posted
Do you all not think that this is actually a good article?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the author is actually using the example of a forum similar to, if not, Lymenet, to show the power of unfettered access to shared knowledge on the Internet.
I think it is right on target. The power of our knowledge and experiences with Lyme can blow away any statements that a government entity may issue about Lyme (ie "not endemic to an area", etc.). We prove the government entities (ie CDC) wrong on a daily basis, based on cold hard facts and experiences. The Government and Medical establishment believe they have/own this authority that must be worshiped, but vehicles such as Lymenet usurp that, and offer direct advice and support based on REALITY.
It's other point, *that there is a moderate majority that in most cases reign-in extreme thinking contributers* I believe is true as well.
But these are just my opinions
[This message has been edited by Bill ATL (edited 17 May 2005).]
Posts: 80 | From ATLantic Seaboard | Registered: Aug 2005
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posted
Yes, I agree, provided the moderate middle doesn't do a bunk, in disgust at the radicals who seem to be blabbermouths. This is what happened on another lyme forum,the crazies and the trolls drove people away. There are a few who still try to change the tone, and I admire their gumption. But I no longer post there. What that means to me is that a moderator must be on board to prevent this from happening. There may only be a few stinkers but they are persistent.
The other thing is that human nature also shapes the input on internet forums. We have a lot more people who have questions than people with answers. That is because those educated folks tend to get worn out and because they no longer need as much help themselves. And when they get well, they usually disappear entirely. Understandable, but it influences the content.
These are just my observations after several years of watching lymenet. As you can see, I am an oldtimer here. Not many of us still around from 2000, for some of the above reasons.
I believe the man who wrote this very good article is the founder of the Canadian Lyme group, so naturally he would use lyme as an example. This same kind of idea was expressed in an article in PLOS, the on-line journal. Seems like I posted the link some time ago because it was very good, also posted a link to the article on clinical medicine taking a backseat to academic medicine. If anyone is interested, I can hunt them up again. Or you can google this journal. It is meant to be an alternative to existing journals that do not provide free access to the public. Was founded by, among others, the former head of NIH and several other Nobel prize winners.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
From your artical.
Restricting Knowledge Gives Control To A Few
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Thats why the bible says my people perish for the lack of knowledge.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Knowledge is POWER
Posts: 10564 | From PA Where the Creeks are Red | Registered: Jun 2003
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The PLOS journal seems more accessible to me, understandable, than the typical scientific journal. I think it is because they focus on big picture usually, than incomprehensible molecular, biochemical stuff. Although there is some of that too. I notice that there is an article on artemesinin in one of these issues.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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Lou yes I am the author and founder of the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation. It was my daughter/son in law who posted this and I didn't know this until today.
Thanks for the links. Good Stuff. I honestly believe if we allow the internet to remain open and unrestricted (to a point of course.. look what happened at sci.med.) we who are not in medicine, science or in other positions of control of information we, the average humans can force change. Look what is being done in the issue of Lyme. Change is slow but it is very real.
I think over time all things like pollution of the planet etc. will be given due care by uniting those voices who for the most part had no way of getting into media before (the mainstream media are one of the most restrictive players in the knowledge game).
I think when given the chance the majority of humans have a collective common sense. This is what profit driven ideals lack.
[This message has been edited by jimw (edited 17 May 2005).]
[This message has been edited by jimw (edited 17 May 2005).]
Posts: 144 | From British Columbia | Registered: Sep 2002
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