Re: Tolerance

[Keith Moore <[e-mail]>]

On 7/16/19 9:57 AM, Rob Wilton (rwilton) wrote:

> Personally, I think that the best feedback is constructive, objective 
> and preferably delivered in a kind way whenever possible.
>
Stated in those terms, I probably agree with you.

Sometimes it's difficult to be constructive, as when someone proposes an 
idea that seems really harmful but one cannot readily come up with a 
better alternative.   Sometimes there are no good solutions to a 
problem; sometimes any change is worse than the status quo.

Sometimes it's especially difficult to be objective, because we all 
naturally have different perspectives, different experiences, and access 
to different information.   Indeed one of IETF's strengths should be 
that it can incorporate a broad spectrum of non-objective perspectives.

And there can be differing opinions as to what is "kind". Someone who 
earnestly seeks truth or a good solution to a problem, can be happy to 
learn that he was wrong or that a better solution is available.  It can 
be unkind to withhold or disguise that information.

> I also don’t see that striving for feedback to be provided in this way 
> conflicts with the successful functioning of IETF (either 
> historically, or today).
>
Nor I, within reason.    Though I can identify exceptions, I don't 
especially object to what you've stated.

Keith