, 2007 @ 5:49 pm
September 5th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
He did….
but for the life of me I can't remember it.
He just said a ladies name and then said this was a handle that Mike Gene posted under.
Comment by Doug — September 5, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
September 5th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
It wouldn't have been "Julie Thomas", would it?
Comment by Bilbo — September 5, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
September 6th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Yup! That's it.
Comment by Doug — September 6, 2007 @ 9:12 am
September 9th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Yes, I always thought Julie's articles were very good and insightful. Then I wondered whatever happened to her. Then I noticed that Mike's articles were equally good and insightful. I'm curious: In terms of chronology, do Julie's and Mike's participation on the internet overlap?
Comment by Bilbo — September 9, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
September 9th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
It really doesn't bother me. I guess I was just curious.
I've used various different handles on various different sites.
This person was trying to invalidate Mike's arguments because of his assumption of using different handles. Which to me is complete nonsense.
Again, I was just curious.
I've found some papers of Julie Thomas linked at a Catholic message board of all places (a person named dickford arguing heavily in favor of Julie). The papers were really interesting. In one of her papers she was commenting on some criticisms raised by PZ Myers (this was a few years back), and it's kind of funny because Myers sounded so much more fair-balanced and well mannered in his responses…. then comparing that to what I read of him today - night and day difference.
Comment by Doug — September 9, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
September 9th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
I take back my comment on PZ. He's not acting fair balanced and well mannered, he's just timid. It's funny to see. It's on an old IIDB forum from 02-03.
Guts, who is Principia? I see you having a few discussions with the guy/gal. He seems like a moron - when typing Dembski the child writes 'DUMSKI' and highlights every occurrence red.
Comment by Doug — September 9, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
September 10th, 2007 at 2:07 am
I have a complaint, Mike. You should tell your costumers when you expect your book to be published. If you don't have the exact date, a general time frame would be nice (e.g. next week, in three months, in five years). Anything else but "It'll be here soon. Here's a bunny."
People are a lot more understanding when they know how long they have to wait. Just like when you're waiting in a telephone queue, you prefer to be told that you're "x in line". Give your fans the same service.
Comment by Krauze — September 10, 2007 @ 2:07 am
September 10th, 2007 at 4:18 am
Your costumers do deserve that consideration.
I used to work for a haberdasher and fine-clothier and having to worry about costume alterations due to weight loss/gain or changing tastes over long periods of time is inconvenient.
You should inform your make-up people and hairstylists as well - just to be nice.
Comment by Pez — September 10, 2007 @ 4:18 am
September 10th, 2007 at 7:30 am
Hi guys,
The book should be out by late Nov.
Comment by MikeGene — September 10, 2007 @ 7:30 am