[Leica] [Leica} Two cultures

[Erwin Puts <imxputs@knoware.nl>]

Maybe there are two kinds of people: those who like Startrekand those who
do not. Vulcan logic has it that you should be silent about topics you can
not logically analyse and that is a favorite of Wittgenstein too. Vulcans
also assume that progress is governed by a rational discourse and that
feelings should not intervene.
What I really like about Startrek is its insistance on shared competence.
If there is a problem, the most competent people to deal with the problem
handle it. And the concept of competence is rigorously  followed. To the
benefit of the whole enterprise.
The thinking behind my  proposal to restrict contributions to anybodies
self choosen area of expertise is analogous. I am surprised that some
people feel offended by such a simple remark. I never comment on the art
side of photography or on the question why younger photographers should
(not) use Leica. Or if Leica lenses are better/worse than Canon, Nikon,
Olympus lenses. This is not my choosen area of expertise, so I be silent.
I also am a strong believer in facts, which can be clearly differentiated
from opinions, however articulate expressed.   I would like to see the
amount of facts to increase and the amount of opinion to drop, but that is
my inclination. Just asking for a redress of this balance is not an offense
I presume.

I do value Erics views and I give him credit for many fine contributions to
the Lug. As a man steeped in photojournalism he has hardly a peer in this
group. And his daytoday experience with photographic equipment is also
second to none. The only area I question his view is his perception of a
modern test, conducted scientifically. From his remarks I may infer that he
has a very old fashioned view here.  The current reality is very far
removed from that.  So I asked Eric to stop making remarks about a topic he
does not seem to understand. This has nothing to do with me personally. It
is the guiding principle of my contributions that you discuss topics you
really know about and which can be proofed with a track record or with
clear facts. If the tone and context were offensive to Eric I apologize.

My remarks were not meant to start my withdrawal.  I got many emails of
Luggers who were concerned about the attacks by some others on my person. I
indeed feel a bit surprised that some people have such strong negative
reactions on my simple request to think twice before firing the Send
button. That kind of request has been done before.


Erwin