Re: Math research, passion is importantQ

From: Quinn Tyler Jackson (quinn-j_at_shaw.ca)
Date: 06/26/04 

Date: Sat, 26 Jun 2004 02:31:53 GMT

Wayne Brown said:

> This "JHiN" character takes it a bit farther than that. He clearly
> believes you're not telling the truth. He thinks that by pressuring you
> to reveal the names of the mathematicians whom you claim to have such a
> good relationship with James, he'll either get you admit that you made
> the whole thing up, or else make you look like you have something to hide
> when you refuse to answer. Either way, he casts doubt on your veracity.
> I don't think he has any more sinister motive than that.

It becomes creepy when he starts posting sexual references and spouting on
with my name in subject lines about being a crank (sniveling or otherwise).

I think phrases like "something to hide" are, in this case, a huge
exaggeration.

Here's how it looks to me:

1. James mentioned that several mathematicians didn't notice a mistake he'd
made in a paper on a new way of factoring primes.
2. James mentioned that he'd spotted what he considered a serious error in
his prime factoring algorithm.
3. Someone questioned whether or not such mathematicians could possibly
exist.
4. I joined in an said, indeed, I had read the messages on the list where X
said, "Yes I checked the math and didn't spot the error."

The next thing I know, some anonymous person starts in on me about sexual
preferences and practices. This, in my opinion, is completely creepy. It's
utterly bizarre. First, it's no big deal whatsoever that several people on
the list in question didn't notice the error that James later spotted. It's
utterly baffling that this is even considered a point of contention or
integrity.

Some people who are also mathematicians missed a math error. BIG DEAL. WHO
CARES? Those mathematicians certainly don't give a flying rat's behind.
People make mistakes. Even mathematicians make them. So what? Why is this
such a big issue? Where did discussion of my or anyone else's sex life come
into it?

I just do not get how JHiN felt it appropriate to start on about Nazis,
sexual practices, and on and on -- because of what? Because a few
mathematicians missed a mistake that James later caught and admitted to?

There is a serious need for valium in there somewhere. It's utterly
ridiculous.

Sure, I may be a twit, a moron, any number of things -- but that doesn't
make the whole JHiN thing any less creepy. It's right out of an episode of
Seriously Fucked Up Stuff. 

--
Quinn