53 replies to this topic

[LostMyMind]

@Simon

 

Thanks for taking action.  I stand by my belief that these types of posts don't have a place within a food safety focused site, but I also understand that you are trying to balance everyone's desires and our "virtual rights" within what is an international community.

 

Anyway....

 

Thanks again,

LostMyMind

 

PS: I was really hoping you would end up posting one of your polls for everyone to vote on what to do.  

[Non_entitie]

My two cents on this debate - although I have little doubt about swaying Glen's opinion here (he seems rather tenacious in adhering to his dogma) consider for a moment what we do have in this post:  A post on a professionally minded forum in which one person starts flinging the word hoax around and supplying his best evidence (a person in good standing in this community none-the-less), and in response a resounding and clear "That is not correct!" from many many other respectable members of this community.  All of whom have credentials which are easily referenced and whose competencies are on wide display on this site.  This is not the same dialogue that you are likely to find on "the Donald", or 8chan, or the comment section from "Richie From Boston's" YouTube page.  The very presence of professionals in this space clearly and decisively addressing and rebutting the hoax argument may indeed be all that a nascent conspiracy theorist needs to turn around and embrace a more realistic view were they to find it.  Maybe.  At least I have to hope so.

 

More specifically to Glen - No ill will meant here.  I hope that you're able to maintain your views, but I also hope that you understand that if I were to meet you in person I would opt not to shake your hand.

 

Stay safe out there all.

[GMO]

I think it's a good idea having this one post Simon. While I've read through and find some of the opinions baffling, I've also been heartened by the responses from others.

Has it changed my opinion on one of the contributors to this forum? I'd be lying if I didn't say yes but then there are often views that even people you know really well hold that surprise you.

[Simon]

IFSQN have decided to close this topic to new posts and leave it in place on the forum.

 

Before closing it, I wanted to make this final post as a footnote.

 

As previously mentioned IFSQN are great believers in free speech and healthy debate.

 

Though widely understood definitions of free speech and healthy debate exist each one of us will have our own unique interpretations and our own distinct boundaries.

 

We are living in unprecedented times where people fear for their own lives and the lives of their friends and family and many people are concerned about their livelihoods. Moreover, there will be many visitors to the website who have been directly affected.

 

There is a wider question as to whether such an emotive topic should ever be discussed here, but the consensus is certainly not in these times.

 

This message came out loud and clear from members both on the public forum and in private messages and we have listened.

 

To members old and new you have demonstrated great professionalism, respect, and intelligence throughout this debate, and this makes me immensely proud of the fantastic community we have here at IFSQN.

 

Thank you,

Simon