On 8/09/2010 11:18 AM, David Lochrin wrote:
> ...
> Perhaps it would help if NBN Co. could run some program designed to explain the facts: why we need a fibre network, the limits of wireless, how the NBN is a wholesale network not a retail one, and so on.
Would people watch? Would it be dismissed as propaganda?
>
> A similar problem of explaining a complex matter to the general public arises with global warming, and I notice vested interests now seem to be adopting the line that it's just a matter of adaption. Unfortunately, it's difficult to impart a good public understanding of such complex issues but very easy to undermine understanding, and lazy or unprofessional journalism certainly doesn't help.
> ...
I've read of a phenomenon - mentioned here, as well, IIRC - that the
less people know, the more certain they tend to be in their opinions.
That's been my experience: no matter how much information I provide, the
opinionated cling to their preconceptions.
--
David Boxall | ignorance more frequently
| begets confidence than does
http://david.boxall.id.au | knowledge
| --Charles Darwin (introduction
| to 'The Descent of Man' 1871)