[MacDV] Re: how and why to benchmark

[illovox at comcast.net]

on 1/7/04 4:06 PM, Peter van der Linden at pvdl at afu.com wrote:

> Richard,
> 
> The comments I have made follow the rules of discourse and logic that
> are accepted among educated people everywhere.  They have been shaped
> and evolved and worked since the time of the ancient Greeks.  They form
> the basis of the scientific method worldwide.
> 
> If you or anyone wishes to make a claim, you have to produce evidence
> in support to those who challenge it.  If you would like some other
> process, then fine, but you cannot pretend that you have "won" the
> discussion, or that you have demonstrated anything at all, or that your
> other process shows anything except a lack of understanding about how
> factual matters are resolved objectively.
> 
> When I get around to writing the benchmarks, I shall do my utmost to
> evaluate the proposition carefully to reach an accurate answer.  [I
> know this is not the normal industry meaning of "benchmark"].  Why
> would I bother investing a minute of my time in anything less?  I am
> not interested in "winning" a debate (I have already done that because
> people have been unable to show the data on which they base their
> illogical beliefs).  I am interested in showing what the factors are,
> and allowing others to look at the evidence and make their own minds
> up.  And there is a very small, but non-zero, chance that I am wrong
> because of some factor that I have overlooked.  The benchmark will
> endeavor to find that.
> 
> Part of this involves making public the source code and benchmark
> process.  That will allow anyone to comment on it, to suggest
> improvements, and to reproduce it for themselves.  How amusing that you
> should think there is any point in doing otherwise.
> 
> Peter

Fragging slows drives in 9.  Period.  Don't lecture about method.  You're a
Sophist.  The real argument here is "I don't like that claim, so I will ask
these guys who kindly share their experience to take time out of their
working day--which they won't--to bicker facts with me.  Since they don't
have time to waste time like I do, I win."  Not logical at all.  You know
bupkiss.

Talk like a pirate!  TALK LIKE A PIRATE!